With the holiday season officially underway, it’s time to start planning this year’s festivities. Don’t let the cold weather prevent you from partaking in one of the finest U.S. holiday festivals.
Attending a holiday festival is a great way to get the whole family together and get in the holiday spirit. Though festivals are year-round, the winter ones are the best. Between the glittering lights, heartwarming music and enchanting displays, a holiday festival should definitely be included on your to-do list this year. After all, making great family memories and creating traditions are what the holidays are all about, right?
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
New York City’s Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular is something everyone should see at least once. If you’re traveling east for the holidays, or live in or around New York City, put this on your calendar. Celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, it runs through Dec. 30. The show features the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, including precision choreography, impeccable style and dance moves and a beautiful live Nativity scene. This is sure to get you and your family in the holiday spirit!
Winter WonderFest
Spend a day at Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest in Chicago. A festival for all ages, this event is taking place until Jan. 6, 2013. Featuring 170,000 square feet of indoor winter magic, there’s an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, train rides, a visit from Santa Claus, art and performances. Entertainment goes on all day on the Winter WonderStage — so plan on seeing live bands, DJs playing the hottest tunes and even multi-ethnic music and dance from the local community.
The Boston Pops
If music’s what you like, don’t miss Boston’s very popular Boston Pops. The show runs from Dec. 5 to 24, so get your tickets now. Conducted by Keith Lockhart, the symphony features dozens of holiday concerts that are full of energy and are a delight to both your ears and eyes. If the kids are music lovers too, don’t worry. This festival even offers concerts specifically designed for them, including sing-alongs and a visit from Santa. It’s sure to bring some holiday joy and will inspire the next generation of music lovers.
Great Dickens
Christmas Fair
Head west to San Francisco to experience the 34th annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair — running now through Dec. 23. Located at historic Cow Palace, it’s the world’s most authentic and elaborate Victorian-style Christmas. It’s a slice of Charles Dickens’ London, bringing back the sights, smells and feel of the beloved season with dancing, feasting, celebrating and shopping. Featuring holiday goodies and plenty of entertainment, this is yet another enchanting holiday experience you won’t want to miss. Oh, and wearing a historic period costume is totally appropriate!
Holiday Festival
of Trains
Experience your childhood all over again with Baltimore’s Holiday Festival of Trains, now through Dec. 31. Not only will you get to see huge, operating model train layouts, you’ll also partake in holiday crafts, Christmas stories and lots of other entertainment, including live music and train rides. Kids can mail letters to Santa, make wooden train ornaments and ride on an indoor carousel. Get your tickets now and start creating lasting, magical memories with the family!
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