It’s the most wonderful time of the year for live events! Read on for our preview of the holiday attractions, exhibits, fandom events, and pop-ups coming your way this December!
Northeast
Phipps Holiday Magic: Let It Glow! – Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh, PA – Now through January 6, 2019
Visit Pittsburgh’s historic Phipp’s Conservatory this holiday season to experience their annual winter flower show and light garden, “Holiday Magic: Let It Glow!” Featuring artful LED lights, detailed props, decorated pine trees, and more than 2000 poinsettias, this year’s Holiday Magic is sure to be a dazzling display. Make sure to get your tickets for Pittsburgh’s must-see holiday spectacular, and prepare for unforgettable family memories!
Harry Potter: A History of Magic New-York Historical Society, New York, NY – Now through January 27, 2019
Get ready to take a journey to where magic and myth began at the Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibit! In this immersive journey through the history of the Wizarding World, the British Library unveils manuscripts, magical objects, and rare books from the Harry Potter archive collection. Explore the subjects studied at Hogwarts, J.K. Rowling’s original drafts, and the origins of the sorcerer’s stone! Grab your broomstick, floo powder, or portkey and head over to the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library!
Steel City Con Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville, PA – December 7-9, 2018
Steel City Con is back and better than ever! The exclusive con of the Monroeville Convention Center returns this December with over 750 vendor tables, an amazing artist alley, and a full lineup of fan-favorite celebrity guests. Don’t miss your chance to snag a photo op with Game of Thrones star Jerome Flynn, Star Trek’s Gates McFadden, and The Incredible Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno! This is definitely a weekend you won’t want to miss, so grab your 3-Day Passes while supplies last!
South
Santa’s Fantastical™ Sandy Springs, GA – Now through December 24, 2018
Wander through 12 whimsical worlds at this family-friendly winter wonderland! An immersive interactive experience that brings together the best parts of the holiday season, Santa’s Fantastical is the brainchild of a world-class creative team cultivated from big-budget Hollywood movies, global concert tours, music festivals, popular animated feature films, and theme parks. With live performances, light and sound shows, and state-of-the-art technology, it is sure to be a “Fantastical” time. Instagram-worthy moments await at this interactive wonderland, so reserve your tickets today!
Nights of a Thousand Candles Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC – December 6-22, 2018
Brookgreen Gardens’ 80-foot-tall fir tree has been decorated with 70,000 sparkling lights to welcome in the holiday season at this year’s Nights of a Thousand Candles. Gather family and friends for a relaxing stroll as the gardens burst to life with the sounds of holiday music and the warm glow of more than 5,500 hand-lit candles. Grab your tickets, a warm cup of cider, and your holiday cheer to celebrate the season this December!
Yorktown Countdown NYE 19 USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, Mount Pleasant, SC – December 31, 2018
Come aboard the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier to sail away straight into 2019! This highly anticipated New Year’s Eve party in Mount Pleasant, SC gives attendees a chance to explore the entire ship while enjoying live bands and DJ performances, a top shelf all-inclusive bar, and the best views of Charleston harbor. Tickets are going fast, so don’t miss out on this truly memorable New Year’s Eve experience!
Midwest
North Pole Express Union Depot, St. Paul, MN – Now through December 9, 2018
Climb aboard the North Pole Express this December at St. Paul’s historic Union Depot! During this historic rail car ride, children will be delighted at the opportunity to write a letter to Santa and then hand deliver it to the head elf himself as he boards the train at the North Pole! Plus, proceeds from this beloved holiday experience help support the nonprofit, Friends of the 261, in operating and maintaining the Milwaukee Road #261. So why delay? Reserve your spot on the North Pole Express today!
Go Tell It! Grace Polaris Church, Westerville, OH – December 14-16, 2018
A new Christmas pageant debuts in Westerville, Ohio this holiday season! With a large cast of actors and the full Grace Choir & Orchestra, the new storyline is sure to excite those who came to love the annual “Awaited” performances which came to a conclusion last year. Join friends and family in following an angel’s journey through the entire story of Christmas this holiday season at the Grace Polaris Church!
Ice Castles – Lake Geneva Lake Geneva, WI – Opening late December, 2018 as weather allows!
Experience a true Winter Wonderland nestled right in Lake Geneva, WI! Ice Castles, an enchanting annual attraction featuring soaring castles built entirely from ice, is the perfect winter tradition for the entire family. This magical frozen playground, located roughly 90 minutes from Chicago, is an unforgettable experience for the entire family. Plus, with six total locations this year across the US and Canada, there’s no better way to enjoy the cold weather wherever you are!
West
Fa La Land ROW DTLA, Los Angeles, CA – Now through December 25, 2018
Fa La Land is spreading cheer at ROW DTLA this holiday season! Experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays at this spirited pop-up museum in the heart of Los Angeles. This immersive and interactive environment features an old-fashioned North Pole, a “Jingle Bell Toy Factory”, and a fluorescent “Fa La Forest.” Plus, you never know which celebrity you might see there! Grab your tickets and your best Instagram filters and come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Partywith Westfield Santa Anita Mall, Arcadia, CA – Now through January 2019
Prepare to escape reality at this immersive art experience taking the Los Angeles area by storm now through January. Partywith combines Hollywood film set lighting with premium photo opportunities to create 15 hypnotic Instagram-ready installations. Join the “party animals” in rooms filled with disco balls and infinity rainbows, and get ready to look so fetch in front of a Mean Girls-inspired neon sign, all while putting the event’s provided Polaroid cameras to good use! Don’t miss out on this hashtag filled experience; get your tickets today!
Happy Holidays Ya Filthy Animals Hollywood & Vine, Los Angeles, CA – December 1, 2018 – January 6, 2019
LA is absolutely packed with fun events this December! The best holiday movies have come together as the inspiration behind this festive pop-up experience in Los Angeles. With nostalgic sets, photo opportunities, and custom cocktails, this is an experience that lovers of holiday classics just can’t miss. This full-on winter wonderland features comedy and live music programs as well as free outdoor ice skating and an onsite Christmas tree farm. So don’t play with that BB gun, you’ll shoot your eye out! Come get festive this holiday season instead at Happy Holidays Ya Filthy Animals!