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.

New York City really knows how to light it up for the holidays. Aside from all the residential light displays and tree lightings, holiday lantern shows and seasonal Christmas lights sparkle across the city. From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden's new Lightscape display to the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo, the city sure does shine during the Christmas season. This year, there's even a duo of outdoor holiday lantern shows in Queens and on Staten Island, offering the perfect festive destination for Christmas 2021.

So, read on for all the details you need to get your glow on this holiday season and bookmark our Christmas Fun Guide for more seasonal happenings.

Active families looking for a new way to enjoy the great outdoors take note: Rail biking with Revolution Rail Company in charming Cape May, New Jersey, is an exhilarating, family-friendly experience! Gather your brood for a bike riding adventure along a deserted railroad track, passing abandoned train cars and winding through scenic marshland before stopping at a quaint overlook. Adding to the fun: On the way back to the station, you can stop at a nature preserve for a short walk along the trail.

Read on for our review of this fun family outing that's perfect for fall, and find more fun things to do outdoors in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.