Every year, Trekaroo helps families asking, “What are the family-friendly Christmas events near me?” Whether you are doing some holiday travel to an exciting new destination or looking for local Christmas events, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of fun-loving families is on an annual crusade to bring you the all the best Christmas attractions and holiday activities near you!
Are you’re thinking of visiting a theme park during the holiday season? You’ll find a little extra magic sprinkling down during the holidays. Check out our special section on theme park holiday guides below. And if you’re traveling during the holidays as a family to see family or to just get out of town, don’t miss our holiday travel tips from other families who have braved the air and the roads during the holidays.
Now, let’s explore local Christmas events across the United States and Canada. And if you’re curious, here are some of Europe’s best Christmas markets as well.
Table of Contents
WEST COAST CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Southern California and the Southwest
In Southern California, some of the Christmas attractions you might find yourself at include ice skating on the beach in San Diego, watching holiday boat parades in Los Angeles, or taking in the magic & “snow” at Disneyland. While Southern California may lack cold weather, it makes up for it with Christmas events filled with wonder, awe, and holiday cheer.
Looking for a Christmas Tree farms in Southern California. Here are some favorites: Christmas Tree Farms in Southern California | Christmas Tree Farms in Los Angeles | Christmas Tree Farms in San Diego | Christmas Tree Farms in Central California
Over 15 Las Vegas Christmas Events for 2021
Every year, thousands of locals and visitors enjoy a Las Vegas Christmas. There are so many Las Vegas Christmas events and experiences to enjoy, both off and on The Strip,…
Christmas in Hawaii- Hawaii Christmas Events for 2021
Christmas events in Hawaii are an eclectic mix of concerts, events, and activities that have those in the Aloha State exclaiming, “Mele Kalikimaka”!
Christmas in Phoenix- The Best Christmas Events for 2021
Explore the Holidays and Christmas in Phoenix, where your family can walk through lights, festivals, and even snow-themed events that evoke the warmth and gladness of the holiday season.
Albuquerque Christmas Events for Families in 2021
The air is crisp; luminarias and traditional holiday lights are up all over the city. Yes, it is time for Christmas in Albuquerque. Come bring your family to celebrate the…
Great Wolf Lodge Christmas 2021: Snowland and Howl-o-ween
What’s in store for Great Wolf Lodge Christmas 2021? Snow falling in the lobby during Great Wolf Lodge Snowland? Sleeping in a cozy Wolf Den with a lit up Christmas…
Christmas in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Beyond in 2021
There may not be snow on the ground, and the shining sun may make it feel like the perfect 75 degrees, but decorations are popping up at every corner and special holiday events are being held almost daily.
The Best Tucson Christmas Events in 2021
Here are some suggestions for family-friendly holiday fun in Tucson.
Arizona Christmas Events Guide 2021
The beautiful weather makes an Arizona Christmas different than most of the country. It is an ideal winter destination. But how do you get in the Christmas spirit without all…
Christmas in Palm Springs- The Best Christmas Events in Palm Springs, CA 2021
With the holiday season in full swing, you won’t find much snow, if any, but you will find everything else you need to get you into the holiday spirit in Palm Springs, CA. Averaging 350 sunny days a year, Palm Springs weather makes it hard for even the biggest Scrooge to say Bah Humbug! Most people think of snow blanketing the ground during the holiday season, but for us SoCal residents, what we lack in snow we make up for in spirit.
Best San Diego Christmas Events in 2021 for the Whole Family!
It may not ever really feel like winter in San Diego, but despite our near-perfect weather there is still plenty to do to celebrate the holiday season. Visit Santa, ice skate near the beach, see real (ok, man-made) snow and more.
Universal Studios Hollywood Christmas Guide
Note: Universal Studios Hollywood is closed for the duration of 2020 due to Covid-19. Hollywood magic and the wonder of the holiday season meet at Universal Studios! Imagine a gentle…
Your Complete Guide to Disneyland Christmas
When Disney combines the celebratory fun of the winter holidays with fantasies come to life inside their parks, the result is pure magic.
Northern California
In Northern California, families love cutting down fresh Christmas trees at numerous u-cut Christmas Tree farms near San Francisco and riding with Santa on a train. You can also travel back in time at Christmas events like Victorian Christmas, or frolic through white-capped mountains full of playful powder. San Francisco and Sacramento’s urban core are full of Holiday and Christmas activities.
Find a U-Cut Christmas tree near you: Christmas Tree Farms in San Francisco | Christmas Tree Farms in Sacramento | Christmas Tree Farms on the Central Coast | Christmas Tree Farms near Lake Tahoe
Santa Rosa Christmas Events for 2021
A world of celebration awaits your family this holiday in Santa Rosa, California. Travel from Mexico to Italy through different cultural festivities, listen to the sounds of Germany and Ireland, and watch the dancers of Moscow perform the highly anticipated Nutcracker, an event that will surely become a family tradition.
Christmas in San Francisco- The Best Christmas Events for 2021
San Francisco’s got it all for the holidays: ice skating, candy decorations, Victorian era villages, Nutcracker teas, and even light peeping aboard a trolley car! Check out our favorite holiday attractions in the City.
