There is something magical about holiday and Christmas lights, and Connecticut is home to some of the grandest glowing displays in New England. There are two new holiday light displays in the state for 2021. Connecticut families can enjoy a festive, choreographed light show from the comfort of the car at the Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Amp, or head to the Holiday Stroll in Stamford for holiday-party cheer. 

For DIY (but no less sparkly) holiday light displays, check out our list of Connecticut homes with amazing Christmas light displays, including the famous Wonderland of Roseville. We have more ways for kids to capture the magic of the season and enjoy safe, socially distanced family activities in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families, including our list of the best holiday and Christmas activities for Connecticut kids. 

One perk of the long, cold winters in Chicago is the chance to glide across the ice at the many beautiful outdoor skating rinks throughout the city and suburbs—many of them FREE. Not all ice skating rinks in Chicago need polar-vortex temperatures to stay open; some refrigerated rinks are available for skating as long as the temperature is less than 40 degrees. Many rinks offer hockey, broomball, figure skating, or speed skating programs. And not all rinks are your standard oval, either: Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon lets figure skaters enjoy a different kind of figure 8.

For all the details on where to enjoy ice skating in Chicago, read on. And for more winter activities to enjoy with your family, check out our Winter Activities Guide.

Every Boston family favors different holiday traditions, but we don't know anyone—young or old—who isn't delighted by the twinkly glow of holiday or Christmas light shows. In 2021, the annual tradition of taking in holiday lights returns. As spectacular Christmas lights are mainly outdoors, it gives all a chance to feel a little seasonal magic in a way that continues to be safe and socially distanced.

Favorite drive-thru holiday light displays are back, such as the Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium, the Greater Boston Celebration of Lights in Waltham, and the Marshfield Holiday Light Show, in addition to sparklier-than-ever walk-through events like ZooLights at Stone Zoo and La Salette Shrine in Attleboro.

Whether you venture out to one of these Boston holiday and Christmas light shows, or drive to spectacularly decorated local homes, set aside an evening, bring a thermos of cocoa, and experience some magic as a family. For more holiday and Christmas activities, plan ahead with our Holidays and Christmas Activities Guide for Boston Kids.

Snuggle up by a warm fire, enjoy a serene walk along beautiful Lake George, or travel back in time to the 1800s. Sounds like an inviting weekend getaway, right? These are just a few of the adventures families can experience at these resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfasts near New York City.

These family-friendly B&Bs make for a perfect weekend trip. Escape the hustle and bustle of home for a weekend away at one of these charming inns. Find more spots for your next weekend trip in our Guide to Weekend Getaways.

Los Angeles is all about outdoor activities at Christmastime—and nothing says "This is why I moved to Southern California" quite like a Christmas boat parade. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, boat owners gussy up their crafts and parade them up and down waterways for applauding spectators, who line the harbors and marinas from Dana Point to Ventura. Driving around looking at holiday lights is great; letting them float by you at one of these dozen sailing holiday parades is even better.

Just when we thought the holiday season in Philly couldn't possibly get any more festive, a new parade announcement is adding to the excitement. The Visit Philadelphia Holiday Parade will send floats representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Chinese New Year marching down Market Street en route to City Hall, for a family-friendly multi-cultural celebration. The parade is the latest addition to a stellar lineup of Philadelphia Christmas activities and events, which also includes a new fireworks show.

Also known as pork buns, gua bao-style buns are a Taiwanese night market staple. Pillowy, yet compact and stuffed with mouth-watering ingredients, bao buns are a great light meal when you and your family are on the go or looking to try something new. A tasty finger food, these morsels are perfect for foodies-in-training. If you want to introduce your kids to this staple, here are five kid-tested—and approved!—restaurants serving bao buns in NYC. Even a picky eater will find a bao bun to love among these picks.

Find more kid-approved eats in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in NYC.