During the Christmas period, more than any time during the year, the United States turns into a true winter wonderland and enchants you with unlimited Christmas events and activities in which the spirit of Christmas comes alive. From amazing light displays to Christmas parades, Christmas markets, and ice skating rings, there are many activities to enjoy. If you are working on your holiday calendar, here’s a handpicked list of the best Christmas events in the USA worth attending.
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting – New York City, NY
A key event to remember on this day is the lighting of the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York, Central Park, and Radio City Music Hall. Every year, it draws millions of people. The tree itself is decorated with Disney’s biggest voicing star, thousands of shimmering twinkling lights, and a Swarovski star, which completes the look of the tree. This single event marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations and is accompanied by large festive crowds celebrating the Christmas season and live performances that have festive songs.
2. Christmas Town – Williamsburg, VA
Busch Gardens of Williamsburg gets that the Christmas Town is among the best holiday getaways of the season with more than 10 million lights, live performances, and picturesque food. Specially designed areas, a Christmas fair, and an option to visit Santa make this an entertaining event suitable for the whole family.
3. ZooLights – Washington, D.C.
ZooLights is an amazing show at the Smithsonian National Zoo, where myriad visitors see the zoo as one big animated light art display. Everyone can delight in live shows, special seasonal flavors, and different animals making this a good visit for any age group.
4. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket – Chicago, IL
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is a Christmas fair that takes inspiration from its German roots. With stalls lined up selling hand-painted decorations, interesting presents, German items like bratwurst, and hot wine, this is the best place for people looking for celebrations.
5. The Polar Express Train Ride – Various Locations
Feel the magic of being on The Polar Express inside this train— which is available across several locations in the US. Children and their parents adore this because hot chocolate, festive readings of the iconic book, and Santa’s visit are particularly enjoyable for families.
If you’re in for a fascinating journey in the holiday spirit, here are some of the places around the world that you must visit:
6. Enchant Christmas – Multiple Cities
Enchant Christmas features several of the cities, including Las Vegas and Dallas with Seattle making an appearance. Despite having a wonderful time during the festivities, one might be at a loss as to what to do, Enchant Christmas has the perfect answer for you. With its present stance of having the largest lighted maze and stalls, one is assured to enjoy one’s time here.
7. Festival of Lights – Riverside, CA
The festival taking place in California at the Mission Inn Hotel is one event that stands out in one’s mind due to its exquisite display of lights which take five million lights to create. To one’s delight, Riverside’s Festival of Lights also includes attractions such as holiday food and horse carriages. This event is worth visiting as it has gained the attention of people across the country.
8. Santa’s Enchanted Forest – Miami, FL
Miami has a lot in store for Christmas, especially Santa’s Enchanted Forest. If tropical trees and a warm celebration environment are what you’re looking for, then Christmas in Miami is a splendid choice. For enthusiasts, this is the world’s largest theme park which includes carnival rides, light showers, and several shows appealing everywhere one can look at.
9. Dickens Christmas – Skaneateles, NY
The streets filled with authors of one’s fantasy novels are sure to be enchanting and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles, one can relish the feeling of the village being transformed into a Christmas scene, captivating the hearts of not only children but adults as well on the streets. The village is filled with actors donning the roles of popular characters from books, adding a thrilling twist.
10. The Great Christmas Light Fight – Various Locations
The Great Christmas Light Fight wheezes pyrotechnic competition between US neighborhoods as they cross-sword in putting up vivid decorations on their homes. Some neighborhoods, such as Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, NY, and Peacock Lane in Portland, OR, have gained fame for their breathtaking decorations.
11. Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival – Leavenworth, WA
This Bavarian-style village is where the American-style Christmas Village stands with one of the best Leavenworth Christmas festivals. The festival features carolers and costumed performers, including Santa Claus, and a magnificent tree-lighting ceremony, all set among stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
12. Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas – Nashville, TN
This festive celebration at the Gaylord Opryland Resort is based on a country theme during the Christmas holidays. Event highlights encompass ice sculptures, shows conducted by artists, and a Christmas setting with snowy vibes.
13. Snowflake Lane – Bellevue, WA
Snowflake Lane is located on the outskirts of Seattle and features a nightly parade complete with drummers, dancers, and snow! It’s a fascinating experience that illuminates the streets with the infinite joy of festivities.
14. One of the Most Exciting Lights Up Louisville – Louisville, KY
A Christmas tree lighting event is accompanied by live music along with a parade at light up Louisville, which marks the beginning of many festivities during the holiday season. This even includes a kids workshop and even Santa completes the visit.
15. Creole Christmas Celebration in the Oaks New Orleans, LA
Located in the New Orleans City Park, Celebration in the Oaks is a holiday event where the park is decorated with several decorations along with rides and Christmas-themed festivities. This is a different way to celebrate the winters in the southern part.
16. Christmas Eve North Pole Experience – Flagstaff, Arizona
The North Pole experience is an experience that provides Santa’s Enchanted Workshop complete with having the Santa helpers, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
In case you didn’t know, Christmas in the United States as far as I have been made aware incorporates a lot of events, including Christmas Towns, Christmas Markets, or Parades celebrating the togetherness. And from New York City to a small town in Washington, there is simply something to look forward to. Enjoy the winter holidays searching through these events and make unforgettable memories.
