10 great holiday attractions that are still happening

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

States across the country are implementing new COVID-related restrictions, just as we’re approaching a time of year when many people are looking to celebrate with friends and family. After the year we’ve had, a little celebration seems like just what we all need. While sporting events may be cancelled and weddings postponed, many holiday festivities are still being planned, albeit with some slight adjustments. We’ve rounded up 11 festively fabulous options if you’re looking for something merry and bright to to lift your holiday spirits.

Glow Holiday Festival: Minneapolis, MN

Head to the Twin Cities to bask in the glow of one million holiday lights from the safety of your own car. The drive-thru festivities are happening at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and feature beautiful Christmas trees, art installations, dazzling light displays and even a gingerbread house! Tickets are $46 per car and can be purchased here.
When: Through January 3, 2021

The Rink at Rockefeller Center: New York City

Always a highlight during the holiday season, the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center in Midtown is open for business. Skate beneath the stunning Rockefeller Christmas tree or watch from the sidelines with a warm drink. The Rink is open daily from 9am-midnight,, beginning November 21; tickets start at just $5. New York City is always a special place but something about the city during the holidays truly feels magical.
When: Through January 17, 2021

Koziar’s Christmas Village: Bernville, PA

For 73 years, Koziar’s Christmas Village has been lighting up and welcoming guests to Bernville and this year is no exception. Running the first Saturday of the month through January 2, this lovely little village has it all. From the manger scene and Santa’s toy shop, to scenes from Christmas in other countries and an old-fashioned bakery, strolling through is bound to brighten your spirits!
When: First Saturdays through January 2, 2021

Christmas Train Rides: Chattanooga, TN

Visit the North Pole aboard a train so famous, it has its own song! The 60-minute Chattanooga choo-choo train rides depart from the Grand Junction Campus in Downtown Chattanooga and takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole. Along the way, you’ll get to write your own letter to Santa, while noshing on a warm chocolate chip cookie. Santa himself will greet you at the “North Pole” and there, elves will hand out hot chocolate to enjoy while chugging back to the station.
When: Friday–Sunday, and daily during Christmas week, through December 27, 2020

Disney Christmas Events: Multiple locations

Christmas in the Magic Kingdom | Flickr CC: Sam Howzit

The holidays are a special time of year at Disney theme parks. Touting “Holiday magic at every park,” there are events happening at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. From parades to lights shows, you’re sure to find something fun for the whole family. And be sure to book your tickets well in advance; certain parks at limited capacity to support social distancing.
When: Some events end December 30, 2020; others run through January 5, 2021

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Brooklyn, NY

Manhattan gets all the attention when it comes to holiday celebrations but those in the know head to Brooklyn. Since the 1980s, homeowners in Dyker Heights have been having a little friendly competition decorating their homes. This year, you can expect to see massive displays, some put up by professions and costing upwards of $20,000.
When: Most houses remain decorated through January 4, 2021

Christmas in Color: Multiple locations

This multi-state event takes place in Salt Lake City, UT, Morrison, CO, Federal Heights, CO, San Dimas, CA, Shakopee, MN, Garden City, ID, and features more than a million lights hung in stunning displays and synchronized to holiday music you’ll play through your radio. From the comfort of your car, you’ll drive by giant candy canes, beautiful lighted archways, snowmen and brilliantly decorated buildings. Christmas in Color is sure to delight people of all ages!
When: Through Jan 4, 2021

Candy Cane Lane: Los Angeles, CA

For years, a group of neighbors in Woodland Hills has gotten together to put on one heck of a light show. At the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets, cars slow to a crawl to take in the dozens of homes decked out for the holidays. It begins the second Saturday in December and lasts through the month. Be sure to come before 10pm, when homeowners typically turn off their lights and head to bed.
When: Many houses remain decorated through January 4, 2021

Polar Express Train Ride: Palestine, TX

From November 27 through December 26, the Polar Express comes to life in Texas. The Texas State Railroad encourages guests to show up in their cozy pajamas for the ride of a lifetime. While enjoying hot chocolate and cookies, families sing Christmas carols, meet Santa, and get a glimpse at the North Pole.
When: Through December 27, 2020

Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Las Vegas, NV

Glittering Lights | Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Turns out the lights on the Las Vegas strip aren’t the only things dazzling tourists. The drive thru light show at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a favorite holiday tradition among local Nevadans and visitors alike. For 20 years, millions of glittering lights have decked these “halls” and delighted passersby, while proceeds benefit a number of different charities so you can feel extra jolly about going.
When: Through January 10, 2021