Small-Town Magic: America's Best Holiday Events

Across the country, cities are bustling with holiday magic. But a quieter (and far more charming) holiday story is happening in small towns across America. The holiday season doesn’t start with the first snowfall or mug of cocoa — it starts when the Parks & Rec team plugs in their first string of lights and begins transforming our cities into winter wonderlands.

At Rec, we get a front-row seat to how cities bring people together this season. Their creativity, care, and behind-the-scenes hustle are the true magic of this time of year, and we’re here to celebrate that. If Santa has elves, America has Parks & Rec — the teams who build, glue, frost, light, schedule, staff, and somehow find a way to spread joy on top of everything else.

Take a look at some of our favorite events from our partners:

Torrance, CA — 2nd Annual Snow Day Event

Torrance is bringing winter to Southern California again this year, and it’s pure magic. Families can enjoy real snow play, sledding hills, reindeer visits, live music, and photos with Santa — all hosted by the city’s incredible Parks & Rec team. No snow boots required, but smiles are guaranteed.

Windham, ME — North Pole Hotline

One of the sweetest traditions on our list: Windham’s Parks & Rec department sets up a direct line to the North Pole so kids can receive a personal phone call from Santa himself. It’s heartfelt, it’s wholesome, and it’s exactly the kind of small-town charm we love to celebrate.

Midland, TX — Midland’s Merry Lights

In Midland, the holidays don’t just arrive — they take over the entire city. Midland’s Merry Lights brings nightly activations, a glowing drive-through experience, and an outdoor holiday market that turns the town into a festive wonderland. 

Emeryville, CA — Pancakes + Pajamas

Emeryville is serving up peak cozy vibes with its annual Pancakes + Pajamas celebration. The morning will feature warm flapjacks, festive music, and meet-and-greets with winter characters. The event also includes a thoughtful sensory-sensitive seating option, ensuring every family can enjoy the magic comfortably. 

Liberty, SC — Christmas Tree Sponsorship Program

Perhaps the most meaningful tradition of all: Liberty’s Parks & Rec team runs a Christmas Tree Sponsorship Program, where residents can sponsor a child’s sports registration fee for the upcoming year. It’s a beautiful reminder that the holidays are about generosity, community, and giving every child the chance to play.

🎄 A Note From Rec

We built Rec to make it easier for cities to offer more moments exactly like these; moments that bring families together, create memories, and strengthen community life. We’re honored to support the Parks & Rec departments who work year-round (and especially during the holidays) to make magic happen.

So this season, bundle up, grab a warm drink, and thank a city employee who helped make it possible. ✨

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