The winter holidays are on their way. Get a jumpstart on the season at these Boston-area Christmas tree farms that are opening soon
For many families heading out to cut your own Christmas tree they day after Thanksgiving is as much of a tradition as driving around to see holiday light displays is. So if Thanksgiving Day leaves you itching to get out into the tree fields, we feel you. Nothing says “the holidays are almost here!” better than a trip to one of these Boston-area Christmas tree farms. With cut-your-own and pre-cut options, the perfect Christmas tree is waiting for you at one of these local farms. Bundle up the kids and head out on a holiday adventure!
iStock
1. Smolak Farms
Smolak Farms is your destination for everything merry and bright this holiday season. They will offer pre-cut and cut-your-own trees on their picturesque farm complete with fallow deer. They will have cut Balsam and Fraser Firs from five feet and to a soaring sixteen feet for sale. If you want to cut your own tree, head there early in the season as they often run out. They usually open the day after Thanksgiving for U-cut and sell the "marriage saver" tree stand to anyone who needs it.
Good to Know: Smolak usually has tons of fun Christmas activities for families like Santa visits, a tree lighting, and Elf storytime. They're currently coordinating with Santa to plan the 2022 events.
315 South Bradford St. North Andover, MA Online: smolakfarms.com
2. Maple Crest Farm
After they finish the pumpkin season, the folks at Maple Crest Farm roll right into Christmas trees, offering four fields to families looking to cut their own down. Find just the right Douglas, Canaan, Concolor, Fraiser, or Balsam tree to grace your living room. They've got sizes for everyone (some are even over 10 feet tall!). Trees are $75 and they provide everything you need (saws, sleds, and twine). All you need is room in or on your car. They'll even wrap your tree for you so you can get it home easily.
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned Christmas tree hunter, you'll find the right tree for your fam at the Christmas Tree Farm in Pembroke. This working farm has been selling both U-cut and pre-cut trees for four generations. After you've found your tree, they'll shake, cut, bail, and net it for you (psst...they'll even cut it for you if you're not confident in your lumberjack skills). Don't forget to wave to the miniature horses and goats when you're there. And if you've got a pooch, they're welcome to tag along with as long as they're leashed and you clean up after them.
Each Christmas season Pakeen Farm invites you to head to the barn and in the fields to pick out your perfect Christmas tree, while you sip hot cocoa, munch on mini donutes, and take in the brisk New England air. They offer u-cut trees, as well as pre-cut trees, wreaths, roping, and other holiday decorations. They typically have Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, Norway Spruce, and a few Blue Spruce as well.
Find a just-right sized Christmas tree to display your ornaments and watch over your presents all season long at this farm just north of downtown. Having been hit hard by the July's rain and the drought, they've lost lots of mature trees. But they are still excited to welcome families to the fields to find that perfect tree to bring home. The tentative dates for 2022 are December 11 and 12. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates coming soon.
Choose and cut your own tree from the field full of Balsam, Fraser, and Concolor firs. You'll also find award winning, handmade wreaths, swags, and mistletoe that are accented with hand-crafted bows. This year Indian Rock Farm will only be open three days for the whole season—November 26 & 27 and December 3, with a reservation. Remember that they are cash only and leashed dogs are welcome to join you in your hunt for the perfect tree.
This spot has pre-cut trees as well as U-cut trees for sale so you can find the tannenbaum of your dreams. Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir are the dominant varieties sold here, and they only accept cash or check (ATM available on site). New this year is a chance to visit with the resident goats and chickens. Don't miss out on the free apple cider and purchase some honey to take home with you.
This spot offers blueberry picking in the warmer months and Christmas trees in the colder months. Stroll through the field to find the perfect tree then flag down a cutter who will measure and cut your tree for you (you can also cut it yourself, if you prefer). Choose from a handful of Spruce and fir varieties (think: Balsam, Frasier, Cannan, and White Spruce). You might get lucky enough to catch a hayride around the farm too. Delivery is available.
This beautiful hilltop farm has loads of Christmas trees ready for you to cut down. Open on weekends from Thanksgiving until they are sold out (they've actually sold out in a weekend before, so get there early), it's the place to find Blue Spruce, Fraser Fir, and Douglas Firs in beautiful surroundings. The max price you'll pay for any tree is just $120 and some are as low as $10 (think: Charlie Brown style). Cash or check only please, and leave your pups at home.
As soon as you're done cleaning up the turkey, you can head to this Christmas tree farm near Boston—it opens the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25). Choose your family's fresh tree for their selection of Douglas or Balsam Fir ($89 for any height). Bring your own hand saw if you can, and be prepared to secure your tree to your car (no need to pull a Griswold this season). Cash or check is required.
Good to Know: They also have a Groveland location (17R Wood Street) if that's more convenient for your family. It also opens the day after Thanksgiving.
It’s a known fact that the best way to get in the holiday spirit is aboard a holiday train ride, complete with hot cocoa and Christmas carols
The most magical Christmas train rides are back for the 2022 holiday season, but you better watch out—they’re filling up fast! From the Polar Express train ride to vintage steam locomotives decked all out in Christmas lights, we’ve mapped out our favorites from around the country, so you can find the perfect train to board this winter.
To really get in the holiday spirit, deck out the whole family in matching holiday PJs and practice all the Christmas carols on the way there. It’s going to be a night to remember!
Holiday Train Rides in the West
Guy Rhodes
Polar Express | Jamestown, CA Experience a Polar Express off the beaten track when you head up into the California foothills to Jamestown, a historic gold rush town perfectly preserved for your holiday photo backdrops. All Class tickets enjoy hot chocolate and yummy cookies as you ride along with many of the story’s characters. Once you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf–Santa himself–will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, the “first gift of Christmas.”
California Railroad Museum Polar Express | Sacramento, CA The California State Railroad Museum’s Polar Express ride has everything your little elf wants in a magical experience. What really sets this railroad adventure apart is the special, vintage train cars where all the fun happens. Once you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf—Santa himself—will come on board to give each passenger the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell. Be sure to book your tickets soon!
