Holiday fun around every corner

A lot of the joy of the holidays is anticipating all of the special things we do at this time of year. So let's savor all of these rituals we enjoy with our children before, during, and after they happen!

Here are the ones we and our kids have been looking forward to most:

1. Advent calendars
2. Caroling and listening to holiday music
3. Hanging lights and decorating the house
4. Baking sugar cookies and frying latkes
5. Sending and receiving holiday cards
6. Watching Rudolf, Frosty and Charlie Brown
7. Making hot chocolate with marshmallows
8. Ice skating to holiday music
9. Gazing at holiday department store window decorations
10. Setting the table for a big family dinner

And more....

From Albuquerque

by Alison

Regardless of what celebrations your family observes this time of year, it is definitely a season full of traditions and rituals. Traditions give us all something fun to look forward to year after year. Here are some wonderful Albuquerque traditions that you can share with your family.

Tamales For many New Mexicans, Christmas just isn't Christmas without some freshly made tamales! Even if you don't make some yourself (and really it isn't that difficult), pick some up from your neighborhood tamale salesman, because you know you're bound to run into someone who is selling them, or order a dozen from a local restaurant.

Luminarias A simple, yet elegant, decoration that you'll see all over Albuquerque this time of year. Make some of your own with your children, or just visit some neighborhoods and sites all decked out for the Holiday.

From Boston

by Jill Notkin

Enjoy holiday music at The Bells of Boston. Taking place every Saturday through December 20th at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace; get some shopping done while you're there too! Or enjoy some holiday fare at one of the many delicious food kiosks inside the hall. Performance area located inside of the Quincy Market Building in the Upper Rotunda.

From Chicago

by Caitlin Giles

There is certainly no shortage of holiday activities in Chicago. These are five of my family-friendly faves.

(1) Zoo Lights. It just doesn't seem like the holidays without a walk around the zoo in freezing weather with cold, whining kids.
(2) Ice Skating at Millennium Park. See this post for more info (and don't forget the obligatory hot chocolate afterwards).
(3) A Trip to Macy's on State Street to See Santa Claus and the Holiday Windows. I have many, many memories of standing in long lines at Marshall Field's Department Store in my hot coat and Christmas outfit waiting to see Santa Claus and his elves. Afterwards, we would have lunch under the tree in the Walnut Room and walk around to see the decorated windows. This annual pilgrimage was a holiday highlight for me. And although things don't quite seem the same now that Marshall Fields is Macy's, I still think that getting dressed up in holiday outfits and making this trip is a fun seasonal ritual.
(4) Sledding. At our house, a decent snowfall means the season's first sledding trip! I recommend the sledding hill near Soldier's Field or Cricket Hill at Montrose Harbor.
(5) The Christmas Trees from Around the World at The Museum of Science and Industry. This year's display -- in honor of the Museum's 75th anniversary -- is not to be missed.

From Cleveland

by Naomi

Part of the holiday joy is the fantastic traditions that go along with it. Here are two of our favorite local traditions.

Blossom Music Center Holiday Lighting
Take a drive through the Blossom grounds in Cuyahoga Falls and see the thousands of beautiful lights! Going from November 28 through December 14 and December 18 through January 4: Sunday - Thursday: 6pm - 9pm, Friday and Saturday: 6pm - 11pm; $15 per carload.

Cleveland Botanical Garden
If you love the holidays as they were meant to be, the 2008 Cleveland Botanical Garden WinterShow is for you! Twinkling lights, magical decorations and displays, and other nostalgic surprises await. You and your family will experience the nostalgic feeling of peering into downtown window displays while out with the family for a holiday stroll. There is even a rumor that you might see a life-size snow dome!

As in years past, dozens of fanciful gingerbread creations by skilled local bakers will be exhibited throughout the building. All of these fantasy creations will carry out the charming City Sidewalks theme. The Garden's gingerbread competition is the area's biggest and best display of gingerbread houses in our area. You'll be amazed by the clever, "edible" interpretations of buildings and other holiday scenes.

