Every State’s Best December Event

Ending the Year in Style
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there and since travel is starting to look a lot more like normal, December 2021 is set to see a host of fun events take place across the country. These holiday happenings are perfect for getting into the spirit of the season or just the perfect excuse to get out there and do something fun on a cold and dark winter’s night. Click on the slideshow to see the best event in your state.

Alabama
The Carolyn Blount Theatre in Montgomery will be hosting a powerful one-woman performance of the beloved holiday tale A Christmas Carol from December 3-24. You are sure to be blown away by the skills of Greta Lambert, as she takes on over a dozen roles during the show.

Alaska
The Aurora Winter Train begins its seasonal service in September, but December is when the backcountry turns into a winter wonderland. Ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks on a Saturday, spend the night (hopefully spotting the Northern Lights) before heading back the next day. You won’t find anything closer to the Polar Express anywhere in the USA!

Arizona
The mesmerizing Desert Botanical Garden comes alive with flickering lights during select nights in December during the remarkable winter festival known as Las Noches de las Luminarias. In addition to the enchanting luminarias, visitors will be treated to live music and even a dazzling display called Chihuly in the Desert.

Arkansas
Head to Hot Springs through December 31st to experience Wonderland, the new festive event at locally-loved Garvan Gardens Woodland Gardens, which features nine different areas full of art installations—all decorated in a different winter theme. Then, head to one of the town’s remaining bathhouses to warm up in the famous thermal waters.

California
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is always magical, but things go off the charts when Hogsmeade and Hogwarts are dusted with a blanket of white. Enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter now through January 9th which features festive decorations, awesome lights and mugs of warm butterbeer.

Colorado
After a year away, the atmosphere of Old Europe at Christmas will once again fill downtown at the Denver Christkindl Market. Open every day through December 23rd, the market features stalls selling artisan crafts & festive food, entertainment and plenty of warming beverages.

Connecticut
Festive lighting, live music, fire pits and a visit from St. Nick himself are the highlights of Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport, which will take place on select nights in December. The historic seaside town will also be the setting for spooky Ghosts of Christmas Past strolls during the lead-up to the holiday, too.

Delaware
Open every night through January 2nd, Winter WonderFEST is back to filling the southern Delaware night sky with festive cheer. As always, all proceeds of this impressive drive-through light display go to benefit the local community with this year’s theme being “Under the Sea”.

Florida
There are quite a few “lighted boat” parades around the nation in December, but only one’s reputation is so strong that it has picked up the nickname the “Greatest Show on H20”: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest. The 50th annual celebration of the holidays will take place in Fort Lauderdale on December 11th and you can expect it to be a lit evening in more ways than one.

Georgia
Running through January 15th, Garden Lights Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden will once again be illuminating the December sky. Expect a brand new Glowing Grove and a chilly Ice Goddess to add extra atmosphere to the proceedings.

Hawai’i
They call the Honolulu Marathon “26.2 Miles in Paradise” and the days leading up to this annual event on December 12th will be filled with excitement. If a marathon isn’t your idea of a good time, take part in the Merrie Mile on December 11th, which is a simple one-mile run followed by a beach party.

Idaho
Boasting the largest on-the-water light display in the nation, The Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show will fill you with cheer. The highlight for most visitors is the “Journey to the North Pole” lake cruise which offers a close-up view of the glittering bulbs.

Illinois
Chicago’s famous German Christmas Market the Christkindlmarket is back and this year it is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The cute red-and-white chalets downtown—and in Wrigleyville—will once again be selling their warming spiced wine, tasty bratwursts and an assortment of artisan gifts from now until December 31st (downtown finishes on December 24th).

Indiana
The iconic holiday film A Christmas Story was set in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, but it was just a stand-in for Hammond, which is the hometown of Jean Shepherd, the author whose work inspired the movie. Visit the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond through January 2nd for A Christmas Story Comes Home, an event that features six animatronic window displays re-creating scenes from the beloved classic.

Iowa
While the jury is still out on whether or not “My Favorite Things” should be considered a Christmas song, there’s no doubt that The Sound of Music is one of the most heartwarming musicals of all time. From December 3-19 you can take in a stellar live performance of the classic at the Des Moines Playhouse, and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling warm and fuzzy.

Kansas
Each December, the small town of WaKeeney in western Kansas transforms itself into a winter wonderland of twinkling Christmas lights and greenery. Stop by any evening during the month to drive past the festive displays and be charmed by the so-called “Christmas City of the High Plains”.

Kentucky
Once again, Lights Under Louisville will illuminate Mega Cavern with holiday cheer. This drive-thru event runs through January 2nd and is said to be the only underground light display of its kind in the world. This year, visitors will be treated to over 900 characters strewn with bulbs and over four million points of light.

