Christmas in the USA is one of the most exciting times of the year. It is full of festivals, lights, music, and delicious food. The awesome thing is that you can experience a fabulous Christmas anywhere in the United States.

Go North for Christmas in Girdwood, Alaska

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Heading north to Alaska should be on everyone’s dream list of amazing things to do during the Christmas season in the United States. The cozy town of Girdwood, Alaska, offers the very best Christmas experiences in all of Alaska. Receiving heavy snowfall almost every year, Girdwood transforms into a magical winter wonderland with towering pine trees covered in fluffy snow.

Mt. Alyeska in Girdwood has world-class ski slopes that are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Make sure you bring a Santa Claus costume because The Alyeska Ski resort offers free lift tickets to everyone dressed as Santa every Christmas eve. Around 600 Santa red and white dots carve through groomed ski trails, spreading holiday cheer!

After a long day of skiing, relax at the Alyeska Resort and Spa – one of the state’s best hotels. Take a soak in a bubbling hot tub, enjoy the sauna, or just relax before heading to dinner at any of Girdwood’s fine dining establishments. Waking up and having Christmas brunch while appreciating this beautiful snowscape is truly something special. The entire town of Girdwood lights up for Christmas, and there are plenty of sporty and relaxing activities in this world-renowned ski and spa town. Alaska in Winter is always beautiful but even more beautiful at Christmas.

By Susan at Curiosity Saves

Flagstaff, Arizona

photo credit: Visit Flagstaff

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Arizona’s Valley of the Sun makes a wonderful choice for a winter holiday vacation with its mild weather and plentiful Scottsdale Christmas activities. A favorite for locals and visitors alike is Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The resort transforms into a winter wonderland every November and December.

Go skiing in Keystone, CO

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A ski vacation in Keystone, Colorado is the perfect place in the USA to go for Christmas.  High in the rocky mountains, Keystone is picturesque year-round but even more so around Christmas time.  The steep mountains are covered with snow, and twinkling Christmas lights are strung throughout the River Run Village.

The skiing at Keystone is epic, covering three mountain peaks and more than 3,000 skiable acres.  Keystone offers terrain from beginner to expert so the ski hill is suitable for all abilities and ages. Not only that, but Keystone also offers night skiing.  Night skiing is a unique and fun way to avoid the daytime crowds on the ski hill.

But, skiing isn’t all Keystone has to offer.  There are so many fun things to do in Keystone besides skiing.  Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a rustic cabin deep in the woods for an unforgettable dining experience.  Or, visit the extensive Christmas village made completely of chocolate set up in the lobby of the Keystone Lodge and Spa every December.  The Chocolate Village even has a working gondola and train!  Ice skating on beautiful Keystone Lake is another fun thing to do in Keystone around Christmas time.  The buildings surrounding the lake are decorated with Christmas lights, and there is always a gigantic Christmas tree on the ice.

By Diane of Travels with Heli

Christmas in Naples, Florida

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So pack your board shorts and experience a tropical Christmas in beautiful Naples, Florida.

By Lori of Travelin Mad

Savannah is such a magical place during the holiday season! The entire Historic District looks like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life. Carolers stroll the streets, local stores try to outdo one another with their holiday window displays, and the squares are draped with greenery and red ribbons. It’s quite a charming scene!

One of the most popular seasonal events is the Holiday Tour of Homes, where guests can tour a handful of beautiful homes and B&Bs in the Historic District. Tickets sell out every year since many of the homes aren’t normally open to the public.

A few of the most festive areas include River Street, City Market, and Broughton Street. The Plant Riverside District on the far west end of River Street is home to the Savannah Christmas Market. It’s similar to European Christmas Markets but on a much smaller scale. Visitors and guests also love gathering to welcome Santa to Savannah during the annual Holiday Boat Parade. (Yes, Santa arrives by boat in the South!)

The official city Christmas tree is located on Broughton Street and goes up the day after Thanksgiving. City Market and Broughton Street are draped in twinkle lights, making the perfect place to do some last-minute Christmas shopping.

One of the top “must-see” places during the season is the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. It’s filled with Christmas trees made from hundreds of red poinsettias, and visitors can wander through the church’s elaborate nativity scene.

Regarding the weather, don’t expect a white Christmas in Savannah. Snow is such a rarity that the entire city shuts down when it happens! Temperatures are usually mild and average between 50-70 degrees. Pack layers, but leaving the bulky winter coats at home is usually safe.

