The Nutcracker Ballet and Other 2025 Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Eglevsky Ballet presents special performances of the timeless holiday classic "The Nutcracker." Photo courtesy of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you’re in luck–several top-notch dance companies are performing this holiday favorite right here on Long Island. From classic full-length productions to shorter, kid-friendly versions, there’s a performance perfect for every family’s holiday calendar.  

Standouts this season include the New York Dance Theatre’s show at Hofstra University and Ballet Long Island’s production, which offers select performances of only Act II. This is ideal for younger audiences who might get a little wiggly in their seats.

And if your family can’t get enough holiday magic, we've highlighted other festive shows lighting up local stages this winter, including Frosty and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Read on for amazing holiday show options for families on Long Island in 2025. And be sure to check out our events calendar and Holiday Guide for more seasonal family fun.

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near Dallas-Fort Worth That Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on

The Gaylord Texan is one of the most festive hotels in DFW. Photo courtesy the Gaylord Texan

North Texas loves the holiday season. We might not have snow, but we've got a lot of cheer. And since everything is bigger in Texas, our festivals and soirees are as spectacular as Mariah Carey's vocal range. Whether you're excited for your go-to spot or ready to try something new, we've rounded up the most festive hotels and Christmas towns near Dallas-Fort Worth that go all out with everything from ice skating rinks to holiday parades, visits with live reindeer, and much more. 

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near Atlanta That Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Bundle up for Gaylord Opryland Resort's amazing ICE! holiday event in Nashville. Photo courtesy Marriott Bonvoy and MullenLowe

Hear those sleigh bells ringing?! That means Christmas events near Atlanta are coming! Christmas towns and festive hotels near Atlanta are happy to welcome Santa, hard-working elves, and of course, your family! We've rounded up wonderful winter places near Atlanta to take kids and enjoy incredible decorations, seasonal activities, and a general feeling of holiday magic. Check out these over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance of Atlanta, especially perfect for overnight, holiday-themed getaways.

10 Best Christmas Cookies to Bake with Kids (Easy, Fun, and Festive Recipes for Families)

Submitted by Meghan Rose on

We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are the very best.

While my family will happily bake and eat cookies any day of the year, we really ramp it up for our Christmas cookie baking. We host an annual Christmas cookie party every year, and it’s a tradition they look forward to almost as much as presents. Because they love to be part of the cookie baking process, we have amassed a ton of Christmas cookie recipes. They range from super easy Christmas cookies the kids could help make and decorate when they were tiny, up to more sophisticated Christmas cookie recipes their teen tastebuds love. 

We’ve tested out dozens of Christmas cookie recipes over the years, and these are our top ten: including our favorite never-fail, best ever Christmas sugar cookie recipe.

We’ve got more kid-friendly holiday treats, like these yummy Hot Chocolate Bombs, in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids, plus loads more Christmas fun for the whole family in our Ultimate Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities.

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near LA That Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Matt Matasci on

Holiday lights glow bright at the Mission Inn Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

One trade-off of living in sunny Southern California is that during the holiday season, it never quite feels all that seasonal. But just because we don’t have to wear scarves and shovel snow in November and December doesn’t mean that SoCal is lacking in abundant holiday charm. There are actually a few festive hotels and Christmas towns near LA that go all out for the season.

From the Central Coast down to San Diego County, countless hotels and resorts take the holiday spirit and crank it up to 10, more than making up for California’s balmy winter weather. Plus, many of these hotels are located in cities and towns that embody the winter festivities. Here are some of the best Christmas towns and festive hotels in and around Los Angeles—some are a bit of a drive, but all are well worth the trip.

Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels near NYC that Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Kristy Etheridge on

Hershey Park's Candy Cane Lane is the stuff of sweet, holiday memories. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park

If you’re a New York-area parent looking for magical, over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance, look no further. We’ve rounded up Christmas towns near NYC where you and your kids can see incredible decorations, visit Santa, enjoy seasonal activities, and maybe even turn your trip into a memorable overnight getaway.

Read on for some of the most festive destinations in the northeast, and don't miss our Ultimate Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for all the seasonal fun close to home.

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near Orlando that Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Paula Andrea Morales on

Seaside, FL transforms into a lovely Christmas village, complete with carolers, Santa, and more, during the holiday months! Photo courtesy Seaside, Florida

Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner?! Parents in the Orlando area, or those visiting Central Florida in December, looking for magical, over-the-top holiday destinations within driving distance, look no further! We rounded up places to take kids to see incredible decorations, visit Santa, enjoy seasonal activities, and possibly stay overnight for a holiday-themed getaway. With so many great Orlando Christmas events during the month of December, the most difficult choice you will have to make is deciding where to go!

Pages