If you're ready to add a little extra sparkle to the holiday season, take note: The tri-state area boasts some pretty spectacular Christmas lights and holiday lights drive-thrus where your crew can enjoy twinkling Christmas lights displays from the warmth and comfort of your car.

We've compiled a list of 14 must-see Christmas lights displays to drive through in New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut that are guaranteed to bring smiles to your family's faces. So, pack some snacks, cue the Christmas music, and get ready to make some priceless holiday memories.

Find tons more ways to celebrate this season with those you love in our jam-packed Christmas Guide. Consider it our seasonal gift to you.

Find holiday magic at these Christmas towns near Boston!

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, many of which are completely FREE. You can also snap pictures with Santa at these brunches, teas, and cruises. Our NYC Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays offers even more holiday fun.

Explore the top Holiday destinations in Connecticut!

With Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve, December is the holiday-est month of the year. But wait, there’s more! Here are celebratory, and sometimes surprising, things to do with kids each and every day in December!

In addition to the major holidays, you can also celebrate Slime Day, Walt Disney Day, Llama Day, and more — all this month. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah leading up to the actual day!

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day. For more ideas for Christmas activities, check out our Christmas Activities Guide for Families.

Our list of the very best kids' Christmas movies gives you the perfect way to enjoy the season without leaving home—for only the cost of the streaming service.

Whether you're looking for a classic Christmas movie you remember from your childhood, like A Charlie Brown Christmas, or a funny new holiday tradition that will have your family in stitches, like Spirited, you can stream these favorite flicks on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Disney+. Unlike the naughty list, this list of the best Christmas movies to watch with kids is filled with positive messages, twinkling tales, and just the right amount of seasonal cheer. So, gather your snacks, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy a family movie night with one of these Christmas classics that are perfect for kids.

For more things to do with kids this holiday season, check out our guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids.

Rockefeller Center is usually the most crowded place in New York City during the holidays. While the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the pièce de résistance, there is actually quite a bit for families to do in the area. Rockefeller Center is a great holiday destination with plenty of shopping, dining, and culture for kids of all ages. Include it as part of a holiday windows walk, and grab a bite at one of the family-friendly restaurants within its footprint.

Read on for our picks for the best things to do at Rockefeller Center with kids this season and find more holiday fun in our NYC Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays. 

Christmas light displays are shining brightly in the area, and we’ve found some great ones for you to check out in the Lower Hudson Valley. The displays range from individually decorated houses, including one with more than half a million lights, to a drive-thru Christmas wonderland.

We've got plenty more holiday light displays for you to consider in our roundup of the brightest drive-thru installations in the tri-state area.

For more holiday fun, be sure to check our Holiday Fun Guide and Family Activity Calendar.