Recommended hotels: The Marshall House (they have beautiful traditional holiday Christmas decor) or the JW Marriott Plant Riverside (for those who want to be in the heart of all the activities)

By Erin at Savannah First Timer

Related Post: Savnannah vs. Charleston: Which city is more fun to visit?

Oahu, Hawaii

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Dubuque, Iowa

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Dubuque, Iowa, is a great place to spend Christmas. Each year, starting on Thanksgiving Day, is Reflections in the Park. This is a drive-thru Christmas light display located in Louis Murphy Park, and it runs until the beginning of January. Entrance is $10 per car and all passengers receive a candy cane to eat while driving around the park. Visitors are instructed to tune the radio into a special radio station playing Christmas music to help get in the Christmas spirit! All profits from the event go to Hillcrest Family Services, a local charity. Winter in Iowa can be very cold, so this is a good event that can be enjoyed from the warmth of a car.

Other Christmas events are held in Dubuque, such as the ‘Merry Millwork Market’. This is a Christmas market held in the historic Millwork District. The Grand Harbor Resort hotel has Santa and his elves visit guest rooms with milk, cookies, and tokens that children can use in the games arcade. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium has visits from a scuba diving Santa. He swims amongst the turtles and fish in the Gulf of Mexico exhibit! For those who like the outdoors, Sundown Mountain Resort has 21 ski runs and 2 terrain parks.

Submitted by Kylie of Between England and Iowa

 Watch Santa come in on a boat in Kennebunkport, Maine

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Visit Kennebunkport, Maine to enjoy a traditional Maine Christmas. This is a small town with lots of charm, and the best way to experience it is at the annual Christmas Prelude event.

This free event begins with a boat parade; then there are carolers, crafts vendors, decorated trolley rides, musical performances and Santa!

Enjoy the Christmas hat parade, where hundreds of awesome and unusual Christmas hats are paraded down the center of the town.

Plus, the evening sing-along is one of the nicest ways to welcome in the Christmas season.

This is a great event for the whole family and free for most activities. It spans two weekends in December so there is lots of time to get to this awesome event.

Christmas in Sturbridge, Massachusetts

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Celebrate the holiday with some old-world flare at Sturbridge Village’s Christmas by Candlelight. This is a traditional candlelight tour of the village. The nighttime tours of Christmas past are very informative, and you will see Sturbridge like it would have been in the 1830s!

You can visit Father Christmas while there, see a magic show, judge Gingerbread houses, sing carols in the barn, visit a huge train set, and even make your own ornaments. It is a great event for kids who have room to run around and lots of hands-on activities.

The night’s highlight is a ride in an open carriage all around the village.

There is something for everyone in the whole family at this event, and you will even enjoy some hot apple cider and baked goods while you are there!

For anyone who likes charming small towns and snowy mountain views at Christmastime, Whitefish, Montana, is a great place to rent a cozy holiday cabin. The quaint downtown comes alive at this time of year, decked out in festive cheer – and the cold weather doesn’t hold anyone back from enjoying it. Spend a day before Christmas perusing the art galleries, doing some last-minute shopping at the many local stores, and enjoying the robust culinary scene. Or make it an active holiday season by hitting the slopes at the world-renowned Whitefish Mountain Resort or skiing cross-country at Glacier Nordic Center. And wintertime visitors to Glacier National Park, just 40 minutes from town, will be treated to mostly empty snowy trails and crowd-free alpine views.

But most importantly, be sure to head up to Whitefish Mountain Resort on the 24th for the beloved Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade. Santa and his elves ski down the slopes in a magical procession and then pass out gifts to the children in the village. The parade is free to attend and best viewed from the main village area. Bonus: buy a lift ticket for Christmas Eve, and ski with Santa all day long (just be sure to make a reservation in advance)!

By Jen Ambrose and Ryan Victor at Passions and Places

Have a Big Apple Christmas in NYC

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New York City is one of the most popular Christmas destinations in the USA- for good reason! The city is every bit as magical during the holidays as it appears to be on movies and television.

If you visit New York City during the holidays- two must-visit shows are “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” by the Rockettes and “The Nutcracker” by the New York City Ballet.

There are many sites to see during the holidays, including The Rockefeller Christmas Tree and  The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, which are conveniently located next to each other.

After visiting the two sites above, wander through midtown to see the iconic holiday decorations and window displays. The best are at Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Cartier.

A trip to NYC during the holidays wouldn’t be complete without visiting a few holiday markets. The best are located at Bryant Park, Columbus Circle, and Union Square. The best attractions in NYC are outside!

