Enjoy the rides at Santa's Workshop/North Pole in Colorado (photo courtesy of santa-colo.com)
Want to see more Christmas lights than you can imagine? Catch the big jolly guy in the red suit? Perhaps ride a roller coaster all in the same day? Then consider one of America’s theme parks this holiday season!
From Pennsylvania to California, holiday celebrations abound! Here are a few of the holiday-specific celebrations taking place this year.
1. The North Pole and Santa’s Workshop
Located south of Denver in Colorado Springs at the foot of Pikes Peak, this Christmas-themed park shines during the holiday season. Enjoy the Candy Cane Coaster and the Peppermint Slide, and of course get some time with old Saint Nick at Santa’s House.
2010 dates: The park is open daily except Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Dec. 24.
2. Hersheypark
In Hershey, PA you’ll find the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane complete with rides for all ages, festive decorations and lots of hot chocolate. Hershey Sweet Lights is a drive trail that features two miles of twinkling lights on 600 animated displays.
2010 dates: Nov. 12 to 21, 24 to 28, Dec. 2 to 5, 9 to 23, and 26 to 31.
3. Dollywood
Located in Pigeon Forge (near Knoxville), TN, the sounds of the season are already in full effect in Dollywood and its Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration that features musicals such as Babes in Toyland and Christmas in the Smokies and of course, a Parade of Lights. At Santa’s Workshop, children will be able to make their own holiday craft projects.
2010 dates: Nov. 6 – Jan. 1.
Nothing says Christmas quite like a night at Mickey’s Very Magic Christmas Party, a special event held each winter on select nights at the Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, FL. Snow falls on Main Street, hot cocoa and cookie stations pepper the park, and parades fill the night with music and lights.
2010 dates: Nov. 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 30 and Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14 ,16, 17, 19. Order tickets ahead by calling (407) WDISNEY.
Experience the Macy’s Holiday Parade all season long including some of Macy’s signature giant balloons, floats, street performers, and guest marching bands. This year there are nightly music performances and a holiday village at the Orlando, FL theme park. There will also be a daily tree-lighting ceremony, and smaller holiday shows featuring some of the park’s characters.
2010 dates: Dec. 4 to Jan. 1.
6. Legoland
Experience Holly Jolly Holidays at Legoland California near San Diego. Legoland lights its unique Christmas tree made entirely of Lego bricks as well as a Lego brick Santa and reindeer. The whole family will enjoy the Let It Snow holiday show which begins performances on November 20th.
2010 dates: December 2010.
Wherever you may be going this holiday season, I wish you problem-free travels and wonderful memories in the making! In the meantime, here are a few reminders for traveling with kids and packing. I’ll have more holiday travel tips for you in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!
If you have questions or comments for the author of the Travel Smart Blog, Nicole Hockin, please email: 
