Grinchmas at Universal Studios
Who doesn't want to be immersed in a environment inspired by the great Dr. Seuss? Universal's Grinchmas, at the Universal Studios parks in Universal City, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., does just that with their ode to the Christmastime classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." There's a Seuss-ian tree, Whoville singers and an evening snowfall in a place where snow will never naturally fall. In Orlando, the Macy's Holiday Parade takes over the streets with live performances from Mannheim Steamroller on select nights.
Image via Undercover Tourist
Hersheypark, Hershey, Pa.
For a chocolate-themed Christmas (and, as we all know, chocolate and Christmas are two great things that go great together), head to Hersheypark for their delicious offering. You can catch a dinner theater show, "A Chocolate Avenue Christmas," at Hershey Lodge, shows such as "A Music Box Christmas"and "NOEL!"
You can also visit Santa's reindeer and Hershey's product characters decked out in their holiday best. Who knew a Hershey's Kiss or a Reese's had their own holiday best? But there you have it.
Image via Hersheypark
Disney World, Orlando
Home for the holidays isn't for everyone. Some families want to get out and experience Christmas on a grand scale.
Disney World takes holiday celebrations way up a notch. The theme park and resort has its own soirée, "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party," a "Frozen" themed holiday wish at Cinderella's Castle, a candlelight processional with celebrity narrators (from LeVar Burton to Isabella Rossellini), "Holidays Around the World" at Epcot and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which features millions of lights synchronized to holiday music.
Oh, and Mickey, Minnie and Santa will be there, too.
Image via Disney World
Celebration in the Oaks, New Orleans, La.
Down in N'awlins, the Celebration in the Oaks at City Park honors the holidays with a slew of light displays with a Louisiana flavor—gators and New Orleans Saints tributes. The lights are scattered throughout the 25-acre park, and there's an animated "Cajun Night Before Christmas" display, plus train and carousel rides. They even have their own character, a snowman named Mr. Bingle.
Image via New Orleans City Park
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Va.
Wanna see over eight million lights all aglow? Then Busch Gardens' Christmas Town is the place. They'll also have shows, an ice palace with penguins, animals in a Scottish-inspired highland stables and Santa, natch.
Image via Busch Gardens
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The rest of the year, animals and plants are the big draw at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. During the holiday season, it’s their PNC Festival of Lights. Families can go on a North Polar Express train ride, feast on s’mores, see a blacklight puppet show, go visit Santa and his Mrs. and bask in the glory of lights—lots and lots of lights.
Image via Cincinnati Zoo
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Like you need an excuse to head to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's Pigeon Forge, Tenn., theme park. At the country icon's happy place, there are tons of entertainment options from Southern Gospel to Dollywood's "A Christmas Carol," their annual Parade of Lights, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and a bunch of hustle and bustle over at Santa's Workshop.
Image via My Pigeon Forge
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif.
Knott's Berry Farm will hold its Knott's Merry Farm experience with the crew from Peanuts. The event includes the über-busy Santa and Mrs. Claus (They're everywhere at this time of year, aren't they?), a Snoopy ice show and a Christmas Crafts Village—a great place to pick up last-minute gifts from local artisans.
Image via Knotts Berry Farm
Gaylord Opryland, Nashville
In the mood for a country Christmas? Then, seriously, Nashville's Gaylord Opryland is the place to go. They've hauled in two million pounds of colorful ice sculptures for their "ICE! 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" attraction, they've created 1.5 million pounds of snow for tubing, there's a meet-and-greet at the Christmassy DreamWorks Experience. They even lured the Radio City Rockettes to Tennessee for their performance of "Radio City Christmas Spectacular."
Image via Marriott
Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif.
Disneyland really is magical, no matter what time of year it is. But it's even more so during the holidays.
Both Disneyland and California Adventure undergo a holiday makeover featuring whimsical wreaths on Main Street to trees created from tires in Cars Land. Highlights include the seasonal overlays on the Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion Holiday and a Christmasy take on "It's a Small World." (Pictured above.) There's also a Christmas Fantasy Parade and Disney ¡Viva Navidad! over at California Adventure (the Three Caballeros will be there).
Image via Disneyland
