Christmas Festivals & Ornaments by State

Alabama Birmingham Christmas Village Festival, 12/2 - 12/6, 9 am - 4 pm, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham. Over 700 booths, photos with Santa, food court, etc.
Alaska Christmas in Ice, 12/3 - 1/8, North Pole, Alaska. Christmas in Ice is the magical event that lights up the Christmas season in Interior Alaska with an ice maze and four large ice slides along with other activities.
Arizona Peoria’s Old town Holiday Festival, December 3, 5 pm - 9 pm, Old town Peoria at 83rd Ave just south of Grand Avenue. About 20 tons of snow is brought in from the “North Pole” for kids. There is a choral competition, cookie decorating and so much more.
Arkansas Mena County Night Parade and Fireworks, December 2, 6 pm, Janssen Park. Come kick off the Christmas season with a bang! 479-394-2912.
California America's Largest Balloon Parade, December 28 at 10:00 am in Downtown San Diego (2011 Port of San Diego). The scenic, bayside streets of downtown San Diego will come alive with Balloons on Parade.
Colorado Olde Golden Christmas and Candlelight Walk, 12/2 - 12/17, Washington Avenue, Golden, Colorado. Each Saturday starts with a traditional holiday parade followed by strolling musicians, horse-drawn carriage ride, and tasty treats.
Connecticut Christmas Town Festival, Dec. 2, 5 pm - 10 pm, Route 132 and Route 6, Bethlehem Center. Tree lighting 12/3, 6 pm.
Delaware Christmas in Odessa, December 3, 10 am – 7 pm. Includes a self-guided tour of private homes and public buildings which are decorated for the Holidays. 302-378-4900.
Florida Cracker Christmas, 1st weekend in December, 10am - 4pm, 300 Fort Christmas Road (C.R. 420), Christmas, Florida 32709. Pioneer demonstrations, Santa Claus 1pm - 3pm both days, large craft fair with over 150 crafters with handmade ornaments and other items, the Christmas Post Office will have a booth so you can get your Christmas cards hand stamped, antique engine and tractor display, and much more. 407-254-9310.
Georgia Stone Mountain Christmas, Nov. 13 – Jan 2, Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, GA, on Hwy. 78. Light up your family holidays with the glow of more than two million lights, performances and activities at Atlanta’s most heartwarming Christmas celebration.
Hawaii West Oahu Holiday Electric Light Parade, December 12, 6 pm, Kapolei Fairgrounds at Kealanani Ave., to Farrington Hwy, to Kamokila Blvd., left into Ulohia St and finish at Kapolei Hale. 527-5759.
Idaho Winter Garden aGlow, Nov. 24 – Nov. 27 and Dec 2 – Jan 8, daily 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Idaho botanical Garden located at 2355 North Penitentiary Road, Boise. You are invited to the Winter Garden aGlow. Dazzling display of sparkling lights and decorations. 208-343-8649.
Illinois Traditional Holiday Market, Nov. 23 – Dec. 24, daily 11 am – 8 pm , Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop (between Dearborn, Washington and Clark Street.) German Christmas treats, music and entertainment.
Indiana Train rides, ornaments, crafts, music and food, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 5 to 9 pm, 180 Fort Wayne Avenue, Richmond.
Iowa Holiday Hoopla, November 25, 2011, 206 Main Street, Cedar Falls. Santa, music, tree lighting, seasonal characters, fun and food. 319-277-0213
Kansas Victorian Christmas Celebration, 12/2/11 - 12/3/11 and 12/9/11 - 12/10/11, 6 pm - 9 pm, Cow Town Museum. 1865 Museum Blvd. Wichita, KS . Photos with Santa Claus, “The Night Before Christmas” play, Magician and food. 316-219-1871.
Kentucky Kentucky Railway Museum's Evening Santa Express, December 3-5, 10-12 & 17-18, 36 S. Main St., New Haven. All aboard for an evening of fun and holiday cheer as we journey to the North Pole to pick up Santa and his elves who will be serving Christmas goodies on the trip back. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas for pictures with Santa at the depot.. Excursion time is Fridays, 7pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 6pm. 502-549-5470 or 800-272-0152.
