There’s nothing quite like the dazzling lights and bustling holiday markets of a big city in the wintertime. While popular destinations like New York and Chicago are tried-and-true travel favorites, there are plenty of other festive towns across the US that offer fantastic entertainment, seasonal celebrations, and holiday cheer this time of year. Take a trip to one of these affordable, family-friendly destinations and discover epic lighting displays, performances, outdoor adventures, and much more.
Columbus, Ohio
Craving a new way to celebrate the holidays? Experience Columbus invites you to discover a city where James Beard-nominated chefs are ready to craft the next best seasonal dish you’ll be dreaming about for holidays to come, historic neighborhoods shine with festive lights and landmark venues offer performances for all ages. Named one of the nation’s best cities for holiday lights by Best Life, Columbus is your winter getaway for one-of-a-kind shopping, family-friendly attractions and unique experiences like shopping in the Short North Pole or experiencing a Striezlemarkt in historic German Village. “Columbus brings together everything you want in a holiday destination,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus. “Here, you’ll find a top 10 best big city in the country that celebrates big while keeping that warm, welcoming spirit. When visitors experience our creative energy, nationally recognized restaurants and vibrant neighborhoods, they can’t help but ask, ‘Really, that’s in Columbus?’ And we’re proud to say, ‘Yes!’ There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays this season, including by visiting the first week in December, which we dub Columbus’ biggest holiday weekend because of the number of festive events taking place.”
Kicking off on Nov. 17 with a special visit from the Capitol Christmas Tree on its way to Washington, D.C., COSI’s holiday happenings take place Nov. 23, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025. Named the best science museum in the country for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by USA Today 10Best, COSI will transform into a winter wonderland this holiday season with a 40-foot atrium tree, 50 community-focused trees, 10 COSI exhibit-themed trees and new interactive winter activities like “Build a Snowman” and “Frozen Chess.” Visitors can enjoy festive décor throughout, including a vintage holiday look at life in 1898 and 1962 in the Progress exhibit, plus seasonal science activities for all ages. Experience the creativity and enchantment of the Short North Arts District this holiday season with dazzling light displays, festive window decor and special holiday promotions. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, follow the Short North Holiday Trail or bring the kids along for the Elf Trail to collect festive gifts, including exclusive treats and holiday candles, while supplies last. Enjoy kid-friendly shopping with Lil’ Shops, offering affordable, locally crafted items under $20. Don’t miss Holiday Hop on December 7, featuring 100+ local artisans, an ice skating rink, a holiday tree lot and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Yuletide on Gay is a new one-day-only free street festival on Dec. 7 from 3-8 p.m. transforms Gay & High to a pedestrian-only winter wonderland experience. Enjoy an iceless ice rink, live ice sculpture carving, DJ entertainment and complimentary skate rentals all happening under “Current.” Down the street, the cheer continues at Downtown’s Holiday Extravaganza at the Lazarus Building from 4-7 p.m. featuring Santa and at Columbus Commons and Common Thread from 4-9 p.m. Holiday Histories at the Ohio History Center on Dec. 7 and 14 from 6-9 p.m. celebrates cultural traditions like Christmas, Kwanzaa and more through hands-on activities, live performances and local shopping. Visitors can explore holiday history from Ice Age Ohio, 18th-century traditions as well as 1950s and 1960s holiday celebrations. Experience the charm of Columbus’ German Village neighborhood on Dec. 8 from 5-9 p.m., as luminary-lit brick streets and the German-inspired Striezlemarkt featuring local vendors transports visitors back in time. Enjoy seasonal treats, unique gifts, carolers and even reindeer, all in a historic neighborhood that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This holiday season, Columbus will host a variety of performances and seasonal shows that bring beloved stories to life. Highlights include BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 12–18) and the Columbus Symphony’s “Holiday Pops” (Dec. 6–8), both at the historic Ohio Theatre. Other must-see performances include “A Christmas Carol” (Nov. 29–Dec. 1 at Ohio Theatre), “A Drag Queen Christmas” hosted by Columbus’ very own Nina West (Nov. 27 at Palace Theatre), “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” (Nov. 24 at Palace Theatre), “A Magical Cirque Christmas” (Nov. 30 at Palace Theatre), “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” (Dec. 3–8 at Palace Theatre) and “The Magical Polar Experience” (Dec. 21 at Palace Theatre).Wanderlights is happening Nov. 22, 2024 through Feb. 16, 2025, this free Downtown light display invites visitors to wander through more than half a million twinkling lights along a path from Columbus Commons to Bicentennial Park. Immerse yourself in projection shows, spot 32 penguins hidden between High Street and Civic Center Drive and take a photo at the Scioto Mile where more than 40 sculptural lights will be illuminated around the Scioto Mile Fountain. Thanks to the Center City DORA, adults can wander through the lights with a boozy beverage to-go. On Festive Fridays (Dec, 6, 13, and 20), visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate at Columbus Commons and hop on the Wanderlights Trolley Tour. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium takes place from Nov. 22, 2024 through Jan. 5, 2025. Join this beloved holiday tradition featuring millions of dazzling LED lights, animated displays and unique attractions, including the 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride, the Rudolph and Friends Character Experience and meetings with Santa in the Polar Frontier. Wildlights, powered by AEP Ohio, has enchanted families for over 35 years. From Nov. 23, 2024 through Jan. 5, 2025, the Conservatory transforms into a magical holiday display. New this year, visitors can enjoy cozy festive igloos at the Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace, dance the night away at their nostalgic 90s-themed party, and enjoy favorite attractions like the life-sized gingerbread house and Whirly Tree.Experience Festive Holiday Shopping: With more than 250 retailers, Easton lights up the season with events including horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa and a Holiday Drone Show on Dec. 12 from 6-8 p.m. to celebrate 25 years of Easton. On Dec. 30 at 6 p.m., take part in a special family-friendly Menorah Lighting event at the Town Square featuring dreidels, music, dancing and more. Short North Arts District Holiday Hop happens on Dec. 7 from 12-8 p.m. Enjoy a pedestrian-only experience for Holiday Hop. The High Street Holiday Market features 100+ vendors offering one-of-a-kind art and locally curated gifts, plus enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free gift wrapping, live music, festive fashion parades and a performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus. There’s also the Holiday Market by The Good Market; join Downtown Columbus and Good Land at Columbus Commons Dec. 7 from 4-9 p.m. 2 for a European-inspired market with handcrafted goods from local artisans.
