10 great places to catch up with Santa
From New Hampshire to Arizona, top family spots to visit St. Nick.
— -- Santa is not only coming to town, he's at parks, parades and museums nationwide. Teresa Plowright, mother of three and editor of About.com's Family Vacations (travelwithkids.about.com), talks with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY about her favorite places to visit jolly ol' St. Nick.
The Polar Express (Grand Canyon Railway)Williams, Ariz.
"This brings the classic children's book, The Polar Express, to life," Plowright says. "Santa gives each child a sleigh bell, just like in the book." Kids wearing their pajamas and fuzzy slippers have hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the audio book on the northbound train trip. No one gets off at the North Pole, but you can glimpse Santa's village from the window as he boards the train with a special gift. 800-843-8724; thetrain.com/polarexpress
Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville
"ICE! is a giant, indoor Winter Wonderland with 2 million pounds of sculptured ice," Plowright says. "Guests get parkas when they enter." ICE! features a presentation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas as part of an overall celebration at the resort called "A Country Christmas." The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with 40 dancing Santas is among dozens of other shows and attractions. See Santa at the Winter Wonderland and have breakfast with one of the Grinches. 888-999-6779;christmasatgaylordopryland.com
Christmas TownBethlehem, Conn.
"Kids can go to the local post office here and cancel their holiday cards with a 'Bethlehem' postmark," Plowright says. Visit Santa on the Village Green and sing along with carolers strolling Main Street at the lantern-lit Christmas Town Festival Dec. 5-6 in this small country town. And don't miss the Gregorian chants of the Benedictine nuns at the Abby of Regina Laundis. The nuns also sell wreaths and Christmas trees. 203-266-5557; geocities.com/bethlehemct/festival.htm
Celebration in the OaksNew Orleans
"Schools have tree-decorating competitions for this big celebration in City Park, and Santa visits every night until Christmas," Plowright says. The park also has a train and one of the oldest operating carousels in the nation. The original "Mr. Bingle," a little snowman from a 1950s Maison Blanche department store window display, is now part of the park's holiday decorations. 504-483-9415; celebrationintheoaks.com
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