Summer's warmth hasn't faded yet, but the rustle of autumn leaves is near—and not far behind, the sparkle of the holidays begins to stir.
With New York City's transformation into a holiday spectacle, now is the perfect time to start orchestrating your group's festive getaway. Amid the dazzling lights and famous store displays, attending a Broadway show is more than just an activity—it's a must-do centerpiece of the experience.
With the holiday season's hustle and bustle, the demand for theatre tickets surges, making early booking not just a smart move, but a necessity. Reserving your seats in advance helps you avoid long lines and the risk of sold-out shows. It also gives you the flexibility to make the most of the city's many holiday attractions. With a well-planned itinerary, you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience—and fully embrace the festive spirit of New York City.
Magic for All Ages
After a day spent gliding across the ice at Bryant Park or exploring Macy's Santaland with the kids, why not keep the holiday spirit alive with a touch of Disney enchantment? The Lion King and Aladdin on Broadway make excellent additions to any NYC holiday itinerary, especially for student groups or families with children in tow.
These beloved productions helped redefine family-friendly theatre, combining visual spectacle with universally appealing storytelling. The Lion King transports audiences to the heart of the African savanna, brought to life by breathtaking puppetry and Elton John's celebrated music. Full of humor, heart, and unforgettable imagery, it tells a powerful story of identity, family, and legacy that resonates across generations.
Photo courtesy of Deen van Meer.
Just a few blocks away, Aladdin dazzles with vibrant colors, lavish costumes, and a high-energy journey through Agrabah. Audiences are swept up in the adventure thanks to beloved songs like "Arabian Nights" and "A Whole New World," as well as the show's lively choreography and theatrical flair. It's a magical ride filled with laughter, dreams, and discovery.
With both shows being holiday season favorites, booking your tickets early is essential—they're in high demand and sure to be highlights of any festive trip to New York City.
Timeless New York Moments
Begin your day in quintessential New York style, indulging in a buttery croissant outside Tiffany's on Fifth Avenue and channeling your inner Audrey Hepburn. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll down this iconic avenue, reveling in the festive window displays and soaking up the holiday atmosphere, until you reach the majestic tree in Rockefeller Center—a classic NYC holiday experience not to be missed. As evening approaches, head over to Circle in the Square, where the theatre has been transformed into an intimate nightclub setting for the new musical Just In Time.
Set in the '60s, Just In Time tells the story of legendary crooner Bobby Darin, brought to life by Tony Award® winner Jonathan Groff. From teen idol to global sensation, Darin's journey unfolds alongside radio hits like "Beyond the Sea," "Mack the Knife," "Splish Splash," and "Dream Lover." More than just a show, it's a celebration of a musical trailblazer and the era he defined. Whether you're a longtime fan or hearing his songs for the first time, this nostalgic experience captures the charm and rhythm of a bygone era—guaranteed to leave you humming all the way home.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
Curtain Up on Classic Arts
Spending a day at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a true treat. Bask in the festive atmosphere as you browse for unique holiday gifts crafted by local artisans, while enjoying seasonal treats like mulled wine and chestnuts roasted on an open fire.
From there, it's just a quick subway ride one stop north, or a brisk walk, to Lincoln Center. Here, classical arts enthusiasts can indulge in premier performances of opera and ballet at two of the city's most renowned institutions: the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet, both offering beloved holiday productions.
Mozart's The Magic Flute, directed by the innovative Tony Award® winner behind The Lion King, is a whimsical masterpiece presented each holiday season. Edited to just over 90 minutes and performed in English, this version is family-friendly, merging earthy humor with noble mysticism and appealing to audiences of all backgrounds. With beautiful separate musical numbers and charming dialogue that weaves the fairy tale together, it's an ideal introduction for opera veterans and newcomers alike.
At the New York City Ballet, The Nutcracker continues to be a holiday favorite, inviting audiences to a magical voyage to the Land of Sweets. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky's iconic score and George Balanchine's famed choreography, the production transforms the stage into a winter wonderland. From the tree's magical growth and the toy soldiers' march to the Sugar Plum Fairy's breathtaking dances, The Nutcracker captivates imaginations and the festive spirit across all ages, preserving its status as a cherished holiday tradition.
New York City during the holidays is truly enchanting—a dazzling display of twinkling lights, spectacular performances, and the vibrant holiday spirit that only the city can deliver. Don't miss a moment of the magic—plan your visit early and secure your tickets now. With Broadway Inbound, you can take advantage of special group pricing for groups as small as eight people. Whether you're on a school tour, traveling with family, or enjoying the city with friends, Broadway Inbound is ready to help make your NYC holiday season truly unforgettable.
Courtesy of Broadway Inbound.
Photo courtesy of Paul Kolnik.
Family travelers looking for new and improved family-friendly attractions will love exploring all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Whether it's a recently enhanced attraction or one that's new altogether, come explore what thrilling and memorable fun awaits.
Visit Myrtle Beach invites residents and visitors alike to explore the destination's newly opened and recently enhanced attractions. Along with adrenaline-pumping experiences like new VR arcades and racing simulators, families can discover attractions that highlight the region's coastal wildlife, offer hands-on learning and provide sensory-friendly fun for all ages.
"The Myrtle Beach area is the ultimate family-fun destination, offering countless ways to create lasting memories while combining educational and recreational fun," said Stuart Butler, President of Visit Myrtle Beach. "What's more, we're excited to showcase even more unforgettable experiences this summer from virtual reality simulators and sensory friendly gaming lounges to goldfish realms and dolphin cruises. No matter your age, The Beach offers immersive experiences where you can spark your imagination and be a kid at heart."
