Dec 11, 2025
·Emily Kho
The holidays bring out some of the most magical experiences of the year, especially for families looking to spend meaningful time together. Cities glow with lights, theaters bring beloved stories to life, and arenas fill with music, laughter, and family traditions that stretch across generations.
If you're planning a seasonal outing with kids, relatives, or visiting guests, the holiday calendar offers endless opportunities to make memories.
From live shows to sporting events to immersive experiences, here are the best family-friendly events to see this season.
Disney On Ice
A beloved classic packed with music, costumes, and skating magic
Disney On Ice remains one of the most joyful holiday traditions for families. Each year brings a new story lineup featuring characters from Frozen, Moana, The Little Mermaid, and more.
Kids love seeing their favorites skating across the ice while adults enjoy the choreography and nostalgia.
Venues like Desert Diamond Arena, Amerant Bank Arena, and Xcel Energy Center frequently host multi-day runs, giving you plenty of options to choose from. For younger kids, matinee performances are ideal and often more affordable.
If you want a festive outing that combines storytelling, music, and spectacular visuals, this show delivers every time.
The Nutcracker (Various Companies Across the US)
A timeless ballet perfect for introducing children to live theater
The Nutcracker is a holiday staple, and nearly every major ballet company puts on its own dazzling version. Whether you’re attending a performance by Ballet West in Salt Lake City, the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, or Houston Ballet at the Wortham Theater Center, each rendition brings its own artistic flair.
From the Mouse King to the Land of Sweets to the iconic snow scene, the production fills the stage with color and music that captivates even first-time theatergoers.
Many companies offer sensory-friendly or shortened performances designed specifically for young audiences, making it even easier for families to attend.
Holiday Pops Concerts
Orchestras bring festive music to life with charming family programs
Holiday Pops concerts are a beautiful way to introduce kids to live orchestral music in a warm, approachable setting. These concerts blend classic holiday songs, storytelling, and kid-friendly surprises.
Some symphonies across the country include:
These symphonies often feature guest vocalists, choirs, and holiday-themed visuals.
Families appreciate these concerts because they’re energetic, uplifting, and easy for children of all ages to enjoy.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Live
A playful stage production based on the TV classic
If your family loves the classic stop-motion film, seeing Rudolph brought to life on stage is a delightful holiday treat. Touring productions recreate the iconic characters, sets, and songs, giving kids a chance to experience a story they’ve likely seen only on screen.
Cities like Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, and St Louis often host this show at venues such as the Ordway Center, Benedum Center, or Fabulous Fox Theatre.
The production is short, charming, and filled with familiar melodies that keep younger audiences engaged from start to finish.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Acrobatics, comedy, and holiday wonder rolled into one family event
For families who love something a bit more spectacular, A Magical Cirque Christmas blends world-class acrobatics with holiday themes.
Expect aerial acts, juggling, live music, and comedy wrapped into a fast-paced performance that keeps kids amazed throughout.
This show often appears at theaters like:
The energy, visuals, and talent make it an unforgettable holiday outing for all ages.
Holiday Light Festivals
Outdoor adventures that enchant kids and adults alike
Holiday light festivals have become a beloved tradition in many cities because they offer a relaxed, immersive experience that’s perfect for families.
Some of the most popular displays include:
ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Garden of Lights at Des Moines Botanical Garden
Enchant Christmas experiences across several cities
Families can walk through glowing tunnels, towering light sculptures, themed holiday villages, and interactive installations. Many events include hot chocolate stands, kids play zones, or meet-and-greet opportunities with Santa.
Light festivals are also great for younger children who may not sit through a full show but love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
Harlem Globetrotters
Interactive basketball fun that gets the whole family laughing
The Harlem Globetrotters are a holiday-season favorite for families who love sports, comedy, and high-energy entertainment. Their shows blend basketball skills with theatrical moments, audience participation, and jokes that keep both kids and adults laughing.
During the holidays, the Globetrotters tour arenas like:
This event is especially kid-friendly because the Globetrotters actively encourage crowd interaction, and no prior basketball knowledge is required to enjoy the show.
It’s a perfect event for energetic kids who love big, lively experiences.
A Christmas Carol Performances
Introduce kids to a beloved classic brought to life on stage
Theater companies across the country stage their own unique versions of A Christmas Carol each year. Some productions lean traditional while others add modern humor or multimedia elements to make the story fresh and engaging.
Great family-friendly performances can be found at:
American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco
The story is familiar enough for kids to follow easily, and each production brings thoughtful lessons about kindness, generosity, and community, themes that resonate strongly during the holidays.
NHL and NBA Holiday Games
A spirited way to bring sports-loving families together
If your family loves sports, holiday-week games are some of the most exciting of the season. Many teams play on or near Christmas and New Year’s, creating lively atmospheres that feel festive and unforgettable.
Family-friendly matchups might include:
Kids love the in-arena entertainment, from mascots to music to scoreboard games. For families looking for something high-energy without a holiday theme, sports events are the perfect option.
Holiday-Themed Immersive Experiences
Creative walk-through attractions built for all ages
Immersive experiences have become incredibly popular, especially during the holidays. These events transform entire spaces into themed worlds you can explore at your own pace.
A few popular ones include:
Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Centers
Immersive Nutcracker experiences in select cities
Holiday-themed aquarium nights at places like the Georgia Aquarium
These events are ideal for younger children because they allow movement, exploration, and hands-on engagement. They’re also great for families looking for something different from traditional shows or concerts.
Why SeatGeek Makes Planning Holiday Outings Easy
SeatGeek simplifies the entire process of finding and comparing family-friendly holiday events nationwide.
Interactive Seat Maps
Explore each venue visually, compare sections, and choose seats that balance price, distance, and comfort. This is especially helpful when you're seating a larger group or need a clear view for younger kids.
Deal Score
SeatGeek highlights the strongest ticket values automatically, ensuring you get great seats at a fair price.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing makes holiday budgeting easier.
Buy With Confidence
SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee protects every ticket purchase, giving your family peace of mind.
Get Ready for a Season of Family Fun
The holidays are the perfect time to create memories that last well beyond winter break.
Whether you’re choosing a classic ballet, a high-energy sports event, a theatrical holiday favorite, or an immersive walk-through experience, there’s something magical waiting for every family.
Start exploring family-friendly holiday events on SeatGeek today and make this season unforgettable.