The Napa Valley Wine Train Santa Train | Napa, CA They pull out all the stops each year, as the Wine Train fills with the sounds of the season. Guests will be treated to sing-a-longs, games, and stories, as they deliver Jolly the Bear to the North Pole. On the way back, fairies will collect letters for Santa, and the big guy himself will hand out toy bears. It's a fun-filled, action-packed journey, suitable for all ages.
Santa Train | North Bend, WA The Northwest Railway Museum’s Santa Train has been making the trek from the North Bend depot to Santa’s Workshop (in Snoqualmie) since 1969. The trip includes a stop where families disembark for a meet and greet with Santa and his elves. They’ll find cookies and cocoa there, as well as treats to help pass the time as they wait for the all-important photo op.
Durango-Silverton Polar Express | Durango, CO Seeing the old narrow-gauge train lumbering loudly down the track, prettied up for the Christmas season, your little conductor might just think he’s stepped into the classic story this Polar Express ride is named for. The movie magic continues to unfold as families sip hot cocoa, sing songs, and nibble warm cookies while the train glides over snowy tracks on its way to the North Pole. They arrive to see Santa and the boy sitting in his sleigh, receiving the first gift of Christmas. On the return trip, wide-eyed onlookers relive this magic moment aboard the train, when they get serious face time with Santa and their own tiny tinkling bell to keep.
Nevada Northern Railway Polar Express | Ely, NV Hop on board the Nevada Northern Rail, aka Santa’s Reindeer Flyer, to kick your holiday season into high gear. Passengers will board the train at the depot in Ely, Nevada before starting their trip to the North Pole. As they ride, they’ll get to hear the exciting story of Santa’s Reindeer Flyers, where both Christmas and the NNR need saving. Kids will have a chance to meet Santa when they finally arrive at the North Pole, whisper in his ear, and even deliver a Christmas letter directly to the Big Man. And, yes, pajamas are very much in style on this ride.
Grapevine North Pole Express | Grapevine, TX Grapevine’s North Pole Express is a standing favorite among Texas families, and we can see why. This year, expect to hop aboard the festively decorated Grapevine Vintage Railroad train cars, where you’ll be greeted by jolly elves handing out souvenir mugs filled with Frosty Snow Milk. Then it’s on to Reindeer Ridge to meet up with Mrs. Claus, who hands out special bells to each child aboard. It all ends with a Christmas stage spectacular featuring Santa himself, and a post-show photo session your little one won’t soon forget!
The Magical Christmas Journey | Clarkdale, AZ It turns out that Santa and Mrs. Claus like winter in the desert, too. Families can take a Magical Christmas Journey with the jolly pair all season long. It starts at the railroad depot, where kids can get a bird’s eye view of a lighted Christmas town. Then it’s time to board the train (with inside and outside seating options) for a one-hour journey that takes families through a tunnel before emerging at the North Pole on the other side. Once there, riders get to meet Santa and his elves for photos and a simple gift.
Insider tip: Check out the perks that come with the Magical Journey VIP Kids’ Club to add a bit more magic to your holiday experience.
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel Polar Express | Williams, AZ Before The Polar Express made it to the big screen, back when it was just a classic children’s story, the Grand Canyon Railway was bringing it to life in the wilderness of Williams, Arizona. Just like in the book, the 60-minute ride leaves a sleepy town and heads out into the forest before a clearing in the trees reveals the North Pole, brightly lit for all to see. Don't forget to wear your Christmas jammies! Make this a family holiday tradition and make your reservations today, as space is limited.
Insider Tip: While you can definitely come for the train, many families tack on an overnight stay at the historic Grand Canyon Hotel to fully take in the magic of the season.
The North Pole Flyer | Austin, TX Everything's bigger in Texas, including a ride on the North Pole Flyer, a special two-hour excursion on a diesel locomotive that features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, and a holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season where passengers enjoy a live reading of TheNorth Pole Flyer—the railway's own personalized holiday book. Santa “checks your list twice” and poses for photographs before handing out a gift to each child.
Tip: This trip’s usually sold out by Oct., so if you’re thinking about getting tickets, make the move soon.
Holiday Express on the 1880 Train | Hill City, SD Holiday revelers can board the oldest continuous running tour railroad in the country for the Holiday Express. The one-hour ride takes visitors through the beautiful Black Hills to the North Pole on the 1880 Train (which gets a holiday makeover of its own) while snacking on cookies, a sweet treat, and hot chocolate! When the train stops, Santa gets on and hands out a small sleigh bell to every kiddo. It’s the perfect holiday tradition.
The Polar Express with the Branson Scenic Railway | Branson, MO Ride to the North Pole and pick up Santa for this magical ride. During the trip, the book "The Polar Express ™" is read aloud and hot chocolate and cookies are served by the Chefs. Santa joins the ride at the North Pole and visits each car giving each passenger a special gift. Christmas carolers and the hobo are also on board the train for extra merriment.
The Polar Express with the French Lick Scenic Railway | French Lick, IN Hot cocoa and cookies are waiting for your aboard the Polar Express in this fabulous journey that the little ones won't soon forget. Don your jammies and bring all your holiday cheer to meet Santa and his crew aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway as it is transformed for the holiday season.
Blue Ridge Scenic Santa Express | Blue Ridge, GA Just a day trip from Atlanta, The Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad’s collection of antique trains that run between Blue Ridge and McCaysville, Georgia includes The Santa Express during the holidays. Go for the Christmas stories, songs, and characters—including Santa, of course—and enjoy checking out the quaint town of Blue Ridge following the trip. Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane, and activity packet while on board.
Denton Farmpark’s Country Christmas Train | Denton, NC ‘Tis the season to take a ride on the Handy Dandy Railroad. It’s all part of the holiday activities at the Denton Farm Park, where families can sing carols and hear a Christmas story or two at the church, meet animal friends at the petting zoo, and of course, board the festive train to tour the park and enjoy the lights. Settle in to watch the story of the Nativity while you’re on board. Don’t forget to check out the wagon and pony rides after you sit for a pic with Santa (additional fees apply).