If you visit NYC during the holidays- be prepared for many crowds as this is one of the most popular times in the year to visit NYC. The best way to avoid crowds is to visit the major tourist sites early in the morning and afternoons during the weekday. NYC is very cold in the winter and most of the major sites are outdoors, so be sure to pack for cold weather with my guide to dressing for NYC in the winter. 

By Shannon at Traveling Teacher Girl

Related: Christmas tree tour in New York City

Go to Sinterklaas in Rhinebeck, New York

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Sinterklaas is an unusual festival held in Rhinebeck, NY held, on the first Saturday in December.  The region was settled by the Dutch more than 300 years ago, and the modern Sinterklaas festival is a continuation of a Christmas tradition they brought with them.

In the Netherlands, a ship arrives from Spain at the beginning of December each year, carrying Sinterklaas (the original version of Santa Claus) and his white steed.  In New York’s  Hudson Valley, Sinterklaas travels by boat across the Hudson River and participates in the festival with a life-sized puppet of a white horse.

The town is filled with festivities, including workshops held throughout the day where children make crowns and turn birch branches into glittering scepters.  Large paper lanterns in the shape of stars are also sold throughout the small village of Rhinebeck.  Of course, there are also Dutch seasonal treats, such as ginger cookies.

The festivities culminate in a Starlight Parade.  Sinterklaas and his white horse are there, of course.  But there are also dozens of enormous animal puppets.  Each year, there is a featured animal, and a group of puppets of that animal gets pride of place in the parade after Sinterklaas.  These are followed by previous years’ puppets.

The parade ends with children carrying their scepters and wearing their crowns and then anyone in the community (or visiting) who has a star-shaped paper lantern.  The evening ends with a star pageant ceremony featuring the stars.

Sinterklaas is a unique and fun Christmas celebration for the whole family.

By Ian from Hudson Valley Discovered

CHRISTMAS IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

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Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, the bustling mountain town of Asheville, NC is one of our favorite places in the United States, not to mention one of the best places in the country to visit during the holiday season.

Though it’s relatively small as far as cities go (less than 100,000 residents), there’s such a great array of things to do in Asheville that you could visit repeatedly and never get bored. There’s a bustling downtown area (with the art deco buildings of historic Pack Square at its epicenter), a thriving cultural scene (especially in the River Arts District), and loads of critically acclaimed restaurants. Best of all, the entire metropolitan area is surrounded by some of the most picture-perfect mountain scenery you could possibly imagine.

While the area’s extensive array of majestic 6,000-foot summits (including Mt Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi), wondrous waterfalls, and excellent hiking trails draw outdoor adventurers from across the country all year round, Christmas in Asheville, NC is truly the most magical time to visit.

Christmas at the Biltmore is a spectacular celebration in its own right. The Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately owned home, with 250 rooms encompassing over 135,000 square feet. The historic landmark’s Châteauesque-style architecture and lushly landscaped gardens are even more beautiful around the holidays, with the Biltmore House, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate decked out in the luminous lights and sounds of the season. Whether you explore the rooms of Biltmore House by day or embrace the romantic elegance of their Candlelight Christmas Evenings, it’s truly a must-see event.

Visit “Christmas City” Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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There are many Christmas things to do in Bethlehem, PA, which is known as the “Christmas City.”

Attend the Christkindlmarkt: This annual event features over 150 artisans selling handmade gifts, food, and drinks. It is modeled after a traditional German Christmas Market and it gets bigger and better every year! My kids love to watch the ice carvers at the Christkindlmarkt.

If you want a new experience you should see the Live Nativity and Experience the story of the first Christmas through a live reenactment of the Nativity scene.

There are dozens of things to do at Christmastime in Bethlehem, Pa including:

• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride: Enjoy a festive ride through the historic streets of Bethlehem, lined with Christmas lights and decorations.
• Visit the Bethlehem Star: The giant star atop South Mountain is a symbol of the Christmas City and can be seen from miles away.
• Take a Christmas walking tour: Learn about the history of Bethlehem and its Christmas traditions on a guided walking tour.
• Attend a Christmas concert: Many local churches and venues host Christmas concerts featuring traditional carols and holiday music.
• Enjoy the Christmas lights: Take a stroll through the historic streets of Bethlehem and enjoy the festive Christmas lights and decorations.

Nashville, Tennessee 

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Nashville, Tennessee is a surprising Christmas pick, but this city that offers a unique and exciting experience during the Christmas season.

