Christmas
Colonial Williamsburg has been drawing visitors to its Christmas celebrations since 1936. Today the town fills with elaborate decorations (hand made from fruits, vegetables and evergreens), special events, and fireworks. It all starts on the first Sunday in December when the officially Grand Illumination takes place. Although most of the activities are not historically accurate (colonial Americans didn’t celebrate Christmas), it is still a wonderful time for the whole family.
Thanksgiving
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an icon of the turkey holiday. In 1934 Macy’s and Walt Disney Productions introduced the first Mickey Mouse balloon. Live broadcast of the much loved event started in 1979. Over 2.5 million people line the streets and brave the weather to see the amazing spectacle. It takes more than 4000 volunteers and even more performers to bring it to life. And at home, cooking Thanksgiving meals, more than 44 million viewers use this parade to kick off their holiday season.
4th of July
What better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in the city of its birthplace. Philadelphia does not take its place in history lightly. The birthday celebration lasts for over a week and ends with a fireworks display that will leave you talking for the rest of the year. There is something for everyone (and every age) for you to find.
Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)
It may not be the first and it may not be the wildest in the world, but Mardi Gras season in New Orleans is certainly a site to behold. All the lavish costumes of the parade revelers are enough to keep your draw dropping on their own. Add in the party atmosphere of the city and you can’t help but scream for beads. The best way to experience the full effect of the extravagance is to attend a Mardi Gras ball. Most societies only offer tickets to members, so it helps if you have someone on the inside.
New Year’s
In 1886 the Valley Hunt Club began the tradition that would be come known as the Tournament of Roses Parade. It was designed to be a celebration of the amazing contrast between the ripening oranges in California and the piles of snow in the north east - it was a way to proclaim this paradise to the world. It has now become America’s New Year Celebration as well.
The United States is filled with holiday magic. No matter which holiday you want to celebrate, you can find a city that specializes in that event.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, May 21st, 2008 at 1:11 am and is filed under Family Travel, Popular Cities, Travel Planning.
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