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Event Spotlight FLORIDA
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The Gingerbread Extravaganza | Dec. 13 - 27, 2025
(Jacksonville, Florida) Experience the festive ambiance of the beloved Gingerbread Extravaganza. In it’s new home at the Haskell Building of the Jacksonville History Center, the event is great for families. The event will include a holiday gift shop and special events, such as Kids Day (Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.) and Gingerbread by Candlelight (Dec. 18 at 4 p.m.). Kids Day is designed for families to enjoy with free admission for children and special giveaways and activities. Gingerbread by Candlelight is a great evening out with beverages and live music with a relaxing atmosphere. Check out the beloved exhibit this year!
COLORADO
Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration | Dec. 20, 2025
(Pagosa Spring) Join us for an old-fashioned Christmas in downtown Pagosa Springs for an evening celebration! Along the route, enjoy festive displays and activities, acoustic musicians, choirs, free hot chocolate and cider, toys and other goodies and, of course, Santa Claus.
More Colorado Events
For more Denver information, check out the AAA Denver Guide.
FLORIDA
Holiday Market at the Pier | Dec. 13, 2025
(St. Augustine Beach) Experience holiday magic at St. Augustine Beach Pier Park with local vendors offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats, art, and jewelry. The event features holiday lights displays and festive family activities.
Space Coast Seashell Festival | Jan. 17-18, 2026
(Melbourne) Explore the world of seashells during Astronaut Trail Shell Club’s annual seashell festival. This free family-friendly event includes artistic and scientific shell displays, raffles, door prizes and kids activities. Vendors and crafters will offer shell-related items for sale.
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GEORGIA
Parade of Lights Christmas Parade | Dec. 11, 2025
(Douglas) Celebrate six decades of Christmas magic with marching bands, illuminated vehicles, and spectacular floats traveling through the historic downtown area. This beloved tradition showcases the enduring spirit of small-town Georgia while creating memories for generations of families.
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ILLINOIS
First Night Springfield | Dec. 31, 2025
(Springfield) Ring in the New Year at First Night Springfield! Enjoy family-friendly music, theater and art across downtown Springfield. The celebration culminates with spectacular fireworks at 8 p.m. Tickets are necessary, but youth 15 and under are free when accompanied by at least one adult.
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IOWA
Winter Solstice Market | Dec. 12-13, 2025
(Winterset) Named "Best Holiday Market in Iowa" by Food & Wine magazine, this carefully curated indoor market features 40 local artisans in two restored courthouse square locations. Visitors discover handcrafted items ranging from seasonal décor to gourmet foods while experiencing the charming atmosphere of historic Winterset.
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MICHIGAN
Holiday Pops | Dec. 20, 2025
(Ann Arbor) Revel in this festive concert at Hill Auditorium, featuring seasonal classics and brilliant guest performers by the Ann Arbor Symphony. The family show blends orchestral excellence with vibrant holiday spirit.
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MINNESOTA
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert | Dec. 12-13, 2025
(Minneapolis) The Minnesota Orchestra accompanies this beloved holiday film, creating a unique movie-and-music experience. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet cast bring Charles Dickens' classic tale to life on the big screen.
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NEBRASKA
A Very Merry Nebraska City Christmas Carol | Dec. 20-21, 2025
(Nebraska City) The Veterans Memorial Building presents this locally-produced holiday theatrical performance featuring community actors in traditional Christmas storytelling. The must-see musical adventure also includes local history and a lot of laughs!
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NORTH CAROLINA
Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Concert | Dec. 18, 2025
(Charlotte) The Charlotte Symphony presents a special concert celebrating the Festival of Lights with music honoring Jewish traditions and culture. This evening performance brings together classical arrangements with songs that illuminate the significance of Hanukkah.
More North Carolina Events
For more Charlotte information, check out the AAA Charlotte Guide
NORTH DAKOTA
Christmas in the Park | Now - Dec. 31, 2025
(Grand Forks) Drive through Lincoln Drive Park and experience the magic of Christmas in the Park! Enjoy a festive drive-through holiday light display created by local organizations. Cost is $10 per vehicle, with all proceeds supporting local charities and the Lions Clubs of Grand Forks.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Philharmonic: Home for the Holidays | Dec. 18, 2025
(Columbia) Koger Center presents festive orchestral favorites and seasonal carols with special guest performances. This elegant holiday concert brings classical music traditions to families celebrating the season.
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TENNESSEE
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas | Now-Jan. 4, 2026
(Pigeon Forge) Immerse yourself in the Christmas season at Dollywood. On top of the award-winning rides and attractions, enjoy a winter wonderland with more than six million lights, festive decorations, holiday food, shopping and family-favorite shows.
More Tennessee Events
For more Tennessee information, check out the AAA Nashville Guide
WISCONSIN
Cool City Christmas | Dec. 13, 2025
(Two Rivers) Central Park West transforms into a magical winter wonderland for this free community celebration featuring Santa visits, elves, reindeer, carolers, ice skating and warming fires. Families can enjoy s'mores, face painting, craft vendors, food trucks and downtown shopping during this heartwarming holiday tradition.
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Check out the AAA podcasts—see below!
AAA PODCASTS & WEBCASTS
Our “Well-Traveled With AAA” podcasts and webcasts are your gateway to the world of travel. Each episode features insights from AAA travel experts and our network of preferred travel partners to ignite your wanderlust for adventure. Visit AAA.com/Well-Traveled to explore the latest episodes.
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