20 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids

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Head to Eastern Connecticut for the amazing Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo by Rileighs Outdoor Decor

'Tis the season for free holiday and Christmas events in Connecticut for kids. Are you a fan of sparkling lights, sweet gingerbread treats, or decorated trees? With so much holiday fun, December in Connecticut offers it all! Families will love attending a tree lighting or Santa parade. You can spy the intricate details on dozens of gingerbread houses and visit Santa's workshop with several locations in Connecticut. Maybe singing carols together or making Chanukah crafts is more your style. Chilly nights are perfect to drive through a magical light display. Connecticut's free holiday activities offer something for everyone this December.

If you can't get enough of the sparkle of holiday lights, consult our list of Connecticut's Best Holiday Drive-Thrus and Christmas Lights. For more holiday adventures, consult our Holiday Fun Guide and region's 25 Top Holiday and Christmas Activities. 

Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids

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Westchester has sledding hills for everyone from tots to teens. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

When the flakes fly, visions of sledding hills fill kids' heads, and all they can think of is bundling up and getting outside for some snow day fun. If your family's plans include sledding, consider heading to one of these popular sledding hills in Westchester County. We've also got top picks for sledding hills in the Hudson Valley in case you want to make your wintery adventure a daycation, plus some helpful tips for keeping little ones safe while they sled.

Be sure to check our Guide to Winter Fun in Westchester and our Boredom Busters Guide for more ideas to keep kids busy on cold winter days.

25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Boston for Kids

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The best free holiday and Christmas events in Boston are full of magic (and easy on the budget!) Photo by @617images, courtesy of First Night Boston.

With all the expenses of the season piling up at once, it's a bonus when parents find free holiday and Christmas events in Boston for kids. Here are our picks for the best events near Boston celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's without needing to dig into your wallet (except maybe to take out your T pass). Hop aboard the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley for a tour throughout Boston neighborhoods or take in a festival with live music in Watertown. Get hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus in North Andover; and as a bonus, get a picture with Santa. The Annual Menorah Lighting will take place in the Boston Common, Seaport, and South End.  And, of course, everyone will love ringing in the New Year in the heart of Boston.

There are more free holiday light displays to see in our list of Boston's Best Holiday and Christmas Light Shows and there are free holiday activities for kids at holiday markets. For more holiday and Christmas ideas, explore our Holiday Fun Guide for Boston Kids.    

Hanging at Halcyon: An Insider's Visit to Halcyon Alpharetta

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Dine, shop, and play at Halcyon!

The whole family is in for a treat at Halcyon Alpharetta! The 135-acre, live-work-play development boasts many free events, children’s activities, shopping, dining, a hotel, and entertainment experiences. Halcyon exudes a casual, laid-back vibe (even dogs are welcome), making it perfect for a day of fun. 

Located on the southern edge of Forsyth County, Halcyon is easily accessed from GA 400. If you prefer to walk or bike, you can reach Halcyon along the Big Creek Greenway. Read on for the best things to do while visiting this walkable outdoor shopping area. 

Take Pictures with Santa in Miami & South Florida: Fun Places for Breakfast with Santa

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Before celebrating Christmas, take pictures with Santa for lasting holiday memories. Photo by Andre Sr, courtesy of Canva

It's that time of year for pictures with Santa, reindeer, and jingle bells in Miami and South Florida! Share the holiday spirit with adorable pictures with Santa taken at fun spots throughout Miami. Whether you want to buy a photo package with all different sizes, grab a picture with your pup, take a Christmas selfie, or cheers Santa with a cookie, we have found great options that fit any budget and family dynamic.

And after all that posing, grab breakfast with Santa (or brunch/lunch/dinner) at fun South Florida and Miami restaurants, shopping districts, events...another perfect photo opp to snap a shot with Santa!

55 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles for Kids

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The lights of Sparkle DTLA make for a magical walk. Courtesy of The Bloc, Facebook

Merrily, there are loads of free holiday and Christmas events in Los Angeles for when you've blown your budget on Barbie's Little Dream House and a home Skee-Ball game but still need fun, festive things to do with the family. 

Christmas in Los Angeles is dazzling, magical, and frankly a little overwhelming. There are more light displays, Christmas parades, tree lightings, immersive experiences, holiday walk-throughs, and Santas to visit than any reasonable family can handle. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle, though. Before you tap your Apple Pay for every Christmas experience in the county, check out our list of totally free holiday and Christmas events. You'll be shouting "joy to the world" for these free parades on land and water, tree lightings, Santa Claus visits, and that's before we even start with the menorahs and gelt drops for Hanukkah celebrations. 

Save your cash for the stocking stuffers by filling your festive days and evenings with these fun, free holiday and Christmas events, and visit these free neighborhood light displays in LA. If you need even more ideas for holiday events, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Los Angeles Families. 

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights Near DC in Maryland and Northern Virginia

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Take a stroll through the Marshall Pond Christmas Village in Burke, VA. Photo courtesy of Kristy Case, from the Marshall Pond Christmas Village Facebook page

The DC area is brimming with professional holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light displays that dazzle visitors of all ages. But sometimes, there's nothing better than loading the family into the car with hot chocolate, turning on holiday music, and driving around the neighborhood to see Christmas lights on houses. And the best part is, it's free!

Though DC itself offers a treasure trove of gorgeous holiday lights in public places, like Light Yards and Georgetown GLOW, we've found that the best neighborhoods to see Christmas light displays on houses are in the suburbs. Luckily, there are many neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia that get way into the holiday spirit. Many of them host animated light shows that are synchronized to music played through car radios, so families can stay warm and cozy inside their vehicles.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Maryland and Northern Virginia to see over-the-top neighborhood Christmas lights. For more holiday fun, check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids.

Tampa with Kids: 20 Best Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

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Zoo Tampa has lush tropical exhibits that will leave visitors in awe. Photo courtesy of the zoo

It's no secret that Florida is a popular tourist destination, and Tampa has become one of the best places for families. From beautiful beaches to thrilling theme parks, there’s no shortage of fun activities for kids in the Tampa Bay area.

While the city of Tampa is smaller than most people think, the Tampa Bay area spans several cities and has everything you need for an incredible family vacation. Just a few minutes from parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, and shopping, there's something for everyone in Tampa. And with major attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium, and Adventure Island, Tampa, Florida is perfect for families of all ages and interests.

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