Great Smoky Mountains Polar Express Train Ride | Bryson City, NC The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express train is one of the best around. The ride mirrors sweet details from the movie, right down to the music playing overhead. At the halfway point of this just-over-an-hour-long round trip, the train will stop at the North Pole to pick up Santa, so he can hand out a special gift to each little boy and girl aboard. Expect music, dancing, and sing-along carols! Plan on arriving one hour before your departure time.
Polar Express on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad | Utica, NY All aboard for a two-hour round trip ride that leaves from Utica Station and arrives at the North Pole! Guests will interact with hot chocolate chefs, listen to The Polar Express (narrated by Liam Neeson) and have a meet-and-greet with the jolly man in red. Pajamas are encouraged! In order to ensure that you are able to travel on your desired dates, please make reservations early as this event sells out every year.
The Polar Express with the Catskill Mountain Railroad | Kingston, NY The magic of Christmas is here as soon as you board the Polar Express and set out for the North Pole. Santa's helpers will be onboard to read this famous story to your family and Santa will board to take pictures with kids and celebrate the holiday season.
Santa Christmas Tree Express | Honesdale, PA Your Kiddos can't wait to see Santa and choose your Christmas tree? Well, here's a way to do both in the same trip! The Stourbridge Line in Honesdale runs train rides to Dein Nurseries where you can choose your own Christmas tree, sip hot chocolate on the way there, and be greeted by a happy Santa. Passengers will have approximately one hour to visit Santa and choose and purchase that special Christmas tree. The trees are loaded onto the train's flatcar. The staff from Dein Nurseries will assist you in securing it to your vehicle at the Honesdale Station for an additional cost of $10.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s Polar Express | Cumberland, MD Take a magical ride over bridges and through tunnels from the Cumberland Station to the North Pole and back on WMR’s Polar Express train ride. You’ll meet Santa, of course, but not before enjoying a platform show, a reading of the beloved children’s book (complete with dancing waiters) and cookies and cocoa to fill your bellies. Dress in your holiday jammies to fit in with the other passengers, and make sure to bring your phone is fully charged to capture those magical memories digitally. You’ll look back on this ride for years to come!
New Hope Railroad Santa's Steam Spectacular | New Hope, PA A leisurely journey through beautiful Bucks County is what you’ll find on Santa’s Steam Spectacular adventure aboard the historic #40 steam locomotive. On board, your kids will be among many others sporting their red and green pajama best, each one clamoring to get a glimpse of Santa and Mrs. Claus. While they’re eagerly awaiting a visit from Santa, kids and their parents can sip hot cocoa, snack on cookies, and sing Christmas tunes.
Tip: Be sure to order your commemorative Santa photo to remember this special holiday trip.
Holiday Trains on the Strasburg Rail Road | Ronks, PA The Strasburg Rail Road Christmas trains are a bonanza of holiday goodness because they don’t offer just one train. They’ve got three festive rides for families! Santa’s Paradise Express runs from just after Thanksgiving through Dec. 22nd, and it’s a great way to take the family on the oldest operating train in the U.S. for a meet-and-greet with Santa. You can also book a passage on the Night Before Christmas Train, where a stocking-capped reader will recite the classic Christmas poem to jammie-clad kids as they click-clack along the track. Then there’s Santa’s Christmas Trolley, especially for kids 11 and younger. It’s a chance to sit on Santa’s lap during a 45-minute out-and-back trip to Paradise.
While we can’t always count on snow in the winter, we can count on an abundance of winter activities for Seattle families. Our advice? If you want to fit it all in, you better start soon. From ice skating and sledding to winter petting zoos and theater productions that are opening soon, our winter bucket list will keep you playing all season long.
1. Winter’s “it” sport is back! Glide into one of our favorite ice skating spots when you need a weekend plan. Psst! A few even have drop-in lessons for beginners.
3. Visit this border town filled with history, endless trails and a "hoppin’" beer scene.
4. When was the last time you and the kids really dug in at the Burke Museum? Learn about life in one cubic foot, a rad new exhibit that’ll be opening soon.
5. Petting zoos aren’t just for summer! These spots should keep your little animals lovers happy in the off-season.
9. We’re torn between a trip to Disco Vinnie’s House and the dueling piano lights up north. Not to worry, there's plenty of time to enjoy both before the New Year.
10. A weekend getaway. A cozy cabin. We’re right there with you!
13. Immerse your kiddos in daVinci’s world at MOHAI’s latest exhibit. Then play a few rounds of mini golf and explore South Lake Union while you’re there.
14. Walk in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark at the confluence of the world’s largest ocean and the West’s largest river. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed when you do.
18. Grab your train whistle and conductors hat then head south to the Washington State History Museum for the 25th Annual Model Train Festival. It’s sure to be off the rails!
25. Winter is an especially good time to visit the Seattle Aquarium. Watch divers in the Window on Washington, explore the touch tanks and make like Jacques Cousteau at the Underwater Dome. Psst! Put January 29 on you calendar for the Aquarium’s next winter beach walk.
Marie-Andrée Lemire
26. Looking for family event that’s a total slam dunk? Grab tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters when they make their way to the new Climate Pledge Arena in January.
38. New-to-you playgrounds are always in season. Just remember to bring a towel to dry off the slides and swings when visit!
39. Celebrate the Year of the Tiger when you go on a mysterious scavenger hunt south of the city. It starts around the Lunar New Year, February 1, 2022.
44. Plan a totally unplugged weekend getaway with the kids. No matter what the weather outside, these cozy tiny home cabins will make you feel at home.
Looking to start new holiday traditions with your new baby? Try out these great ideas that the whole family will love
New baby = new ways to celebrate! Make the holidays even more magical with special holiday traditions you’ll look forward to each year. Try these fun, festive ideas to make this season with your little one as merry and bright as can be.
