Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Take Visitors on an After-Dark Safari This Season

Walk past stunning lanterns and through tunnels of light at the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights.

The Bronx Zoo's glittering Holiday Lights have returned for another season of winter magic. While most of the zoo animals huddled in hibernation or winter holding, the zoo's grounds come to life this season with a series of sparkling, larger-than-life lantern safaris and plenty more seasonal thrills that makes this a fun destination on a cold winter's night.

If you can't make it to the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, consider a visit to one of these other seasonal light shows in city limits, and find more holiday fun in our Guide to the Holidays in NYC.

Shimmering Solstice Brings Twinkling New Holiday Lights Display to Old Westbury Gardens

Shimmering Solstice brings a new holiday lights show to the grounds at Old Westbury Gardens.

The brand new Shimmering Solstice walk-through, outdoor light show at Old Westbury Gardens boasts features that you don't see during its regular season. Instead of roses, visitors can view the lush, sprawling grounds blooming in holiday lights this season. The entirely outdoor experience is a stunning alternative to drive-thru holiday light shows. Read on for a preview of what to expect during your visit, then find more ways to mark the season in our Holiday Guide for Long Island Families.

Tried and Tested — 10 Brilliant Gifts and Kid-Entertaining Ideas for December 2021

Keep kids occupied while waiting for holiday fun. Photo courtesy of Tiny Expressions

How is it December already? 2021 had its share of ups and downs, but we’re ready to end it on a high note. There are so many things we’re all loving right now that it was almost impossible to pick a top 10. But we've done it, and what follows below is a perfect mix of our latest obsessions that includes the best toys to buy for Christmas; the most unique gifts to give friends, family, and ourselves; and the best holiday movies and new TV specials that will keep the whole family happily entertained all month long.

Every one of these things is tried and tested by our Mommy Poppins team, and we think you'll love all our picks every bit as much as we do. Read on to find out what we just can't get enough  of this holiday season.

Christmas Towns and Festivals to Explore Near NYC

Drive by the whimsical Whoville installation at Wegmans Lights on the Lake in Liverpool, New York, this holiday season.

New York City may be one of the most iconic holiday destinations but there are plenty of cities, towns, and villages across New York state that also get into the Christmas spirit and make for a great holiday day trip or seasonal weekend getaway. From Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, N.Y., to the Snowflake Festival in Kingston, here are six New York-state Christmas towns and holiday festivals where you'll find plenty of magic of this season.

Best Drive-thru and Walk-thru Christmas Lights in Houston

Photo courtesy of Dasher's Light Show

There's something magical about Christmas lights that make the holidays come alive (even in Houston when it's 80 degrees in the winter). Twinkling lights and snowy scenes always help make spirits bright! From drive-thru (and drive-by) experiences to free walking adventures, and out-of-this-world displays to an old school Santa's workshop, we've rounded up holiday and Christmas lights in Houston to suit every taste. For the best over-the-top Christmas lights in Houston, check out one of the locales or events below. And for more holiday and Christmas ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Westchester's Winter Wonderland Charms Visitors With Drive-Thru Light Show

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a festive 1.2-mile drive through Kensico Dam Plaza.

Formerly an uber-popular walk through experience, Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been reimagined for safe, seasonal fun and returns for a second consecutive year as a drive-thru holiday lights extravaganza.

Read on for our full review and a sneak peek at some of the stunning displays, and remember our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide are overflowing with curated picks to celebrate, whether you want to venture out or need some ideas for a festive night at home.

45 Awesome Santa Activities for Kids in Connecticut

Santa greets families on the daytime Santa Express and the evening Northern Lights Limited Christmas trains. Photo courtesy of the Naugatuck Railroad

Out of the corner of your eye, you see it. The red suit and snowy white beard which signal the arrival of the very symbol of joy and giving during the Christmas holidays: Santa Claus! Today the tradition is alive and well in many, many different kinds of places from train stations, farms, and even on the water! If you're looking to mix it up with a Santa outing that's a little bit different, we have rounded up our 45 favorite Santa activities across the state. 

Some events are free and require no preregistration, but many of those that do require advanced tickets are very popular and can sell out early, so you'll want to buy tickets as soon as possible. Check websites for updated mask and COVID-19 requirements. For more holiday and Christmas activities, see our list of The 15 Best Holiday and Christmas Events and Activities and our Holiday Fun Guide for Connecticut Kids.

Holiday Light Shows: Christmas Displays and More in Orlando for 2021

Celebrate the holidays at Legoland with seasonal shows, holiday Lego characters and more. Photo courtesy of Legoland

For many Orlando families, visiting local Christmas lights is a treasured holiday tradition. It’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit, and Orlando has no shortage of options. From dazzling displays at the theme parks to lighted boat parades, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to see Christmas lights here in Central Florida.

Get an exclusive view of Give Kids the World Village as it's tranformed into a wonderland of lights at Night of a Million Lights; stroll through illuminated forests and watch dancing light displays at Leu Gardens' Dazzling Nights; or venture to Mount Dora for the town's amazing seasonal lights. Read on for the very best holiday light displays around Orlando and Central Florida.

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