50 Awesome Holiday & Christmas Traditions for Families to Start This Year

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on

Track Santa with one the free Santa trackers while relaxing by the lights of the Christmas tree.

Part of what makes the holidays so special for families are their annual Christmas traditions. Some holiday traditions may have started when we were kids ourselves. Others might be new Christmas traditions we've created with our own children.

No matter what your holiday traditions are, you can rest assured your kids will remember them forever—and maybe continue them with their own children someday.

Here are 50 Christmas traditions that will help you make holiday memories with your family. For more ways to celebrate the season, check out our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids, with includes our Holiday Gift Guide.

Pictures with Santa in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue

There's no shortage of opportunities for your little elves to pose for pictures with Santa in New Jersey when the big guy comes to town this Christmas. We've rounded up our favorites, and there are events all over the state listed below for you to snag that photo op. 

For even more seasonal activities, check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for NJ Kids, where we highlight our favorite places to have breakfast with Santa and plenty more holiday must-do's for New Jersey kids.

Pictures with Santa Claus in NYC in 2024

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

At the Apollo's Winter Wonderland, guests can 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 our very own Mommy Poppins Santa Studio at City Point that's completely FREE.

Our rundown of Christmas tree lightings in NYC offers more opportunities to see jolly old St. Nick, plus you can snap pictures with Santa these brunches, teas, and cruises. Our Guide to Christmas and the Holidays in NYC offers even more holiday fun.

Hop Aboard the Polar Express in Port Jefferson this Holiday Season

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on

Your kids will use golden tickets to board the Polar Express Experience in Port Jefferson.

The Polar Express Experience in Port Jefferson Station on Long Island is an interactive holiday treat kids will love. The classic Christmas movie is brought to life for little ones on a charming, stationary antique train car. My kids have never been on a Polar Express movie adventure and enjoyed every merry moment of this one. 

This movie screening filled our family with the Christmas spirit, from golden tickets to hot chocolate to a surprise visit from Santa Claus himself. Read ahead for all the details to plan your Polar Express viewing experience.

For more seasonal festivities, check out our Long Island Guide to Holiday Fun, including our list of 25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island.

38 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Atlanta for Kids

Elsa Simcik's picture Submitted by Elsa Simcik on

Sandy Springs City Springs puts on a free parade and beautiful display of lit, miniature homes on December 8. Photo courtesy City of Sandy Springs

We've gathered the best free Christmas events and holiday activities in Atlanta happening! Let's face it —the holiday season in Atlanta is magical but creating family memories isn't always cheap (like holiday shows, photo keepsakes with Santa, and more). Mommy Poppins to the rescue! There are lots of great FREE holiday events in Atlanta. Our list has lightings (both menorahs and Christmas trees), festivals, Christmas parades, and holiday markets. We even found free places to pose with Santa and drive-thru light shows!

For more seasonal highlights, be sure to check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for Atlanta Kids, and of course, our always-up-to-date Family Activity Calendar.

70 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Orlando for Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

The holidays have arrived at Disney Springs! Stroll through the Tree Trail and enjoy nightly snow flurries...all for free! Photo courtesy of Disney

Take a break from holiday spending with FREE Christmas events in Orlando! The holidays in Orlando are absolutely magical, with nice weather and festive decor all over town, and sometimes no money is needed. From tree lightings and holiday parades to Christmas movies and holiday festivals, get in the spirit with these free Orlando events suitable for all ages. Read on for all the details about these awesome free holiday and Christmas events in Orlando!

For more seasonal activities, visit our Orlando Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for countless ideas to spend quality time with your family this holiday season. We've got everything from Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows and Breakfast with Santa in Orlando to The Nutcracker and Holiday Performances!

Pages