—For more information on how to celebrate the holidays in Columbus, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/Holidays. Share your experiences online by tagging Experience Columbus on social media and using #yesColumbus.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio holidays – courtesy of Visit San Antonio
San Antonio celebrates the Holidays like no other city! The Holiday season officially kicks off with the lighting of the River Walk during the Ford Holiday River Walk Parade, November 29, 2024. Seasonal fun continues with markets, luminaria-lined river banks, caroling and more.
The 43rd Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a cherished San Antonio tradition that brings joy and festivity to the River Walk. This year’s theme, Toy Box Adventures, promises a magical experience for all ages. The annual spectacle features 27 illuminated floats, five entertainment floats and Santa himself.
Over 100,000 multi-colored lights will transform the River Walk into an enchanting wonderland at the conclusion of the Ford Holiday River Parade. Visitors can enjoy holiday lights on the River Walk November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Two additional holiday traditions returning to the River Walk in December are the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias (December 6-22, Fridays to Sundays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), where the Mexican tradition of small, sand-filled bags with candles line the banks, and Ford Holiday Boat Caroling (December 5-23, 2024, nightly from 6:00 p.m.) fills the air with festive holidays songs.
The second year of the popular San Antonio Holidays on Houston Street will feature a festive, multi-day holiday market along Houston Street. December 3 is the official Houston Street Lighting and Community Dinner. The Holiday Market runs December 13-15. A special Holiday Fun Run and 5K is planned for December 17. The Alamo will charm with Homemade Christmas on December 7, where visitors can experience the holiday season through the eyes of early settlers as they lived on the Texas frontier in the mid-1800s.
At Historic Market Square, the holidays will also be in full force. The annual La Gran Tamalada will continue to honor the tradition of making tamales. Additionally, live music, pictures with Santa and food booths will be available December 14 and 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The holiday celebrations are truly a citywide tradition with these can’t-miss experiences beyond downtown;
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (November 14 – January 5): Texas’ Biggest Christmas Celebration returns with millions of lights, specialty-themed areas and plenty of holiday cheer with a lanyard to taste holiday bites and sips around the park. The live action performance, O Wondrous Night, will feature singing, dancing and puppetry. ImagesSan Antonio Zoo Lights (November 16 – December 31): Families can delight in the Zoo Lights, a spectacular display of holiday lights and festive decorations. The event includes interactive experiences, live entertainment and opportunities to meet Santa.Six Flags Holiday in the Park (November 18 – January 7, weekends and select weekdays): A million glittering lights, festive décor, seasonal foods, holiday entertainment and thrilling rides create a winter wonderland at Six Flags. The all-new KID FLASH™ Cosmic Coaster is Texas’ only racing roller coaster.Classic Christmas (November 22 – December 29): This immersive holiday celebration at Toyota Field promises to create unforgettable moments of togetherness.Hill Country Christmas at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa (November 23 – January 5): The ICE! exhibit will feature 20,000 square feet of more than 10 immersive walk-through scenes made of ice, thrilling two-story ice slides, and awe-inspiring passageways carved from two million pounds of ice, all depicting scenes and characters of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Visitors are invited to enjoy exclusive guest privileges during their overnight stay, or simply spend the day at the resort reveling in dazzling displays, delicious treats and festive activities. ImagesIlluminate (November 29 – January 12): The San Antonio Botanical Garden celebrates with Illuminate, breathtaking displays that blend art, nature and culture, in a mesmerizing celebration of light.Christmas at the Caverns (December 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-23) includes Caroling in the Caverns, the Trail of Lights, Santa & Mrs. Claus visit, Reindeer Roundup Maze and more. Caroling in the Caverns is limited, so advance ticket purchases are recommended.
