Elf Crafting Party | Online

The Elves are working hard to get all of the toys ready for Santa, but they still love to spend time one-on-one with your family crafting, singing, and storytelling!

This is a unique experience that is sure to create huge smiles and get everyone feeling jolly.

• 20-minute private party hosted by a jolly elf in real-time at the North Pole.
• We provide all that you need to build a Holiday craft for up to four kiddos, sing along to your favorite Christmas songs, and enjoy some holiday fun and silly merriment with one of Santa's Elves.
• Learn all about North Pole lore and discover hidden Holiday secrets known only to those closest to Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Through Dec 17

Christmas at Biltmore | Asheville, NC

Welcome the holiday season in style with Christmas at Biltmore: a 2-month holiday celebration featuring incredible decorations, live music, and special candlelight evening experiences.

Nov 5, 2021–Jan 9, 2022

Christmas at Gaylord Texan | Grapevine, TX

Gaylord Texan Resort’s Lone Star Christmas brings the joy of Christmas to life! Marvel at dazzling light shows, towering Christmas trees, magical miniature train sets, and thousands of shimmering ornaments. All-new this year is Mission: Save Christmas Featuring Elf, where guests can join Buddy the Elf and save Christmas.

Also, new this year is Merry & Light, a whimsical, walk-through an outdoor Christmas lights attraction featuring more than 400,000 lights, a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree with an animated light show, a North Pole display with real falling snow, and more. Inside find a snow-tubing hill, indoor ice-skating rink, snow to build life-size snowmen, and many more family-friendly activities.

Nov 12, 2021–Jan 2, 2022

Holidays at Universal Orlando | Orlando, FL

Experience even more wonderous holiday offerings during the festive season, including the popular return of its “Universal’s Holiday Tour,” an exclusive guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure available on select dates starting November 21, as well as a scrumptious selection of themed holiday treats, top-notch shopping and live performances throughout the celebration.

Nov 13–Jan 2

North Carolina Arboretum's Winter Lights | Asheville, NC

It's called the brightest holiday tradition in Asheville and features one million bright, energy-efficient LED lights throughout the nationally-known gardens. The lights illuminate the natural beauty and landscapes of the arboretum during the winter season.

Nov 19, 2021–Jan 1, 2022

Lights on from 5:30—10 p.m. every night (incoming gate closes at 9:30 p.m.)

Dallas Zoo Lights | Dallas, TX

Cruise the mile-long route through the Dallas Zoo and enjoy many magical holiday moments along the way! Featuring one million twinkling lights, elaborate holiday-themed displays, dazzling 3-D lighted sculptures, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and more, all from the comfort of your vehicle. NEW THIS YEAR — immersive video projection mapping will transform select areas along the path, and the route ends with a bigger, brighter Reliant Holiday Village!

Select nights Nov 19, 2021–Jan 2, 2022

L.A. Zoo Lights | Los Angeles, CA

L.A. Zoo Lights returns for the 2021-22 season and we’re glad to welcome you back with more glowing animals and an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color. L.A. Zoo Lights is a not-to-be-missed holiday light experience and has glowed brighter each year since its debut in 2014. This year’s event features more light animals than ever before, spectacular new additions – both hand-crafted and high-tech – and returning favorites.

Select nights Nov 19, 2021–Jan 9, 2022

ZooLights and Lincoln Park Zoo | Chicago, IL

Chicago’s favorite holiday tradition is back and better than ever in 2021 with our new Pepper Family Wildlife Center at the heart of the zoo, a new holiday lights experience on our Main Mall, and an exciting new light show on our South Lawn. Also new this year: sensory-friendly visit times and an impressive 18-foot holiday tree sure to inspire festive oohs and aahs.

Select nights Nov 19, 2021–Jan 2, 2022

Asheville Holiday Parade | Asheville, NC

The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles of WNC, rolls, dances, and marches through downtown Asheville. The parade features more than 100 entries including bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, nonprofits, and businesses. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating 75 Years of Memories and Magic.”

Nov 20

• 11 a.m. start

Meet Main Street Santa | Grapevine, TX 

Take a memorable photo with Santa in the North Pole General Store, located in the Christmas Village – Founders Building. Photos are available during Grapevine Christmas Village operating hours.  Passengers who ride the North Pole Express receive a voucher for a free family photo with Santa. 701 S. Main St. Reservations accepted at MainStreetSanta.com.

Nov 20–Dec 24

33rd Annual Carol of Lights presented by Kona Ice and Travelin' Tom's Coffee | Grapevine, TX

Kick-off the Christmas Capital of Texas as we illuminate Historic Downtown Grapevine when Mayor William D. Tate “flips the switch” at the 33rd Annual Carol of Lights show and street lighting. Celebrate the season with live performances, a spectacle of lights and breathtaking fireworks at City Hall beginning at 7 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy family-friendly fun like seeing Santa and live reindeer, creating seasonal crafts, and enjoying tasty bites, beginning at 4 p.m. Free event. 200 S. Main St.

