Christmas Starts Before Thanksgiving Ends
‘Tis not the season yet but for many, Christmas begins in November. Across the nation, Christmas trees are being lit, parades are marching, and holiday markets are opening their gates. Thanksgiving in the United States is the last weekend in November this year so Christmas events will begin before the long weekend feast is eaten. So it’s time to spread cheer, Christmas in November is here!
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1. Holly Tour Of Homes, Westfield, New York
It’s a small town with big decorations–– the annual Holly Tour of Homes presented by Westfield Women’s Organization takes over the hood on November 24th. This holiday fundraiser is a community event like no other, with several homes that participate in elaborate Christmas decorations inside and out. Locals and tourists alike gather and take a walking tour of Westfield’s spectacular houses that are decked out for the holidays.
2. Snowflake Lane, Bellevue Lane, Washington
Even before the first real snowfall, you can experience the magic of falling snowflakes on Bellevue Lane. The street transforms into “Snowflake Lane” with “Hollywood snow”, dazzling lights, musicians, dancers, and decked-out floats in a nightly parade. Starting November 24th, you can watch the snowy parade any night for free up until Christmas Eve.
3. Santa’s Wonderland, College Station, Texas
College Station magically transforms into Santa’s Wonderland from November 10th through December 30th. It’s a Texas-sized event being the largest Christmas spectacle in the state with over 40 acres of light displays and decor. You can explore Santa’s town, munching on seasonal treats and humming to holiday classics played by live bands. Families can take hay rides and meet the jolly man himself.
4. Candlelight Christmas Evenings, Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
If you thought the Biltmore Estate was already magnificent, visit the grounds during the holiday season. From early November through early January, visitors can enjoy a bedazzling splendor of 30,000 Christmas lights and 150 candles that light up the estate and the mansion. A lavishly decorated spruce tree takes over the front lawn and dozens more Christmas trees are displayed inside.
5. Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
On select days from November 17th to December 17th, Bethlehem hosts a German-inspired market that takes classic old-world traditions to the next level. Artisans and craftspeople sell handmade treasures including spectacular Christmas ornaments by German artist, Kathe Wohlfahrt. Pack your skates–– there’s an ice rink there to glide on.
6. Stone Mountain Christmas, Georgia
Christmas begins November 11th in the village of Stone Mountain. Millions of lights, live performances, festive snacks, and warming beverages, turn the village alive in holiday cheer. Mr. and Mrs. Claus star in their Christmas parade and an incredible 4D showing of Rudolph takes place in the theater. Get a birds-eye view of a sparkling Atlanta skyline from the top of the mountain, and tube back down the snowy slopes.
7. Christmas Town, Leavenworth, Washington
For one month beginning November 24th, the Bavarian village of Leavenworth is a real-life snow globe. The town throws a Christmas Lighting Festival full of traditional splendors including carol singers, gingerbread houses, and Santa’s elves. Kids can participate in numerous crafts, live performances, and photos with Santa. There’s an endless display of colorful lights and Christmastown merchandise for sale.
8. Gaylord Palms ICE! ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, Kissamee, Florida
Despite no snow in Florida, you’ll be delightfully fooled by Kissamee’s winter wonderland from November 17th to January 3rd. Sun-bathers prepare to bundle up, the building is kept at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the ice from melting. It’s worth the frozen climate to witness the spectacle of ice sculptures created by professional sculptors who chipped away at two million pounds of ice.
9. Winter Glow, Mount Vernon, Virginia
Starting Thanksgiving weekend, George Washington’s historic estate explodes with holiday cheer in a captivating display of Christmas lights. Excited children can indulge in making s’mores on the fire or playing a game of “I Spy” as they search for “General George Washington” hiding around the estate.
10. Dickens Fair, San Francisco, California
A trip to the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls will transport you back in time to Christmas in London. You’ll feel like you’re on the set of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” as you stroll around visiting charming shops selling handmade trinkets. Smell the festive scent of roasting chestnuts and sip pints like an elder British lad at one of the cozy pubs.
11. Kerstmark, Holland, Michigan
It only makes sense that the Dutch town of Holland, Michigan hosts an authentic Dutch Christmas Market each year. The open-air market opens on November 16th, offering traditional treats and handmade crafts from artisan vendors. It’s a quaint market with a vibrant atmosphere, spreading the joy of the holidays with carol singers and visits from Santa Claus.
12. Christmas Village, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bundle up and visit this outdoor holiday festival for a whole day of Christmas joy. Modeled after Germany’s traditional Christmas markets, Center City transforms into a European holiday splendor. Expect to see dozens of little market huts selling gifts from ornaments to jewelry. Treat yourself to a bratwurst and sip mulled wine from souvenir mugs as you wander the market stalls.
13. Plaza West Covina’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, California
San Gabriel Valley hosts an extraordinary Christmas event on November 15th. It’s more than a tree lighting ceremony, the holiday extravaganza includes a holiday market, penguin experience, snow party, and live entertainment.
14. Santa Arrives By Helicopter, Bloomingdale, Illinois
As the event name suggests, Santa flies in hot by helicopter on November 17th. Ecstatic children can witness the jolly man arrive in style and get free photos taken with him. It’s a holiday playground for kids, with festivities like face painting, magic shows, balloon artists, and more.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Regan on Wikimedia
15. Gardens Aglow, Boothbay, Maine
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens ignites in over 750,000 lights starting November 16th. You’re in for a creative display of lights in Christmas shapes like snowmen and trees as you stroll along their festive pathways. The gardens truly become a holiday wonderland that Christmas lovers of all ages will enjoy.
Paul VanDerWerf from Brunswick, Maine, USA on Wikimedia
16. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Bronx, New York
The Bronx Zoo turns aglow with an extravagant light show from November 22nd to January 5th. Over 400 animal lanterns light up the zoo, from penguins to kangaroos. Visitors can hop on a tour train, watch ice carving demonstrations, and marvel at performers like stilt-walkers who entertain throughout the zoo.
17. Glow Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut
In just one night, you can travel across the world at Glow Hartford. From November 29th to December 29th, the event boasts an enormous display of lights that replicate famous landmarks from around the globe. You can witness the Taj Mahal and Big Ben made from dazzling lights and relax on an LED swing as you soak in the holiday magic. From a bouncy farm to gift shops, there are plenty of Christmas activities for all.
18. Nauticus’ Winterfest, Norfolk, Virginia
All aboard the Battleship Wisconsin for a winter fest on water. Starting November 15th, the famous ship is decked out in traditional lights and Christmas movie-themed displays. Enjoy holiday music and live entertainment as you wander aboard the anchored holiday vessel.
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19. Fantasy In Lights, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Callaway Resort & Gardens becomes Fantasy in Lights from November 15th to January 4th. The enchanting gardens offer a walking experience through magical tunnels of glittering lights and decorative nutcrackers. Take the wheel and drive through their 7-mile light show, visit Santa at their Christmas Village, or sip hot chocolate while you gaze at the glowing trees that reflect off the lake.
20. Nights of a Thousand Candles, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Brookgreen Gardens is a Christmas fairytale lit up with thousands of real candles and strings of fairy lights. Dine at one of their on-site venues surrounded by a candlelit forest or warm up with a drink from a beverage station as you wander the glowing grounds. You can step into the enchanted gardens from November 30th until January 5th.
