11 great American holiday celebrations

Taking a spin on the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza and ringing in the holidays with Mickey and friends are as festive and familiar as the season gets, but savvy travelers should consider adding these other cool yuletide traditions (listed in no particular order) to their December bucket lists.

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1. Mary & Joseph’s Journey: Santa Fe, NM

Luminarias lightup Sante Fe during the holiday season, turning this charming town into a magical holiday spectacle. On one December night, the city becomes even more special when Las Posadas, a candlelight procession reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for a room at an inn in Bethlehem, takes place. The procession starts at the historic Palace of the Governors and meanders around the Sante Fe Plaza, in the center of town. Spectators watch the holy couple seek shelter at various inns before ending at the Palace’s courtyard where hot cider and cookies are served.

The Grinch and Max at “Grinchmas” at Universal Studios Hollywood | Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

2. Grinchmas, Universal Studios: Universal City, CA

Visit Who-ville up close! See the Whos sing carols around the whimsical Christmas tree, take selfies with the silly and sarcastic Grinch, frolic in the (real!) snow lot and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the set of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

3. Jingle Bus: Milwaukee, WI

Hop aboard the Jingle Bus for a 40-minute tour that passes downtown Milwaukee landmarks and holiday scenes, including an 18-piece animatronic symphony orchestra of bears. Free cookies and hot apple cider will beserved at TheShops of Grand Avenue where guests board the bus.

Bentleyville Tour of Lights | Photo courtesy of @minnieleebean

4. Bentleyville Tour of Lights: Duluth, MN

This free walk-through light shows twinkles with more than 4 million lights at Duluth‘s pretty Bayfront Festival Park and includes a 12-story-tall animated Christmas tree.

5. Historic Holiday Stroll: Boston, MA

This 90-minute walk is led by 19th-century Dickensian costumed guides and includes a tour of holidaylights and Christmastrees along the Freedom Trail. It ends, naturally, with a slice of world-famous Boston cream pie.

Bethlehem A.D | Flickr CC: Bob n Renee

6. Bethlehem, A.D.: Redwood City, CA

This NoCal tech town faithfully re-ennacts what it was like to live in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Hundreds of actors partake inthis festive affair, the“city” is recreated in a massive parking lot, live animals (camels, donkey, goats, etc) add layers of authenticity and there’s even a chorus of singing angels as Mary and Joseph welcome the birth of baby Jesus.

Dyker Heights | Flickr CC: Philipp Alexander

7. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Brooklyn, NY

Just like a Hollywood movie, the residents of this outer borough ‘hood try and outdo each other with over-the-top, professionally decorated lights and displays that are sure to dazzle spectators. Explore byfoot, or take a 3.5-hour bustour from Manhattan.

Honolulu City of Lights | Flickr CC: Daniel Ramirez

8. Christmas Lights Trolley: Honolulu, HI

Hop aboard an open-air trolley to get the best views of the festive Honolulu City Lights. The one-hour tour travels along Bishop, King, Alapai, and Punchbowl Streets and is decorated with Hawaiian-themed Christmas displays that include trees and wreaths, a giant Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele (Mr. and Mrs. Claus) and several animated light displays. Horse drawn carriage rides are also available.

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CHILL at Queen Mary | Photo courtesy of @bionicbuzz

9. CHILL at Queen Mary: Long Beach, CA

Climb aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach for this 14,000-square foot holiday experience where you can marvel at larger-than-life, LED-lit Alice in Wonderland-themed ice sculptures, take a twirl on the 6,000-square foot ice skating rink or slide down the 135-foot Glacier Ice Tubing Luge. The North Pole Village includes gingerbread house making, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and plenty of holiday treats. Parkas included!

10. Polar Express Train Ride: Sacramento, CA

Children will love to wear their pajamas and hop aboard the Polar Express to relive their favorite holiday book and movie complete with dancing waiters serving hot cocoa, a ghostly hobo and a visit with Santa.

Christmas Boat Parade | Photo courtesy of @mj7o2

11. Christmas Boat Parade: Newport Beach, CA

This 108-year-old tradition features massive yachts, duffys, and kayaks decorated with thousands of lights cruising at night along a 14.7-mile route in Newport Beach’s waterways while playing loud holiday music for spectators to enjoy. A not-to-be-missed spectacle.

Tagged: Family time