Tis the season to be taking advantage of the assortment of holiday events being offered from coast-to-coast. Whether you want to travel near or far, there are a slew of winter wonderland-themed attractions just waiting to be enjoyed by your entire family. And the best part–you won’t have to drain your wallet to experience them:
California: The Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine ushers in the holidays with the opening of the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California. If that doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit head to the San Diego North County community of Carlsbad for two free holiday tree lighting festivals. Santa Claus will light the Christmas tree at the Forum shopping center in Carlsbad, and then he travels to Village Faire Shopping Center to pose for photos, light a tree and hand out free cookies to guests. Meanwhile, in the community of Campo, you can celebrate the holidays aboard the annual Santa Train North Pole Limited. The popular Christmas train ride travels through San Diego’s rustic backcountry on December 1, 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. The 90-minute adventure begins at the Campo Depot of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum and features an on-board reading of the famous Christmas train story, The Polar Express. There are also appearances by Santa Claus and his elves, plus cookies and hot cocoa.
Missouri: Kansas City is ringing in the holidays with its stunning light display. Thousands flock from all over the country to see 80 miles of lights illuminated on the Plaza. More than 280,000 bulbs twinkle through mid-January. You can get an amazing view of the spectacle from the Intercontinental Hotel which towers over the Plaza or simply stroll the city’s streets for a closer look.
Washington: Stanwood comes alive each December thanks to its holiday light festival. Warm Beach Camp, located 50 miles north of Seattle, is ground zero for the light extravaganza featuring one million twinklers. In addition to the eye-popping illuminated display, you can enjoy live music on five stages, plus a Polar Express train ride. The event takes place on Dec 1-4, 8-11, 15-23 and 26-28.
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