1. Rock some family Christmas jammies. Fact: It’s not Christmas until the whole family has donned matching pajamas and snapped silly photos for posterity (or to post on Insta). If you’ve never taken a ride on the matching jammies bandwagon, now that you have a baby, this is your moment. Check out our favorite family jammies.
2. Turn on a holiday film. Make it a family tradition to cozy up for the same Christmas movies every year. Your childhood favorites, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, are sure to be a hit, but don't hesitate to turn on older classics like It's a Wonderful Life or White Christmas. There's no such thing as "too young" when it comes to Christmas movies.
3. Make (or buy) an advent calendar. Bring baby in on the fun of a holiday countdown with a chocolate-free, baby-friendly version. Or wrap a Christmas-themed book to open and read each night from December 1 to Christmas. To keep costs and clutter down, borrow them from the library and return them. You can then purchase any that become family favorites and build your collection for next year.
4. Take a Christmas lights tour. Whether you stroll through a particularly festive neighborhood, cruise down a drive-through display, or visit a holiday-themed event at a local botanical garden, kids of all ages love watching the twinkling lights. And you'll love watching the wonder in your baby's eyes as they take in all the sparkly magic.
5. Decorate a gingerbread house. To minimize mess and maximize fun, keep decorating simple with white frosting and sprinkles. Assemble the house first; then let baby explore the textures (and taste!) of the frosting and develop fine motor skills by adding the colorful candies.
6. Start an ornament collection. For year one, choose a keepsake ornament personalized with baby’s name and birthdate. In the following years, select an ornament that reflects your little one’s interests for that year. Then, when your child is all grown up and ready to start Christmas traditions of their own (we know; they're never going to leave you, but just in case…), you can send them off with a collection of ornaments that will bring back fond childhood memories.
7. Turn up the holiday tunes. It's no secret that babies love music and that Christmas music > any other kind of music. Creating a music playlist of holiday tunes will keep baby happy all season long…through those long treks to Grandma's house or navigating the mall parking lot. For song inspo, check out our favorite Christmas songs.
8. Read Christmas stories. Cozying up on the couch with your child and a special Christmas-themed story is the stuff that traditions are made of. Keep a collection of books—old classics and new favorites—within reach for guaranteed precious moments. Check out our favorite holiday books for babies and toddlers.
9. Attend a community Christmas event, in person or virtually. Coming together with the people in your community, old and young, to share good cheer is one of the best parts of the season. Whether you prefer a town tree-lighting, a Christmas Eve religious service or a virtual holiday event, baby will love taking in all the friendly faces, colorful decorations and holiday tunes.
10. Design a holiday photo card. With a baby on the scene, it's time for a personalized photo card. Dress up your child in a Santa hat or their holiday best, snap a few photos, and then share the beautiful results with friends and family. Or, go all out and do a professional family photo shoot. Find more holiday card inspo here: 9 Adorable (& Hilarious) Ideas for Baby’s Holiday Card.
11. Visit a Christmas tree farm. Selecting your tree from a Christmas tree farm can be a magical experience for the whole family, and the smell of a real tree can't be beat. Your child won't remember that first experience but will enjoy looking back at photos from years past. If you don't have a tree farm nearby, make the tree-buying a family event to give it more holiday spirit.
12. Take a trip to see Santa. This tradition has an expiration date—maybe at ten years old if your child has an active imagination (or a good sense of humor). So don't let the holidays pass you by without planning baby's first visit with the big guy himself. Even if your child goes into total meltdown mode, the first meeting with St. Nick is guaranteed to be an iconic moment. (Just google "Santa's lap photos" for evidence.)
13. Donate a gift to children in need. If you have the means, donate a toy or warm clothing to holiday drives in your area. As your child gets older, include them in the process of selecting and donating to other kids to teach the true spirit of Christmas: caring and sharing with others.
14. Create photo books as gifts. Take your baby's most precious memories from the year and capture them in a photo book from Tinybeans for family and friends to enjoy. it can make the perfect gift!
Chicago lights up around the holidays—literally. The Christmas season officially begins in the Windy City with The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, with Mickey and Minnie Mouse leading the charge as Grand Marshals. It is the Midwest, so dress in warm layers and take your family for an evening of festive city fun. Read on to learn more about this popular Chicago Christmas parade, including where families should line up for the best views, as well as where to stay and what to eat while downtown.
Schedule
The weekend's free festivities begin with a Lights Festival preview night on Fri., Nov. 19, 4 p.m. featuring a tree-lighting ceremony in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza (410 N. Michigan Ave.). Musical entertainment will be provided by Grammy-nominated singer, actress and Broadway star Deborah Cox and the Chicago Carolers.
On Sat., Nov. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Lights Festival Lane (Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave.) hosts a variety of family-friendly activities including Subaru's Share the Love pet adoption event in partnership with PAWS Chicago, a photo opp with Eli's Cheesecake Company's 30th anniversary Lights Festival cake and cheesecake, and live DJ entertainment. Families can capture a photo with Santa and get free, temporary holiday tattoos in the BMO Kid Zone. At 5:30 p.m., Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie step off in their new 50th-anniversary attire, leading a magical tree-lighting parade between Oak St. and Wacker Dr. along The Magnificent Mile.
Highlights
Watch for new floats designed by CPS students in partnership with BMO Harris Bank and T-Mobile. This new partnership was created to bring a real-world, work-based STEAM design challenge to students.
Also new this year is the balloon debut of Bumble, the Abominable Snowman (from 1964 TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), plus four high school marching bands from Ohio, and The Pack - Official Chicago Sky Drum Line.
Returning fan-favorites include Rudolph, the Petosky Steel Drum Band, The Cirque Experience/Wheel Jam, and more.
Celebrity appearances along the parade route include one of the most renowned groups of all time, Kool & The Gang who will perform Celebration, a fitting song for the occasion. The diverse entertainment lineup also includes the American hip hop/pop rap duo from Atlanta, Tag Team, plus Broadway artist Deborah Cox, and American Idol finalist and Illinois native, Grace Kinstler.