Louisiana Caroling in Jackson Square. Dec. 19 at 7 pm in the French Quarter. Candles and Song Sheets provided. 504-523-7047
Maine Christmas Prelude at Dock Square, December 1st – December 11th, Lower Village, Cape Porpoise. Events included are Winter Warmers Open House, Maine Women in the Arts Show, Champagne Reception at the Nott House, 8 Maine Street and so much more. 207-967-2422.
Massachusetts Christmas by Candlelight, December 2 - 4 and 9 - 11, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566 An enchanted evening of food, music, dance and a sleigh ride. Meet Father Christmas and chat with Santa Claus. 800.733.1830
Michigan All Holidays New and Old, October 8, 2011, Okemos, MI. For those who have a passion for holiday collectibles. Informational talks, opportunity to buy and sell, other activities. For information contact: terryweesner@sbcglobal.net
Minnesota St. Olaf Christmas Festival, 12/1/11 - 12/4/11, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. Arts and exhibits as well as musical performances. 507-786-3811
Minnesota Christmas Around the World, October 15, 2011,Chaska, MN. University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. For information contact: mnoctoberevent@comcast.net
Mississippi Christmas by the River in Moss Point, December 4th, 7 pm. This is your opportunity to reunite with friends and watch the nighttime boat parade and a grand fireworks show.
Missouri Christmas Parade and Craft Bazaar, 12/4/11 - 12/6/11, 9 am – 9 pm. 573-598-1064.
Montana A Montana Country Christmas, Dec. 2 - 3, Main Street, Downtown Stevensville. This festival includes arts and crafts, ornaments, dining, Nativity, wagon rides, parade of lights and Christmas Gift Fair. 406-777-3773
Nebraska Holiday Lights Festival, 11/25/11 - 1/9/12, in downtown Omaha. This festival is more than just lights with many events for the whole family. (402) 345-5401.
Nevada Sierra Foothills Christmas Festival, 11/25, 12/2, 12/6 and 12/16 6 pm - 9 pm., Grass Valley, NV, (800) 655-4667
New Hampshire Christmas in the Village, December 10, 1 pm to 4 pm, Remick Museum in Tamworth. Tours, ornaments, crafts and live music. Take a horsedrawn scenic ride. 603-323-7591.
New Jersey Holiday Festival of Lights, Dec. 17 - 18, 5:30 pm - 8:00pm, Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103. Enjoy a magical holiday tradition on the Camden Waterfront. In the evening, stroll through the 4.5 acres of gardens that include over 100,000 beautiful holiday lights and animated light sculptures. See live butterflies in the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House. Meet Santa Claus, his elves and Garden Mascot Mum Bea and more. 856-365-8733.
New Mexico Chama Christmas Festival, Dec. 3, 9 am – 4 pm Chama Christmas Festival, 500 Terrace in the Mountains. 575-756-2306.
New York 11/29/11 - 12/28/11, World Financial Center. This celebration kicks off with the lighting of the Christmas tree and with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus performing holiday music from around the world.
North Carolina Nov. 16 - Jan. 1, 10 am – 4 pm, Smith-McDowell House, 283 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC. Celebrate Christmas with a visit to The Smith-McDowell House Museum’s time-line of authentically decorated period rooms showcase the evolution of Christmas celebrations and decorations. 828-253-9231.
North Dakota Garrison’s Dickens Village Festival, Nov. 25, 26, 27 and Dec. 2, 3. 9, 10 . The event turns a community of 1,500 into a quaint Victorian town from the era of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” 1-800-799-4242.
Ohio Santa’s Silver Celebration, Nov. 18, 19, 20, downtown historic district of Springboro on S Main Street (Ohio State Route 741) between the intersections of W. Central Ave. (Ohio State Route 73) and Mill St. Carriage rides, entertainment tent, Christmas parade, Santa Land, camel rides and kid’s train. 513-518-9439.
