Your Weekend Across America: Events for Singles, Couples, and Families

A Festive December Weekend From Coast to Coast

The first full weekend of December brings a wave of energy across the United States as cities, suburbs, and small towns roll into the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for concerts, cozy date-night ideas, family-friendly traditions, or something adventurous, December 6–7 offers a full slate of experiences for singles, couples, and families.

From major holiday markets to sports matchups, parades, light shows, and seasonal performances, this weekend truly has something for every type of outing.

Singles looking to meet friends or simply get out and enjoy the season will find plenty of options.

Live Music in Every Major City

Concert calendars are packed this weekend. New York, Nashville, Austin, Denver, and Los Angeles all have full lineups ranging from indie to country to holiday-themed shows. Most major cities also offer “silent disco” nights, rooftop holiday parties, and December DJ events at clubs and lounges—perfect for a casual night out that doesn’t require advance planning.

Seasonal markets in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, and Seattle draw big crowds with handmade gifts, live music, craft cocktails, and festive decorations. Even if you’re going solo, these events naturally create opportunities to mingle, sample seasonal treats, and take in the atmosphere.

Sports Bars Will Be Packed

Championship-season college football and early-season NBA action make sports bars a social hotspot this weekend. Major matchups, rivalry games, and playoff debates give singles an easy way to strike up conversations in a relaxed setting.

If you’re in a college town, the atmosphere will be even livelier.

For Couples: Holiday Shows, Cozy Nights, and Seasonal Experiences

Couples have a long list of classic holiday date options this weekend, from elegant to low-key to adventurous.

Holiday Concerts, Plays, and Performances

Holiday symphonies, The Nutcracker ballet, and Christmas concerts headline in cities large and small. This weekend is one of the busiest of the season for live performances, offering a perfect excuse to get dressed up and enjoy a night out.

Many cities are also hosting holiday movie nights in theaters, parks, and historic hotels, giving couples a nostalgic way to unwind.

Outdoor Light Displays and Botanical Garden Nights

Botanical gardens, zoos, and waterfront parks across the country are fully lit for the season.
Top picks typically include:

Zoo lights in almost every major metro area
Botanical garden night walks with hot cocoa stations
Drive-through light routes in suburban and rural communities

These events give couples the flexibility to take a slow, scenic stroll—or stay in the warmth of the car for a quieter night out.

Food and Wine Date Nights

Cities like Charleston, Portland, Scottsdale, and Chicago host seasonal restaurant experiences, chef tastings, and winter pop-up bars this weekend. For couples who love food, December weekends are ideal for reservations at holiday-themed lounges and rooftop igloos.

For Families: Parades, Tree Lightings, Santa Visits & Community Traditions

Families will find some of the most heartwarming events of the year this weekend.

Small-Town Christmas Parades Across America

From New England to the Midwest to the Deep South, small-town Christmas parades roll out on Saturday. These often include marching bands, local floats, fire trucks, carolers, and of course, Santa waving from the finale float.
Parents love them, kids adore them—and they’re almost always free.

Tree Lightings and Holiday Villages

Communities nationwide hold tree lightings this weekend, often with hot chocolate, local choirs, kids’ crafts, and character visits. Some cities also operate full “holiday villages” with:

Ice skating rinks
Toy workshops
Reindeer encounters
Train rides
Gingerbread house displays

These offer full-day adventures for families with kids of all ages.

Big Holiday Attractions

Large-scale events—zoo lights, aquarium holiday programs, winter festivals, and immersive holiday worlds—are in full swing now. Many run during the day for younger kids and into the evening for families wanting a nighttime outing.

Educational Outings with a Holiday Twist

Historic homes, presidential libraries, and living-history museums often host candlelight tours, colonial Christmas reenactments, or seasonal craft workshops this weekend. They’re a fun blend of learning and holiday tradition.

Making the Most of Your Weekend

Whether you’re planning a night with friends, a relaxing date, or a memory-filled family outing, December weekends offer endless opportunities to enjoy community, tradition, and connection. For the best local options, check your city or town’s tourism calendar, community Facebook groups, or local parenting websites—many neighborhoods are hosting events unique to their area.

This weekend, the country comes alive with lights, music, tradition, and celebration—making it the perfect time to get out, explore, and enjoy the season.