December 2018 Bucket List
Fun and affordable things to do in the U.S. during the 2018 holiday season
SOUTHEAST
GEORGIA
Santa’s Fantastical
You are not going to want to miss out on this family-friendly interactive winter wonderland in Atlanta, Ga. The Fantastical is where the season truly comes alive through live performances, state-of-the-art technology, and Instagram-worthy moments. Get your tickets today for the Fantastical that lasts until December 24.
Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights
This magical night of twinkling lights is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” as named by “National Geographic Traveler.” You and your family will want to explore the 2,500 acres of stunning natural landscape. Fill your holiday with cheer by making this a fun, family tradition today! You can purchase tickets on the website now.
VIRGINIA
100 Miles of Lights
Be dazzled by the 100 miles of lights and holiday events across the Seven Cities, from Richmond to Virginia Beach! Families can walk and drive through to see a sparkling set up of over two million lights. Other festivities include lighted boat parades, city illuminations, festivals, parades, living history re-enactments, caroling, dining events, music, and dances. 100 Miles of Lights shine until New Year’s Day.
Williamsburg Area Community Christmas Parade
Begin the festive month of December at the Williamsburg Area Community Christmas Parade. The annual parade takes place this year on December 1 at 9 a.m. The parade’s theme this year is “miracle on D.o.G Street” inspired by the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. Bring your family and friends for a Holiday parade you will not want to miss.
SOUTHWEST
CALIFORNIA
Holiday Water Wonderland
Bring the family to Marina del Ray on December 8 to see the fireworks at 5:55 p.m. and the boat parade at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free!
The Great Santa Run San Francisco
Sign up for the Great Santa Run on December 9 in San Francisco. Entry includes a bib, Santa suit, and a finisher medal. The course offers a 1-mile and 5K options.
COLORADO
Santa’s Flight Academy
Bring your children to Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver so they can enroll in Santa’s Flight Academy. This interactive experience transforms them into a key member of Santa’s crew. It’s open now until December 24.
Denver Chriskindl Market
Experience authentic German cuisine and artisan goods at the Christkindl Market in Denver. Admission is free! The market is open now until December 23.
MIDWEST
ILLINOIS
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Head to Cloud Gate this month to see and sing along with local Chicago choral groups as they lead holiday songs. This event is free and occurs December 7, 12, and 14 from 6–7 p.m.
ZooLights
Bundle up and visit the Lincoln Park Zoo this month to see the holiday light show ZooLights! This Chicago tradition is free and family-friendly. There will be photos with Santa, warm beverages, holiday gift shopping, live ice-sculpture carving, and much more.
MICHIGAN
Holiday Nights
Celebrate this holiday season at Greenfield Village where Main Street is filled with holiday goods, food, historical home tours, fireworks, and more. This event occurs from 6:30–10 p.m. on select evenings this month.
Big Bright Light Show
Visit downtown Rochester for the Big Bright Light Show. Buildings will be covered with over 1 million points of holiday lights! The display will be lit each evening from 5 p.m. until midnight now until January 6.
NORTHEAST
NEW YORK
Christmas Eve Caroling
Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Washington Square Park arch where there will be carols sung by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet. Songbooks will be available for everyone to sing along! This free event starts at 5:00 p.m.
WinterFest
Visit the Brooklyn Museum for the WinterFest this month. There will be a makers market, food, entertainment, Santa, and more!
MASSACHUSETTS
Yulefest
Sign up for the Yulefest 5k race at Harvard Square in Boston on December 9 at 9:30 a.m. Registration includes a knit hat and entry to a block party at the end of the race.
Winter Reimagined
Check out the holiday lights at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston this month during Winter Reimagined. Enjoy colorful light displays, holiday drinks, and more. This event takes place all month.
NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON
ZooLights
The Washington Zoo has transitioned into a dazzling Winter Wonderland! You and your family will not want to miss the 700,000 dazzling lights in the zoo. The lights shine from November 23-January 6 and tickets range from $6-$12.
Snowflake Lane
This holiday spectacle at Snowflake Lane is made up of glittering lights and surrounded by falling snow and exhilarating music along Bellevue Way between Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place in Bellevue, Washington. Celebrate with Snowflake Lane from November 23-December 24 nightly at 7 p.m.
OREGON
Christmas in the Garden
Anytime is a good time to visit the magnificent Oregon Garden, but Christmas in the Garden is a spectacular time to visit. The Garden is decorated with lights and has activities such as ice skating and tubing down a tubing track. The Garden also offers an assortment of German food, drinks, and goods. Purchase your tickets in advance for this educational holiday opportunity as prices increase $3 at the door and sell out fast! Online ticket sales end at 4 p.m. each day, and Christmas in the Garden is open most dates from November 23- December 31.
Christmas Fantasy Trail
Take a walk through the Fantasy Trail for an authentic experience of Christmas enhancement. Your Christmas walk will be twinkling with thousands of lights and decorated with Christmas scenes that you will not want to miss! There are refreshments available and a nightly bonfire. The Fantasy Trail is open from December 1- December 29. Prices for adults is $7.00 and prices for children 12 and under is $6.00 cash only.
