Looking for ways to make the most of the holiday season with your loved ones? North America offers a treasure trove of festive activities. Whether you’re embracing the winter wonderland or exploring holiday traditions, there’s something for every family to enjoy. From attending Christmas markets to visiting aquariums, we’ve compiled a list of all the best activities to do with your family this holiday season.
12 fun and festive things to do with your family this holiday season
Free activities
Skating at outdoor rinks
There’s no better way to embrace the cold than going to outdoor skating rinks and gliding across glistening ice with your family. North America features several iconic outdoor skating spots. For a city experience, you can skate the frozen Rideau Canal in Ottawa, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. If you prefer something more local and you live in a cold place, often in the winter, you can find your local outdoor rinks fully frozen, and locals take care of them regularly. Then, there is the serene experience of skating on frozen lakes like Lake Morey in Vermont or Lake Louise in Banff.
Top places to check out:
Go for a winter hike
Another great way to enjoy the holidays is to take in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Snow blankets the trails, transforming landscapes into a peaceful winter wonderland. Winter hiking offers a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors with your family. Whether you’re trekking through frosty forests or along scenic ridges, there are beautiful national parks with loads of family-friendly hikes perfect for soaking in the crisp air and spending quality time together. Remember to bundle up, wear proper footwear, and pack hot drinks for the journey!
Top parks to check out:
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Yosemite National Pak, California
- Jasper National Park, Canada
Christmas light tours
Immerse your family in the magic of dazzling holiday light displays. A Christmas light tour is a festive activity that brings neighborhoods, parks, and city centers to life with twinkling decorations. Drive or stroll through sparkling streets, take in synchronized light shows, or visit botanical gardens lit up for the season. It’s a fun, sometimes free, or low-cost way to make holiday memories.
Top Christmas light tours to check out:
- Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls, Canada)
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn, NY)
- Lights of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Bundle up inside with a holiday movie marathon
Gather the family, grab some cozy blankets, and settle in for a night (or day) of classic holiday movies. From heartwarming tales like It’s a Wonderful Life to laugh-out-loud comedies like Elf, there’s a film for every taste. Take the experience up a notch by hosting your marathon outdoors with a projector or creating a theatre-like setting in your living room with popcorn, hot chocolate, and festive decorations.
Have a snowman-building contest
Turn your backyard into a winter playground by hosting a snowman-building contest or creating your own games in the snow. Families can divide into teams to see who builds the tallest, funniest, or most creative snowman. Set up obstacle courses, snowball toss challenges, or sled races for added fun. This activity is not only fun but also encourages creativity and teamwork.
Paid activities
Looking to splurge a little this holiday season? Paid activities offer unique and exciting ways to celebrate the holidays with your family. From thrilling outdoor adventures to immersive indoor experiences, these activities are worth the investment to create unforgettable memories. Here are some top picks to consider.
Go Skiing or snowboarding
Hit the slopes with your family and embrace the thrill of skiing or snowboarding this winter. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying the sport for the first time, many resorts cater to all skill levels, offering lessons, rentals, and family-friendly runs. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the snowy season while staying active and adventurous. Don’t forget to warm up afterward with some hot cocoa at the lodge!
Top resorts to check out:
- Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia, Canada)
- Aspen Snowmass (Colorado, USA)
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Wyoming, USA)
Visit an aquarium
Dive into a world of wonder at some of North America’s most impressive aquariums. With interactive exhibits, educational displays, and vibrant marine life, aquariums are a perfect holiday outing for families of all ages. Many locations also host seasonal events, like holiday light displays or themed activities, making the visit even more magical during the festive season.
Top aquariums to check out:
- Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, CA)
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (Toronto, Canada)
Attend holiday-themed amusement parks
Transform your holiday season into a magical adventure by visiting holiday-themed amusement parks. These parks go all out with festive decorations, special performances, seasonal treats, and even visits from Santa Claus. Whether you’re enjoying twinkling light displays or riding roller coasters in a winter wonderland setting, these experiences will surely delight the whole family.
Top amusement parks to check out:
- WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland (Ontario, Canada)
- Hersheypark Christmas Candylane (Pennsylvania, USA)
- Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Tennessee, USA)
Explore Christmas markets
Christmas markets are a feast for the senses, offering handmade crafts, seasonal foods, and festive entertainment in a cozy, European-inspired setting. Stroll through stalls with hot cider or mulled wine while browsing unique holiday gifts and decorations. Many markets also feature live music, carolers, and light displays, making it a charming outing for the whole family.
Top markets to check out:
- Christkindlmarket (Chicago, IL)
- Toronto Christmas Market (Ontario, Canada)
- Union Square Holiday Market (New York City, NY)
Take holiday train rides
Step aboard a holiday train and let the magic of the season come to life on the tracks. These themed train rides offer enchanting experiences for the whole family, complete with cozy seating, festive decorations, and even visits from Santa himself. Sip on hot cocoa, listen to holiday stories, and enjoy the scenic winter landscapes as you journey to the “North Pole” or other festive destinations.
Top train rides to check out:
- The Polar Express Train Ride (multiple locations across the USA and Canada)
- North Pole Express (Essex, CT)
- Bright Nights Train at Stanley Park (Vancouver, BC)
Attend festive performances
Celebrate the season with timeless holiday performances that bring festive stories and music to life. Whether it’s the elegance of a ballet, the joy of a musical, or the electrifying sounds of a holiday rock orchestra, these shows are a fantastic way to create special holiday memories with your family.
Top shows to check out:
- The Nutcracker Ballet (performed in cities across North America)
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra Holiday Tour (multiple locations across the USA and Canada)
- The Snowman (offered by many local symphonies)
Stay at festive resorts
Escape to a holiday retreat by staying at a festive resort, where the season’s magic surrounds you at every corner. These resorts go above and beyond with holiday-themed décor, seasonal activities, and cozy accommodations perfect for families. From gingerbread house displays to holiday feasts and even on-site winter sports, these destinations offer an all-in-one holiday experience that’s both relaxing and unforgettable.
Top resorts to check out:
- The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, WV)
- Deer Valley Ski Resort (Utah, USA)
- Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff, Alberta, Canada)
The holiday season is the perfect time to create cherished memories with your family, and North America offers countless ways to celebrate together. From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy indoor experiences, these festive activities are sure to make your holidays unforgettable.
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