25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids

The best free holiday and Christmas events in Boston are full of magic (and easy on the budget!) Photo by @617images, courtesy of First Night Boston.

With all the expenses of the season piling up at once, it's a bonus when parents find free holiday and Christmas events in Boston for kids. Here are our picks for the best events near Boston celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's without needing to dig into your wallet (except maybe to take out your T pass). Hop aboard the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley for a tour throughout Boston neighborhoods or take in a festival with live music in WatertownGet hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus in North Andover; and as a bonus, get a picture with Santa. The Annual Menorah Lighting will take place in the Boston Common, Seaport, and South End.  And, of course, everyone will love ringing in the New Year in the heart of Boston.

There are more free holiday light displays to see in our list of Boston's Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows and there are free holiday activities for kids at holiday markets. For more holiday and Christmas ideas, explore our Holiday Fun Guide for Boston Kids.    

Hanging at Halcyon: An Insider's Visit to Halcyon Alpharetta

Dine, shop, and play at Halcyon!

The whole family is in for a treat at Halcyon Alpharetta! The 135-acre, live-work-play development boasts many free events, children’s activities, shopping, dining, a hotel, and entertainment experiences. Halcyon exudes a casual, laid-back vibe (even dogs are welcome), making it perfect for a day of fun. 

Located on the southern edge of Forsyth County, Halcyon is easily accessed from GA 400. If you prefer to walk or bike, you can reach Halcyon along the Big Creek Greenway. Read on for the best things to do while visiting this walkable outdoor shopping area. 

Take Pictures with Santa in Miami & South Florida: Fun Places for Breakfast with Santa

Before celebrating Christmas, take pictures with Santa for lasting holiday memories. Photo by Andre Sr, courtesy of Canva

It's that time of year for pictures with Santa, reindeer, and jingle bells in Miami and South Florida! Share the holiday spirit with adorable pictures with Santa taken at fun spots throughout Miami. Whether you want to buy a photo package with all different sizes, grab a picture with your pup, take a Christmas selfie, or cheers Santa with a cookie, we have found great options that fit any budget and family dynamic.

And after all that posing, grab breakfast with Santa (or brunch/lunch/dinner) at fun South Florida and Miami restaurants, shopping districts, events...another perfect photo opp to snap a shot with Santa!

55 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles for Kids

The lights of Sparkle DTLA make for a magical walk.  Courtesy of The Bloc, Facebook

Merrily, there are loads of free holiday and Christmas events in Los Angeles for when you've blown your budget on Barbie's Little Dream House and a home Skee-Ball game but still need fun, festive things to do with the family. 

Christmas in Los Angeles is dazzling, magical, and frankly a little overwhelming. There are more light displays, Christmas parades, tree lightings, immersive experiences, holiday walk-throughs, and Santas to visit than any reasonable family can handle. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle, though. Before you tap your Apple Pay for every Christmas experience in the county, check out our list of totally free holiday and Christmas events. You'll be shouting "joy to the world" for these free parades on land and water, tree lightings, Santa Claus visits, and that's before we even start with the menorahs and gelt drops for Hanukkah celebrations. 

Save your cash for the stocking stuffers by filling your festive days and evenings with these fun, free holiday and Christmas events, and visit these free neighborhood light displays in LA. If you need even more ideas for holiday events, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Los Angeles Families

Tampa with Kids: 20 Best Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

Zoo Tampa has lush tropical exhibits that will leave visitors in awe. Photo courtesy of the zoo

It's no secret that Florida is a popular tourist destination, and Tampa has become one of the best places for families. From beautiful beaches to thrilling theme parks, there’s no shortage of fun activities for kids in the Tampa Bay area.

While the city of Tampa is smaller than most people think, the Tampa Bay area spans several cities and has everything you need for an incredible family vacation. Just a few minutes from parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, and shopping, there's something for everyone in Tampa. And with major attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium, and Adventure Island, Tampa, Florida is perfect for families of all ages and interests.

32 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids

The Orange County Arboretum's Holiday Lights in Bloom is a charming and free light display. Photo courtesy of the arboretum

Looking for FREE Christmas events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for dozens of options. 

From craft-making to stage performances, community festivities, and light shows, we've got the goods on free holiday events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Whether you plan to attend a tree-lighting celebration or see Santa land by helicopter, we've compiled lots of no-cost ways to celebrate the season below. 

We've captured many more ways to savor the season in our Holiday Guide, where you'll find more holiday resources, like our roundup of Polar Express and Christmas train rides

25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids

The animated Christmas story at Hicks Nurseries features Santa and his elves as they prepare for the big day. Photo courtesy of Hicks Nurseries

Looking for FREE Christmas events on Long Island? Read on for tons of great options.

From Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremonies to visits with Santa and holiday light displays, we’ve put together a list of FREE things to do at Christmas and the holidays with your kids.

We love to visit decked out downtown areas during the holidays. At Miracle on Main Street in Sayville we enjoy the ice sculptures and ice skating, as well as the the live reindeer spottings. While at the old fashioned Christmas in Bellmore, folks can ride in horse and buggies as they clip clopping down the town's main strip. Or watch the Village of Port Jefferson magically transform into the Dickens era, with their streets filled with roaming characters and other memorable festivities. 

But we're also looking forward to taking our eyes to the skies at the Fire Island Lighthouse and in East Hampton as Santa makes an aerial entrance in both areas. Of course he arrives by boat in Riverhead ahead of a festive parade and bonfire. 

Rest assured that anyof these events will keep your family entertained and you'll still be able to afford those last-minute gifts.

Find all our top picks for holiday fun in our Long Island Christmas Guide. And check out our constantly updated Family Activity Calendar for even more fun things to do.

31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids

It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House, which boasts a 30,000-light display. Photo courtesy of  Fanwood's Famous Christmas House

Looking for FREE Christmas events in New Jersey? Read on for dozens of great options. 

It's the most wonderful—and expensive—time of the year. While big-budget gifts take a toll on your wallet, our gift to you is this list of holiday events and FREE Christmas activities in New Jersey that don't cost a penny. In a season where finances may be tight, treat the family to FREE and fun holiday festivities for the kids across New Jersey, including Christmas light shows and small-town celebrations in areas like New Brunswick

Mark your calendars with these 30+ no-cost holiday events that take place nearly every day of the season. For more seasonal fun, don't miss our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for New Jersey Families

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