Additional performers appearing during the television broadcast-only will include the cast from Broadway in Chicago's upcoming production of Frozen, Chicago Theatre, Cirque: Twas the Night Before, Chicagoland dance teams and Teatro ZinZanni.
Santa Claus will soar down the route to officially signal the start of the holiday season before the grand conclusion featuring a spectacular fireworks show shining over the Chicago River.
Best Spots for Viewing
Birds-Eye View of The Magnificent Mile For crazy-cool aerial views, visit 360 CHICAGO Observatory and see The Mag Mile from 1,000 feet up!
Tree-Light Parade Viewing Remember that Michigan Ave. is typically less crowded on the east side of the street, especially at the north end of the procession route.
Fireworks Spectacular Viewing A stunning fireworks show is displayed over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge, so standing along Wacker Dr. or in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) are prime viewing spots. Just remember, the DuSable Bridge closes as early as 3:30 p.m., so be sure to make your way across the bridge before that time.
How to View at Home
The parade will air on ABC 7 Chicago on Sun., Nov. 21 and Sat., Dec. 11, 6 p.m., and on Christmas Day at 8 a.m.
The nationally televised event will be hosted by ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchors Alan Krashesky and Cheryl Burton on Sun. Nov. 21, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., on ABC 7 Chicago. Anchors Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini will capture the magic from the street.
Additionally, The Lights Festival can also be streamed on abc7chicago.com and will be available on-demand and on the ABC 7 Chicago app.
photo: Swissotel Chicago
Where to Stay
Many hotels near The Magnificent Mile offer discounts and special perks the weekend of the parade, and throughout the holiday and winter season. However, rooms tend to book quickly so make your plans well in advance. You’ll have more than 70 hotels to choose from on or near the Magnificent Mile, from luxury to affordable accommodations and from boutique to large-scale in size.
Hilton Hotels of Chicago, Kimpton Hotels, ACME Hotel, Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, The Peninsula Chicago, Best Western River North, Loews Hotel and Swissotel Chicago are all family-friendly, offering great deals or special perks and experiences.
Where to Eat
Gino's East
Of course, there will be a variety of drinks and noshes at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court, including Eli's Cheesecake Company to satisfy the sweet tooths. Follow your nose to Garrett Popcorn Shops for some of their famous popcorn, Gino's East River North for classic deep dish pizza, Shanghai Terrace for an elevated Cantonese experience, Rosebud on Rush for Italian favorites, and Frontera Grill and Tanta for Latin cuisine.
We recommend taking public transportation, but if you're driving, book parking in advance through SpotHero. To reserve your spot, visit the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.
Millennium Park Garage & Grant Park North Garage are closest to the south end of the Lights Festival parade route on Michigan Avenue. Pre-purchase parking for your lowest rate.
If you are looking for downtown parking near Pioneer Court for the Lights Festival parade, InterPark is a great option. Easy out after the end-of-night fireworks show.
Public Restrooms
Lights Festival Lane, Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
The Magnificant Mile Information Tent (401 N. Michigan Ave.) is available for questions and information about the Festival and will have complimentary hand warmers. Download the local Discovery Guide, with app partner GettinLocal, to receive real-time events updates concerning the parade.
COVID Protocols
Any guest attending any of the Lights Festival events will be asked to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, throughout the Lights Festival footprint.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we know holiday planning is on your radar, parents. So grab your calendars and get these Boston-area holiday activities penciled in. From tree lightings to reindeer quests to holiday shows and themed train rides your kids will love, these 2021 winter events are sure to be memorable!
Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights at Stone Zoo. Enjoy a one-way stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, bald eagle, Canada lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes. In addition to the zoo's traditional lights, this year, several illuminated large-scale lantern displays will light up your winter's night. And on Tuesdays, kids can meet Mrs. Claus. Tickets required. Daily from Nov. 19 2021-Jan. 9, 2022 (except Nov. 25 & Dec. 25). Event details.
The Holiday Light Show is an amazing holiday light spectacular that features dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family. Visitors are welcomed to bundle up in their car, pack a favorite snack or beverage and tune their radio to enjoy the synced light performance as they travel the more than one mile route through the Holiday Light Show. Tickets required.Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2021. Event details.
Get into the winter spirit with Night Lights 2021 at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. It’s a celebration of light that includes thousands of lights, new experiences and enchanting landscapes. Enjoy a walking experience outdoors through roughly 15 acres of formal gardens and surrounding woodlands, including illuminated plants, paths, sculptures and fountains. The magical scene is enhanced with fire pits for warming up, making s’mores or enjoying a cup of hot cocoa (or an adult beverage). Tickets required. Daily, Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2021. Event details.
This holiday season, Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens is one of three beautiful garden properties that will sparkle with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Bring the whole family for a magical, fun and safe outdoor experience, with food, refreshments and more. Tickets required. Weds.-Sun., Nov. 26, 2021-Jan. 9, 2022. Event details.
New England's beloved holiday tradition makes its way back to Citizens Back Opera House this season. Slip away to the warm drawing room of the Silberhous family as Clara's transform before your eyes. From the Sugar Plum Fairy to the larger-than-life Mouse King, audiences of all ages will enjoy this timeless classic. Tickets required.Nov. 26-Dec. 26, 2021. Event details.
From the songwriting team behind Tony Award-winning, smash-hit musicals and films comes A Christmas Story: The Musical. The show brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage. Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Tickets required.Dec. 7-19, 2021. Event details.
This holiday season, the beloved tradition that has captured the hearts of families everywhere returns to the live stage! The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical is the thrilling spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and heartfelt moments that will bring the family together, this joyous and uplifting celebration will leave audiences captivated by the splendor of the season. Tickets required.Nov. 26, 2021.Event details.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this popular and dazzling family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. As lights dim and music plays, a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life presenting an elaborate wonderland, invoking the stories behind a child’s eye as they dream on the most magical of nights. Ballerinas, nutcrackers, snowmen, penguins, reindeer, ethereal aerialists, gingerbread people, carolers and colossal ornaments fly, balance, juggle and stretch imaginations. Tickets required.Dec. 10-12, 2021. Event details.
