The holidays are here, and there’s no shortage of cheer in this year’s halliday guide!
To help families make the most of the season, in this week’s edition of the Goodness Report, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best free family-friendly holiday events happening in our Champions backyards this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a festive outdoor market, light displays, or holiday boat parade, our Idea Halliday Guide will help you celebrate in style — without breaking the bank — across Southern California, Houston, Nashville, and Chicago!
Newport Beach 116th Christmas Boat Parade – Newport Beach, CA
December 18-22, 2024 | 6:30 PM
One of the country’s best boat parades, and a must-have event in each year’s halliday guide, this event features holiday-themed boats cruising Newport Harbor, best viewed from the shore.
Click here to see a map of the best viewing spots for the parade.
San Clemente Chanukah on the Pier – San Clemente, CA
December 10 | 4:00 pm
Chabad of San Clemente will be celebrating the Chanukah season with the lighting of a 10-foot Menorah, food, music, crafts, and an interactive “kindness Menorah” which participants can help cover with holiday messages of love and peace. This event is free to all who wish to attend, at the Historic San Clemente Pier, but registration on the official website is encouraged.
Click here to register for this fantastic free holiday event.
Ice skating in Millennium Park – Chicago, IL
Open and free to the public all season!
Chicago’s iconic Millennium Park is a winter wonderland for families, with two unique ice rinks on the lakefront park’s grounds. First, twirl around on the city’s iconic Millennium Park ice skating rink, nestled right below the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”). You’ll enjoy views of the city skyline covered in snow. Next, head to Maggie Daley Park to glide along the whimsical Skating Ribbon that meanders through frosty pine trees.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights – Chicago, IL
Open and free to the public all season!
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a can’t-miss holiday occasion open and free to the public all season! The nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, the cherished annual event includes family-friendly activities, live performances, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River.
Costa Mesa City Hall Snoopy House, Costa Mesa, CA
December 13-20 | 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
There will be a variety of free activities, and a sensory-friendly event will occur during the weekend. Grab a photo with Santa, take a train ride, or admire the stage performers and Snoopy House Light Display.
To view the official event website, click here.
Dana Point Holidays At The Harbor – Dana Point, CA
Dana Point Harbor | November 15 – Early January
Every holiday season, the Dana Point Harbor transforms into a Southern California holiday setting with 700,000 LED lights constructing displays including a giant whale sculpture, lighted palm trees, giant beach-ball-like ornaments, the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch, and much more.
Dickens of A Christmas – Franklin, TN
Saturday, December 14 from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday, December 15 from 11 AM to 5 PM
Dickens of a Christmas! recreates the time of Charles Dickens using historic downtown Franklin’s charming architecture as the backdrop. A variety of musicians, dancers and Dickens characters will fill the streets. Expect to see and interact with the nefarious Fagin from Oliver Twist; Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family from A Christmas Carol; and of course, a Victorian Father and Mother Christmas with treats for children. Enjoy the Victorian Village with holiday dancers, characters and carolers, shop arts & crafts vendors, watch live entertainment, shop throughout the historic district, and visit the whiskey lounge, beer garden, and more!
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade – Marina del Rey, CA
Watch festive boats light up the marina and enjoy fireworks. Parade kicks off December 14.
Grand Park’s Winter Glow – Los Angeles, CA
Gloria Morina Grand Park 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Stroll through Los Angeles’ Grand Park for enchanting light displays. Open daily after dusk through New Year’s.
Santa Claus at Market Street – The Woodlands, TX
November 22 – December 24 | 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands, TX
Santa Claus will greet children of all ages and take photos with them at Market Street
No matter where you are, there’s holiday joy and cheer waiting for you and your family and friends with help from our halliday guide! Embrace the spirit of the season with these fun, festive, and free events, creating memories that will last long after the decorations come down. Happy Hallidays from all of us at Idea Hall!
