Hurry to Cirque Dreams Holidaze before it leaves town! Photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Weekend 2025 in Houston Top Things To Do: Winter Break at MFAH, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, and More
Santa's Wonderland in College Station is open on Christmas Day. Photo by Rebecca Ortiz.
What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Houston? A List of Awesome Things To Do
Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.
Best Snow Tubing for Families in Texas
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens
Houston's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Houston's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
The Black Bear Diner in Houston offers Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Houston
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
21 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Houston’s Brightest: Top Christmas Light Shows and Drive-Thrus for 2025
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
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Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
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A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
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Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
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These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
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Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
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Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
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Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
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Don't miss the Snow Days at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston.
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12 Winter Festivals for Philly Families: Fire and Ice, Maple Sugaring, and More

Enjoy ice carving demonstrations and lights galore at Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler's Village. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
Enjoy ice carving demonstrations and lights galore at Fire & Frost Fun at Peddler's Village. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village
12/24/23 - By Kristen Sullivan

Before cold winds, freezing temperatures, and shorter days lead to the wintertime blues, Philly families can enjoy some of the many amazing winter festivals to keep spirits high while we await warmer weather. We've rounded up some of our favorite festivals held in the area this time of year. So, bundle up and browse through our list to find the perfect festival for your family to enjoy this winter season.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun, check out our roundup of nearby snow tubing spots, or visit our Winter Activity Guide.

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Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum invites families to celebrate Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt, interactive storywalk, Photo courtesy of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum
Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum invites families to celebrate Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt, interactive storywalk, Photo courtesy of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum

Philadelphia

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Now through February 29, 2024
Philadelphia
Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, warm up at a fire pit station, enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, see the signature holiday tree, and, of course, go ice skating on the NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.  READ MORE

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Festival

January 15th, 2024
Philadelphia
This free festival hosted by Woodmere Art Museum allows guests to commemorate Dr. King and other civil rights heroes by participating in artmaking, storytelling, and music. READ MORE

Groundhog Day Family Festival

January 27th, 2024
Philadelphia
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum invites families to celebrate Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt, interactive story walk, and video appearance of Tinicum Tim, the resident groundhog. READ MORE

CultureFest! Lunar New Year

January 27th, 2024
Philadelphia
Ring in the Year of the Snake at our 44th annual Lunar New Year celebration. Bring the whole family to learn about vibrant Asian traditions with a full day of festivities, including storytelling, art-making, live music, and dance performances, ending with a traditional Lion Dance. READ MORE
Maple tree tapping season is coming up with plenty of festivals and ceremonies to attend! Photo by Susan Miele
Maple tree tapping season is coming up with plenty of festivals and ceremonies to attend! Photo by Susan Miele

Suburbs

Fire & Frost Fun

January 5th - 13th, 2024
Peddler's Village
Fire. Ice. And the last weekend for holiday lights! From 4-8pm on Friday & Saturday, enjoy live fire artistry and ice carving demonstrations, fire pits, outdoor food and drinks, and a Village-wide display of over 30 ice sculptures (including an Ice Throne perfect for selfies). READ MORE

Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival

January 27th, 2024
Mount Holly, NJ
Guests can expect to view beautiful ice sculptures carved right before their eyes. Keep warm with a bowl of hot chili while strolling the vendors on High Street and enjoying live music. READ MORE

Wassailing the Apple Trees at Terhune Orchards

January 28th, 2024
Princeton, NJ
The ancient British tradition of wassailing the apple trees to protect them from harm is a popular winter celebration at Terhune Orchards. Raise a glass of hot cider and join in on the fun.  READ MORE

Lititz Fire & Ice Festival

February 16th-25th, 2024
Lititz
Experience live ice carvings, musical entertainment, food trucks, shopping, a kids carnival featuring face-painting, craft stations, and inflatables, a chili cook-off, and a vendor fair during Lititz Fire & Ice Festival. READ MORE

Annual Tree Tapping Ceremony in Somerset County

February 24th, 2024
Fairhope
Held the last Saturday in February annually, visitors can experience the tree tapping ceremony and see how trees are tapped to extract their sweet sap.  READ MORE

Maple Sugar Festival at Peace Valley Nature Center

March 2nd, 2024
Doylestown
Visit Peace Valley Nature Center to experience how maple sugar was collected and made during the pioneer days. Travel to the sugar bush to bring back some maple sap to add to the boiling pot of soon-to-be syrup. READ MORE

Mount Hope Maple Madness

March 2nd & 3rd, 2024
Fairfield
Take a tour with Strawberry Hill Naturalists. See the process of making maple syrup from tree to table, try your hand at sugaring techniques, and taste the finished product. Discover the magical process of making maple syrup. Pancake breakfast and local vendors selling authentic PA syrup make this event especially sweet. READ MORE

Pennsylvania Maple Festival

April 20th-21st & 24th - 28th, 2024
Meyersdale
Celebrate spring and the tapping of local maple trees for sap at the Pennsylvania Maple Festival. Families have the opportunity to learn about the culture, industry, and commerce from the last 170 years. READ MORE

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