ML Interest Tag: fireworks-extravaganza

7 New Year’s Eve Events in San Diego the Kids Will Love

by Kimberly Stahl

Discover all the fun ways to ring in the New Year with these kid-friendly New Year’s Eve events and celebrations taking place in San Diego

Break out the noisemakers! We’re sharing New Year’s Eve events near San Diego that your kids will love to go and celebrate (even if it means not staying up till midnight). Whether you want to go all out with LEGOLAND’s own version of Times Square or keep it low-key at the Northern Lights event at the California Center for the Arts, here are the best kid’s New Year’s Eve parties to help celebrate and usher in a very merry 2023.

1. Del Mar Snow n Glow

The Del Mar Fairgrounds has transformed into a winter wonderland making this a most-fun new years eve San Diego event! Enjoy the last day of 2022 by huddling with your loved ones in a private igloo, snow tubing down Snow Hill (with real snow!), or sipping hot chocolate while strolling through a million festive lights. A fantastic way to ring your new year in style and be home before bedtime! Event details.

2. Temecula's NYE Grape Drop

The infamous Grape Drop in Temecula is a treat for the whole brood. Catering to families, they celebrate twice with an East Coast (9 p.m.) and West Coast (midnight) countdown. The New Year’s Eve Grape Drop will include live music, food vendors, and kid’s activities. Free Fun Zone will be open from 6-10 pm. Event details.

3. Northern Lights at the California Center for the Arts

Cap off the holiday season by visiting Northern Lights at California Center for the Arts. Their 12-acre campus transforms into a spectacle of light, hope, and joy after sunset each evening. Guests are invited to wander along the walkways, taking in the holiday sights and sounds. The young and young-at-heart will enjoy tunnels of twinkling lights, giant LED Christmas trees and blow-up figurines of favorite holiday characters. Then go home, make hot cocoa and watch the ball drop eastern standard time so the kiddos can head to bed before midnight! Event details.

4. Kids' NYE at LEGOLAND

If you can’t make it to the real Times Square, how about a trip to the LEGOLAND version? Complete with an early kid's New Year's Eve countdown, live music for a kids New Year's eve party, and a New Year's firework grand finale, this is sure to make your celebration awesome! Event details.

5. Hornblower Cruise

If you want to bid adieu to 2022 in real style, check out a New Year’s Eve Cruise. Hornblower Cruise Lines offers a lavish early buffet dinner cruise on the San Diego Bay. We can’t think of a better way to spend the last day of the year than outside on the water. Kids ages three and under are free. Event details.

6. A Very Furry Christmas Celebration: Sesame Place San Diego

If you haven't had a chance to visit Sesame Place San Diego this season, it's open on Dec. 31st with all of its festive celebrations in full swing. The park is transformed into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday magic and surprises. Guests will enjoy Sesame Street Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, and exciting rides. There will be games, special merchandise, and one-of-a-kind photos with your Sesame Street friends dressed up in their holiday best. Event details.

7. Jungle Bells: San Diego Zoo

Spend the last day of the year strolling around the Zoo & Safari Park at night under the sights & sounds of holiday cheer. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo will light up your night with the animals as you stroll around the zoo listening to live music and carolers. You'll enjoy all of the Christmas programming, including story time and the holiday trampoline jumpers. Kiddos will traipse through the Northern Frontier Holiday Forest and be mystified at the Aurora light spectacular show. Event details.

 

 

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Celebrate Stars & Stripes: Fourth of July Festivities for Families

by Allison Sutcliffe

Do your Fourth of July festivities center around a backyard BBQ and kids’ crafts at your place? Or are you more about spending the day waiting to see Boston’s most epic fireworks display over the Harbor? Either way, we think this year’s Independence Day celebration is going to be a blast, especially since so many Boston favorites are back this year. So grab the kids and your best red, white and blue accessories, then head out to find our favorite fireworks displays, parades, historical reenactments and more. Here’s where Boston families can celebrate July 4th in 2022!

Boston’s Best 4th of July Celebrations

the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on 4th of July at Hatch Shell
Michael Blanchard

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Boston's main event returns for the first time since 2019! Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops will be at the Esplanade performing their acclaimed Fireworks Spectacular that includes the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums. The program will be live from the stage of the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade Shed, and will be broadcast locally on Channel 7.

Date: Jul. 4,
Time: 8-11 p.m.
Event details

Boston 4th of July Harborfest parade goes down the street
Richard Dykes via unsplash

Boston Harborfest
Boston Harborfest, the decades-old tradition celebrating Boston’s harbor and history, makes it 2022 debut with exciting activities at Boston’s best landmarks. This family-friendly event is one of the country’s largest Fourth of July festivals, and local families can enjoy the opening ceremony in Downtown Crossing, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail walks, boat tours, live entertainment and much more.