Louisiana
Each year on December 24th, Louisiana plays host to one of the most unique holiday events of the season: the Christmas Eve Bonfires. These fiery traditions have their roots in the original Cajun settlers of the region and are set up each year on the levees overlooking the Mississippi in order to light the way for Papa Noel (the name for Santa in these parts). You can find them in numerous areas in the state, but the St. James Parish region—near the towns of Paulina, Lutcher and Gramercy—is the epicenter of the action.

Maine
Running December 2-12, the Christmas Prelude is back and it’s bringing more festive cheer than ever. This pre-Christmas event serves to get the entire town of Kennebunkport and visitors in the spirit of the season and this year will mark the 40th version of the event. Signature happenings include the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting, the Hat Parade, the 40 Trees Trail, the Pooch Parade and Carols by Candlelight.

Maryland
Annapolis is always an enchanting destination, but on December 4th it will play host to the Colonial Yuletide Celebration. The soiree will take place at the William Paca House and Garden and visitors will be transported to days of old to see how colonial Americans celebrated the holiday. After you visit the historic home, you’ll be invited to tip a mug back at the “Hogshead Tavern”.

Massachusetts
For over 50 years, Black Nativity has been dramatically telling the Nativity story through gospel music, biblical narrative and striking dance and this year it will be performed at Boston’s Emerson Paramount Center from December 10-19. Expected to get chills when the African drums herald the delivery of the Christ child to Mary.

Michigan
The Chares H. Wright Museum of African American History is one of Detroit’s best attractions and once again this year they will be celebrating Kwanzaa in their own special way. Running December 26 to January 1, the celebration will include poetry reading, singing, dancing and plenty of reflection.

Minnesota
Every day through January 2nd, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds will be taken over by the festive spirit of GLOW Holiday Festival. There will be over a million twinkling bulbs, Sky Glider rides, a “sELFie” plaza and everyone’s favorite: the ice palace.

Mississippi
Fresh off its cameo in Lifetime’s Christmas in Mississippi, Gulfport’s Harbor Lights will feature over 1.2 million lights this year and a new range of rides and live entertainment. Enjoy the illuminations on foot or by taking a ride on a heated trolley. The festival runs through December 31st.

Missouri
The cobblestone streets of St. Charles annually host the Christmas Traditions festival, the Show-Me State’s best holiday party. Held four times weekly through December 24th, the event features strolling carolers, roasted chestnuts and traditional seasonal characters from cultures around the world.

Montana
The beloved Christmas Stroll is back in downtown Bozeman on December 4th and it will serve to kick off the festive period in style. Tour the Winter Circus Village, watch the lighting of the Christmas decorations, sing some carols or just sip warming beverages and scoff snacks from one of the 50 food vendors who will be participating in this year’s bash.

Nebraska
Learn all about holiday traditions from around the world at the General Crook House Museum during their From the Globe to Our Home event. Taking place on select days throughout the month, a stroll through the home will surround you with the seasonal story of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the Christmas traditions of nations like Poland, Guatemala, The Phillippines, Russia, Mexico and many more.

Nevada
Head to the Las Vegas Ballpark in the suburb of Summerlin now through January 2nd to be enveloped in the captivating world of Enchant. Here, you can ice skate on a beautiful winding path, walk through an illuminated maze, and take part in the “The Great Search”, this year’s theme that will see guests help find Santa’s missing reindeer. Then, head for the Village to warm yourself with a wide variety of mouthwatering food & drink.

New Hampshire
It isn’t officially the holiday season in the Granite State until Portsmouth’s Vintage Christmas begins. On various days throughout December, visitors can take candlelit strolls of Strawberry Banke Museum, ice skate, take in live music or do some shopping. Whatever you do, don’t leave town without setting your eyes upon the participants in the annual Gingerbread House Contest.

New Jersey
The town of Clinton always looks like it has been taken from the pages of a Christmas tale, but on December 16th, the Candle Light Night will take things to a whole new level of loveliness. The town will be aglow with luminarias, cheer will fill the air and the local shops will stay open late into the evening.

New Mexico
The state is full of unique holiday traditions like the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, but this year the Nochebuena event by Santa Fe Desert Chorale vocal ensemble is an absolute can’t-miss. From December 11-22, they’ll be performing Nochebuena—a celebration of carols by Hispanic composers from South, Central, and North America—at locations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

New York
The Big Apple’s most beloved holiday tradition is back: The Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes. Every day through January 2nd, you can watch this esteemed troupe fill the stage with more festive winter spirit than you ever thought possible.

North Carolina
It’s hard to beat a holiday season spent in the Smokies and Asheville’s most famous house Biltmore lays out the red and green carpet for visitors each December. All month long, America’s Largest Home will offer guests two enchanting experiences: a Daytime Celebration featuring exquisitely decorated interiors and Candlelight Christmas Evenings featuring live music and roaring fireplaces which will whisk visitors back to 1895.

