 |
- Events in New York
- Events in Ohio
- Events in Pennsylvania
- Events in Tennessee
- Events in Virginia
- Events in Florida
There’s that certain chill in the air—the kind that accompanies the sound of bells ringing, the scent of pies cooking, the sight of bright lights twinkling, and the feel of everything that is holiday cheer. Ah, wintertime.
The holiday season brings festivities and tidings galore. This winter, instead of the humdrum prepackaged gift—give the gift of memories. Trips to local holiday hotspots are ideal for family members and friends alike. Time spent together can be worlds more rewarding than the traditional gift. Good times come with all the trimmings, serves everyone, and best of all, no assembly required!
There are many ways to wish Happy Holidays this winter. Whether you say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa—however you celebrate the holiday season, be sure it is with good memories that will last throughout the coming year.
Holiday Merrymaking
 |
It’s easy to enjoy the holly-days this winter. To create holiday cheer: Combine loads of season’s greetings. Mix in best wishes for the coming year. Sprinkle with laughter. Garnish with a mistletoe. Enjoy and repeat!
New York
Holidays in New York City
The holidays kick off each year with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on Nov. 26. The parade features enormous helium-filled balloons, floats, marchers and Broadway performers. In December, the enormous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is a must-see attraction, along with the Rockefeller Center Ice skating rink. Take window shopping to new heights—New York City’s department stores go all out each year on their annual holiday window displays. Each store puts together beautifully designed windows to celebrate the season. Other highlights include Times Square’s Laser Light Show and holiday events in
Central Park.
Select dates in November-January. For more information, visit www.gonyc.com.
 |
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall—New York City
Kick your holiday festivities into high gear with a performance from the world-famous Rockettes. Don’t miss this entertaining production, complete with stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and dazzling lighting. It is sure to be a show-stopping performance.
Select dates in November-December. For more information, visit www.radiocity.com or call (212) 307-7171 for tickets.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,
New York City
The New York City Ballet presents a classic tale for all generations. The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara and her magical nutcracker who comes to life. This great performance features dazzling stage sets and beautiful costumes.
Select dates in November-January. For more information, visit nycballet.com.
 |
Santa’s Workshop
North Pole
You’ll experience the magic of the holidays with visits to Santa Claus at his home and workshop. Santa’s village has shops, farm animals, candy makers, glassblowers, musical reviews, caroling and puppet shows—and, of course, lots of visits from ’ol St. Nick himself.
Open year-round, with special holiday events and hours. For more information, call (518) 946-2211 or visit
www.northpoleny.com.
Ohio
Ohio WinterShow,
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Celebrate the holiday season with a heartwarming display at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Take a spin on Wade Oval, an outdoor skating rink. Or view the beautiful window displays, huge sparkling tree, festive gingerbread houses and more. Take a break and enjoy holiday cookies and hot chocolate!
Select dates in November-January. For more information, call (216) 721-1600 or visit www.cbgarden.org.
Lights Before Christmas,
Toledo Zoo
This holiday event features more than one million lights, over 200 images of some of your favorite animals, ice-carving demonstrations, carolers, holiday treats, model trains and visits with Santa in the Indoor Theatre. Also, be sure to check out the 85-foot Norway spruce, located behind the conservatory and adorned with over 32,000 lights. The dynamic Dancing Lights show boasts more than one million lights and a dancing music display.
Select dates in November-December. For more information, visit www.toledozoo.org.
A Christmas Story House, Cleveland
The house used in the popular holiday classic A Christmas Story has been restored to its original 1983 movie appearance. Visitors will take a nostalgic journey through the sights and scenes where Ralphie Parker dreams of nothing but receiving a genuine Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle for Christmas. In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum where items from the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are featured, and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased.
Thursday-Sunday, year-round. (Call for expanded holiday schedule.) For more information, call (216) 298-4919 or visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Enchanted Colonial Village
Please Touch Museum—Philadelphia
Bring the kids and learn about yesteryear’s holiday traditions. At the Please Touch Museum, families are invited to experience how the Colonial tradesmen celebrated the holidays. Featuring holiday décor and restored scenes in the historical village.
Select dates in November-January. For more information, call (215) 581-3181 or visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.
 |
Christmas in Hershey, Hershey
Make time this winter for a very merry celebration. The town of Hershey will be illuminated with over three million lights. “Hershey Sweet Lights” is a 2.3-mile drive featuring almost 600 light displays, all set to the tune of holiday favorites. Holiday with Dickens, offering a spin on Charles Dickens’ tale A Christmas Carol, will be a treat for all ages. And be sure to stop by Hersheypark for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane.
Select dates in November-December.
Visit www.christmasinhershey.com for more information.
Dutch Winter Wonderland, Lancaster
Enjoy themed rides, games and holiday entertainment under thousands
of twinkling lights! Indoor activities include cookie decorating, voting for your favorite gingerbread house, and sharing holiday wishes with Santa.
Select dates in November-December.
Call 1-866-FUNatDW (386-2839) or visit www.dutchwonderland.com for
more information.
Tennessee
Smoky Mountain Christmas, Dollywood—Pigeon Forge
It’s a true wintertime delight in the Smokies. A spectacular light display accompanies a live lineup of Christmas shows and much more. Under the backdrop of four million shining lights is a bash that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
Select dates in November-January. For more information, call 1-800-365-5996 or visit www.dollywood.com.
Holidays On Ice, Knoxville
Join the fun this winter in downtown Knoxville. Bundle up, throw on your ice skates, and connect with family and friends as you enjoy a full-size ice rink this holiday season. Located in the Market Square District, this great ice skating rink is the perfect way to get in the
holiday spirit.
Select dates in November-January. Visit www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com for
more information.
Virginia
Christmas Town, Busch Gardens—Williamsburg
Join in a new holiday tradition this year at Busch Gardens. Fun times await with all-new attractions, festive shows, holiday shopping and more. More than a million lights will illuminate Busch Gardens, as each section of the park is adorned with holiday décor native to each country. Be sure to stop by the German Christmas market celebration, featuring the light spectacular “Rejoice!” and a 45-foot tree.
Select dates in November-December. For more information, call 1-800-343-7946 or visit www.christmastown.com.
Celebrating the Holidays Colonial Williamsburg
Celebrate the holidays 18th century- style for a truly unique spin on Christmas celebrations. Enjoy a variety of holiday shows, dining, programs and music, all under the beautiful backdrop of festive decorations and holiday traditions. Be sure to visit during the Grand Illumination, which rings in the Christmas
season with a sparkling fireworks display, candles and music. Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums signal the kickoff of the Grand Illumination, performing 18th-century music.
Select dates in November-January. For more information, visit www.history.org.
 |
| Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ©Disney |
Florida
Orlando Celebrations
The world’s most popular family vacation spot turns up the dazzle during the
holiday season.
Disney Christmas: Over 1,500 Christmas trees and snow on Main Street...Holiday decorations at Disney World start in November, as do the celebrations. In the Magic Kingdom, Mickey has a Very Merry Christmas Party on many nights, and Mickey’s Very Merry Parade features a March of the Wooden Soldiers and dancing gingerbread men.
Epcot Holidays Around The World: Enjoy storytelling and traditions from different countries—as well as the Candlelight Processional, in which a celebrity narrator presents the Christmas story with a choir and 50-piece orchestra. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights has 5 million lights twinkling during a nightly “snowfall.”
Universal Orlando: Expect decorations and festivities at these popular theme parks. The special Macy’s Parade takes place nightly at Universal Studios; and the reclusive Grinch makes an appearance in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.