Magical Cities for the Holidays
save
Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
From early November through January 6, 2012, throughout Walt Disney World you'll find a dazzling array of holiday-themed attractions, decor and experiences that will enchant every member of your family. This is an extremely popular time of year for visitors to the parks and for good reason: the resort is dressed to the nines and ready to deliver unforgettable holiday memories. There are a few ticketed events, but most are available for all park visitors. From the hotels to the restaurants, rides, and attractions, holiday cheer abounds.
Don't miss:
-
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
7 p.m. to midnight on select evenings from November to December 2012
Magic Kingdom Park
It's a magical night of special holiday entertainment including Castle Dream Lights!, an enchanting parade, and a night-time fireworks spectacular. The park's centerpiece, Cinderella's castle, will shimmer in "ice," courtesy of 200,000 individual lights that drape the turrets and towers of the magical fortress and come to brilliant shimmering life each night. A holiday-themed fireworks spectacular featuring brilliant bursts of color all set to favorite traditional holiday music and Disney music composed especially for this show.
-
The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights
November 9-January 6, 2013
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Immerse yourself in the joy of the season as millions of blinking, twinkling lights "dance" to a high-energy holiday symphony. See twirling carousels, sparking snowflakes, heavenly angels, majestic trees, twinkling bells, colorful wreaths and Santa with his reindeer in the most opulent light display in the world (there's also a beautiful Chanukah section, too). The "dancing lights" moments occur every 10 minutes and last two to three minutes. Spontaneous dancing and singing has been known to happen among guests.
-
Holidays Around the World, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth&The Candlelight Processional
November 23- December 30, 2012
Epcot
Experience the fantastic celebrations the holidays have to offer! World Showcase comes alive with the diverse traditions of food, fun and entertainment from across the globe. Delight in the Candlelight Processional (5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., daily) as celebrity narrators (this year's lineup includesGeena Davis, Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg) deliver a special retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a phenomenal orchestra and a glorious mass choir. Enjoy a nighttime spectacular at IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (nightly, 9:30 p.m.) with a grand finale just for this joyous time of year ... with the song "Let There Be Peace On Earth" at its center.
-
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade
November 9, 2012-January 2, 2012
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade blends the joy and jive of Disney's Animal Kingdom park with the sights, sounds and spirit of the holiday season. Check out the holiday accessories Mickey and his friends have added to their safari costumes.
New York, New York
A trip to New York City during the holidays is a feast for the senses — fanciful, elaborately-decorated department store windows beckon to passers-by; trees twinkle with colorful lights (including the nearly 80-foot one at Rockefeller Plaza); sidewalk vendors send the aroma of roasting chestnuts into the cold winter air; and the songs of carolers bring a small-town feel to this thriving metropolis. The season begins with Santa's grand arrival at the conclusion of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and ends with a flourish when the ball drops in Times Square, signaling the arrival of the New Year. The weeks in-between are unquestionably the most magical time of year in this bustling city.
Don't miss:
-
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 22, 2012
The most exciting moment of this more than 80-year-old parade is the same every year, but the anticipation of it only adds to the fun for kids: Santa's much-heralded arrival at Macy's and his temporary home in Santaland, the unofficial signal that the Christmas season has begun. More than 3 million spectators line the route of this famous parade each year and if you can't get there in person, you can join the millions who will be watching from their television sets on NBC at 9 a.m.
-
Macy's Santaland
Holidays
Macy's stores around the country.
Hop aboard the Macyland Express for a magical journey through the Enchanted Forest to the North Pole that culminates with a private visit with Santa. Along the way kids stare transfixed at the expansive Christmas scenes, marveling at the model train displays.
-
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
November 9 - December 30, 2012
Radio City and National Tour
It's been a sell-out hit for 85 years, and there's a reason — seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is truly awe-inspiring from the moment you walk into the opulent theater until the lights come back up at the show's conclusion. Whether you catch the show at the historic theater or in your hometown, prepare to be captivated.
-
Tour of Store Window Displays
Holiday time
Thoughout the city
Fanciful department store windows have become a hallmark of the holidays in New York City, eagerly awaited each year by tourists and locals alike. The stores plan all year for the unveilings each November, protecting the top-secret themes and design
-
Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center
Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 7-9 p.m.
Rockerfeller Center
Although trees are brightly decorated all over New York City, none compare to the majesty of the Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree. Set amongst a glorious display of holiday decorations throughout the Plaza (including the gossamer-winged, horn blowing angels that guide
-
Historic Richmond Town
December
Staten Island
Travel back through time at Historic Richmond Town, a living history museum and village in the heart of Staten Island that was originally populated by colonists in the 1690s. During December, visitors are surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmases past.
