Makin' a List of Holiday Movies
Five Classic Holiday Events Around the Country
Planning a trip for the holidays? Here are some ideas for classic holiday events to get you in soaring spirits through the New Year.
Honolulu City Lights
Honolulu City Lights.
If you’re not in the mood for a white Christmas and you want some sunshine and surf, hit up the Hawaiian Islands. While you’re there, the Honolulu Hale (Honolulu City Hall) is home to the Honolulu City Lights displays. Picture a shirtless Santa displayed in the sun, giving a hang loose sign as he sits on the edge of a fountain and dips his toes in the water. Along side are Mrs. Claus and some penguins basking in the water. Displays include Nativity scenes, snowmen with surfboards, plus the city’s towering Christmas tree, with a giant ukulele and pahu (a coconut hallowed drum) beside it.
Ice-Skating at Rockefeller Center
Just seeing the Christmas tree here is worth the trip. By requirement, it must stand at least 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide–its 78,000 lights bursting with color in the night. Elf was filmed here when Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) takes Buddy (Will Ferrell) ice-skating. Each holiday, the ice-skating rink is constructed at the base of the Rockefeller tower. The golden god Prometheus is stationed below the tree at one end of the rink. With a quarter of a million people coming to experience this attraction each year, and the rink’s capacity to accommodate only 150 skaters at a time, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you’re waiting in the long line!
National Christmas Tree in Washington DC
Thousands of tourists take a trip to the nation’s capitol for the annual lighting ceremony at the beginning of December. It’s tradition for the Vice President’s wife to place the star atop the National Christmas Tree, which is part of the opening ceremony for the Christmas Pageant of Peace. This year’s pageant features smaller trees representing our country’s 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. A large-scale model train runs around the Christmas tree, and nightly musical performances through Dec. 23rd make for a festive holiday.
New Year’s Eve at Times Square
The blistering cold of Manhattan never fazes the hundreds of thousands of people who gather for the annual ball drop and count down to New Year’s–a tradition that dates back to 1906. If you decide to brave the crowds and cold on New Year’s Eve in Times Square, you might get a glimpse of host Ryan Seacrest as he brings in the 35th edition of the Rockin’ New Year with Dick Clark. Festivities include live musical performances, loads of confetti and partying to last as long as you can go without sleep.
Pasadena Tournament of Roses
This New Year marks the 119th parade, themed Passport to the World’s Celebrations–a way to showcase traditions from around the world. The parade of floral floats, marching bands and celebrity convoys lasts about 2 ½ hours and spans 5.5 miles. Curbside camping on the parade route begins at noon, Dec. 31, but you can always catch a cozy view from your living room in front of the tube when it airs live, Jan. 1, 8 a.m. (PST). Football fans can tune in after for the 94th Rose Bowl Game.
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