From Dallas

by Zarlacht Atiqzoy

I grew up in New York City, and one of my most cherished memories is of my Mom taking us to Macy's to window shop. The snow... the beautiful displays set to music - it was all very dreamy and mesmerizing. We're starting this tradition right here in Dallas, by joining more than 350,000 spectators at the Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children's parade. The Christmas parade, benefiting Children's Medical Center, is an annual extravaganza and tradition for many Dallas families first Saturday of December each year.

I seldom ice-skate. My ankles are not forgiving. But during the holidays - they make an exception. It could be because it reminds me of snow, winter, and wearing ear muffs. Ice-skating at the Galleria is the next best thing, for several reasons. For one, it's closer than Rockafeller center. Two, there is a beautiful Christmas tree standing at the center rink, and circling it makes it challenging. The holiday music, and the atmosphere of shoppers, bystanders, and fellow first-time skaters and pro sweeping past you - all make for a memorable family event. Visit early to avoid long lines, and your little ones will love you. And do indulge on a peppermint hot cocoa from La Madeline's afterwards to warm you up.

As a child, I also remember visiting the theater during the holidays. And it quickly turned into a tradition for my husband and I to spend an evening out on the town supporting the arts. Last year, my extended family joined us to watch The Texas Ballet Theater perform the Nutcracker at the Music Hall in Fair Park. We all had a wonderful evening together and was amazed at how hypnotized my toddler and infant son were. Especially my daughter, who wore her tutu and pink glitter shoes to the show. Although they fell asleep half-way through the performance, it was the sincere closeness of watching my parents take in the music... and then stealing glances of my daughter and son pointing and oooing at the dancing swans...

From Kansas City

by Jenny Meade

Aside from going to a shopping center to visit Santa Claus to get pictures taken and offer up Christmas lists, there are lots of traditions for families around the winter holidays.

Every year near the Christmas holiday, my family goes to see A Christmas Carol at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre on the campus of UMKC. We've gone for so many years I don't even remember when we started, but it's been playing in Kansas City for 28 years. It's a well-loved tradition for us- my parents, my husband and I, my brother and his wife, my grandmother and aunts, everyone goes. This year, My kids are finally old enough to go themselves, I think.

While probably not an appropriate show for very little children, as it can be rather dark and scary at times. But depending on your child's personality and ability to sit quietly and engage in theatre for long periods of time, Dickens' classic is a magical, timeless story of redemption and forgiveness.

I have friends whose families go down to the Plaza every year and ride around in a horse drawn carriage after a nice dinner out, no matter how cold it is. Many of use who grew up in the Kansas City area have memories of going down to see the window decorations at Saks Fifth Avenue on the Plaza, sadly no longer an Kansas City icon. And there's always ice skating at the Ice Terrace at Crown Center.

From New Orleans

by Kelly Leahy

I'm rather excited about Christmas this year. For the first time since moving to New Orleans eight years ago, I will be spending Christmas Day in the Crescent City. This means establishing new traditions for my family.

Another exciting prospect is that this will be the first year that my eldest ,who is three, will have some idea of what is going on. At the very least, her anticipation will grow throughout the month as "the Christmas" approaches. She is already demanding daily trips to Home Depot to see the decorations ... wait until we take her to City Park!

Here are a few of my traditions that I plan on continuing or establishing this year.

1. City Park's Celebration in the Oaks. I'm looking forward to walking around the lighted trees again this year. Somehow I've missed it the last two but it's important to me that we do something local that the kids will remember as part of the annual festivities.

2. Santa. After much deliberation, we are committed to Santa 100%. We will be setting out cookies, hanging stockings and preparing the chimney for his arrival.

3. Decorating the tree. We'll turn on the Christmas music, pull out the ornaments and decorate the three as a family. There was something wonderful about rediscovering my favorite ornaments and finding the perfect spot for them on the tree every December.

4. Bonfires. I have been wanting to see the Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi levee since I first heard about them years ago. The practice of lighting the way for Pere Noel is centuries old and a must-see for us this year.

5. Pancake Breakfast. After opening presents every year, my mom always make pancakes and bacon for breakfast before we trotted out to see the extended family. This is a tradition that I will happily continue.