-
Lighting of the World's Largest Menorah
December 8, 2012
Near Central Park
The miracle of Chanukah takes on even greater significance for kids as they look upon the 32-foot, 4,000-pound, golden candelabra that grandly takes the spotlight near Central Park on the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street.
-
Holiday Events in Central Park
December
Central Park and Zoo
Central Park is a year-round destination for visitors to New York City, but special events during the month of December make it a can't-miss spot for families — and best of all, the events are free and don't require advance registration.
-
New York City Ballet's Nutcracker
November 23, 2012 through December 30, 2012
Lincoln Center
Seeing The Nutcracker is a right of passage for many children; seeing the New York City Ballet's version of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The holiday classic takes on even greater grandeur here, with more than 100 dancers.
-
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
November 17, 2012-January 13, 2013
The Bronx
Leave the holiday hustle and bustle of Manhattan behind and head to the Bronx for this beloved family event. Now in its 19th year, visitors to the Holiday Train Show get a birds-eye view of nearly 150 miniaturized five-borough landmarks.
-
Grand Central Terminal Holiday Laser Show, Holiday Market and Train Show
November - December 2012
The Bronx
Grand Central Terminal is a kid-favorite New York City destination throughout the year, but the Holiday Fair, Laser Light Show and Holiday Train Show make it even more of a must-do.
The Disneyland Resort, California
Every year, Southern California's Disneyland Resort becomes a sparkling holiday wonderland from late November through just after New Year's Day. Guests are greeted by a 60-foot Christmas tree set in the Town Square near the park entrance and Main Street is adorned with garland, wreaths, and glittery lights that'll be sure to jumpstart your holiday spirit. Locals dreaming of a White Christmas may not get the real thing, but they will get a chance to see "snow flurries" during a nightly show at Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, a hit with visitors of all ages.
Don't miss:
-
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle and Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks Show
November 14, 2011, to January 8, 2012
Disneyland Park
A spectacular transformation takes place each evening as Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle shimmers and shines with twinkling lights, sparkling icicles&glistening snow capped turrets. At twilight a three-part show on the front of the castle begins with music and snow flurries that build up to a grand finale that paints the night sky with dazzling images as snow falls over Main Street, New Orleans Square and "Small World" mall to the sounds of "White Christmas."
-
"A Christmas Fantasy" Parade:
Disneyland Park
Disney characters dance from "it's a small world" to Main Street U.S.A. with toy soldiers, smiling snowmen, gingerbread men, a skating Mickey&Minnie, Mrs. Claus and more as they ring in the arrival of Santa Claus, perched high on a sleigh high above the crowd.
-
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Disneyland Park - New Orleans Square
Jack Skellington and his friends from Halloweentown deck the halls of the Haunted Mansion ride with all sorts of ghoulish delights from "Sandy Claws" in a Christmas-Halloween combo that's more fun than scary.
-
"it's a small world" Holiday
Disneyland Park - Fantasyland
This classic Disneyland attraction adorns its facade with sparkling lights as children from around the world can be heard singing "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls in harmony. Pay attention to the extra sights (and scents) throught the ride.
-
Santa's Reindeer Round-up
Disneyland Park - Frontierland
This annual attraction brings live reindeer to Disneyland, tended by none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves. Kids will love not only the "star-sighting" but also the opportunity to create souvenir crafts and play games.
-
Holiday Time Tour
Disneyland Park
Learn the history behind Disneyland holiday traditions on this guided tour that includes entry into "it's a small world" holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, VIP seating for the Disneyland "A Christmas Fantasy" parade and other seasonal surprises.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is a chilly but delightful winter wonderland of Midwest charm, snow, lights, and holiday spirit. Many beloved tourist destinations, like Lincoln Park Zoo, Macy's, and Daley Plaza, go all out this time of year. A feeling of warmth and joy permeates the air and there's so much to do in Chicago that the only problem is deciding where to go first!
Don't miss:
-
Navy Pier Winter Wonderland Festival
November 30- January 6, 2013
A holiday family fun fest for kids of all ages, the annual Winter Wonderland Festival. It its 10th year, includes indoor ice skating, visits with Santa, sparkling lights, arts and crafts, gigantic inflatable jumpy rides, and more.
-
Christkindlmarket
November 21-December 24, 2013
Daley Plaza at Washington and Dearborn
Jawohl! Your family will hear vendors calling "Frohe Weihnachten" ("Merry Christmas!") to each other and speaking in German as you explore this wonderful holiday market set up on Daley Plaza each year. A great gift-buying and cultural opportunity, complete with sauerkraut, German sausages, and pancakes, here you'll find handcrafted toys, ornaments, and other unique gifts (as well as warm spiced German wine for the grownups).