Good to know: The Harborfest Fireworks display is scheduled for July 2, 2022. Be sure to catch the family-friendly pre-fireworks concert at Christopher Columbus Park first.

Dates: Jul. 1-4, 2022
Event details

246th Independence Day Celebration
City Hall Plaza is the starting point of this short parade that passes by the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths will be laid on the graves of patriots. The parade continues through Downtown Crossing past other historical spots before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company reads the Declaration of Independence.

Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Event details

Independence Day Parades & Festivals Beyond Boston

a family watches fireworks on 4th of july
iStock

Plymouth's 4th of July Celebration
If a fun run, parade, food trucks, concerts and fireworks are the way you want to celebrate the 4th, head to Plymouth to enjoy the festivities. The 5K starts bright and early and is followed by a fun-filled parade. Round out your trip south with live music and food trucks before fireworks light up the sky over the harbor at dusk.

Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Event details

Fireworks at Polar Park
Take the kids out to a ballgame with a side of fireworks after the last pitch flies at Polar Park. Home of Boston's minor league team, the WooSox, Polar Park will be hosting patriotic-themed fireworks for fans to enjoy from the stands when the WooSox take on the Scranton Railriders.

Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Event details

a mom and son watch a fourth of july seattle parade
Andy Calhoun via unsplash

Lexington Lions’ 4th of July Carnival
The carnival is in town and families will be able to enjoy rides, games, food and fun at this annual event starting June 30 through July 4. Fireworks are scheduled for July 1 at 9:30 p.m., and families will also catch youth games on July 4 at 10 a.m.

Dates: Jun. 30-Jul. 4, 2022
Event details

Coca Cola July 4th Fest
Plan your fireworks extravaganza with a side of thrilling rides and Hurricane Ridge waterpark adventures. Take the kids to Six Flags New England for a sun-up to sun-down celebration every day. In addition to ticket discounts and rides for kids of all ages, families can watch a stunning fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

Dates: Jul. 2-4, 2022
Event details

Kids watch a parade on the 4th of July
Ian McDonald via unsplash

Amesbury Days
This year marks the 123rd Amesbury Days. It’s a chance to get together for fun and exciting community events and launch the summer of 2022. Beginning June 23rd, there will be lots to do including a block party, Pride celebration, live music, a Kids Night on June 28 and more. But the most wow-worthy of them all has gotta be the 4th of July fireworks display.

Dates: Jun. 23-Jul. 4, 2022
Event details

Hampton Beach Special 4th of July Fireworks
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind when you take to the shores of New Hampshire for a beach day followed by a fireworks display. Bring your sand toys and picnic basket! Dress the kids in the jammies just in time for the spectacular main event. We think they’ll be sound asleep before you get to the Massachusetts border after this exciting day.

Date: Jul. 4, 2022
Event details

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Fourth of July Events in Chicago That Sparkle & Shine

by Maria Chambers

Stars, stripes and so much fun. Soak it all up this Fourth of July, when our country turns the big 2-4-6. The 4th falls on a Monday this year, which gives us a three-day weekend for fun-filled family days and legendary fireworks shows. We put our eyes to the skies in search of the most amazing fireworks displays and day-time events if you want to party all day and hit the hay early. Read on and plan on, Chicago.

Lakeside is the Best Side

Take a Family Boat Cruise
Many boat tour and kayak companies in Chicago host special 4th of July firework cruises on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. These tours are a great way to get front-row seats to the action, with the Chicago skyline serving as a gorgeous backdrop.

Live at the Lake at Navy Pier
Make the 4th of July weekend all about live music and dancing the days away at Navy Pier's Live on the Lake, Jul. 2-4. 

Keep it Traditional with Parades & Fireworks

Navy Pier Fireworks
Start the celebrating early with Navy Pier's weekly fireworks display, Jun. 2.

Naperville Salute
The Naperville Salute, Jul. 1-4, is all about celebrating veterans, active military, first responders and their families. Along with a musical lineup, family entertainment will include an exotic animal display, face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon art, an obstacle course and fitness fun, crafts, a magic show and more.

Glen Ellyn Fourth of July
Everyone loves a parade — especially one as cheerful and colorful as the one in downtown Glen Ellyn, Jul. 4. The festivities will conclude with fireworks at dusk.

