15 American Cities Known for Their December Events and Parades
December is a magical time in cities across the United States, where festive events and parades fill the streets with cheer. From twinkling lights to lively music, these celebrations bring people together to embrace the holiday spirit. Each city has its own unique way of celebrating the season, offering everything from dazzling light displays to heartwarming traditions. Whether you’re watching a parade with marching bands or enjoying a holiday market, there’s something special about experiencing the season in a new city. Many of these cities go all out with their decorations and events, creating a festive atmosphere that feels like a winter wonderland.
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New York City, New York
New York City becomes a winter wonderland in December, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience its festive spirit. The city’s iconic holiday events include the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which continues its holiday tradition into December with grand performances. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is another highlight, bringing awe-inspiring decorations and lights to the heart of Manhattan.
The Christmas markets, particularly the ones at Bryant Park and Union Square, add to the holiday charm, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats. The New York City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is another beloved event, showcasing a world-class performance that captures the magic of the season. In addition to all the parades and events, the entire city lights up with festive displays, making it a must-see during December.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago shines in December with a combination of festive parades and local traditions. The city’s most notable event is the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which draws large crowds to watch the lighting of over a million lights along Michigan Avenue. The holiday parade, filled with marching bands, dancers, and Santa Claus, attracts thousands each year. The city’s Christkindlmarket, an authentic German Christmas market, offers a variety of holiday goodies and unique gifts.
With its vibrant holiday window displays at stores like Macy’s, Chicago becomes a magical destination for families and tourists alike. Another highlight is the ZooLights event at Lincoln Park Zoo, where visitors can walk through illuminated displays while enjoying hot cocoa and other festive treats. Chicago’s December events make it a lively place for both young and old to enjoy the holiday season.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, with its diverse culture, offers a unique December experience filled with holiday festivities. The city’s famous Union Square hosts a giant Christmas tree, drawing large crowds to watch its lights twinkle in the evening. The annual San Francisco Ballet performance of The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition, bringing the magic of the season to life through dance.
San Francisco’s holiday parades, including the annual Christmas Parade and Lighted Boat Parade, feature colorful floats and festive music. Another crowd favorite is the “The Great Dickens Christmas Fair,” where visitors can step back in time to Victorian-era London and experience holiday magic with live entertainment, food, and unique gifts. San Francisco’s holiday spirit is contagious, with its combination of cultural traditions and festive events.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, known for its rich music scene, becomes a holiday hotspot in December, offering plenty of events for all ages. The city’s annual “Nashville Christmas Parade” is a highlight, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and performances by local artists. The event attracts crowds who come to see the giant balloons and the parade’s musical performances.
A trip to the Gaylord Opryland Resort for its “A Country Christmas” celebration is a must, offering ice sculptures, Christmas lights, and live performances by country music stars. The city’s holiday music scene shines, especially with Christmas concerts at the Grand Ole Opry, where country legends and new artists perform holiday classics. With its mix of parades, performances, and light displays, Nashville brings the true spirit of Christmas to life.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans may be best known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, but December brings its own festive flair with unique holiday parades and events. The “Crescent City” shines during the “Christmas New Orleans Style” event, which features a variety of parades, concerts, and holiday tours. The “Luna Fête” light festival is one of the city’s newest traditions, bringing amazing light displays to the French Quarter.
The “Krewe of Jingle” Parade adds to the city’s lively holiday spirit with colorful floats and plenty of festive fun. Music lovers can enjoy holiday concerts by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and there’s no shortage of holiday-themed jazz performances throughout the city. The atmosphere in New Orleans during December is one of joy, community, and festive celebration, offering something for everyone.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is known for its world-class theme parks, and December transforms them into magical holiday destinations. Walt Disney World celebrates the season with spectacular Christmas parades, including the “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” in the Magic Kingdom. Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays showcases cultural holiday traditions from around the world, while Universal Studios brings the Grinch to life during its holiday festivities.
One of the must-see events is the “Candlelight Processional” at Epcot, where a celebrity narrator tells the Christmas story accompanied by a choir and orchestra. The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration features a Christmas parade, along with festive shows and treats. Orlando’s December events, with their combination of holiday magic and family-friendly fun, make it a top destination for holiday travel.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s December events reflect the city’s rich history, combined with festive holiday traditions. The “Macy’s Christmas Light Show” and ” Dickens Village” are among the city’s most well-known holiday attractions. The “Philadelphia Holiday Parade” kicks off the holiday season with a grand procession of floats, marching bands, and entertainers. The “Christmas Village” at Love Park, a German-style Christmas market, draws visitors with its festive atmosphere, food, and unique gifts.
The “Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest” offers outdoor ice skating along the Schuylkill River, making it a fun and active way to celebrate the season. Philadelphia’s blend of history, culture, and holiday spirit makes it a delightful destination during December.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s December events are steeped in tradition, making the city a charming destination for the holidays. The annual “Boston Common Tree Lighting” kicks off the city’s holiday festivities, with thousands gathering to watch the lighting of the enormous Christmas tree. The “Boston Holiday Pops” concert is a festive tradition, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra performing holiday classics in a grand, celebratory atmosphere.