-
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Daley Plaza
November 21, 2012
Daley Plaza at Washington and Dearborn
The annual ritual of lighting a 90-foot Christmas tree, accompanied by the sweet voices of the Chicago Children's Choir, as well as live performances by local acting groups, takes place every year the day after Thanksgiving. Your kids (bundle them up!) get to count down at the top of their lungs and then be wowed by the fireworks display that lights up the night sky after the tree is lit. Santa will also be on hand for holiday wishes and photographs.
-
Lincoln Park Zoo
Nov. 2527; Dec. 2-4; Dec. 9-11; Dec. 16Jan. 1 (Closed Dec. 24 and 25)
The Lincoln Park Zoo does it up during the holidays by stringing two millions lights and having extended hours until 9 p.m. Kids also get to watch nightly ice sculpture carving demonstrations and visit with Santa as they enjoy a sneak peek at nocturnal animal behavior (the same ones who are always asleep in their burrows during the day), the lights, and holiday crafts. Admission is free (as it is all year long)!
Williamsburg, Virginia
The more than 300 acres that comprise Colonial Williamsburg offer up an early American Christmas like no other in the United States. Stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street where every residence, every trade shop, every museum, and even Merchant Square are done up for the holidays with intricate, old-fashioned, and totally natural decorations made of white pine, fir, holly, magnolia and dried fruit. A single white candle stands in every window. Colonial Williamsburg has a unique and old-fashioned, decidedly 18th century, holiday feeling and the overall effect will not only enchant your family but also teach your children about America of old.
Don't miss:
-
Grand Illumination
November 30-December 3, 2012
This signature event of the holiday season takes place the first Sunday in December and caps off with eye-widening fireworks that burst into color at three different locations. The celebration also includes a performance by Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, a band that impersonates the military field musicians who historically marched ahead of the troops. As they perform up and down the street, your kids may join the dozens of families in eagerly following them so as not to miss a beat.
-
Kids' Holiday Weekends
November and December
Weekend programs offered just for families include dressing up for the holidays, 18th century music and dance, storytelling, celebrating religious traditions, Christmas carols, and an introduction to British holiday traditions.
-
Ornament making at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Holiday Time
326 West Francis Street
Every year this wonderful folk art museum hosts a Christmas tree ornament-making hands-on workshop, which is a time to learn about Colonial traditions, enjoy the museum, and take home a unique keepsake for your tree.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal is magical any time of year but during the holiday season — which starts at the beginning of Advent and goes to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 — the French Canadian love for good parties, great food, noisy parades, and glittering lights is at its height. The fun and festivity of the season is so over-the-top kid-friendly that you're apt to see a talking Christmas tree singing Jingle Bells or bump into an oversized snowman walking down the street. The city sparkles with lights and everywhere you'll find sumptuous things to eat like candy-studded buche de Noel (Yule logs), spiced pork pie, and chocolate mousse with candied chestnuts.
Don't miss:
-
X'mas Fairies, Old Montreal
December 2012 to January 2013
Old Montreal
The holiday spirit comes alive in Old Montreal every December for a decidedly French Canadian Christmas Extravaganza. Activities abound: Open air Christmas caroling on Place Jacques-Cartier, a glitteringly decorated skating rink, themed exhibitions in the museums, and free samples of Quebec's culinary delights at Marche Bonsecours.
-
The Nutcracker: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal
December 2012
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
No one does the Nutcracker as well as the Grands Ballets Canadiens Magic, which has dancers come from all over the world to put on a multicultural performance full of wonder and surprise in the land of snow and the kingdom of sweets. An hour before each show children and parents can come hear the story of the Nutcracker, read in both French and English, when one lucky child is chosen to be the "Mouse of the Day" go on stage during the performance!
-
Christmas at the Garden: Once Upon a Winter
Holiday Time
Montreal Botanical Garden
Your family will feel the warmth and beauty of the Christmas season at a slower yet just as enchanting a pace at the Montreal Botanical Garden as you visit the greenhouses decorated for Christmas, enjoy the Christmas carols and the storytelling for children.
-
Marche Jean Talon
December-January
Little Italy
If you come to Montreal at Christmastime, you have to visit one of the open air markets where vendors deck things out in true holiday splendor, offer free samples galore, and make the most scrumptious and unusual holiday delights that you'll fill your shopping bags and come back for more.
Nashville, Tennessee
It's all about the shows in Music City, where you'll find dozens of Christmas performances to choose from and some of the friendliest holiday folks around. Stroll downtown or take a carriage ride to the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the State Capitol, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (known to all as "Tee-PAC"), bustling Broadway, and Bicentennial State Park. Everywhere you go you'll feel welcomed and Christmasy and, though the weather's mild, there's just enough nip in the air to make you feel cozy when you go inside.
