December 2, 2024
Lifestyle, Guides,
'Tis the season for winter fun and family activities, and it doesn't matter whether you're in a snowy wonderland or a tropical paradise.
We asked our editors across the country who is hosting the must-attend holiday event in their city. From Miami to New York City, Los Angeles to Chicago, Houston, Hawai'i and everywhere between, here are the best holiday events across the country.
Atlanta - The Christkindl Market Returns to Buckhead Village
A Christmas classic and Atlanta staple, the Christkindl Market is open in Buckhead Village District and Galleria on the Park until Christmas Eve. Embrace the fusion of German traditions and unique Atlanta experiences, where you can indulge in new culinary experiences or buy a handcrafted treasure. See more on Atlanta's full list.
Chicago - Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
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170 N. Dearborn St. / Website
A beloved Chicago holiday tradition, Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, makes a triumphant return to the stage this season, transporting its audience to a frosty Christmas Eve in 19th-century London. The heartwarming Charles Dickens tale is brought to life with exquisite costumes, eye-popping effects and a legendary performance by veteran actor Christopher Donahue as Ebenezer Scrooge. See more on Chicago's full list.
Dallas - Holiday at the Arboretum
8525 Garland Road, Website
This year, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is hosting a showstopping Christmas extravaganza. Stroll alongside 25-foot-tall Victorian-style gazebos decorated to represent the 12 Days of Christmas, then stop by Christmas Village for visits with Santa, cooking demos, entertainment and more. See more on Dallas' full list.
Hamptons - Montauk Lighthouse Holiday Lighting
This annual event on Nov. 30 is where the historic Montauk Lighthouse is lit up with festive lights, accompanied by caroling and hot cider. See more on the Hamptons' full list.
Hawai'i - ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas
Soak in the holiday magic at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center this season for a winter wonderland experience. ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas offers an unforgettable experience for all ages with amazing immersive light displays, holiday music and delicious treats. See more on Hawai'i's full list.
Houston - A Very Sinatra Christmas Special
Marriott Marquis / Website
Would it even be the holiday season without Frank Sinatra’s classic tunes? To celebrate the icon’s greatest hits, Concerts Under the Stars is hosting the ultimate Christmas special at The Marriott Marquis. Expect nothing less than jaw-dropping views of the city, sweet and savory cocktails, and festive renditions of Sinatra’s holiday collection, including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “White Christmas,” and so many more. See more on Houston's full list.
Las Vegas - Enchant: Reindeer Games
A holly jolly experience awaits at the Las Vegas Ballpark, where Enchant will light up the holiday season with the world’s largest Christmas light maze and a magical ice skating trail. The kids will love visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Christmas village offers the perfect place to find a unique gift to nestle under the tree. Don’t miss themed events, including Ugly Holiday Sweater Night on Dec. 7, Paws n’ Claus Night on Dec. 8, and Date Night on Dec. 13. See more on Vegas' full list.
Los Angeles - Crustacean Beverly Hills Seasonal Menus
468 N Bedford Dr. / Website
Available through Dec. 22, Crustacean Beverly Hills has multi-course holiday lunch and dinner menus that are keeping spirits bright. Beginning with a glass of complimentary bubbles, the three-course lunch menu features options like torched salmon sashimi, An’s Famous Garlic Noodles and filet mignon shaken beef, while the five-course dinner menu includes choices like a caviar langoustine roll, Mongolian lamb and a tasting of grilled prawns with the garlic noodles. See more in L.A.'s full list.
Miami - Night at the Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
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10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables / Website
Embrace the festive glow of the season with Fairchild Botanical Garden’s iconic Night at the Garden event through Jan. This beloved Miami tradition transforms the lush grounds into a mesmerizing neon-lit wonderland, complete with holographic sculptures, secret ponds, and whimsical fairy worlds. Perfect for all ages, the event invites you to explore immersive trails, dance under disco lights, and chat with Archie, the talking tree. With dazzling displays and delicious treats from some of Miami’s most popular food trucks, it’s a magical evening you won’t want to miss. See more on Miami's full list.
Nashville - Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
1200 Forrest Park Drive / Website
Music City’s 55-acre botanical garden and art museum pays tribute to Nashville’s lush flora and fauna with preservation efforts, educational programming, year-round special events and more. This winter, experience the destination’s 10th annual Holiday Lights fête, an illuminated celebration hosted through Jan. 5, 2025, featuring over one million holiday lights, s’mores, seasonal libations and a Holiday Marketplace. Don’t forget to check out Cheekwood’s historic mansion to view awe-inspiring decorations by former White House florist Laura Dowling. See more on Nashville's full list.
NYC - The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic
Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, / Website
Step into a whimsical candy wonderland, nestled just moments away from the world-renowned ice-skating rink and iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Join the adventure by embarking on a thrilling scavenger hunt and explore a treasure trove of delectable delights where magical sugar is transformed into mouthwatering candy. See more on NYC's full list.
Orange County - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
This waterfront Dana Point property sparkles with its towering holiday tree, the perfect spot for a photo opp with loved ones. Through Thursday, Dec. 19, the hotel will offer an elegant Holiday Tea at RAYA, a Gingerbread House Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 15, and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 8 and 21. On Dec. 25, indulge in a Christmas Brunch Buffet followed by Christmas dinner at RAYA, curated by chef Richard Sandoval. See more on Orange County's full list.
San Diego - Winter Wonder at Belmont Park
Belmont Park’s waterfront restaurant Draft will be transformed into the signature Miracle pop-up bar through Dec. 31. Holiday kitsch at its finest, the themed watering hole invites imbibers to enjoy cocktails ranging poured in holiday-themed glasses. Throughout the rest of the park, visitors of all ages will discover wondrous displays, seasonal bites, live music and festive character appearances during Winter Wonder at Belmont Park. If a not-so-silent night is what you’re after, stop by on Dec. 14 for the third annual SantaCon, a 21-and-up party featuring thumping beats and a Santa-themed costume contest. Opt for VIP tickets to skip the line for every ride at the theme park and enjoy private lounge and bar access. Sleigh-ing the season, indeed. See more on San Diego's full list.
San Francisco - The Nutcracker
It’s not a holiday celebration without a showing of The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s beloved score is peppered with San Francisco Ballet’s masterful movements that tell the tale of Clara as she battles mischievous mice and the Sugar Plum Fairy. See more on San Francisco's full list.
Scottsdale - Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Lost Christmas Eve tour, on stage for the first time since 2013. This immersive Christmas Concert features pyrotechnics, lasers and incredible storytelling. See more on Scottsdale's full list.
Silicon Valley - Enchant Christmas
The lure is the world’s largest Christmas light maze, but there’s so much more at this wonderland of holiday spirit at PayPal Park. The mind-blowing attraction also boasts larger-than-life light sculptures, an ice skating trail, live entertainment, Santa’s Landing, Enchant Village and seasonal food and beverages. See more on Silicon Valley's full list.
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