Remember when the holidays felt magical? They still can. Whether you’re boarding a magical train, wandering through a glowing garden, or enjoying tea time with your favorite doll, these nationwide holiday events prove that you don’t have to travel far to make unforgettable memories. The best part? Every experience is packed with holiday spirit—no airfare required.
1. Lightscape
Botanical gardens across the country—from Chicago to Brooklyn to LA—transform into twinkling trails of art, music, and light. Think immersive tunnels, glowing sculptures, and cocoa in hand under winter skies.
2. Magic of Lights
If “kids in PJs, cocoa in the cup holders” is your December aesthetic, this nationwide drive-through light show in over 20 cities is pure magic. Families stay cozy while cruising through millions of LEDs set to favorite holiday songs. Find your nearest location.
3. ICE! at Gaylord Hotels
Step into a frozen wonderland sculpted from over two million pounds of ice. Each resort (TX, TN, FL, CO, MD/DC) features life-size carvings, ice slides, and themed scenes—this year’s installations include classics like A Christmas Story and The Polar Express. Find your nearest location.
4. Enchant Christmas
Part light maze, part holiday village, all sparkle. Enchant pops up in major markets like Dallas, Las Vegas, and LA with skating, Santa, and a glittering maze that feels straight out of a snow globe. Find your nearest location.
5. Holiday Teatime at the American Girl® Store
A treasured tradition returns! Step into a world of sugar, spice, and everything nice at American Girl’s Holiday Teatime, hosted at stores nationwide. Kids and their dolls are treated to a festive table of tasty treats, crafts, and cozy cheer. With special doll seating and themed activities that make every moment picture-perfect, it’s equal parts nostalgia and a new memory-making experience. Spots fill faster than Santa’s sleigh—reserve early!
6. The Polar Express
Train Ride
All aboard! The beloved story comes to life at railroads in dozens of states, from Maryland to Arizona. Kids wear pajamas, sip cocoa, and meet Santa as the train “travels” to the North Pole. Find your nearest location.
7. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The pyrotechnic holiday rock spectacle that lights up arenas nationwide. A heady mix of concert and storytelling, it’s perfect for tweens and teens ready to trade sugarplums for electric guitars. Find a show near you.
8. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
If symphonic sparkle is more your family’s speed, Mannheim Steamroller delivers the nostalgic, big-sound celebration of the season—touring from coast to coast through December. Find a performance near you.
9. LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular
At LEGOLAND California, Florida, and New York, the holidays get the brick treatment—massive LEGO trees, holiday scavenger hunts, and meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa. Learn more.
10. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
When your local ballet company doesn’t have its own Nutcracker, this touring production steps in with shimmering sets, swirling snowflakes, and just the right dose of holiday magic. Find a performance near you.
Bonus Everywhere: Santa’s Photo Ops
You don’t have to look far to find Santa this season! Families can stop by Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland for free photos, festive crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer—no reservations required. Prefer the classic mall experience? Simon Malls and WhereIsSanta.com feature more than 400 locations nationwide, including Caring Santa sessions designed to give kids with sensory sensitivities a calm and joyful visit with the big guy himself.
Wherever you are, there’s magic waiting just down the road. From glowing gardens and holiday trains to sweet teatimes and Santa smiles, these festive experiences are proof that you don’t need to travel far to make lasting memories. So bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and make this season one your family will never forget.