MAIN Christmas Christmas in the USA & Around the World

Christmas rings out joyously over the airways, lights up the night sky, and put smiles on the faces of children everywhere across America.

But it wasn't always thus - as 17th century Pilgrims frowned upon seasonal cheer throughout the strictly Puritan Massachussetts colony which, at one point, banned Christmas in Boston.

In 1836, Alabama became the first state to celebrate the holiday legally by proclamation. By 1863, the White House in Washington D.C. displayed its first official Christmas tree. Eventually, as the country opened its doors to waves of immigrants, Old World traditions were incorporated into communities everywhere across the U.S. in the good will spirit of an American Christmas.

Today, Christmas may be celebrated in ways as diverse as the population — from devout candle-lit Las Posadas processions in New Mexico to a famous full-tilt computerized light show outside a home in Iowa. Meanwhile, seasonal customs continue to endure in places like Swedish Minnesota and Cajun Louisiana, and a wide variety of secular and traditional celebrations remain a magnet for millions in New York City.

This year, discover the gamut of American seasonal traditions as communities nationwide turn on the holiday lights for illuminated parades, Nutcracker ballet performances, fireworks displays, street caroling, Dickens festivals, winter sleigh rides, choir services, and long-awaited visits with Santa in all 50 states, plus more on Christmas around the world ...

Christmas in the Northeast & New England

Christmas in the Midwest

Christmas in the Southern U.S.A.

Christmas in the Western U.S.A.

Christmas Around the World

also see -> Christmas in Australia | Christmas in Canada

Christmas in Europe

also see in Holidays -> Christmas Chocolate Recipes

Christmas Cookie Recipes | Christmas Party Ideas

Christmas Recipes | Christmas Trees | E-Cards

Epiphany | Holiday Planner | Music | Santa Claus

also see -> Christmas in July Party Ideas