Whether you're a New York City resident or planning an epic Christmas in NYC itinerary, there are so many holiday and Christmas events in New York City that it's never too early to get a jump-start on planning your holiday season must-do's.

In fact, many Christmas events in NYC are already selling tickets—and fast! So act now to ensure you've secured your seats and reservations to these family-friendly holiday happenings in NYC.

The holiday season is big business in NYC, whether you're looking for a hotel with a view of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, or booking tickets to a beloved annual show like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, read on for our top picks for Christmas events you need to book now, and find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC.

If you like all things thrills and chills, this collection of haunted houses in Chicago is just for you. We've curated a list of haunted houses in and near Chicago, and don't worry—if you've got a little one who's not quite ready for a proper haunted house, we have a few options that'll get the right amount of screams that don't equal nightmares. 

Many of these haunted houses in Chicago (and haunted factories, prisons, forests, and maybe even a haunted office building) are super-scary and not recommended for kids under a certain age. Parents should know their children's (and their own) tolerance for gore and fright before heading to one of these haunted venues.

These haunted houses in Chicago are just a few of the fun Halloween experiences for kids and families. Be sure to also check out our list of free Halloween events and many other Halloween happenings in our Halloween Guide.

Activate Atlanta is an exciting, live-action gaming activity for families with children ages 10 and older. While kids will love the state-of-the-art gaming elements and light effects, parents will appreciate that this is an active gaming experience, utilizing teamwork with physical movement that includes running, jumping, climbing, crawling, and throwing. My kids were so excited to visit Activate — after only five minutes, my 13-year-old asked, "Can I have my birthday party here?!" 

Thinking of visiting Great Country Farms with kids? We highly recommend it!

DC-area families looking to spend a fun-filled day on the farm have no shortage of nearby options. There are so many fun farms in Maryland and Northern Virginia that offer family entertainment like giant slides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and so much more.

But my family particularly loves Great Country Farms in Bluemont, Virginia. Located about 75 minutes from DC by car, this family-owned farm is open year-round and offers a 12-acre play area; opportunities to pick pumpkins, apples, and other produce; seasonal festivals; and so much more.

Read on to learn all about why we love Great Country Farms. Then visit our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in DC to find more fun farms to visit.

To get in the Halloween mood, nothing beats checking out the skeletons our neighbors have dragged out of the closets at these amazing (and free) haunted houses and incredible Halloween yard displays. One of the perks of living in the film capital of the world is that the people who make movies bring that same love of spectacle entertainment to their front yards. Some homes go all out with spooky, creepy, and cool Halloween decorations, while others create private haunted houses that rival the spectacles at big theme parks. 

Immerse yourself in the spooky season by visiting one of these free house haunts or wandering through a street full of movie-ready Halloween decorations. For more Halloween fun, from the best Halloween events in Los Angeles to trick-or-treating in Los Angeles, check our Los Angeles Halloween Events and Activities Guide. 

The fall is an ideal time to visit these kid-friendly farms in the Philadelphia area. Visits with the animals are a must, corn mazes are always a big fall hit, and who doesn't love a sweet treat from the farm market to end the day? All of that and much more awaits families at these 10 farms with music, rides, face painting, and more! 

Looking for more fall fun? Check out our Fall Activity Guide!

SeaWorld Orlando’s Spooktacular is a family-friendly, daytime event that offers a safe and exciting way to celebrate Halloween. With candy stations, themed entertainment, and plenty of festive costumes, it’s a fantastic way to get into the Halloween spirit without the fear factor. Whether your kids love dancing with characters or exploring the park in costumes, there's something magical for everyone. If you're planning to take your kids to SeaWorld Spooktacular, here’s what you need to know!