Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go

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Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.

Step into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights at NJ's Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season at the annual Holiday Lights Spectacular. On select evenings in November and December, visitors can stroll through a fantastic display of holiday lights and scenes throughout the Essex County zoo. There's lots to see and do for FREE, though some activities require extra fees.

So bundle up the kids and get ready for a memorable night at the zoo: Here's everything you need to know about this special event. Read more about all the great things to do at Turtle Back Zoo in our review, and check out our post on 21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids for other can't-miss NJ events. 

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Atlanta: Holiday Events, Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Cirque du Soleil reimagines a Christmas classic in 'Twas The Night Before..., an acrobatic show about the magic of the holiday season. Photo by Michael Last

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this Thanksgiving Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend! 

Atlanta families have lots to be thankful for this year, including so many fun events this Thanksgiving Day weekend. Check out Thanksgiving weekend events like Dunwoody's Holiday Lights Opening Night, Lighting of the Great Tree in Lawrenceville, and The Battery Atlanta Tree Lighting. Thanksgiving weekend kicks off with exhaustingly fun turkey trots, including awesome runs in Alpharetta and Marietta. After your jog and Thanksgiving feast, enjoy the many holiday events in Atlanta, including amazing Christmas light shows like Marietta's Lights of LIFE and Woodstock's Holiday Lights event. 

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Mommy Poppins!

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Orlando: Holiday Events, Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

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Sleigh into the holly jolliest time of year at Holidays at Legoland Florida Resort. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Orlando is bursting with things to do with kids this Thanksgiving weekend, including "turkey trots" and Christmas and holiday events all weekend. Sanford's Turkey Day 5K features a Thanksgiving costume contest in addition to the race; and Oviedo Mall's Turkey Trot has a free kiddie run with the regular 5K. After Thanksgiving, celebrate the holiday season with Orlando Christmas lights and fun in Eustis, Celebration, as well as theme parks events like Holidays at Legoland and Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Looking for something beyond the seasonal holidays? Celebrate Central Florida's diverse cultures at Fusion Fest, complete with a street party, parade, and more!

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in San Francisco: Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

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Delight in a winter wonderland at North Pole Nights. Photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this Thanksgiving Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this long weekend!

It's Thanksgiving Day weekend! Whether you are hosting, traveling, bringing your favorite sides, or dining out, it's a delightful weekend to spend time with family and friends.

I am so thankful to live in the Bay Area, which is stuffed with diverse and plentiful things to do with kids. There are Thanksgiving-themed events like the jaw-dropping Helicopter Turkey Toss, and Turkey Trots in San Francisco and Oakland, and holiday festivities like the uber-popular Christmas in the Park in San Jose and a Winter Wonderland in Santa Cruz. So keep kids busy over Thanksgiving Day Weekend, make some memories, and most of all, enjoy some family time together. 

For more turkey day festivities, see the restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco and where to see holiday lights in San Francisco after the pies are all gone. Gobble up our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families for activities to keep the kids entertained before it's turkey time. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mommy Poppins! 

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Los Angeles: Parades, Turkey Trots, and More Things To Do

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Earn those Thanksgiving pies! Photo courtesy of Turkey Trot Los Angeles

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles on Thanksgiving Day and all Thanksgiving Day weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this long holiday weekend!

Can we say it? We’re thankful. Our Thanksgiving Day Weekend calendar is stuffed with activities that reflect the season's joy. Take part in a Turkey Trot and visit a flurry of holiday light displays such as Tanaka Farm's Hikari and Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch. Don't be a Grinch this holiday — check out festive happenings of Grinchmas and Super Nintendo World with the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. To top it off, on Sunday, claim a spot on Hollywood Boulevard to watch the Hollywood Christmas Parade. 

Plus, discover all the activities and events open on Thanksgiving Day, find out which restaurants are open on Thanksgiving, and check out our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families for Thanksgiving crafts,Thanksgiving movies, and even Thanksgiving jokes. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mommy Poppins! 

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