San Jose Christmas Events 2021- Christmas in the Park & More!
Between Thanksgiving and New Years, the plaza is transformed into a holiday wonderland with acres of Christmas trees decorated by San Jose schools, community groups, and businesses
Christmas Events Bay Area, Sacramento, and Northern California 2021
In the spirit of holiday sharing here are Trekaroo’s top picks for holiday activities in Northern California that are perfect for creating special days that make for wonderful memories.
Pacific Northwest
A little rain and a little snow, who knows what the Christmas season might bring in the Pacific Northwest. But, what you can be assured to find is lots of holiday cheer! Seattle Christmas events at the zoo and Winterfest at Seattle Center are always popular, but the entire region has something to get excited about. Here are our favorite family-friendly Christmas activities in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver.
Christmas Trees grow very well in the Pacific Northwest! Find Christmas Tree Farms in Oregon and Washington
Christmas in BC: Victoria, Whistler, & Vancouver Christmas Events 2021
During the holiday season, Vancouver, Whistler, and Victoria, British Columbia all come alive with festive sights, sounds, and smells. Here are some great picks if your family wants to get out and enjoy the holiday spirit!
Best Christmas Lights in Portland, Oregon- 5 Not-to-Miss Holiday Light Shows
Every December, Portland, the City of Roses turns into the City of Lights as some of the best light shows and festivals of the Northwest light up the winter sky.
The Best Seattle Christmas Events for Families 2021
In December, there’s suddenly so much to do in Seattle that you barely even notice the rain anymore. Hurray for holidays in Seattle! To keep you and your family entertained, here are some of our favorite Seattle Christmas events.
EAST COAST CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic
Christmas in the Northeast conjures up traditional images of twinkling tree lights white with snow, door to door caroling, and wintry streets primed with shoppers looking for the perfect gift. What about ice-skating in New York City? Find your favorite Christmas activities in these historic cities.
Looking for a Christmas Tree Farms near you? Christmas Tree Farms in Connecticut | Christmas Tree Farms in Delaware | Christmas Tree Farms in New Jersey | Christmas Tree Farms in New York | Christmas Tree Farms in Philadelphia | Christmas Tree Farms in Toronto
Christmas in Boston- The Best Boston Christmas Events in 2021
Christmas in New England conjures up traditional images of twinkling tree lights white with snow, door to door caroling, and wintry streets primed with shoppers looking for the perfect gift. All of this and more can be experienced in and around one of the hearts of New England: the city of Boston.
Toronto Christmas 2021- Christmas Events in Toronto
Temperatures have fallen in the Toronto area, the days are shorter, and there’s a pervasive feeling that autumn is over and winter will be arriving shortly. Along with the nip in the air, there’s also a festive feeling as holiday displays appear in shop windows and the malls fill with the sound of carols. There might not be any snow on the ground yet but Toronto is ready to celebrate the holidays.
Christmas Events NYC- Best Christmas Activities in NYC for 2021
There is nothing more magical than the streets of New York City during the holidays. It kicks off with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and ends with the ball drop in Times Square. Look anywhere and everywhere to find a festive touch. Classic holiday and Christmas events in New York City are a favorite tradition that families and kids of all ages enjoy time and time again.
Christmas in DC- The Best Washington DC Christmas Events for 2021
As the weather turns colder and the fall decorations and turkey leftovers have been put to rest, it’s time to start looking forward to the December holiday season. Tree lightings, concerts, live performances, and more delight families in the D.C. metro area.
Colonial Williamsburg Christmas and other Williamsburg Christmas Events in 2021
We were fortunate enough to enjoy the opening weekend of holiday festivities in Williamsburg, VA, and they definitely know how to deck the halls! Planning a holiday excursion to the beautiful Historic Triangle? Here are some must-sees and dos for your family!
The Best Pittsburgh Christmas Events for Families in 2021
Picture this: families all bundled up drinking hot chocolate and whirling around an outdoor ice skating rink lit up by a 65-foot Christmas tree. The clippity-clop of horse hooves pulling carriages is faintly noticeable in the distance, and fireworks light up the sky to the beat of popular Christmas songs.
Christmas in Philadelphia- The Best Events for Families in 2021
The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with your family and take time to enjoy the festivities with your kids. In Philly, there are so many family-friendly activities it is hard to choose! After visiting these destinations you are sure to leave with a touch of holiday spirit.
The Best Montreal Christmas Events for Families in 2020
Find family friendly holiday activities in Montreal for your Christmas vacation.
Christmas in Cancun | Cancun Christmas Events 2019
Headed to Cancun for the holidays? Lucky you! Here’s the scoop on where to meet up with Santa, find festive celebrations, taste yummy eats, and discover some kid-centered fun in Cancun during the 2014 holiday season!
FLORIDA AND THE SOUTH CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Enjoy southern charm and hospitality during the Christmas season. Here are some of our favorite holiday activities in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina.