One of the best things to do in Nashville at Christmas is to visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 3 million twinkling lights, a life-size Nativity scene, and an ice skating rink. Guests can also enjoy a ride on the Delta Riverboat, which takes them on a scenic tour of the resort’s indoor gardens and waterfalls.

Another popular attraction is the Country Music Hall of Fame, which hosts a variety of holiday-themed events, including live music performances and a tree lighting ceremony.

Visitors can also take a stroll through the historic streets of downtown Nashville, which are adorned with festive lights and decorations.

For those who enjoy shopping, there are many Christmas markets and craft fairs throughout the city, including the Nashville Christmas Village and the Holiday Market at the Nashville Farmers’ Market.

Lastly, visitors can attend a Christmas concert at the Ryman Auditorium, which has hosted some of the biggest names in country music during the holiday season. Overall, Nashville is a fun and festive destination for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season in style.

 

Visit the Christmas Capital of Texas

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Grapevine, Texas also known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, is one of the great places to celebrate Christmas in Texas.  This suburb of Dallas, Texas, transforms the entire town during the holiday season, welcoming visitors from all over the United States.

Grapevine’s Main Street hosts the first annual event, a lighted Christmas Parade.  This parade is where the guest of honor, Santa, is welcomed into town, and the parade kicks off 40 days of festival fun!  The shops along Main Street and throughout the town come alive with millions of twinkling lights and more activities than you can imagine.

One of the most popular family activities is the North Pole Express. Grapevine’s Vintage Railroad hosts this annual event.  Here, they welcome children to come in their pajamas and experience a magical holiday adventure aboard the vintage railcars.  The experience is topped off with cookies, milk, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Clause.

Grapevine’s Vintage Railroad hosts adult events during this time, also with their Christmas Wine Trains.  These adults-only outings allow guests to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and onboard entertainment during their 2-hour adventure. This once-a-year activity sells out fast, so get your tickets early if you want to participate.

The Vintage Railroad isn’t the only one hosting Christmas activities during the season.  Other highlights around town include live performances, Christmas markets, photos with Santa, a lighted boat parade, snow hills, and more.  The two major resort hotels in town, The Gaylord Texan and the Great Wolf Lodge, transform into magical Christmas wonderlands full of activities.

All of this plus more is waiting for you in Grapevine, Texas!

Michelle at That Texas Couple

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Salt Lake City, Utah, for Christmas

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Salt Lake City, Utah is a beautiful destination to visit during the Christmas season.  You can almost guarantee that there will be snow, and there are many festive activities to enjoy, making it the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.

One of the most popular things to do is visit Temple Square, beautifully decorated with thousands of lights and Christmas trees. Visitors can take a free tour of the grounds, listen to live music and see the famous Nativity scene.

Another must-see attraction is the Gallivan Center, which features an ice skating rink, holiday lights, and live performances throughout December.

Families can also visit the Hogle Zoo, which hosts a popular event called Zoo Lights, where guests can walk through the zoo and see the animals illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.

For those who enjoy the performing arts, there are many Christmas-themed shows and concerts at venues such as the Eccles Theater and the Capitol Theatre.

If you visit with kids, you will love the “This is the Place” monument and village. The pioneer town is decorated for Christmas and this living history museum becomes a Christmas wonderland with old-fashioned games, homemade treats, caroling and more.

Lastly, visitors can take a scenic drive to Big Cottonwood Canyon to experience a winter wonderland and go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Overall, Salt Lake City offers a variety of fun and festive activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy during the holiday season.

Christmas Decorations in Washington, DC

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Christmas in Leavenworth, WA

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One of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit is to celebrate the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival in the German inspired town of Leavenworth, WA. Located along the towering Cascade mountains, Christmastime in this picturesque town is full of magic. The streets are (usually) covered in snow, and over half a million Christmas lights are on display. Wandering the main street feels like stepping right into a Hallmark Christmas movie.

One of the best highlights is to visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm but prebook tickets as they can sell out fast. Another great adventure is an afternoon winter sleigh ride.

St. Nikolas makes his way around the main street, the Village Voices Choir sings carols, and in the evening, the lights are lit with a countdown. There is also sledding on the hill under the Christmas lights.

Since the picturesque town is little Germany, do not forget to indulge in all the treats. Stay warm with some Glühwein (hot mulled wine), enjoy the Bratwurst and pretzels, and make a reservation for a meal at the popular Andreas Keller.