—For more information go to VisitSanAntonio.com/Holidays/Skagit Valley, Washington
This destination in Washington State has a slew of amazing seasonal activities. The Skagit Valley’s lighted boat parades bring a unique touch to the season, showcasing local boats adorned in festive lights as they cruise through waterfront towns. These parades, held in the picturesque harbors of La Conner and Anacortes, offer visitors a truly unique holiday experience. Gather along the waterfront to watch as each boat, decked in twinkling lights and creative decor, glides by in celebration of the season.
The Skagit County Children’s Museum’s Winter Wonderland is back this December 6–8, transforming Burlington Plaza into a holiday wonderland with both indoor and outdoor festivities. Free for all, the event offers live reindeer, sledding, snowshoe demos, snow science activities, and much more for families to enjoy. Kids will also love the snow play areas, face painting, and creative holiday crafts. Don’t Miss: Meet the live reindeer and try snowshoeing for a one-of-a-kind winter experience!
Skagit Valley’s charming downtowns, from La Conner to Anacortes, are transformed each holiday season into festive destinations. These cozy streets, adorned with holiday lights, wreaths, and garlands, create the perfect setting for holiday shopping and strolls. Supporting local shops and artisan businesses not only brings unique, handmade finds but also uplifts the community. Each boutique, café, and storefront reflects the Valley’s warmth, making a visit to these holiday-decked downtowns a must for travelers and holiday enthusiasts alike.
Winter in Skagit Valley offers incredible opportunities for hiking and snowshoeing through snow-covered landscapes, from forested paths to scenic overlooks of snow-capped mountains. Popular trails in the North Cascades become quiet, winter wonderlands perfect for snowshoeing, while lowland trails offer easier, scenic hikes through frost-touched forests. For adventurers of all levels, winter hiking here is an enchanting experience, where crisp air and serene surroundings capture the Valley’s natural beauty in its quietest season.
Winter in the Skagit Valley also brings a spectacular natural phenomenon: the arrival of snow geese and other migratory birds. Each year, thousands of snow geese migrate from Siberia to the farmlands and estuaries of the Skagit Valley, blanketing fields in a sea of white as they feed and rest. Winter birding here is a highlight for enthusiasts and photographers alike, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, swans, and a variety of raptors in addition to the majestic snow geese.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Experience the holidays at the beach – courtesy of Daytona Beach Area CVB
This winter, the Daytona Beach area will be home to a wide range of holiday events and spectaculars for guests to enjoy when taking a beach vacation getaway. From a holiday light display at Daytona International Speedway to one of the largest car shows in America and holiday shows, the opportunities to celebrate the holidays with some Florida sunshine are endless.
The Magic of Lights holiday display returns to the iconic Daytona International Speedway. From Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, the famous race track that is known around the world for hosting the DAYTONA 500 stock car race will transform into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. Magic of Lights features dozens of displays, festive favorites, and digital animation, all constructed with millions of individual LED lights to create a memorable holiday family experience.
If it’s Thanksgiving weekend in Daytona Beach, it’s time for the Daytona Turkey Run, a tradition that has been taking place for more than 50 years. The Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway on Nov. 28-Dec. 1 will have 7,000 dazzling classic cars on display, swap meet vendors in the infield, car corral, and food and entertainment. Special guests this year include Giuseppe’s Garage and Joe and Mandi Martin from Iron Resurrection. Considered to be largest combined car show and swap meet in the United States, this family-friendly four-day event takes place every fall during the Thanksgiving holiday week.
The brand-new Riverfront Esplanade, a gathering space and botanical garden overlooking the Halifax River in downtown Daytona Beach, will host its “A December to Remember” holiday celebration filled with community events, a movie on the lawn, holiday bazaar, Santa sightings, and live music.
The historic Peabody Auditorium, located in the heart of the tourism district in Daytona Beach, will host two holiday shows – the classic Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” performed by the Volusia Civic Ballet on Dec. 7-8 and The Prophecy Show, a tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
The Stetson Mansion “Christmas Spectacular!” Holiday Home Tour takes place at the famed Victorian Gilded Age residence built in 1886. Its original, rich architectural details make the perfect backdrop for elaborate holiday decorations, which are different each year. This year’s theme is “Christmas . . . The Season For Believing.” Designer decorations from around the world will adorn the mansion and each of the 10 lavish themed rooms. Self-guided and guided tours are offered through January 18. Reservations are required.
Located in Ormond Beach, Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar will transform into a Gingerbread Fantasy decorative light display that evokes classic storybook memories. From Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, visitors can stop to take a family photo or a selfie outside of this historic Victorian jewel. During Gingerbread Fantasy, the restaurant will be decorated with larger-than-life Gingerbread men, towering lollipops, unique topiary snowmen, the “dogs of Rose Villa,” stained glass windows reflecting gingerbread men, gold bells, candy canes and candied fruit, and of course hundreds of colorful lights reaching from the ground to the top of the two and-a-half-story rooftop.
—To view all the events happening in the Daytona Beach area during the holiday season, including holiday parades and other events, visit www.DaytonaBeach.com.
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