North Dakota
The night of December 4th will be the official start of the Christmas season in Fargo as the annual Holiday Lights Parade event will once again take to the streets downtown. Join the revelers to welcome the season during the procession of festive floats and lit-up cars.

Ohio
Make your way to Public Square in Cleveland every night this month for nightly light shows that will get you into the spirit of the season. This is all part of Winterfest, an annual collection of events like ice staking, igloo bars, carol concerts and other performances that take over downtown.

Oklahoma
Downtown in December is the Sooner State’s most sensational holiday event and in 2021 it will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. The city center will once again be covered in lights and full of fun things to do like taking part in snow tubing, ice skating, listening to carols and riding streetcars. Special events throughout the month include a family-friendly Santa Run, a pet-themed holiday party and performances of A Christmas Carol and The Nutracker.

Oregon
Portland’s solemn religious shrine The Grotto will come to life in December during the Christmas Festival of Lights. Open every day through the 30th—with the exception of Christmas Day—the festival lays claim to the title of the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. Here, you can enjoy nightly concerts performed by many of the Pacific Northwest’s most impressive choirs.

Pennsylvania
Christkindlmarket Bethlehem is the state’s most beloved holiday event and it’s back in 2021. Running weekends until December 19th, the event will once again be featuring the wooden holiday decorations of renowned German retailer Käthe Wohlfahrt, gifts from some of America’s most respected artisans and multiple performances of holiday music.

Rhode Island
Christmas in Newport will take over the handsome coastal town during December for the 51st time, bringing with it the warm feeling of a traditional holiday season spent by the sea and thousands of gorgeous white lights. Nearly every day sees some special event happening, with some of the highlights being the doorway decorating contest, lantern tours and charity concerts.

South Carolina
For over 75 years, the Poinsettia Parade has kicked off the festive season in Greenville and this year you can expect marching bands, multiple floats and plenty of festive tunes and dancing. This year’s grand marshall will be legendary local educator Pearlie Harris.

South Dakota
After you’ve seen what Mt. Rushmore looks like with a fresh dusting of snow on it, it’s time to head to nearby High Plains Western Heritage Center, which will be hosting the Christmas on the High Plains concert event on December 19th. The seasonal soiree will feature performances by Paul Larson and friends.

Tennessee
Visit Dollywood now through January 2nd to experience the magic of Smoky Mountain Christmas. The park will be festooned with over five million lights and will host heartwarming entertainment, rides full of Christmas cheer and a wonderful nightly fireworks display. Stay in one of the park’s cozy lodges to make the most of the event.

Texas
Austin’s cherished Trail of Lights event returns to Zilker Park this year as a drive-through event, but this 57th edition of the display promises to be one of their best. In addition to the jawdropping light displays, private parties can be arranged on the grounds and it’s safe to say you won’t find a cooler backdrop for a bash anywhere in the city.

Utah
Head to This is The Place Heritage Park December 1-4 to be immersed in the merriment of a German Christmas Market at Christkindlmarkt SLC. Expect authentic German food, 80 stalls selling gifts, a live nativity, parades and concerts. Keep an eye out for the Krampus!

Vermont
Wassail Weekend is back in Woodstock December 10-12 and once again the event will fill the charming town with 19th-century holiday cheer. Admire historic houses covered in lights and bows before watching the parade, singing carols or taking in a special viewing of Elf.

Virginia
Head to the Norfolk Botanical Garden (the state’s largest) this December for the Million Bulb Walk, which will give visitors the chance to wander under a magical canopy of lights. The event will take place nightly through January 2nd.

Washington
Leavenworth already had a stellar reputation for its wonderful holiday weekends, but in 2021, they’ve decided to turn on their lights and spread cheer seven days a week. Head to Washington’s Bavarian heaven every day in December to see why they call it Christmastown. Hint: it has something to do with the carolers, the photo ops with Christmas characters, gingerbread houses and the free German lebkuchen hearts for kids.

West Virginia
Harper’s Ferry will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its beloved Old Tyme Christmas festival in 2021. Taking place during the first two weekends of the month (December 4-5 & 11-12), the event will bring the streets of the town alive with lovely lights and lots of vintage fun like an old-time holiday market and horsedrawn wagon rides. There will also be an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Wisconsin
The entire city of Milwaukee will glitter during December, but there’s something special about the spirit in the Historic Third Ward. They will kick off the month on December 3rd with their cherished Christmas in the Ward event, which will feature traditional tree lighting, live music, Christmas cookies, live reindeer and a firework display.

Wyoming
Jackson Hole is the ideal place to celebrate a true Western holiday season and the historic Jackon Hole Playhouse’s Christmas at the Playhouse is the perfect event to get you in the mood. Starting on December 15th and running through the month (Monday-Saturday except for December 24th and 25th), the nightly family-friendly shows possess equal parts comedy and holiday warmth.