Christmas in NYC is the most magical time of the year. It's no accident the Big Apple takes the top spot on our list of the best Christmas towns and Santa Villages in the US. During the holidays, New York City absolutely sparkles.

Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker, you live nearby and are planning a holiday day trip, or you're coming from afar to cross a few items off our NYC holiday bucket list, read on for all the best things to do during Christmas in NYC. We've pulled our can't-miss Christmas and holiday must-do's into a holiday magic-filled, three-day itinerary, plus we've outlined the most festive NYC hotels for a holiday stay to make planning a breeze. If this tinsel and cheer-filled plan leaves you craving more Christmas in NYC, be sure to check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Families.

Find great winter activities, family events, and fun indoor spaces around Boston! 

Winter in New England: It can feel so cozy, but it can also feel incredibly long. Here is some inspiration for winter activities in Connecticut that will get your family out and about on some fresh-air adventures—or at least make indoor time a little more interesting. Whether you want to ski, hike, collect some maple syrup, or explore the great outdoors at our fantastic nature centers, there are fun (and safe) ideas for kids of all ages.

If this isn't enough to keep your troops from a winter mutiny, you can find even more ideas in our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide—from Outdoor Activities You Can Do At-Home this Winter to the Best Snow Tubing Spots for Connecticut Kids and so much more.

Looking for something to do to get your family into the holiday spirit this year that is fun for kids and adults? Check out A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. This spectacular holiday event features over 550,000 glimmering lights with live musical performances, and an outdoor railway display sure to please your children and bring holiday cheer to the whole family!

Looking for more things to do while you're in the area? Check out our list of Things to Do with Kids Near West Chester, PA. For more Christmas fun, don't miss our round up of 30 Must-do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids and our Philadelphia Holiday Guide. 

The holiday season in San Francisco is magical. From sugar castles and life-sized gingerbread houses to holiday shows and twinkling light displays, there is so much to see and do during the holidays in the Bay Area! With the perfect holiday itinerary, you can make the most of any festive trip with a mix of adventure, entertainment, and fabulous food. 

As a mom in San Francisco, I love sharing my favorite city with fellow families, especially this time of year. This San Francisco holiday itinerary includes family traditions, like a morning at the Ritz-Carlton’s Teddy Bear Tea, and a night on the ice at Napa Valley’s winter wonderland “Merry Meritage.” It also includes family-friendly restaurants, fun activities, and classic theater performances. 

For more holiday happenings in San Francisco, check out our list of best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in San Francisco, and the best Bay Area Polar Express train rides. Discover more holiday outings in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids! 

Snow tubing near Los Angeles? Why not! Living near the beach doesn't mean sand sledding is our only winter sport. A short drive up into the mountains allows our SoCal kids the magical mixture of snow, cold air, velocity, and hot cocoa that makes sledding and snow tubing near Los Angeles endlessly enticing. Skiing is great, but there's nothing quite like good, old-fashioned sledding and snow tubing.

Now, if you've got a kiddo like mine who gets nervous and a little motion-sick on the steep hills, you might prefer our roundup of places where you can find snow near Los Angeles for some (stationary) snowball fights and snowman-building. Plus, find skiing day trips near Los Angeles, and more winter adventures in our Winter Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids. 

Do you want to build a snowman? In Texas? Better hop in the car.