Great American Family Brings Christmas Movie Magic to Life

Great American Family, a newcomer aiming to challenge Hallmark Channel in all things Christmas, is launching its first-ever in-person Christmas festival. Designed to capture the charm of European Christmas fairs, this festival will feature movie premieres, shopping, food and drink, celebrity signings, and photo opportunities, among other festive activities. The inaugural Great American Family Christmas Festival is set to take place at The Northwell Park at UBS Arena in New York.

“Over the past decade, my team and I have envisioned a Christmas Festival that will attract people from far and wide and offer fans a chance to meet the stars of our movies and immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind festive experience,” said Bill Abbott, president & CEO of Great American Media. “Between Islanders Ownership, who have an unparalleled commitment to the guest experience at UBS Arena, our Chief Creative Officer Candace Cameron Bure and her team at CandyRock Entertainment, and our terrific roster of talent, this partnership is poised to deliver the nation’s premier holiday event, not just this year, but for many seasons to come.”

CandyRock Entertainment CEO Bure commented, “We all look forward to the holidays as a time to be together with our families and make new memories. This is what the Christmas Festival is all about. We’re so happy to give families a new opportunity to experience joy, play together, and celebrate this season.”

The Great American Family Christmas Festival is crafted to be a holiday affair for everyone in the family, similar to the Christmas fairs found in Europe. The festival will have a variety of entertainment, shopping opportunities, fan experiences, photo opportunities, and more.

The festivities will begin on November 20, 2024, and run daily through January 5, 2025.

The event will take place at The Northwell Park at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York.

Some events may require tickets. For more information on appearances, performances, VIP packages, and tickets, visit www.greatamericanchristmasfestival.com.

During its inaugural run, the Great American Family Christmas Festival will feature world premieres of holiday movies, nightly Christmas tree lightings, Instagram-worthy holiday experiences, celebrity meet and greets, ice skating, Santa’s Crafting Village, and live entertainment. Here are some of the highlights.

In Candy Cane Lane, guests can take festive photos at the “ELFie” station, surrounded by twinkling lights and giant candy canes. It offers a magical environment with tunnels of holiday decorations and the scent of peppermint in the air. The holiday movie theater invites families to cozy up and enjoy seasonal classics and premieres on the big screen.

Frosty’s Frozen Skate, presented by Northwell, provides a delightful ice skating experience on a sparkling rink set against frosty trees and festive lights. This area is perfect for corporate gatherings and private parties, with the soft glow of firepits adding to the winter ambiance.

Rudolph’s Main Stage is the hub of community involvement, featuring live music, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and contests like the Ugly Sweater Contest. The stage, adorned with festive decorations and lights, also hosts live holiday cover bands and fireside chats, creating a warm and engaging environment.

Santa’s Craft Village is a haven for creativity, featuring stalls and booths offering a range of crafts and handmade treasures. Guests can participate in craft workshops and demonstrations to create their own holiday decorations and gifts, making it a perfect place to find unique, personalized presents.

The Eat, Drink & Be Merry Village is where guests can enjoy delicious food, drinks, and entertainment. Imagine indulging in holiday-themed culinary delights in a cozy chalet, surrounded by festive decorations and the laughter of friends and family. The village offers private rentals of chalets, igloos, and firepits for a more intimate experience.

There are various transportation options to get to the Great American Family Christmas Festival. Attendees can drive and park for a fee, use rideshare services, or take public transportation.

In related happenings, Hallmark is also launching its first Christmas festival this year in Kansas City, Missouri, the home of Hallmark Cards. Taking place on weekends from November 29 through December 23, the Hallmark Christmas Experience will offer festive activities and shopping. While the event will be free to visit, some activities will require tickets that can be purchased online.

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Source: Great American Family, Hallmark