Help spread the holiday cheer by joining the City of Boston, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park for the annual trellis lighting in the North End's Christopher Columbus Park. Nov. 22, 2021. Event details.
The official holiday season is underway and lighting the City of Boston's official Christmas tree and trees throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden is one of the main events. Generations have enjoyed (and continue to treasure) Boston's tree lighting celebration that has grown to include a festive stage show with nationally known talent. Dec. 2, 2021. Event details.
Get into the holiday spirit at Chestnut Hill Farm as they celebrate the season with the annual tree lighting. At this delightful event enjoy live music, check out the Solstice StoryWalk, wish the beloved goats and sheep a happy holidays, make a craft, nosh on delicious food and sip on hot cider and hot chocolate. Registration required.Dec. 5, 2021. Event details.
The 28th Annual Festival of Trees is where families can see over 200 beautiful and creative trees, mini-trees and wreaths on display. Also on site for everyone to enjoy is a holiday Gift Shop and a virtual visit with Santa to help kick off your holiday season. Although Santa pictures aren’t happening this year, families will find lots of venues for holiday photos. Tickets required.Nov. 19-Dec. 4. Event details.
It’s Mass Hort’s 13th annual Festival of Trees and Boston families are welcome to join in this delightful holiday experience that celebrates the beauty and tradition of decorated holiday trees. Visitors will be warmed with a cup of hot chocolate (included with ticket) as they arrive. Then, stroll through the outdoor garden lights, visit Weezie’s Garden for Children and explore Snow Village where kids will watch model trains making their way through villages and vignettes, including Christmas in the City (Boston of course!), Fenway Park, a Dickensian village, the North Pole and hundreds of decorated houses and lights. Tickets also include a s’mores kit for the fire pit. Tickets required.Nov. 26-Dec. 19, 2021. Event details.
Adventure comes to life when the train departs from Buzzards Bay for a round-trip journey to the North Pole led by a merry-making cast. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on The Polar Express for a 90-minute trip to meet Santa. You’ll see all your favorite characters and moments from the story come to ife on board the train, while listening to a reading of the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his elves board the train at the North Pole to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. Don’t forget to wear your Christmas jammies! Tickets required.Nov. 26-Dec. 19 & Dec. 20-23.Event details.
'Tis the season for the 6th annual SoWa Winter Festival. Their largest event of the year, SoWa Winter Festival takes place across three locations, over 10 days providing all kinds of winter wonderland magic. A holiday portrait studio, snowflake projection mapping, trails of light, food trucks and a hot cocoa hut are just a few of the things you’ll find along amazing artists, vendors and galleries. Dec. 3-12, 2021. Event details.
Grab your snow boots and get everyone outside to discover the elusive herd of nine wooden reindeer, found throughout the farm trails at Chestnut Hill. See how many you can find—be sure to keep an eye out for Rudolph! Dec. 2, 2021-Jan. 31, 2022. Event details.
Let's make lanterns and share our light with the neighborhood! Meet at Kickstand Cafe to usher in Havdalah, the end of Shabbat. Then we'll decorate lanterns and stroll around the Central Business District singing Chanukah songs led by Jammin' with You song leader, Kara Kulpa. Return to Kickstand to enjoy hot chocolate and donuts. Pre-registration required.Dec. 4, 2021. Event details.
Celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, and feel the warm glow of the holiday with JCC Greater Boston and PJ Library! There's something for the whole family from an interactive live music show with Josh & the Jamtones, to a winter marketplace supporting local artisan businesses, plus festive games, crafts, STEM projects, and a community candle lighting. We'll enjoy some special Chanukah treats from a local food truck with donuts, hot chocolate, and more. This event will be held outdoors. Pre-registration required.Dec. 5, 2021. Event details.
The magic of the holiday season is a gift that gives all throughout the winter months and not just beginning at Santa’s arrival. For many, the first unforgettable twinkle of the enchantment of a Portland Christmas begins with attending a Portland Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This year, COVID has changed the way your family will experience our local Christmas tree lightings. Many of them have gone online where they can be experienced in the comfort of your very own home. Find out which lightings you can watch every night of the week if you choose. Read on to find out more.
Photo: via Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree Lighting & Sing Along
On Nov. 27, this time-honored tradition was broadcast in an hour-long special featuring a caroling sing-along with Pink Martini. Lyrics appeared on the TV screen so viewers could sing along from home. It is now available to watch online. Your family can enjoy it every day of the season from the comfort and safety of your home.
This 40 plus year-old tradition includes watching the Mayor of Lake Oswego light the giant Sequoia tree that stands in Bigelow Plaza. This year, there will be no public tree lighting ceremony or parade. Instead, you can enjoy a virtual greeting card on behalf of the City of Lake Oswego, the Chamber of Commerce and the sponsor, Director’s Mortgage. Your family can watch an online viewing and enjoy “Company” from Lakeridge High School, “Windjammers” from Lake Oswego High School, and the talented community members who perform in the Millennium Concert Band as they give you a flavor of what you would have heard in person. The elves have told us that Santa will make a special guest appearance at the end!
The Esther Short Park community tree will glow throughout the holiday season in downtown Vancouver. Concern about community health and Covid-19 have cancelled many community events including the annual Rotary Community Tree Lighting ceremony. However, the downtown will be aglow 24 hours per day with thousands of lights hung on a new tree for all to stroll or drive by throughout the holiday season through New Year’s Day Jan. 1.
While there will be no live, in-person Spirit of Gresham Tree Lighting event, due to state restrictions on events to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you're invited to experience it virtually as through a special tree lighting video. Watch anytime and get in the holiday spirit. Your kids will love the annual tree lighting countdown with Mayor Karylinn Echols and Santa!
Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Holly Days Celebration in historic Downtown Hillsboro. Although Downtown merchants will be open for business the rest of the event will be broadcast virtually this year to keep our community healthy. Filmed Nov. 21, your family can enjoy holiday music from Leah & Austin, a local favorite band. The Mayor will be joined by Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the tree. All this mixed in with fun things happening around Downtown including our annual Excellence in Downtown Awards and a cameo from a local celebrity.