Christmas in Leavenworth is a popular time. Hotels can book up a year in advance, so do not hesitate to make a reservation. If the main hotels are sold-out, stay nearby Wenatchee, a half-hour drive from Leavenworth. If you want to make it a day trip from Seattle it will take you around two and a half hours.

Visit Madison, Wisconsin at Christmas

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Visiting Madison during the holiday season is getting out of the regular routine. It is packed with things to see and experience. The place celebrates one of the most amazing Christmas in the USA. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the traditions of Christmas and make memories.

One of the favorite things of travelers in Madison during Christmas is witnessing the Holiday Tree at the Capitol and State Street decorated with charm. Travelers can make the most of their visit to Madison by attending the best events there.

They can start their exploration downtown. The Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree, as we mentioned, is the charm of the celebration. Travelers can also relish the festive air on the Holiday Trolley that shuttles the visitors around. State Street is filled with choral groups. It is a one-of-a-kind experience. The Holiday Open House offers local shops where visitors can make bulk purchases.

Travelers who love festive cupcakes can enjoy them at Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery. While fairy lights and shops surround the winter in Wisconsin, the Olbrich Garden Holiday Express gives a one-of-a-kind experience by showcasing large-scale model trains. Travelers can enjoy poinsettias and miniature landscapes there.

After a wonderful steak dinner, the travelers can enjoy dreamy Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park. They can conclude the Christmas evening by watching a live ballet show like the one at Overture Center for the Arts called The Nutcracker.

People who are solely visiting Madison during Christmas for shopping can find no place better than Hilldale Shopping Center. There are also communities celebrating many events like Cambridge celebrates Classic Christmas and Greenway Station on the west side of the city hosted amazing festive music and Christmas tree.

Christmas in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Milwaukee is magical during the months of the winter season. The tranquil lights with decorated streets provide the right Christmas feel to the visitors.

During Christmas, this place becomes among the most beautiful places in the USA. The place is perfect for experiencing city lights around the beach. The lanes are filled with stalls selling myriad gifts and local delicacies.

One of the most favorite things of visitors during Christmas is the celebration at Pabst Mansion. It is decorated like a dream during winter. The guests can experience the rooms adorned with Christmas lights and all the Christmas trees around. Another popular activity is stopping by the famous Schuster Mansion to schedule High Tea and closely get to know the Victorian Christmas tradition.

The city is most popular for its breweries and major brewers. It shines like Cinderella, and the streets smell of waffles. It starts celebrating Christmas from the first week of November to the last of December.

Then the visitors can go to Milwaukee Public Market to follow the tradition of the last 80 years, i.e, getting a copy of the WE Energies cookie book.

Apart from that, the visitors can join the Christmas Carols at The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. At Red Arrow Park’s Slice of Ice, travelers can even enjoy ice skating.

County Clare Inn and top Airbnbs in downtown Milwaukee are great options for those wondering where to stay in Milwaukee.

By Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Christmas in Jackson, Wyoming

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If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then there’s no better thing to do in the USA than a ski trip to the Old West. Country Living magazine named the small town of Jackson, Wyoming, one of the “20 Best Small Towns for Christmas”. The biggest draw for people is the skiing and Jackson Hole frequently sits atop many of the annual lists of best ski resorts in the USA. It averages nearly 500 inches (12-13 meters) of snowfall yearly and features over 4,000 feet (1200 meters) of elevation change – North America’s biggest continuous vertical descent.

Skiing at Jackson Hole can be very pricey if you only buy some day passes, so consider getting either the Ikon Pass or Mountain Collective, which gets you access not only to Jackson Hole but to other resorts as well, such as Park City in Utah. Though you pay more upfront, these passes are actually the most affordable skiing options if you plan on doing a lot of skiing or taking multiple ski trips this year.

The town of Jackson is also very festive, with twinkling lights adorning the iconic antler arches of the town square, nightly visits with Santa Clause, and the Jackson Hole Playhouse running a Christmas show every year during December. You can also ride a horse-drawn sleigh through the National Elk Refuge near town. Winter is prime time for wildlife viewing, and you can easily spot herds of elk, bison, and moose grazing in the valleys. If you stick around until New Year’s Eve, be sure to catch the torchlight parade and firework show at the Snow King Mountain Resort.

by JJ From Minivan Bucket List

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 I hope you find something to help celebrate Christmas wherever you live in the United States! If I have missed your favorite event, email me at travelswiththecrew1@gmail.com and let me know! I’d love to find more ways to celebrate Christmas in the USA.