Holiday Lighting Celebrations in Los Angeles: Christmas Tree Lightings, Menorah Lightings, and Fireworks!

Submitted by Toby B on

Is this really America's tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree? Check it out live and see! Photo courtesy of Citadel Center

Get ready to deck the Southland halls, walls, trees, skies, and more with Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, and fireworks! As the holidays get rolling, there are plenty of opportunities to snap photos with Santa, take in a boat parade, and marvel at some spectacular neighborhood holiday lights and Candy Cane Lanes, but the best way to kick it all off is with a good old-fashioned tree lighting (or menorah lighting) ceremony. Communities all over Los Angeles and Orange County have their own traditions—including caroling, cocoa, fireworks, and much more. Pick whichever of the locations below is nearest to you, and go rock around a Christmas tree!

We'll keep adding more below as communities make their plans. Check our events calendar and sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up with the latest info. For more holiday events and activities, check our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families.

Free in November: Veterans Day Events, Fall Festivals, and More Free Things To Do in Orlando With Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Disney Springs gets into the holiday spirit starting this month. Photo by Kent Phillips, courtesy of Walt Disney World News

For the whole month of November, we've rounded up some of our favorite, fun, and most significantly, FREE events in Orlando, perfect for families of all ages and sizes. There are outdoor movie nights happening in Orlando, Longwood, and Maitland, as well as Veterans Day weekend events, including a wreath ceremony and parade. And make sure to keep fall festivals alive and well by attending free Orlando events like Fusion Fest, Maitland Rotary Art Festival, and much more.

With the start of November comes the inevitable start of holiday programming! Get ready for Santa's arrival later this year with FREE holiday events kicking off in November, like those in Mount Dora, Celebration, and Orlando. Start shopping and get into the holiday spirit at Disney Springs or spend time meeting mischievous elves in Kissimmee.

We've amassed Orlando's top activities for the month in our Best of November piece. Get even more ideas of what to do in our wonderful city by visiting the Mommy Poppins Orlando events calendar!

Istanbul With Kids: 35 Best Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey

Vanessa Leigh's picture Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on

Wander through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest covered markets.

It is often said that you can't be in two places at once. But when you visit Istanbul, Turkey, you can be on two continents at once. Istanbul (not Constantinople) is a sprawling city, spanning both Asia and Europe. It is both majestic and exotic. You can smell the history—and the delicious cuisine—wafting through the air. The Turkish people are warm and welcoming, and there are so many fun things to do in Istanbul with kids. At restaurants we were met with open arms, with some places offering coloring books, playgrounds, and more to keep the kids entertained.

Here are 35 things to do in Istanbul, Turkey with kids, including the best places to visit, foods to try, and day trips to take. Check out the Mommy Poppins European Travel Guide for more ideas for international travel, as well as our Family Travel Guide for domestic travel tips.

Free in November: 15 Top Things To Do in Connecticut With Kids

Jennifer Coe's picture Submitted by Jennifer Coe on

Lyman Allyn's Free First Saturday is just one of the best things to do with Connecticut kids that is free in November. Photo courtesy of the event

Autumn is in full swing, and parents are looking for fun and FREE things to do in Connecticut with kids. We've rounded up November activities that won't force them to bust open the piggy banks. There is a lot of variety this month to choose from, including a huge parade, a celebration of Veteran's Day and a leadership class for girls. Families can take advantage of the changing seasons to make crafts at the New Canaan Nature Center.

Free in November: Things To Do with Boston Kids

Submitted by N Ferreira on

Boston kids have some exciting things to do that are Free in November, like Free Entrance Days in the National Parks on November 11th! Photo by Annie Spratt, courtesy of Unsplash

Some of the best family activities in Boston are free in November. That's great news for parents looking to stretch the buget in preparation for the holidays. Fall fun is winding down, but winter fun is gearing up. America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration come to Plymouth. Our National Parks offer free admission. And the holiday season launches with a free tree lighting festival at Patriot Place. Here are our picks for fall fests, parades, and community fun that won't cost a thing.

For more great family fun this fall, check out Foliage Experiences in New England. Explore lots of great getaway ideas in out guide to 15 Fall Day Trips from Boston. And keep up with all the best things to do in Boston—including free family activities—by following our Event Calendar.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience Brings a Magical Walk-Through to the DC Area

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is a magical adventure for all.

Harry Potter fans, rejoice! A portion of Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia has transformed into Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, a magical walk-through that takes guests along a nighttime woodland trail filled with creatures, characters, and scenes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Spectacular lighting and sound effects, mist, and interactive elements make visitors feel like they've truly stepped into the Wizarding World.

My family recently had the opportunity to visit Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Read on for my full review, and check out our review of the Yorktown Heights, New York experience. Be sure to purchase tickets soon: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is only in town until January 29, 2023, and tickets are selling fast!

9 Favorite Upstate New York Getaways for Families

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on

Take a Wild Walk at Tupper Lake's Wild Center for a completely new view of New York state's forest. Photo by Mommy Poppins

New York City and its surrounding suburbs have enough attractions to keep a family busy for a lifetime, but that doesn’t mean you should let its magnetic energy prevent you from enjoying one of these upstate New York getaways. The less visited northern and western parts of the state are loaded with fantastic attractions that present a feast of family fun. Whether you're seeking nature, culture, recreation, or a combination of all three, the Empire State won’t disappoint. Check out these nine kid-friendly upstate New York getaways and vacation destinations that will have the whole family saying “I Love New York.”

Find more regional travel ideas in our Weekend Getaways and Day Trip Guide.

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience Transforms FDR State Park Into Magical Walk-Through

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

The Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience has transformed FDR State Park into a magical walk-through.

Wands at the ready everyone: The forested trails of FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights have transformed into the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience. If you dare enter, you'll encounter characters, creatures, and favorite scenes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. Utilizing a magical combination of spectacular lighting and sound effects, this walk-through experience transports visitors to the Wizarding World and even allows guests to conjure a little magic of their own.

Read on for our full review, and be sure to book your tickets to the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience soon, as it's only in town for a limited time!

Pages