Your family doesn’t have to miss seeing fantastic light displays in person. Portland has some amazing light displays going on around town. We’ve rounded them all up right here for you. Make sure to check websites for updated information and COVID safety rules before you venture out.
When the dishes are done and you’re looking for some fun, you’ll be thankful for this flock of events around town that will delight your little turkeys. From an historical holiday scavenger hunt through Oakland Cemetery to holiday lights from your car window, your Thanksgiving weekend will be full of memories. Keep reading for a helping of events around Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day and weekend.
Buckle Up for a Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Show
World of Illumination: Candy Rush
World of Illumination
Pay a visit to World of Illumination: Candy Rush and get an eyeful of what kids’ fantasies are made of—candy—without the sugar crash. Spy sugar plum fairies, a gigantic gingerbread village, illuminated sweets as far as the eye can see. World of Illumination presents Candy Rush, the world’s largest holiday drive-through show, highlighting a 40-foot tall candy cane trio and animated Christmas characters. This mile-long drive-through show features nearly two million lights—a must-see treat for the entire family.
250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062 $35 per vehicle, weekdays; $45 per vehicle, weekends Online:worldofillumination.com
Go on a Holiday Scavenger Hunt at Historic Oakland Cemetery
Spend a day cemetery sleuthing on this self-guided scavenger hunt throughout historic Oakland Cemetery! Starting November 21, purchase your printable Holiday Hunt packet online (one per team), download, print, and follow all-new cryptic clues to solve riddles. Oakland will post a link to the downloads on their website on November 21. Choose from three different packets, organized by degree of cemetery riddle difficulty: Kid-friendly, Challenging, and Deadly. Each team that purchases a packet will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Prizes include tour tickets, memberships, Museum Store gift cards, and more.
We don't have to tell you that things look a wee-bit different this year. This means you're likely not dressing the kids in their fancy clothes and heading to an in-person holiday show. Luckily theaters all over the country have gotten creative and are bringing the cheer right to your home. Read our story 14 Holiday Theater & Musical Performances You Can Enjoy on Your Couchto learn about shows that will lift your holiday spirits.
Slip into your favorite holiday pjs, grab a hot cocoa from your favorite local shop and prep for some virtual merriment.
Take a Lighted Stroll in the Gardens
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden
With extremely limited capacity and masks/social distancing required, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns through January 16, 2021. Tickets, available only online, go on sale October 1.To limit gathering crowds upon arrival, there are two entrances: General Admission ticket holders enter through the gates by Mershon Hall. Premium and Premium+ ticket holders enter through the Hardin Visitor Center.
1345 Piedmont Ave.
404-876-5859
Online:atlantabg.org
Things will look at a bit different at Macy's at Lenox Square this season, with the annual tree lighting celebration limited to invitation-only guests, but the cheer—and the tree—will still be present. All are invited visit Lenox Square to see the Annual Macy's Christmas Tree shining brightly on the roof above Macy's.
Participate In (or Cheer On) the Peachtree Road Race
This annual Atlanta Fourth of July tradition was moved to Thanksgiving in 2020, and will be run independently by runners all over the world. Whether you lace up your shoes or head to the actual race course to see who's trotting past, you'll see plenty or runners on the roads this Thanksgiving.
Enjoy the wonder of nature in the heart of the city! WildWoods offers all-season nature experiences daily for all ages and provides direct access to Fernbank Forest. Wildwoods' paths provide plenty of space to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, while immersing you in nature every step of the way and the holistic quality it provides.
Make It a Weekend of Making Others Feel Thankful for You
Acts of Kindness
They can't help it, kids are innately compassionate and kind. Foster and hone that natural beauty with a few simple gestures during this weekend of thanks. Read our story 96 Everyday Acts of Kindness for Kids (& Their Grown Ups) to snag some ideas on how your kids (and their favorite grown-ups) can spread big love this holiday season.
Sleigh Bells Ring for Family Movie Night!
Family (Christmas) Movie Night
IMDB
The absolute BEST time of year to watch T.V. is that stretch of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas because of holiday movies galore. Watch classics to modern must-sees with your little ones that vary from animated to live-action. But before starting family movie night, bake your favorite holiday cookies and get ready to snug in for an evening (or the whole chilly day).
This year’s holiday gatherings might look a little different from in years past, which makes it a great time to try something new. Whether you’re looking for a remote getaway or a well-known destination that’s taking its Covid precautions seriously, there are plenty of places to go on one or two tanks of gas from Atlanta. Keep reading for ideas on where to take your holidays on the road.
Photo: iStock
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island welcomes resort guests to extended stay discounts for five or longer days, up to 20% off room rates for guests driving in, and even has a distance learning program that will have your kids exploring this barrier island for families travelling with Chrome Books in tow. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, there will be a festive meal in one of the hotels signature restaurants, in addition to menus with holiday-inspired favorites throughout the season. Restaurant reservations are available exclusively for resort guests on Nov. 25 & 26 and Dec. 24, 25, & 31. Additionally, you’ll find Gingerbread House build workshops, a Holiday Pirate Hunt, Santa Storybook Teas and photos, as well as the option to arrange private gatherings for your family.
Rates vary based on room selections and dates, but check here for specials.
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy.
Amelia Island, FL
904-277-1100 Online:ritzcarlton.com
Sea Island
If you don’t mind a splurge, you can guarantee a splendid rendition of all holiday traditions at Sea Island. Kicking things off for Thanksgiving is a Turkey Tie-Dye Wednesday afternoon, followed by a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Family Fun Run Thursday morning and a special service in The Cloister Chapel. Then, traditional Thanksgiving feasts are offered across the resort, ranging from casual to formal and traditional to new-and-exciting. For Christmas, you can expect storytime with Santa’s elves, a lifesize Gingerbread Cottage, Reindeer Dash fun run, Reindog Parade, and a special The Polar Express Extravaganza at Sea Island Kids—a night of festive fun, including a trip down Sea Island Drive in search of Christmas lights. While the kids are in great hands, adults can take a culinary 6-course trip in The Cloister Wine Cellar, the perfect setting as dinner is paired with some of our favorite holiday wines. Additional programming for both Thanksgiving and Christmas are detailed here.
