Holiday Season in the US starts at Thanksgiving and continues through December to Christmas, Hannukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve celebrations; in other countries, too, by the end of November holiday lights are up and special events begun. Wherever you travel, you'll find festivities; many events-- such as Holiday Lights-- continue to New Year's.
--See also: Gift Ideas for traveling kids, teens, moms, dads--
Thanksgiving
Many ideas for getaways and festivities for Thanksgiving Weekend 2008; Thanksgiving in the US is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, which falls on the 27th this year.
Christmas Events and Holiday Season Ideas
- Great Places to See Santa - The North Pole (NY), Bethlehem CT, Orlando, Chocolate Town USA... read about great places to see the jolly guy in red.
- Christmas and Holiday Celebrations - a roundup of events in many cities.
- Holiday Season Packages Ten ideas: "Home for the Holidays" package in Vermont with Christmas trimmings, including your own tree to decorate in your room; The Polar Express train in New Hampshire; 12 Days of Christmas at Sea Island...
- Polar Express Train Rides: "The Polar Express" is a classic children's book about a child's train ride to see Santa at the North Pole. At several locations in the US, families can ride a real-life train that re-creates the storybook experience.
- More Christmas Trains: many tourist railroads run Santa Special train rides or a "North Pole Express".
- Holiday Lights! Kids love to see the sparkle of holiday lights: even the local neighborhood becomes magical. And then there are those places where the sparkles multiply into millions... Check out a dozen top spots.
- Christmas Tree Lighting: Many cities and towns have a special Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to start the holiday season, either late in November or in early December. Check out some outstanding Christmas Tree Lighting.
- Christmas Festivals: All over the world, towns big and small celebrate a Christmas Festival, with roots in the Christian faith, but with an appeal as broad as Santa Claus. Festivities include tree-lightings, candlelight processionals, Santa arrivals, maybe even fireworks.
- Christmas Vacation in Europe - what better time to experience the traditions that fascinate North Americans? A time of special celebrations, decorations, and seasonal warmth... read about German Christmas markets, London during the Holiday Season, Italy, France... (And enjoy low-season airfares, too.)
- Christmas in Orlando - no surprise, this world capital of family vacations goes all out for the Holiday Season. (Also: Christmas Festival events.)
- Disney Christmas - Disney World has parades, parties, other special events in every theme park. Have a look at Disney Christmas photos from Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios: Holidays Around the World, Candlelight Processional, Osborne Spectacle of Lights. Or see Disney Christmas photos from the Magic Kingdom: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party, Wishes fireworks, Disney Christmas Tree.
- Christmas Vacation at Hershey PA: HersheyPark opens up as Christmas Candylane; Hershey Sweet Lights is a two-mile drive through woods filled with a million lights on 600 animated displays; "Chocolate Town, “A Holiday Dinner Musical” is presented at Hershey Lodge; Dutch Winter Wonderland a 30-minute drive away.
Holiday Season at US Theme Parks
Many theme parks these days have a jolly holiday season - even if they're summertime parks that are normally closed after Labor Day. About.com's Guide for Theme Parks rounds up Christmas and Holiday Season events.
Lots More Christmas Vacation Ideas
Kwanzaa Events
This African-American celebration of culture and family takes place from December 26th to January 1st, with each day focused on one of seven guiding principles, from Unity to Faith. A growing number of public events celebrate the Kwanzaa holidays.
Family New Year: At some phases in life, December 31st is the wildest partiest date on the calendar. At other phases, December 31st is still a night for celebration, but the festivities include the kids. Below are ideas for getaways for a memorable family New Year's Eve.
First Night Festivities: A special type of family-style New Year's Eve: family-friendly and affordable celebrations, staged in many cities, showcasing the performing arts.
*photo courtesy of Universal Orlando.