From Pittsburgh

by Jennifer Signore

Pittsburgh's rich ethnic heritage, while always a part of life in the 'Burgh, becomes clear to all when the holidays approach. So many cultures have come together to form our city, but it's the differences between these cultures, the traditions they hold dear, that truly make this place we call home so special. I'd like to focus on a handful of holiday traditions that I look forward to each year. You'll be able to tell from my list that I was raised in a Christian household. What are some Hanukkah traditions that you love? I heard of the menorah parade last year--sounds like fun. What does your family do for Kwanzaa? What are some of your favorites for these winter holidays?

Window displays at Macy's (formerly Kaufmann's)

I remember as a kid nearly jumping out of my skin with excitement at the chance to see the Kaufmann's holiday window display. I am so glad that Macy's has kept that tradition and turns the five windows along Smithfield Street into a magical Christmas display. You can check them out until January 12, 2009.

Christmas Eve Dinners
So many cultures, so many foods to eat! When I was growing up, our neighbor always prepared the traditional Polish dinner, which was meat free and starch heavy. It was wonderful! My husband's family prepares the Italian tradition of the "Seven Fishes" dinner. I know that other cultures have similar Christmas Eve traditions. If your family has a long standing tradition, get the kids involved in as much food prep as possible. Perhaps they can decorate the table. And talk to them about how the tradition is a part of the family and why. If you don't have a family tradition, there's no reason you can't start now!

Ethnic Decorations
I love most of the holiday decorations around town, especially those with a clear ethnic root. Recently, I am just enamored of the little szopkas, sometimes called Krakow Castles, that are part of the Polish tradition. One of the nation's experts in constructing these beautiful gems is David Motak. He conducts workshops around town to teach others this folk tradition. Some are offered at the Children's Museum (sorry, 2008 classes were in November--my bad), and kids are very welcome to participate (although you'll have to provide assistance for the smallest artists as scissors are a key tool).

Pitt's Nationality Rooms
The University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning has a collection of Nationality Rooms that were designed and sponsored by many of Pittsburgh's ethnic groups. Each year, on the first Sunday of December, the Nationality Rooms kick off the holidays with an open house that includes tours of the rooms in full holiday regalia, ethnic music and dancing, food, and folk crafts galore.

From San Antonio

by Emily

If you are new to our area and want to take part in some holiday festivities or just don't want to forget any place to visit, check out some of the more popular places in town.

1. If you live in San Antonio, you must go downtown and check out the Riverwalk's 100,000 twinkling lights. Bundle the kids up (if it is below 60 degrees!) and head down there. Find a place to park and just start walking the Riverwalk. In addition to all of the lights, there is a Christmas Pageant playing during December at the Rivercenter Mall (Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m., Sundays at 7:00 p.m. is free, but reserved seating available for $10 a seat). Get some hot chocolate and enjoy the sounds and sights of the season.

2. Light the Way at University of Incarnate Word is a walking or driving San Antonio holiday tradition. There is over a million lights and self-guided tours take place now until Janurary 6.

3. Windcrest neighborhood (start at City Hall at 8601 Midcrown Drive) is maybe not as well known as the other two listed above. You can save this for a really cold night because you don't have to get out of your car. Follow the cars as they swarm through the neighborhood checking out all of the creative decorations. Some families really go all out (makes our measly string of christmas lights look weak) and can fetch awards such as, "Best reindeer theme house" or "Most lights."

4. Santa's Ranch is a drive thru lighted park that is in between New Braunfels and San Marcos. It costs $17 a carload, or $40 for a season pass.

From San Francisco

by Graham Charles

San Francisco goes a little nutso around the holidays. Once those outlining lights appear on the Financial District's skyscrapers, holiday events start to crop up on every corner. If you're really intent on not missing a single one, you can check out the Visitors' Bureau's entire list of festivities, but to trim it down, here are some of my favorites:

I love to ice skate, and there are once again ice rinks set up at Justin Hermann Plaza, Union Square, and the zoo, among others; at the zoo you also get to meet some cross-dressing female reindeer and -- for some macabre reason -- handle some skulls and antlers. If you are near the Embarcadero, check out the obsessive Snow Village at the Hyatt Regency.