You might also be interested in finding holiday cheer at Christmas Tree Farms in Florida | Christmas Tree Farms in North Carolina
Christmas in Atlanta- 12 Days of Christmas Events In Atlanta for 2021
Throw on a scarf and bundle up your kiddos, it’s time for a Christmas adventure as you celebrate 12 days of Christmas around Atlanta!
Christmas in Orlando- The Best Orlando Christmas Events in 2021
There might not be snow to dash through in Orlando, Florida during the winter holidays, but that doesn’t mean the holidays aren’t everywhere you look!
The Best Tampa Christmas Events for Families in 2021
These top 10 Tampa Bay holiday events are sure to delight kids of all ages during the holiday season.
Pensacola Christmas- Things to do in Pensacola, Florida for Christmas
Many of the resorts and hotels offer delightful Christmas events in Pensacola FL for families to enjoy together and create holiday traditions at the beach.
Your 2020 Disney World Christmas Guide
Get ready to unwrap the magic as your family explores Christmas and the winter holidays at Walt Disney World Resort Florida.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN MIDDLE AMERICA
Mountain
Stunning snow-capped mountains of America’s mountain region are the backdrop for family fun. You’ll find incredibly detailed light displays, community outreach opportunities, and fantastic Christmas events in Utah, Colorado, and even Carson City.
Christmas Tree Farms in Denver & Colorado Springs | Christmas Tree Farms in Utah Wasatch Front
Christmas in Denver 2021- The Best Denver Christmas Events for Families
The snow has hit the ground more than once, which means it’s nearly holiday season in Colorado! Families with kids know that means all varieties of fun holiday activities to celebrate the snow, and the growing excitement of family gatherings and community celebrations.
Christmas Events in Carson City and Northern Nevada
My family visited Nevada’s capital city at the start of its holiday season and experienced a cozy city alive with lights, holiday cheer, and variety of family-friendly activities. We encountered charming, old-fashioned merchants and gracious locals eager to chat.
The Best Salt Lake City Christmas Events for Families in 2021
Salt Lake City becomes a magical winter scene surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Wasatch Mountains each holiday season. The scene is idyllic, with a pile of holiday cheer on top!
Midwest & Texas
From visiting with Santa at the top of the world to down-home traditions and fantastic light displays, Chicago and the Midwest offer plenty for celebrating the season. Don’t miss the Texas-sized Christmas fun down south.
Ready to cut down your own Christmas Tree? Christmas Tree Farms in Chicago | Christmas Tree Farms in Minnesota | Christmas Tree Farms in Dallas & Fort Worth | Christmas Tree Farms in Central Texas
Christmas in Columbus, Ohio 2021- The Best Columbus Christmas Events for Families
Come check out the top Christmas events in Columbus that are worth sharing with the entire family.
Minnesota Christmas Events in Minneapolis and Beyond for 2021
If you’re willing to brave some real wintry weather in a true wonderland, you’ll have many options for outdoor and indoor fun and festive activities. Here are some favorite Christmas Events in the Twin Cities that locals and visitors alike enjoy!
The Best Dallas Christmas Events for Families in 2021
Christmas is coming to the Big D in a big way! There are many Christmas activities in Dallas, and local hotels go all out with great holiday packages. It’s easy…
Best Resorts for Christmas Vacation in Texas
Here in Texas, everything’s bigger! If you want a chance to discover a Texas size holiday yourself, be sure to visit at least one these resorts.
The Best Christmas Events in Austin, Texas for Families in 2021
Christmas events in Austin are overflowing with live music, iconic Austin food, and funky-meets-traditional holiday entertainment for the whole family. Stroll through the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park or…
Christmas in Milwaukee- Milwaukee Christmas Events 2021
From lights and lights festivals to holiday performances to unique quaint towns, Milwaukee has it all! Check out these fun, family activities perfect for the entire family and make lasting memories for years to come. Happy holidays!
The Best Christmas Events in Chicago for Families in 2021
Chicago goes all out spreading the holiday cheer! Whether you need to pay a visit to Santa, enjoy a peaceful ride or fun-filled walk through a lights display, or catch a holiday performance, one thing is for sure-any of these will surely invoke the holiday spirit.
The Best Houston Christmas Events in 2021 for Families!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over the Gulf Coast of Texas with big city lights and fabulous shopping opportunities. Finding the spirit of the season with kids means lots of fun excitement with visiting Santa, watching eye-popping light displays, and visions of dancing sugar plums.
Grapevine, Texas Christmas- Your Guide to the Christmas Capital of Texas
Grapevine, Texas is a small town that knows how to celebrate! With over 1,400 Christmas events over a 40 day period, it’s no wonder that Grapevine has been awarded this coveted title.
Santa Claus, Indiana Christmas- 7 Fun Things to Do
What better way to spend the holiday season than at America’s Christmas hometown, Santa Claus, Indiana?
HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS
Traveling for the holidays is always exciting, but it does present extra challenges to families during this busy travel season. You are more likely to experience packed flights and delays. Trekaro families have been in your shoes and share their tips on how to smooth out the bumps of holiday travel with kids. Here are packing tips for winter holiday travel.