Nov 22

7 p.m.

Historic Grapevine Christmas Spectacular | Grapevine, TX

Everyone’s favorite Christmas spot is back and better than ever! Enjoy all the decorations up and down Main Street and daily performances, As you make your way down your very own magical wonderland, be sure to check out our animated snowman, “The Chilly Dawgs” and the NEW larger-than-life-sized Main Street Toyland at Town Square Gazebo.

Nov 23, 2021–Jan 10, 2022

Nevada Southern Railway’s Santa Express | Las Vegas, NV

In addition, the Nevada Southern Railway announces its annual Santa Express Train. Guests on the Santa Express will experience the magic of riding historic trains at night, and each excursion includes a photo opportunity with Santa, storytelling, hot chocolate, and cookies from Chilly Jilly’z of Boulder City.

Nov 26, 27; Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 22

5:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m.

Alpine Fest at Buffalo Creek Brewing | Long Grove, IL

Set against a scenic pine forest backdrop, the Alpine Biergarten at BCB features multiple roaring fire pits, patio and barrel table heat lamps, throws and apparel to stay warm, twinkle lighting, holiday décor, outdoor table service, and over two acres of winter wonderland to explore. The Chicago Culinary Kitchen food truck will be on-site serving up Texas-style BBQ to heat things up even more!  Also, new this year, BCB will expand its Alpine concept with the introduction of the Alpine Lodge – a cozy German winter lodge atmosphere for those who prefer to stay indoors. 

Nov 26, 27, 28

Zoolights Holiday lights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium | Tacoma, WA

Step back into the Zoolights tradition you know and love: your Zoo, transformed into a colorful winter wonderland with over 800,000 lights. What's your favorite display? The giant Pacific octopus? Giant tiger face? Flame tree? Seahawks tree? What about the Narrows Bridges? And don't forget to hunt for Sasquatch. Come find all your favorites, old and new.

Nov 26, 2021–Jan 2, 2022

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood | Los Angeles, CA

Enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can see Hogsmeade transformed with enchanting spirit. And experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a holiday spectacle of dazzling lights and music.

Plus, join in on the Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch, Max, and all of Who-ville with the return of Grinchmas.

Nov 26, 2021–Jan 2, 2022

Bright Nights at Utica Zoo | Utica, NY

Bright Nights is the Utica Zoo’s Premiere Holiday event that runs on weekends from the end of November through Christmas featuring all sorts of holiday fun such as caroling, food trucks, hot drinks, Santa, and numerous light displays!

Nov 26–Dec 19

Winter Wonderlights at Zoo New York | Watertown, NY

Celebrate the holidays at one of Zoo New York's festival of lights days: Winter Wonderlights!

Nov 26, 2021–Jan 2, 2022

North Pole Express via Grapevine Vintage Railroad | Grapevine, TX

Put on your best Christmas pajamas and join Mrs. Claus on a holiday adventure as she takes her guests to pick up Santa and bring him to the Christmas Capital of Texas. Stroll through the snowy North Pole Forest before making your way to take a complimentary keepsake photo with Santa. Tickets: $35 for Touring Class, $40 for First Class.

Nov 26–30

Dec 1, 3–8, 10–15, 17–23

Adventure Center of Asheville Twilight Nighttime Treetop Climb | Asheville, NC

Kids and adults can watch the stunning mountain landscape transform from sunset to nighttime from a magical treetop vantage point. Over 15,000 colored lights and psychedelic lasers will sparkle on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms, creating a totally unique canopy experience.

Nov 27 and Dec 27

Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour | Asheville, NC

This seasonal favorite is the perfect family activity to do with the kids in Asheville. It features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. 

Mid-Nov thru Dec

7:00 p.m. Mon, Thu, Fri, and Sat

Nash Farm Christmas Market | Grapevine TX

Throughout the season, participate in Christmas Ornament Making and Cookie Baking at the Farm, daily events from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3 per person per activity. 626 Ball St.

Nov 27–Dec 31

Christmas Events at the Historic Palace Theater | Grapevine, TX

Enjoy live holiday-themed performances and entertainment, and see Christmas classics on the big screen at Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre.

Nov 28: North Central Ballet presents “Nutcracker – Short and Sweet”

Dec 3: William Lee Martin’s “The Return of the Nutcracker,” A Christmas Standup 

Spectacular (18+)

Dec 4: “A Merry Little Christmas Show” with Ricki Derek

Dec 5: Cinderella – A British Pantomime; Elvis Christmas Special with Kraig Parker

Dec 10 and 11: It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play: A Wishing Star Stage Company Production and the Palace Theatre present It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Dec 12: Will Hearn’s The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show with Blue Water Highway

Dec 16 and 17: Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin the Christmas Tribute

Dec 18 and 19: Christmas with the Petersens

Check the website for Classic Movie titles, dates, and times

LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Grapevine, TX

Celebrate a Bricktacular Holiday at LEGOLAND Discovery Center and See Scuba Diving Santa at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium: Don’t miss your chance to meet LEGO Santa at LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s Holiday Bricktacular. Dive into SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium and find out if you’ve been naughty or nice when Scuba Diving Santa returns.

