Pictures with Santa Claus in NYC in 2023

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At the Apollo Theater in Harlem, take pictures with Santa and enjoy live performances. Photo courtesy of the Apollo

Santa Claus is coming to town and New York City kids have plenty of places to take pictures with Santa this season. From the heartwarming experience at Macy's Santaland to appearances at area malls—Santa is popping up and posing all over town.

Read on for our favorite spots to take pictures with Santa all across the five boroughs, including plenty of venues offering FREE pictures with Santa in NYC. Our rundown of Christmas tree lightings in NYC offers more opportunities to see jolly old St. Nick. We've got even more ways to meet the seasonal celebrity at these brunches, teas, and cruises with Santa, and our Guide to Christmas and the Holidays in NYC offers more holiday fun.

Pictures with Santa Claus in Los Angeles

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Only in LA can you paddle with Santa. Photo courtesy of Ventura Harbor Village

Pictures with Santa in Los Angeles aren't your standard snaps: here we have Diving Santa, Shogun Santa, Santa on a train, and so much more.

When it comes to Christmas in Los Angeles, Santa is coming to town in many forms and fashions unique to SoCal. Los Angeles offers some of the best Santas around, including several special versions of Santa you won't find anywhere else. So, snap a few pictures with Santa at one of these fun, funky, and totally LA Santa photo opportunities, from diving Santas to farm Santas, Shogun Santa to the Santa at Disneyland. 

Get our picks for the best holiday activities and Christmas events in Los Angeles, festive Polar Express train rides, and more. Check out tons of festive Christmas fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities in Los Angeles. 

40 Warm and Sunny Family Vacation Spots: Winter Vacation Ideas in the US and Abroad

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Make memories to last a lifetime at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks and Caicos.

From perpetually wet feet to relentlessly bundling (and unbundling) your kids with layer upon layer, the need to escape grows for many parents as the winter drags on. Even those families who don't live with the finicky four-season cycle might prefer their family vacation with a side of palm trees, rather than fur-trimmed snow boots.

So whether you're seeking to escape the cold or just don't want to vacation in it, we've rounded up 40 of the best winter vacation ideas in the US and abroad filled with sun, fun, and warmth.

Read on to find great all-inclusive resorts, beaches, and charming cities teeming with culture that will give you a family vacation that’s sunny, not snowy. For even more winter vacation ideas, be sure to check out our Family Travel Guide.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Connecticut

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Santa Claus is beaming with excitement for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of Holiday Stroll at Mill River Park

The best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut have arrived for 2023! Light displays are one of the most magical experiences that Connecticut offers during the holiday season. There is nothing like sparkling lights and imaginitive displays to put a whole family in a festive mood. You won't hve far to drive for one of these big, special events, from Stamford to Mystic. Christmas light shows return again to Hartford and New Haven. So Read on for our picks for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut.

There are also Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Connecticut to enjoy this season. If you are looking for more things to do this holiday season, be sure to check out the Top Holiday Activities and Christmas Events for Connecticut Kids. Want even more holiday fun?  Follow our Facebook  and Instagram pages for updated events.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Boston

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See what's merry and bright this season at the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Boston! Naumkeag Winterlights photo courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations

The best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Boston are here for 2023! While Boston families may favor different holiday traditions, everyone can rejoice in the magic of holiday lights. And boy, has the magic of Christmas lights returned in style. The Festival of Trees at Elm Bank lights up the trees in Wellesley. Winterlights brightens the skies over Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex. Even the animals are taking part in the festivities at Stone Zoo in Stoneham and the Southwick Zoo in Mendon.

Enjoy this season and the magic of lights with your family at one of these holiday light shows (maybe even bring a cup of cocoa for the road). There are more amazing displays with Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Boston. Be sure to check out our guide to 25 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in New England for Kids. For more holiday and Christmas activities, plan ahead with our Holidays and Christmas Activities Guide for Boston Kids.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago

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Lightscapes is a beautiful holiday lights event near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Lightscapes

Christmas light shows in Chicago blaze from the lakeshore to the far suburbs, with holiday lights drive-thrus and events in every corner. Every neighborhood has homes and buildings that go all out, but there are also holiday and Christmas lights in Chicago worth traveling for, from walk-through spectacles at zoos and gardens to massive drive-through displays, and even holiday lights you can appreciate indoors. Bundle up the kids and head out to one of these holiday and Christmas light displays in Chicago before they wink out for the season!

Lights are just the tip of the iceberg of our holiday events! Check out our list of top Christmas and Hanukkah events in Chicago and the suburbs. Also, be sure to book your Polar Express adventure now before they sell out.  But CTA Santa trains and buses are still running throughout the season.

Here's our list of top holiday light shows in Chicago and the suburbs!

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Houston

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Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station

Christmas light shows in Houston make the holidays come alive — even when it's still 80 degrees outside. Twinkling holiday lights and snowy scenes always help make spirits bright! From drive-thru Christmas lights experiences to walking adventures, and from traditional holiday lights or out-of-this-world displays, we've rounded up holiday and Christmas lights to suit every taste. For the best Christmas lights in and around Houston, check out one of the locales or events below.

 And for more holiday and Christmas ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Westchester

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The Keeler Christmas light display in Putnam Valley features nearly 1 million lights.

Families all over Westchester deck their houses with Christmas lights, but certain special houses merit a visit all their own.

We’ve rounded up several of our favorite local Christmas light displays for 2023, perfect for getting your crew into the holiday spirit. While most of these displays are of the homegrown variety, you can find plenty of spectacular professional displays in the tristate area, too.

If you're looking for even more holiday happenings, check out our Holiday Fun Guide to hear about all the fun as soon as we do.

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