For those into a little more hands-on fun, one local favorite is the Gingerbread Extravaganza at the Bay Area Discovery Museum which runs on various days off between now and Christmas. The Randall Museum has a lower-key (and cheaper) Craft Workshop this Saturday, as well -- worth checking out.

Finally, as long as you're up Castro Hill and if you're into ridiculous lighting displays, then it has to be Tom & Jerry's place, 3650 21st Street, above the Castro.

From Seattle

by Bethany Dunn

The holidays have officially begun! There is so very much to see and do this month in Seattle (with many more activities to be highlighted in the upcoming days), so I wanted to give you the top five classic Seattle holiday opportunities to get you in the holiday mood.Still need your Christmas tree (I know we do!)? There's still time to enjoy the classic tree "hunting" experience in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You'll just need $5, a heavy coat, gloves, hat, and a pair of moon boots.The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium returns with its annual Zoo Lights! What does a half a million lights look like? Get bundled up, wander through the zoo and find out.

There are many opportunities to view the gorgeous Christmas Ship Festival vessels. Each evening through December 23rd, the Argosy Christmas Ship sails through the waters near different Puget Sound communities; while choirs on board provide a program of holiday songs. You can view the festival in on of the waterfront communities oron board the boat itself.

Each evening at 7pm until December, visit Bellevue Square as Bellevue Way is transformed into Snowflake Lane. You have to see it to believe it.What's more fun than open air ice-skating? Well, nothing, really. You can find out for yourself at the outdoor ice arena at Seattle Center Winterfest.

From Tampa Bay

by Caroline

Who says we can't have a "real" holiday season here in Florida? We don't need snow to get in the spirit in these parts. There are some wonderful holiday traditions for families here in our area. You may already be familiar with some of these traditions. Or perhaps your family will start a new tradition this year while attending one of the following events.

Holiday in the Park at Upper Tampa Bay Park

Your family can enjoy an old-fashioned hayride through Greeting Card Lane, a miniature holiday village and outdoor lighting displays every weekend in December.

Hannukah on Ice at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy

To kick off Hanukkah, a grand ice menorah will be lit while skaters can enjoy an evening with family on ice.

Tampa Bay Lightening Run

Families and serious runners alike will find themselves in the holiday spirit while participating in this annual event starting at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Hanukkah in Plant Park

A giant menorah lighting will be held again this year in Plant Park. Admission is free; dreidels, latke and chocolate gelt will be available for everyone.

Hillsborough River boat parade

This wonderful Tampa tradition held on the Hillsborough River displays boats of all kinds decked out in holiday lights.

Congregational Latke Dinner: Night of 1000 dreidels

The Temple Oheb Shalom will host this family event on December 19th in anticipation of Hanukkah.

From Vancouver

by Gwendolyn Floyd

In a city as big as Vancouver there is always lots to do around the holidays especially for Christmas. I will be exploring the other holidays later in the month, but for today's list I am exploring some of the Christmas Traditions that my husband and sons enjoy each year.

Number one is something that you could well do for any season, but we go every Christmas Eve. Maplewood Farm is a small farm in North Vancouver just off the Dollarton highway that is run by the the parks board. On Christmas Eve the farm isn't busy and there is lots of opportunity to see the animals and pet the goats and feed the birds. Since we will be in Nova Scotia this year we may need to go next weekend.

We also like to see the light displays around town and the two best places to see them are Bright Nights in Stanley ParkFestival of Light at VanDusen Gardens. Bright Nights is already open and during the week is the best time to go if you want to ride the miniature train with your preschooler, though tickets can be bought beforehand. Bright Nights runs until 3 January. The Festival of Lights begins on Friday the 5^th December until 4 January.

Another tradition in our family is going to watch the Santa Claus Parade. We bundle up in our fleece and rain gear, bring something to sit on and wait for the fun to begin. This year I plan to bring a thermos of hot chocolate so we don't need the other tradition of the long wait for the Starbucks. The parade is also a food drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank so bring some food or money for your donation.

Lastly, every year we go on a Carol Ride around Stanley Park with my church. You can set up your own Carol ride by hiring the horse drawn carriages or call to find out if they do it for the general public as well. It is a blast going around the park singing and being cheery.

What do you look forward to most in your town?