3D Fireworks Display in Skokie
The Skokie Fourth of July Fireworks, Jul. 4, is a 3-D extravaganza with the first 10,000 visitors receiving a free pair of 3D glasses. The day begins with a parade at noon followed by family activities, games and a concert. At dusk, break out those 3D glasses for a fireworks display that pops out at you.

St. Charles July 4th Celebration
When the sun goes down, the night sky will light up in a festival of color, lights and sound. Before the St. Charles fireworks show, Jul. 4, Feel Good Party Band will take the stage to keep you entertained with music from the 80s and 90s.

Itasca Fireworks
Itasca boasts the largest fireworks display in the Chicago area. The Itasca fireworks display, Jul. 4, is popular for families because the fireworks are so huge, they feel like they're going off right above you.

Northwest Fourth Fest
Kids and adults can have a blast on more than 30 carnival rides, listen to live music, fill up on fest food and watch one of the best fireworks displays in the area at Northwest Fourth Fest, Jun. 30-Jul. 4.

Evanston 4th Celebration
Evanston's 4th of July celebration, Jul. 4, starts with outdoor games (think three-legged races, pie-eating contests and water balloon tosses). Afterward, join in on a fun run before the parade kicks off. Then, the party moves to a lakefront concert followed by fireworks.

Celebrate with Music

Independence Day Salute
Prepare for a sensory feast featuring a medley of patriotic favorites at The Independence Day Salute, Jul, 2, at Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Rock in the Park at Parkway Bank Park
Parkway Bank Park's Rockin' in the Park, Jul. 4, is a free summer concert that features a post-show musical fireworks display.

Make it a Sporty Weekend

Chicago Dogs Fireworks Extravaganza
Chicago's newest baseball team that pays homage to our favorite street food, HOT DOGS, is hosting a Chicago Dogs fireworks extravaganza, Jul. 2, after their home game.

Relax & Catch a Movie

Outdoor Movie with Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club at the Emily Hotel in Fulton Market is hosting two daytime family friendly movies during the Fourth of July weekend. See The Parent Trap, Jul. 2 and The Sandlot, Jul. 3.

Keep the Food Patriotic

Cupcake Making at Taste Buds Kitchen
Show your USA pride and whip up perfectly patriotic Red, White and Blue Cupcakes, Jul. 2, completely from scratch. Plain old vanilla? Bore-ring. Bring on the pizzazz, the color, the fireworks.

JoJo's Shake Bar 4th of July Shake
JoJo's 4th of July Shake, Jun. 27-Jul. 4, is a strawberry-blueberry shake topped with red, a white and blue sprinkled sugar cookie, cupcake and ice cream sandwich.

— Maria Chambers

Featured photo: iStock

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Tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Are Now on Sale

by Shahrzad Warkentin

It’s only February but at Disney World plans are already in full swing for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The Magic Kingdom has just announced the dates for this year’s spook-tacular event—and you can already purchase tickets!

Returning Halloween favorites include Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade, “Not So Spooky Spectacular” (a magical fireworks extravaganza hosted by Jack Skellington) and sweet treats—including allergy-free options—for young trick-or-treaters around the park.

Read on all the fun you can look forward to in 2020 at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Time to Party

The party kicks off Aug. 13 and runs through Nov. 1, 2019 with tickets available for the following dates:

  • Aug. 13, 18, 21, 25 and 28
  • Sep. 1, 4, 7, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29
  • Oct. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31
  • Nov. 1

 

Not So Spooky Spectacular

Join Jack Skellington as he tells a fireworks-focused story about Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy in a dizzying array of lights and sounds.

Amok, Amok, Amok!

Join the Sanderson sisters at the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular for a bewitching experience.

Rock Out

During the event, if you take a ride aboard Space Mountain you’ll be treated to a special “hard-rockin’ soundtrack.”

Dance the Night Away

Tear up the dance floor with your favorite Disney Junior characters at the new Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam.

Not So Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party

Head to Tomorrowland Terrace and get your fill of sweets and drinks that include ice cream, cupcakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, fruit and cheese. Beverage likes such as signature lemonades, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will also available. This event is only available on select nights and include fees starting at $59.

Light Up the Night

The Mad Tea Party will feature Halloween-themed lighting and effects.

A Little Mischief & Magic

Fans can visit with a few of their favorite Disney villain friends at the Cinderella Castle Forecourt stage.

Tickets are available now starting at $85 and if you book early, you can score $10 off!

 

—Shahrzad Warkentin & Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney Parks

 

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Why This Summer Is the Best Time to Visit Disney

by Shannan Rouss

So your kids are too young to truly appreciate all the epic-ness that is Stars Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Consider yourself lucky—now you can check out the latest attractions (plus a few classics) at both Disneyland and California Adventure, while the masses flock elsewhere. With Galaxy’s Edge officially opening (as in, no reservations needed as of Jun. 24), this summer may be the best time to take your toddlers to Disney. Read on for the top 6 things you need to see and do during your trip.

