(CHICAGO – Nov. 3, 2015) — The days are getting shorter, darker and colder so the travel experts at The GO Group complied this list of twinkly outdoor events to combat the winter doldrums and instead celebrate the season:
New York has many ways to ring in the holidays, the most famous of which is the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, followed by live performances from 7–9 pm. The tree will remain lit until Jan. 8, 2016. Head to Brooklyn to see the lavish Lights of Dyker Heights, Nov. 1 – Dec. 1, a neighborhood tradition since 1986. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend this spectacle, which includes extravagant lights, large inflatables and motorized Christmas displays. Want more? Visit the world’s largest menorah at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza; lightings take place most nights at 5:30 p.m.
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Nov. 21 with a tree lighting parade starting at 5:30 p.m. and ending with a fireworks display over the Chicago River at 6:55 p.m. The Museum of Science and Industry celebrates “Christmas Around the World” and “Holidays of Light” with more than 50 trees decorated to represent various cultures and holiday traditions; Nov 19 – Jan. 23, 2016. After almost 50 years in Daley Plaza, Chicago’s official Christmas tree this year will stand in Millennium Park. The tree lighting ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 24 in the park near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.
The Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is held Nov. 19 through Dec. 27, 2015 and kicks off with thousands of lights and a fireworks display downtown. For just one dollar, you can hop aboard the Jingle Bus for a 40-minute narrated tour to learn about downtown landmarks. Besides downtown events, Milwaukee shines bright with beautiful park and street decor.
Orlando has plenty to offer for holiday fun with its theme parks and resorts offering dazzling displays and glittery lights. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights has millions of lights synchronized to holiday music at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Nov. 6, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016. Take the kids to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party held select nights from Nov. 8 to Dec. 18, 2015 featuring live entertainment, fireworks and a parade with Mickey, Santa and other familiar Disney friends.
The official lighting of L.A. County’s Christmas tree takes place Dec. 1 from 5- 6 p.m. at Grand Park’s Fountain Overlook. Attendees can enjoy live holiday music from chamber music ensemble Brass Pacifica and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Concert Choir then stroll through the park festooned with festive displays through Dec.25.