Sitting on Santa’s lap is not the only way to get into the Christmas spirit. There are dozens of affordable travel opportunities that will help you get into the holiday mood, including:
Indiana: Gather the kids and head to Santa Claus, Indiana. The town celebrates Christmas all year long, but during the month of December things really hit a fever pitch. In addition to snapping photos of your kids with St. Nick, your entire clan can tour a Santa Claus museum, shop at Santa’s Candy Castle or enroll in Santa Claus training workshops to learn the find art of ho, ho, ho-ing. Also, don’t miss the 1.2-mile long holiday light display and numerous craft shows hosted on weekends.
Ohio: A trip to Cleveland during the holidays is not complete without visiting Ralphie’s home. As in, I-want-a-Red- Ryder-BB-gun-for-Christmas Ralphie. Retrace the steps the boy with the gun from “A Christmas Story” took while filming the iconic 1983 holiday movie. The house used for the flick is decorated to match the original set. Plus, you can tour a museum, which features costumes, props and memorabilia from the cult classic, including the leg lamp.
Missouri: Bring your sunglasses when you travel to Branson, Missouri, this winter. The electrifying holiday light display at Silver Dollar City is so massive you could burn a retina. The theme park features 4 million twinkling lights and 1,000 decorated trees, including one that towers more than 100 feet in the air and is wired with special effects.
Texas: In Galveston, Texas, you can celebrate Christmas on the beach and downtown. The island city plays host to a slew of holiday-themed events, including “Dickens on the Strand.” The celebration takes place in Galveston’s historic district and marks Charles Dickens’ birthday. Highlights include costumed characters, live music, dancing, holiday vendors, as well as bed races and a group Victorian wedding and vow renewal.