### Small-Town Magic: America's Best Holiday Events

December 16, 2025

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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**](https://www.rec.us/sections/5c2c0803-a3b2-4fda-9df0-b13c9a1a16c5)

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**](https://www.rec.us/sections/f696799a-15b1-486f-a2f7-cc370c51cfe1)

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**](https://midlandsmerrylights.com/)

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**](https://www.rec.us/sections/e21bec77-70f4-4db1-ab7e-7a4d8657b506)

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**](https://libertyparksandrec.com/events)

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. ✨