1. Meet Mickey, Captain America & More

Shannan Rouss

Ditch Disney's Galaxy's Edge crowds and head to California Adventure first. On your way into the park, you might just encounter some of your favorite characters like, say, Mickey Mouse, who's been known to hang out around Carthay Circle. In addition to meeting Mickey and company, you can also find some new faces around the park this summer, including Toy Story's Bo Peep, Fancy Nancy, Captain America, Black Panther and more. 

Insider tip: You can always track characters' whereabouts with the Disneyland app, but another surefire way to meet your little one's ride-or-die Disney friends? Book a character meal in the park or at one of the hotels. 

2. Hop on Jessie's Critter Carousel

Shannan Rouss

Even the youngest of visitors can saddle up and take a spin on this recently refurbished ride. The line for the carousel is usually short (yeehaw!), the music is fun, and the backwards-facing skunks are a gas—pun not (but definitely) intended. Afterwards, the whole fam can ride together on the Pixar Pal Around (aka the giant ferris wheel), which is right nearby. 

Insider tip: Opt for the non-swinging cars on the Pal Around—they have barf bags in them for a reason. 

3. Rediscover Fantasyland & Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Christian Thompson via Disneyland Resort

Step through the newly refurbished Sleeping Beauty's Castle (with pixie dust and all) into Fantasyland, where you can knock out a bunch of toddler-friendly rides with typically minimal wait times: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Casey Jr. Circus Train, It's a Small World and more. 

Insider's tip: The line for Peter Pan's  Flight is almost always the longest of the Fantasyland rides. While it's fun and kid-friendly, it may not be worth the 40-minute wait. 

4. Sing Along to "Tale of the Lion King"

Joshua Sudock via Disneyland Resort

Introduce kids to The Lion King by way of this all-new outdoor musical at California Adventure. A troupe of 18 performers retell the tale of Simba, Mufasa and Scar through dialogue, song, drumming and dance. It's probably been forever since you saw the original film (which came 25 years ago—yikes!), but chances are you'll still be able to sing along to tunes like "Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata." 

Insider tip: If your kid is a natural performer, grab for a spot near the front and they might just be brought on stage during one of the numbers. 

5. Ride Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

Joshua Sudock via Disneyland Resort

As the latest addition to California Adventure's Pixar Pier, this Inside Out-inspired ride invites you to take a spin through "headquarters" where Riley's memories are stored. And don't miss the photo op just outside the ride—you'll want to snap a pic of kiddos posed alongside Disgust and Fear (just around the bend from Sadness). 

Insider tip: While you may be tempted to visit this newest ride first, there's something to be said for waiting until after dark when all of Riley's memories will be aglow just like in the film.

6. See "Disneyland Forever" Fireworks

Josh Sudock via Disneyland Resort

Disney's 14-minute fireworks spectacular is back and it's a magical way to end the day—if your kids can make it that late. (Of course, after all the cotton candy and churros, that shouldn't be a problem.) The celebration features dazzling pyrotechnics and visual effects that take you from flying over London with Peter Pan to swimming under the sea with Nemo. For the best seats (in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle), claim your spot at least an hour before showtime.

Insider tip: If sitting and waiting with little ones for the fireworks extravaganza ain't gonna happen, get a Fastpass to see "World of Color" (with its own projections) at California Adventure instead. Then you can catch the fireworks immediately afterwards in the wide open space between the two parks. 

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How to Watch Disney World’s NYE Fireworks Show—without Leaving Home

by Erica Loop

You’re all about watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Disney World. Oh, but wait. You aren’t going to Disney World. Now what?

You’re in luck! This year, Disney wants everyone to get a look at their oh-so-magical fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. Instead of catching the event in-person, you can watch the fireworks live from the Magic Kingdom via the Disney Parks Live stream on the official Disney Parks YouTube channel.

So when can you catch the big NYE show? Tune in to the Disney Parks YouTube channel at 11:45 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 31 of course—because when else would you watch a live stream of the New Year’s Eve action? (You can also watch it via the embedded live stream above.)

The “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks extravaganza will include music from Disney faves, such as Aladdin and Peter Pan. It will also feature songs from “it’s a small world” and the Haunted Mansion as well as a special countdown at 11:59 p.m.

If you want to get in on the action, share your “vacation pic of the year” on Twitter, with the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE, for a chance to become part of the live stream, too!

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Disney

 

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