Ohio Memories of Christmas Past…A Season of Sparkle, 12/3 - 1/15, Youngstown, OH, Mahoning Valley Historical Society. See rare, one-of-a-kind, vintage holiday decorations from the early 1800s through the 1960s. For information: www.mahoninghistory.org.
Oklahoma Elk City Christmas in the Park, 11/25/11 - 12/31/11, 9 am – 9 pm. Christmas lights, carousels and carriage rides. Take Exit 38 off I 40 and follow the sign to Christmas in the Park Light hours are every night until 11:00 with special actives every Friday and Saturday night from 6:00 pm -9:00 pm. 800-280-0207.
Oregon Christmas Ship Parade, 12/8/11 - 12/20/11, running nightly, Columbia and Willamette River in Portland, Oregon.
Rhode Island Pawtucket Winter Wonderland, Dec. 4 – 12, 4 pm - 8 pm, Pawtucket, RI. Iincludes a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, miniature train ride, yay ride and much more. 401-726-3185.
South Carolina Holiday Festival of Lights, 11/20/11 - 1/1/12, James Island Country Park. Over 500,000 lights to provide you with an enchanting 3-mile driving tour. Phone (843) 795-7275
South Dakota The Old Fashioned Christmas Festival, Dec. 2 – 3, 411 Mount Rushmore Road, South Custer. This event features a festival of trees, entertainment, children activities, book signing and homemade refreshments. 605-673-2443.
Tennessee Victorian Masquerade Christmas, Nov. 7 – Dec. 31, Belle Meade Plantation, 5025 Harding Road, Nashville. All mansion tours will take place in this lovely Christmas atmosphere. Wear a masquerade mask as you tour the beautifully decorated 1853 mansion and learn Victorian Christmas traditions. 615-356-0501.
Texas Texas Christmas, Nov. 26 – 28, Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 2 pm - 6 pm, Main Street, Grapevine, Texas. Holiday music fills the streets, along with millions of lights and decorations, strolling entertainers dressed in costumes and horse-drawn carriages. 817-410-8136.
Utah Dickens’ Christmas Festival, 11/30 - 12/4, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Dixie Convention Center, 1835 Convention Center Dr., St. George, UT. Olde English shops, hundreds of period costumes, fortune tellers, orphans, royalty and the “real” Father Christmas will be on hand.
Vermont First Night Burlington, Dec. 31, 2 pm, Burlington, Vermont. Celebrate Fifth Night, welcoming the New Year with an alcohol-free celebration of the performing arts. Thirty venues will host 240 events over a 10-hour period throughout the city with a special Children’s fireworks being added this year at 7 pm 800-639-9252.
Virginia Festival of Trees, Nov. 11 – Dec 31, 10 am – 4 pm, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, 10 West First Street, Big Stone Gap, VA in the Heart of Appalachia. Eighty trees will be decked out for the season as will doorways, banisters and mantles. 276-523-1322.
Washington Victorian Country Christmas Festival, 11/30/11 - 12/3/11, 10 am - 9 pm, Puyallup Fair and Events Center . This is a massive Victorian-themed marketplace featuring crafts, food, and ornaments and commercial booths. (253) 845-1771.
West Virginia The Winter Festival of Lights,Nov 11 – Jan 8 from dark until 10 pm, Oglebay, West Virginia, 4 miles from I-70 at Exit 2A. This holiday light show is one of the nation’s largest, covering more than 300 acres. Trolley tours are also available. 800-624-6988.
Wisconsin The Spirit of Christmas Past is held the first two weekends of December from noon to 4 pm. 1 ½ miles south of Eagle, about 40 minutes west of Milwaukee. W372 S9727 Hwy. 67, Eagle, WI .Once every child in America celebrated Christmas without battery-operated toys. Instead, they played flap jacks and dominos. They made paper ornaments for the tree. They got an orange brought all the way from Florida. That’s still what kids do during Christmas time at Old World Wisconsin where it’s always the 19th century. 262-594-6300.
Wyoming Powell Country Christmas, Dec. 3, Powell, WY. Torchlighed parade and crafts, 307-754-3494.