Boston’s holiday markets, especially the “Boston Christmas Festival,” offer unique gifts, food, and holiday cheer. The “HarborWalk Winter Lights” display, which illuminates the waterfront, provides a magical experience. Ice skating at the Frog Pond in Boston Common adds to the city’s winter wonderland atmosphere. With its combination of holiday lights, concerts, and parades, Boston is a city full of charm during the holiday season.
Denver, Colorado
Denver offers a lively December filled with festive activities, parades, and winter celebrations. The “Denver Parade of Lights” brings thousands of spectators to downtown to enjoy the dazzling light displays, festive floats, and marching bands. The “Denver Christkindlmarket” is an authentic German Christmas market that offers food, handcrafted gifts, and holiday cheer.
Ice skating at the downtown rink and the “Zoo Lights” event at the Denver Zoo are also crowd favorites. Visitors can enjoy holiday concerts at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Denver Botanic Gardens’ “Blossoms of Light” display. With its festive events and beautiful winter backdrop, Denver is a wonderful place to celebrate the season.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas offers a warm and festive atmosphere in December, complete with parades and holiday celebrations that fill the city with cheer. The “Dallas Holiday Parade” is one of the city’s largest events, featuring spectacular floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus. The “Prairie Lights” festival in nearby Grand Prairie showcases millions of lights along with a drive-through experience.
The “Dallas Arboretum’s 12 Days of Christmas” exhibit is a breathtaking display of holiday decorations and festive activities. For those who love ice skating, the “Galleria Dallas” rink offers a fun way to celebrate the season. The “Kwanzaa Celebration” in Dallas highlights African American heritage and tradition during the holiday season. With its variety of festive events, Dallas stands out as a vibrant holiday destination.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, a city known for its glamour, puts on a dazzling show in December with its events and parades. The “Hollywood Christmas Parade” is one of the city’s biggest events, featuring floats, musical performances, and celebrity appearances. The “LA County Holiday Celebration” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion showcases a variety of cultural performances, including dance and music from around the world.
The “Los Angeles Zoo Lights” brings millions of lights to the zoo, creating a stunning display for families to enjoy. Another favorite is the “Downtown LA Holiday Lights” event, where the city’s skyscrapers and buildings are illuminated in festive hues. The “Ice at Santa Monica” outdoor rink offers a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the season. Los Angeles’ diverse celebrations and warm weather make it an exciting holiday destination.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle comes alive in December with its mixture of holiday events and celebrations. The “Seattle Center Winterfest” is a well-loved tradition, featuring an ice skating rink, holiday lights, and cultural performances. The “Christmas Ship Festival” is another iconic event, where a fleet of boats, decorated with Christmas lights, sails around Puget Sound. The “Nutcracker” performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet is a staple during the holiday season, filling the air with festive music and dance.
The “Seattle Christmas Market” offers visitors a European-inspired holiday shopping experience, complete with handcrafted goods and seasonal treats. The city’s beautiful light displays, especially at the “Woodland Park Zoo,” offer a magical way to enjoy the season. With its vibrant arts scene and festive traditions, Seattle is an enchanting place to visit during December.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix may be known for its warm weather, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on December celebrations. The “Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias” is a breathtaking light display that features thousands of candles lining the garden paths. The “Chandler Tumbleweed Tree” is another unique event, where a 30-foot tall tree made entirely of tumbleweeds is decorated with holiday lights.
The “City of Phoenix’s Annual Christmas Parade” is a longstanding tradition, offering floats, music, and dancers to celebrate the season. The “Arizona State Fairgrounds” hosts the “Holiday Lights” event, featuring festive displays and light shows. The “Ice skating rink at CitySkate” downtown provides a chance to enjoy winter activities in a warmer climate. Phoenix offers a delightful mix of traditions and outdoor activities to enjoy during December.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., with its historical significance, turns into a festive winter city during December, drawing visitors from all over. The “National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony” is one of the most notable events, with the President typically attending and a live concert before the lighting. The “Downtown Holiday Market” is another popular stop, offering unique gifts and delicious treats from local artisans.
The “ZooLights” at the National Zoo adds to the holiday cheer with its dazzling light displays. The “Georgetown GLOW” features light sculptures throughout the neighborhood, giving visitors a chance to stroll and enjoy the beauty of the season. The annual “Nutcracker” ballet at the Kennedy Center is another favorite, showcasing this timeless performance for all to enjoy. Washington, D.C. offers an elegant backdrop for December festivities with a rich blend of parades, lights, and history.
Miami, Florida
Miami may not have snow, but it offers a tropical holiday experience with its warm temperatures and festive events. The “Miami-Dade County Youth Fair” brings carnival rides, games, and a holiday parade, attracting families from all over. “Santa’s Enchanted Forest” is a huge holiday-themed amusement park, complete with millions of lights and festive attractions.
The “Miami Beach Holiday Boat Parade” is a stunning sight, with boats decorated in lights sailing through the Intracoastal Waterway. The “Winter Wonderland” at Bayfront Park features ice skating, holiday performances, and light displays. Miami’s “Coconut Grove Lights Festival” also dazzles visitors with vibrant holiday lights and an open-air marketplace. With its mix of beaches, lights, and events, Miami offers a unique holiday experience during December.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.