Don't miss:
-
Gaylord Opryland Resort
November 16, 2012 - January 1, 2013
The Gaylord Opryland Resort has been offering A Country Christmas for more than 25 years, which is a paradise for children of amazing Christmas music shows (from the Rockettes to Dr. Seuss musicals), decorated tree displays, craft projects, carriage rides, and more! They also have unique holiday decor and entertainment, including ICE! featuring DreamWorks' Merry Madagascar — an indoor wonderland where your family can explore holiday scenes created entirely of 2 million pounds of ice, including ice slides that stand more than two stories tall. ICE! is hand-sculpted by 40 international artisans and kept at a chilling 9 degrees.
-
Nashville Ballet's The Nutcracker at Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Holiday Time
TPAC is home to four theaters — from a small black box that seats 250 to a main stage where thousands can enjoy a show -- and offers an amazing variety of programming, including touring Broadway shows, Disney shows, and lots of other family-friendly spectacles. Walk into an inviting lobby where there's something to look at everywhere (a water wall and fountain, art and quotes embedded in the shades of blue floor, and performance-specific atmosphere). At Christmastime the lights go on for The Nashville Ballet, which is performing a fascinating version of the Nutcracker based on Tennessee history.
San Antonio, Texas
Texans will use any excuse to throw a fiesta and what better one is there than having a Feliz Navidad? At Christmastime San Antonio comes alive with lights and merry makers and a diverse array of festivities. Celebrating Mass in an 18th century cathedral, holiday shopping at a Mexican market, enjoying the River Walk in weather so mild your family may be in short sleeves for the holidays are just a few of the fun activities that await you this time of year.
Don't miss:
-
Ford Holiday Boat Caroling
November 29- December 23, 2011 6:30- 9:30 p.m.
San Antonio Riverwalk
Every Friday after Thanksgiving the River Walk — San Antonio's beloved tree-lined walkway that has cascading water, stone bridges, and centuries-old cypresses — comes alive with thousands of lights and a spectacular Holiday River Parade of illuminated floats, sumptuous costumes, and lively music. Then, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 1-18, visitors can also enjoy the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias — where glowing candles in sand-filled bags line the walkways.
-
Ford Caroling Nights with Santa
Enjoy a magical evening on the River Walk with Luminarias, Christmas Lights and Carolers singing to everyone. Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa on a decorated river barge.
Newport, Rhode Island
Visitors flock to Newport from December 1-31 when there are Christmasy events daily and multiple events on the weekend. Winter is a great, affordable time to visit the island — the weather is more temperate than Boston and New York, and there are package deals available for families. The winter holiday season in Newport is like Christmas with the Whos in Whoville — it's less commercial and more of an educational experience full of history and Colonial culture. Many events are free to the public.
Don't miss:
-
Newport Rhode Island Marriott
Holidaytime
Historic Newport
Make your first stop for Christmas at The Newport Rhode Island Marriott, which builds a giant gingerbread house with 450 pounds of gingerbread and a 16-foot working lighthouse. The roof alone is made from more than 4,000 cookies and giant lollipops! Admission is free but you can share the holiday spirit by bringing a nonperishable food item to be donated to charity.
-
Sovereign Bank Family Skating Center
December 2012
Downtown Newport
The whole family will enjoy this affordable open-air skating rink located right in downtown Newport next to the Newport Yachting Center, where you slip along with a view of the harbor and the boats. Bundle up for several hours of icy fun!
-
Touro Synagogue
Year-round
72 Touro Street
The winter holidays are a great time to visit the oldest standing synagogue in America, which opened its doors for worship in 1763 and is a masterpiece of Colonial architecture. You can take a tour of the white and green perfectly restored interior where you'll see a Torah that is 500 years old. Guides ranging in age from 19-79 tell your family about the national significance of the synagogue and the fascinating history of Jews in Rhode Island. Tours last about half an hour and are recommended for children ages 6 and older.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
New Englanders are a lucky bunch at Christmastime when quaint towns from Rhode Island to Maine become the very picture of the traditional holiday setting of lore. The White Mountains area of New Hampshire offers a gorgeous, woodsy scene with plenty of family fare and adventure any time of year, but during the holiday season you'll swear you're part of a picture book, or a wintery dream. Take your teens to Mount Washington or skiing at Cannon Mountain, where holiday decor and good old-fashioned fun will put everyone in a festive mood.
Don't miss:
Santa's Village
Holiday season weekends
It's Christmas all year at Santa's Village, where every child gets a chance to whisper his wishes to Santa Claus and greet Mrs. Claus, too, amid festive activities, events, and rides with names like the Skyway Sleigh Monorail, the Great Humbug Adventure, SS Peppermint Twist, and Santa's Smackers Bumper Cars. Kids, especially younger ones, will delight in this magical land that's just their speed while parents will enjoy a beautiful, low-key, well-maintained park that's rarely packed to the gills. Most rides are fine for any child older than 2; parents can take even younger tykes on several. Stay until after dark to enjoy a cup of cocoa under a dazzling display of glittering lights.
