20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family: Start a New Holiday Tradition

First word, sounds like... Photo by Mommy Poppins

Christmas games are a great way to encourage a little fun and family teamwork (or friendly competition) at holiday gatherings. We’ve rounded up some free Christmas games you can make yourself, as well as some fun Christmas games you can buy. These games are great for Christmas at home—or any kid-friendly holiday event. Most of the games on this list are easy for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy, and when you find one your whole family adores, playing it can become a new family annual tradition. Read on below for our favorite Christmas games – family edition. Let the giggles and holiday fun begin!

Don't miss our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids for more holiday-themed family fun from the Best Christmas Movies for the Whole Family to Christmas Cookies To Bake With Kids and more.

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy Transforms the Park into a Holiday Lights Wonderland

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy provides a charming holiday season destination.

As the mother of a 3- and 5-year-old, we've visited Storybook Land in the past, and both our children were enamored with the little kid-friendly theme park, but a recent visit to Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights proved to be truly spectacular, and it's an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit!

The theme park is bedazzled in holiday lights annually from mid-November through the end of December and a visit is truly one of the top holiday events for little ones in New Jersey. Read on for our full review and start planning your holiday outing.

Masks & Vaccinations Policies in New York: Key to NYC and Safety Protocols for Kids and Visitors

Whether you're visiting NYC or live here, you'll need to take into account the Key to NYC vaccine requirement. Photo by author

Local families and visitors take note: New York state has reinstituted its mask mandate, while New York City's COVID vaccine requirement rules now apply to children ages 5+. Here's what you need to know about where vaccines are required and the latest on mask mandates in NYC and nearby so you can enjoy all the city has to offer during the magical holiday season and beyond.

9 Places to Have Afternoon Tea with Long Island Kids

Salon and Tea. Photo by JT Santini Photography

When the weather is cold on Long Island, enjoying a warm cup of tea with your favorite little person is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

From sampling a variety of tea flavors to tasting yummy miniature sandwiches and scones, these Long Island tea rooms offer a warm welcome in an elegant setting just in time for Hot Tea Month in January.

For more delicious fun with your little ones, check out our list of the best Long Island brunch destinations for families, or treat yourself to our roundup of the Island's most decadent dessert spots

12 Afternoon and Holiday Tea Spots Near DC for Families

Don your fancy hat and head to an afternoon or holiday tea! Photo courtesy of The Tea Cart, Facebook

With all that needs to be done during the holiday season, it's not always at the top of the list to take some time to relax. But a little break can go a long way in helping you power through that shopping and to-do list. What better way to slow down and recharge than by enjoying some holiday tea with family and friends?

We've rounded up 12 kid-friendly places to get afternoon tea or holiday tea in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this holiday season. All of these places offer an assortment of savory and sweet treats and traditional tea fare such as scones along with tea. And if tea isn't to your liking, several of these places offer other beverages, including adult choices!

We've checked with all 12 afternoon and holiday tea spots to ensure they have availability, but they're likely to fill up quickly. So, make your reservations early to be sure you get a spot—fancy hats optional!

The Met Brings a Touch of Disney Magic to its Galleries in New Exhibition

Towers from famed Disney princess castles? No, 18th-century vases by French sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet. 

See pop culture in a whole new light at a brand new exhibition at The Met. New York City's largest art museum turns its critical eye toward an unusual subject, honoring the iconic work of Walt Disney in a first-of-its-kind installation titled Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts. The exhibit provides a stunning juxtaposition of the old and new, merging treasures from the museum's collection with a trove of works from the Disney brand as well as the Disney family collection.

Read on for more details on the exhibit and find more kid-friendly installations in our Guide to Museums in NYC.

13 Charming Small Businesses in the Hudson Valley to Support this Holiday Season

Oliver and Chatfield sells a curated selection of gifts that cater to a variety of interests.

Small business owners are at the heart of our local communities, representing the composition of the places we call home. Getting to know the owners and staff on a personal level and doing your part to shop locally truly beats ordering online. With that in mind this holiday season, we've rounded up 13 charming local businesses in the Hudson Valley who are sure to have perfect gift you’ve been looking for, whether you're a local or visiting the region on a seasonal day trip. From candies to candles and chocolate to tchotchkes, consider shopping small at these local spots this season.

Be sure to bookmark this list of local craft fairs and Christmas markets for more ways to support local businesses and makers.

All Aboard the Holiday Santa Cruise in Lake Geneva

Photograph courtesy of Lake Geneva Cruise Lines.

The Santa Cruise is a festive experience for the entire family. This lake cruise is a fun way to see holiday lights, visit Santa, and experience a family Christmas outing on the beautiful Lake Geneva. Just a quick hour and a half from downtown Chicago, you’ll find the adorable town of Williams Bay, home to Pier 290 and Gage Marina which hosts their annual Santa Cruise from Thanksgiving weekend through December 30th. From how to buy tickets to what to wear, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the Santa Cruise Lake Geneva. 

For more holiday travel ideas check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.

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