Holiday Guide Must-Visit Attractions The holiday season is here, bringing along a world of enchanting activities, festive markets, and dazzling displays.
If you're planning your celebrations, look no further! From historic tours to spectacular light shows, here’s a roundup of the best holiday experiences to explore this year.
1. Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, Richmond, Virginia
Holiday Guide Must-Visit Attractions This annual event transforms the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden into a luminous wonderland with over a million LED lights. Highlights include:
- Model Train Displays: Delight in the intricate trains at the Kelly Education Center.
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Interactive Fun: Roast s'mores by the fire and explore new attractions.Perfect for families and light enthusiasts alike, this festive garden display runs from late November to early January.
2. Best Holiday Historic Home Tour: Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
Step into Elvis Presley’s world at Graceland, where holiday traditions meet rock-and-roll history.
- Seasonal Decor: Marvel at traditional lights, life-sized nativity scenes, and Elvis’ iconic Santa sleigh.
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Presley Artifacts: Discover rare Christmas memorabilia from the Presley family archives.This magical experience kicks off in mid-November and draws more than half a million visitors annually.
3. Best Holiday Market: Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Revel in the festive ambiance of this European-inspired market hosted at The Osthoff Resort.
- Artisan Treasures: Shop for handmade crafts and unique gifts.
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Seasonal Treats: Enjoy schnitzel, apple strudel, and warm Glühwein.The market’s heated tents and evergreen decorations make it a cozy winter outing.
4. Best Holiday Parade: America's Thanksgiving Parade, Detroit, Michigan
Celebrating its 100th year, Detroit’s parade is a dazzling spectacle of floats and festivities.
- Highlights: Giant helium balloons, marching bands, and colorful floats.
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Location: Watch the action unfold along historic Woodward Avenue.This iconic parade is a Thanksgiving tradition you don’t want to miss!
5. Best Hotel for the Holidays: Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, West Virginia
Holiday Guide Must-Visit Attractions Escape to the enchanting Oglebay Resort for a holiday retreat filled with lights and laughter.
- Festival of Lights: Stroll through dazzling displays as part of their weekend package.
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Family Activities: Build gingerbread houses, enjoy magic shows, and watch holiday-themed movies.No one leaves without holiday cheer from this charming resort.
6. Best Public Holiday Lights Display: Bentleyville 'Tour of Lights,' Duluth, Minnesota
Experience one of the largest free walk-through light displays in the U.S.
- Over 5 Million Lights: Spread across 20 acres on Lake Superior's shores.
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Family Fun: Visit Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, and roast marshmallows by the fire.Bentleyville is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation for all ages.
7. Best Theme Park Holiday Event: An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri
Dive into nostalgia with this heartwarming holiday celebration.
- Twinkling Lights: Over 5 million colorful lights and 50-foot light tunnels.
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Unique Features: An 8-story special effects Christmas tree and Broadway-style productions.This theme park transforms into a Christmas wonderland, creating memories that last a lifetime.
8. Best Zoo Lights: PNC Festival of Lights, Cincinnati Zoo, Ohio
This award-winning event lights up the Cincinnati Zoo with millions of LED bulbs.
- Interactive Displays: Ride the North Polar Express train and explore a gingerbread village.
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Holiday Magic: Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the Wild Lights show.Perfect for families, the festival ensures an unforgettable holiday experience.
9. Best Department Store: JCPenney
Holiday Guide Must-Visit Attractions For holiday shopping, JCPenney is the go-to destination for a mix of affordability and quality.
- Brands You Love: From Liz Claiborne to Frye and Co., there’s something for everyone.
- Nationwide Locations: Shop at over 600 stores across the U.S.