Prices vary based on accomodation selections, which range from rooms at The Lodge or The Cloister to home rentals. View specials here, and accomodation descriptions here.
100 Cloister Drive
Sea Island, GA
855-572-4975 Online:seaisland.com
Photo: iStock
Palmetto Bluff
Head to the Lowcountry for a catalogue of holiday offerings at Montage Palmetto Bluff, starting with an annual Turkey Trot, Tree Lighting with a holiday band, carolers, food trucks, and shopping, Cocktails and Carols around the resort’s backyard fire pit on Friday and Saturday evenings from Dec. 6-21, and Saturdays with Santa for children, with breakfast on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. You’ll also find the Moreland Holiday Gathering on Christmas Eve, with an oyster roast, Lowcountry boil, and gorgeous waterfront views from the five-story tree house.
Prices vary based on dates of travel and accommodation selections, but you can learn more here.
For a megawatt holiday experience, head to Callaway Gardens, where Fantasy in Lights—a National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays in the world event—will dazzle, along with a Christmas Village and an illuminated forest. Fantasy in Lights begins on Nov. 20, so guests staying at Callaway during Thanksgiving will get a jump start on the holidays with early access to the 2,500 acres of the resort’s stunning natural landscape.
Prices vary, but explore overnight packages and specials here.
Always wanted to spend the holidays at an English country home at the turn of the 20th century but not quite ready to commit to an international flight? Head to Barnsley, where the resort’s pedestrian-friendly, English-inspired village with an Inn and cottages will have you feeling like you just declared a victory over jet lag. Thanksgiving activities include live music, the lighting of the ruins, a traditional feast, and a family fun day with and introduction to archery, farm animal feedings, painting, crafting, and gingerbread house building. Christmas brings with it lights, feasting, and more fun.
Rates vary, check here for details, including discounts on 3 or more night stays.
597 Barnsley Gardens Rd.
Adairsville, GA
770-773-7480 Online:barnsleyresort.com
The Dillard House
Explore the North Georgia mountains from a base camp at The Dillard House, which offers rooms that are within walking distance to the restaurant, stables, and pond. Meals at Dillard House are served family-style, and are made from scratch. During the days, go for a hike, cast a line, or take a horse ride through some of the prettiest mountains in Georgia.
You’ve decorated the tree, checked out the dazzling light displays around town and found just the right gift for everyone on your list (if not, here are a few last-minute ideas for kiddos.) So what’s left? As we enter the final stretch toward all the holidays (because Hanukkah conveniently falls right around Christmas this year), we’ve rounded up LA’s best LA Festival of Lights, Kwanzaa and Christmas Eve celebrations. Read on for all the menorah lightings, holiday parades and even a chance to see Santa and his reindeer fly across the sky.
Chanukah Celebration at The Original Farmers Market
Join PJ Library in Los Angeles for an afternoon of family fun! Create holiday-themed art, hear a PJ Library story, enjoy the music of Jason Mesches, and create a Menorah out of Legos. Sun., Dec. 22.Event details.
Giant Chanukah Celebration The South Bay’s Jewish Community Center hosts a holiday celebration on the Hermosa Beach Pier. There will be children’s activities, live music and performances, latkes and donuts, holiday crafts and more. Sun., Dec. 22. Event details.
Menorah Lighting at Westfield Fashion Square Join Westfield Fashion Square and the Chabad of Sherman Oaks for the first night of Hanukkah with a special candle lighting. Family-friendly entertainment and treats will be available for all! Space is limited to arrive early. Sun., Dec. 22.Event details.
Menorah Lightings on Third Street Promenade Each night of Hanukkah experience something new as local synagogues and community groups host a unique menorah lighting experience, ranging from the more traditional to the new-age with music and dancing. Sun., Dec. 22-Sun., Dec. 29. Event details.
Kwanzaa
Pre Kwanzaa Celebration
Parenting for Liberation is hosting a Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration to honor and celebrate the African American cultural holiday. The event would focus on the history, teaching, and celebration of Kwanzaa—and provide Black families with the information and materials to practice Kwanzaa at home. There will be African drumming, African dancing, kids arts and crafts activities, vendors, food and more. Sat., Dec. 21.Event details.
43rd KwanZaa Gwaride Parade
Mark the official start of the 7-day holiday with a spiritual procession and parade along Crenshaw Blvd., starting at W. Adams. The route ends at Leimert Park, where there will be a celebration and candle lighting ceremony. Thurs., Dec. 26.Event details.
31st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
All are welcome to celebrate the joyous and festive occasion of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community & Culture, at Pasadena’s La Pintoresca Library. Enjoy music, stories and tasty dishes prepared by members of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Fri., Dec. 26.Event details.
Christmas Eve
Santa’s North Pole at Wisdome
Childhood dreams will come true as visitors discover Santa’s enchanted world, filled with elves, nutcrackers, snowmen, reindeer, snow and more! Be sure to check out Crafts in Candyland, where kids can decorate their own cookie to bring home for Santa. Sun., Dec. 24.Event details.
Queen Mary Christmas
Start your adventure at the outdoor North Pole Village with ice skating at the True North Ice Rink circling a 26-ft Christmas tree, then jump aboard the QM Express Train or the Grand Carousel for more festive fun. Enjoy a sweet treat or libation as you watch live entertainment on the outdoor stage before climbing aboard the Queen Mary to take in the dazzling decor. Sun., Dec. 24. Event details.
Winter Fest OC
Santa and his reindeer will fly over the OC fairgrounds for the last time this year before heading to your home and then back to the North Pole for a much needed rest. Our nightly holiday parade, tree lighting, fireworks and snow flurries will also take place. Sun., Dec. 24.Event details.
photo: Swissotel Chicago