National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn | Asheville, NC

29th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition features traditional to off-the-wall, there are gingerbread houses of every size, shape, and theme. Visitors will experience gumdrop-adorned castles and sugar-spun landscapes that will likely inspire gingerbread traditions of their own.

Nov 28, 2021–Jan 2, 2022

Portland ZooLights | Portland, OR

The best holiday event in Portland returns this winter.

It wouldn't be the holidays in Portland without a visit to ZooLights! As you walk around the zoo, you'll see a dazzling display of more than 1.5 million lights, and experience the zoo in a whole new way.

In addition to visiting elephants, mountain goats, and other wildlife, you can ride the popular lighted train and carousel, and enjoy hot drinks and local food carts. Photos with Santa will be available for the little ones every evening through Dec. 24. 

BrewLights (adults only) returns Nov 22 and 23.

Nov 29–Jan 5

The 2021 Gingerbread Masterpiece Unveiling at The Benson | Portland, OR

Free public unveiling of the 2021 Gingerbread Masterpiece on the 50th anniversary of the event. The Gingerbread Masterpiece has been an annual tradition at The Benson Portland for the past 49 years. Last year, the hotel continued the tradition with a virtual gingerbread contest to safeguard the health and safety of everyone in the wake of the pandemic. 

This year’s theme will appeal to the community’s desire for coming together in person. Guests can expect an interactive experience with a theme that children and adults of all ages will connect to as they embark on a magical adventure that embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Baker Robert Bragdon of Portland’s Next Dimension Bakery will create the gingerbread scene this year. He has assisted Chef Diffendorfer with his creations at The Benson over the past five years and has a passion and talent for edible art and sculpture.

309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 503-228-2000

Dec 1, 6 pm unveiling

On display through Dec 26 

Holiday Cheers at the Bronx Zoo | Bronx, NY

Guests ages 21 and over are invited to join us for Holiday Cheers, a special outdoor evening at Holiday Lights featuring unlimited delicious food samplings and a selection of festive adult beverages. Of course, the evening will also include everything you love about Holiday Lights: immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, animated light shows, festive entertainment, seasonal treats, classic holiday music, and much more.

Dec 1 (adults only)

Lake Julian Festival of Lights | Asheville, NC

A local drive-thru light show, Lake Julian Festival of Lights, illuminates a popular Buncombe County park. The road circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling lights with 50 animated and stationary light displays. Visitors enjoying the lights will also be supporting a good cause—20 percent of ticket sales are donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics

Dec 1–23

Story Time with Santa | Grapevine, TX

Enjoy Storytime with Santa and hear some of Santa’s favorite stories and songs.  After storytime, take a picture with Santa! For more information and to make reservations, visit MainStreetSanta.com. 701 S. Main St. 

Dec 2, 3, 9, 16 at Noon and 1 p.m.

Holiday Nights at Rosamond Gifford Zoo | Syracuse, NY

New for the holidays! Take a festive and fun after-hours stroll amid sparkling displays of holiday lights that transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Enjoy holiday treats like hot chocolate and s'mores along with pop-up entertainment along the way!

Dec 3–Dec 18

Appalachian Santa at Montgomery Sky Farm | Leicester, NC

This isn't your typical mall Santa. The Appalachian Santa featured at Montgomery Sky Farm sports a plaid shirt, traditional Southern quilt patterns, and a rustic vest, among other mountain accouterments. Along with Appalachian Santa, Montgomery Sky Farm offers a rustic farmyard holiday experience featuring mini goats, Highland cows, warm beverages, and cookies. Leicester offers sweeping rural landscapes and charming shops just 10 minutes from Asheville.

Dec 3–Dec 10

Dickens in the Village Festival | Asheville, NC

In Biltmore Village, the festival features excerpts from A Christmas Carol and a genuine chestnut roaster amid shops, cafes, and Old World ambiance

December 3–4

Ugly Sweater Run | Fletcher, NC

Don your ugliest sweater, lace up your running shoes, and join us at the Riveter for the second installment of this festive 5k/10k event! The Riveter will be serving up plenty of post-race activities (and beverages) again this year, so it's sure to become one of your favorite holiday traditions!

Dec 4

Christmas at Natural Bridge Caverns | San Antonio, TX

Filled with carols in the caverns, a stunning walk-thru light stroll, a giant Christmas tree, and, of course, Spelunker Claus, this year's event is shaping up to be bigger than ever.

Guests can lend their support for the Food Bank this year through a Natural Bridge Caverns community food drive or take the option to Round Up for Hunger by adding a donation to their online ticket orders. In addition, every guest who brings a non-perishable food item will receive a free s'mores kit to enjoy by our campfire.  Finally, a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Food Bank.

Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23