The United States isn’t short on Christmas-themed festivities.
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From coast to coast, the country lights up with gorgeous displays, festivals, markets, and more. From Maryland to Arizona to Hawaii, you can find Christmas events that are fun for the whole family.
But which are actually worth traveling for?
If your family is looking to add a little bit of festivity to your traditional schedule of decorating the tree, stuffing the stockings, and wrapping presents, you won’t need to search for long.
With dozens of high-profile and high-quality Christmas events dotting the United States, you might find one close to home.
I’ve got nine of the best Christmas events for families listed below. Along with well-known events from Disney, I’ve also listed out other large festivals and markets that are free to the public. We’re moving from East to West—just like Kris Kringle’s sleigh.
Just make sure to book ahead if you need tickets. These popular shows fill up fast.
Best Christmas events for families in the US: East coast
Rockefeller Christmas Tree & Union Square Market (New York City, New York)
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the world’s most iconic Christmas displays—it needs little introduction.
The same for the ice rink located next to the tree. If you’re interested in ice skating, you can rent skates and wait for a turn on the ice—or watch others skate past you. Even people-watching will keep you entertained for a while at this larger-than-life location.
But don’t forget about the city’s other popular Christmas events. The Union Square Christmas Market, for example, is one of the most scenic holiday setups in the city. You can shop around for artisanal products from local creators.
Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude (Kennebunkport, Maine)
Kennebunkport is New England’s best-kept secret when it comes to quaint vacations. This gorgeous little town is home to dozens of attractions, from its cozy main street to its summer camp-style RV parks.
Since 1982, the town has also hosted a Christmas Prelude event. It kicks off the winter holiday shopping season on the first Friday in December. At that time, shops stay open longer as the town prepares for the lighting of the Christmas tree in Dock Square.
Back in 2011, they even added fireworks to the display, which go off after the tree is lit.
Best Christmas events for families in the US: Midwest & Southwest
Las Vegas Christmas Celebrations (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Dubbed the City of Lights, it should come as no surprise that Las Vegas is an excellent destination for Christmas events.
That’s right—you have choices for celebrating the season in Las Vegas.
There’s the Rockin’ Christmas holiday drive-through experience; the Enchant Christmas Maze that covers over 80,000 square feet; a Cowboy Christmas event at the local rodeo grounds; and plenty more, from ice skating to Santa meet-and-greets.
The Polar Expression (Branson, Missouri)
This train ride is one of the most classic experiences that families can have during the holiday season. Rather than wait in lines or wander below fancy light displays, families actually board the Polar Express and cruise the Branson Scenic Byway.
For the next hour, they’re treated to milk and cookie deliveries, audiences with Santa and his elves, Christmas carolers, and plenty more. Fans of classic and wholesome Christmas events need look no further—this event is a favorite for thousands who drive hours to experience the Polar Express.
Best Christmas events for families in the US: the South
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney (Orlando, Florida)
Nobody throws a family-friendly party quite like Disney. Over the Christmas season, Disney World hosts a range of parties for guests. They run from 7 pm until midnight on select days starting in November, giving you time to plan ahead.
The show includes a fireworks show, parade, character meet-and-greets, fake snowfall, and special holiday drinks and treats.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival (Natchitoches, Louisiana)
As one of the lesser-known family-friendly Christmas events in the United States, Natchitoches lets you escape the crowds without skimping on the fun.
This unique festival period runs from November until January 6. The small town is decked out in vibrant Christmas decorations and light displays, which transform the downtown historic district.
Every Saturday, hundreds gather for a mini-festival. Families can take part in the fun with a range of children’s activities. When night comes, the mood shifts as live musicians take the stage and a small fireworks show lights up the night.
Best Christmas events for families in the US: West coast
Snowflake Lane (Bellevue, Washington)
Though Washington State’s Bavarian-style Leavenworth town usually takes the cake for Christmas-themed displays, there are two other Christmas events you should know about. (More on this below.)
Snowflake Lane is a massive show that includes classic parade-style floats.
Think: bright lights, gorgeous displays, and plenty of dancing and music—just the type of thing you’d see at the Macy’s Day Parade, for example. There’s even a Snowflake Lane Factory where kiddos can meet Santa Claus and put in a good word about their wish lists.
Gingerbread Village (Seattle, Washington)
For around 30 years, the Gingerbread Village has been a local favorite at Christmastime. This light display includes larger-than-life art installations that families can walk through. With multiple exhibits and various themes, the show usually covers a range of holiday themes.
This is a lot more than a DIY-style event. While creators are volunteers, they come from all walks of life—even architects and civil engineers have gotten involved. Just beware that the Gingerbread Village usually has a long line that can take hours to clear.
