A Cartoon Christmas

Most of us think of going to amusement parks only in the summer, but some of them plan plenty of Christmas events; you may even have a better time than you would in waiting in astronomical summertime lines.

Disney World
Disney World features Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Events include a Christmas parade twice a night, special live shows, holiday entertainment, a “snow forecast” (wink wink) and other fun surprises. Epcot celebrates with Holidays Around the World where characters demonstrate customs and legends from Christmas throughout the world. A Candlelight Procession with a 50-piece orchestra also takes place. At Animal Kingdom, the savannah and holiday merriment come together for Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade and Santa Goofy’s Wild Wonderland. If you still have holiday shopping to accomplish, stop by Downtown Disney and enjoy the Festival of the Season while you shop.

Disneyland
Disneyland puts fireworks to holiday music with “Believe…In Holiday Magic,” a special event that blends Christmas carols and festive sparks. “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” showcases all of the Disney favorites engaging in seasonal activities for the whole family to marvel at and enjoy. Winding its way through Disney’s California Adventure Park, Disney’s Electrical Parade utilizes a half million colored light bulbs to create various floats, and they work in sync with the evening’s soundtrack to create a marvelous spectacle.

Hershey Park
If you prefer to stay a bit closer to traditional Christmas weather, visit Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania where Candylane is the main attraction. The park is decorated with over a million lights. Visits with Santa and his reindeer are available to every good little girl or boy. There is even a “Kissmas” tree. Although select rides and entertainment have fees, there is no park admission at this time of the year. Take in the Music Box Christmas Show or any of the other holiday events.

Dollywood
Dollywood in Tennessee remains open for Smoky Mountain Christmas with special shows, Tinker the Talking Christmas Tree, parades, a Christmas pyramid, and special holiday pastries. Dollywood’s Christmas is steeped in tradition; you can watch Victorian carolers sing in front of 3.3 million lights. This event screams with full-out country western Dolly Parton glitz.