Here's a roundup of some of the Grand Strand's new and improved attractions for the entire family:
Goldfish Realms at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach: This July, the popular aquarium unveiled its latest immersive gallery where oversized goldfish and koi meet interactive touchpoints and artful displays, creating an enchanting underwater stroll.
Interactive Experience Unleashed, Myrtle Beach: This all in one new attraction features VR adventures, laser tag, animatronics, escape rooms, STEM zones and more options for active family members of all ages.
Low Tide Gaming, Surfside Beach: Known as "The Family Beach," Surfside Beach continues to make a name for itself as a sensory-friendly destination with the recent opening of Low Tide Gaming. This inclusive lounge offers adaptive games along with calm lighting, noise neutral booths and quiet zones.
Conway Riverwalk Expansion: The newly enlarged Riverwalk brings families closer to the graceful Waccamaw River with features like floating docks and a pedestrian bridge allowing families to better explore historic downtown Conway.
Uncharted Waters, North Myrtle Beach: Now docking along the Intracoastal Waterway, Uncharted Waters just launched a dolphin cruise aboard a 48 foot, double deck catamaran with spacious seating and panoramic upper deck views to experience marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Mulligan's Lagoon Mini Golf, Surfside Beach: This brand-new, surfer-themed mini golf adventure adds to the 30-plus miniature golf courses that make our area the "Mini Golf Capital of the World." Mulligan's Lagoon boasts 36 holes featuring tiki torches, beachy obstacles and winding waterfalls. An indoor arcade adds to the fun.
Big Air Myrtle Beach: Now in its fifth year, this trampoline park and arcade center now features upgraded pit areas featuring airbags that are easier to maneuver and keep clean as well as a new air court for basketball, volleyball and soccer.
Jack Axe Throwing, North Myrtle Beach: Several new interactive experiences are turning Jack Axe Throwing into a full-fledged entertainment hub with the addition of the "Floor Is Lava" challenge room, a new indoor golf simulator and the "Turbo Quiz" high-energy trivia experience where visitors race to get the right answer.
Redline Simcade, Surfside Beach: Delivering high-octane virtual racing excitement, this newly opened attraction features state-of-the-art racing simulators equipped with force-feedback steering and wraparound screens for an immersive ride.
Mashie Golf Institute, Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach's largest indoor golf center offers day passes and membership for those wanting to boost their golf skills within their Full Swing simulator bays with over 1,500 virtual courses as well as a short-game complex, a putting/chipping green and driving range.
Additional new indoor golf simulators can be found in Little River at Golfluent and within the BurgerFi restaurant in Myrtle Beach at Golftopia Myrtle Beach.
SpellBound Illusions at GTS Theatre, Myrtle Beach: The new 4 p.m. magical show at GTS Theatre, Spellbound, offers jaw-dropping illusions for all ages every day except Thursdays. It's among the theatre's exciting lineup of long-standing favorites like The ORIGINAL Motown Tribute Show.
Across the Grand Strand, live entertainment continues to evolve with an exciting mix of new performances, seasonal productions and surprise guest acts. From magic shows and musical revues to dinner theaters and comedy, venues like Alabama Theatre, Asher Theatre, Broadway Theater, Carolina Opry, Charles Bach Wonders Theatre, Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre, GTS Theatre, Legends in Concert, Medieval Times, Pirates Voyage and others are constantly refreshing their lineups to keep audiences coming back for more.
These are just some of the many new and refreshed activities awaiting families in the Myrtle Beach area. From arcades and go-karts to watersports and ziplining, the area is home to a near endless variety of attractions that deliver nonstop fun for families.
To explore even more things to do, see the Family Travel Guide from Visit Myrtle Beach at VisitMyrtleBeach.com/FamilyFun.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photos courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach.
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With sports tourism generating more than $45 billion annually in the U.S., cities with strong, diverse sports attractions are drawing an increasing number of visitors.
Among them is Louisville! From baseball to boxing to horse racing, the city offers one of the most dynamic and immersive sports experiences in the country—and continues to be recognized as such on a national stage.
Louisville continues to make headlines in the sports world as four local attractions have been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Attraction for Sports Fans. The nationwide list includes 20 museums, venues, and iconic sporting destinations. Louisville is the only city in the country with four attractions, further cementing its reputation as a premier hub for sports tourism.
Read more about the four nominated Louisville attractions below:
The world-renowned racetrack, National Historic Landmark, and home of the Kentucky Derby for 151 years offers an unmatched blend of tradition, sport, and spectacle.
"Home to 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,' Churchill Downs is proud to be recognized as one of the country's top sports attractions," said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "As the site of the longest continually held sporting event in the U.S., this honor reflects Louisville's rich tradition of sports and hospitality. We're thrilled to stand alongside other iconic destinations that make our city such a dynamic place to visit."
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Derby Museum ranked no. 3 on USA Today 10Best's 2024 list. It's the only place where fans can experience the thrill of Derby every day—celebrating 151 years of champions, fashion, culture, and racing history.
"We're thrilled to be nominated for the third year in a row—going for our own Triple Crown—and proud to stand alongside our partners in the city's sports and tourism scene," said Patrick Armstrong, President & CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum. "This nomination puts Louisville on the map as one of the best places in the country for sports fans to explore, learn, and celebrate their passions."
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY
Ranked no. 5 on last year's 10Best list, the museum gives baseball fans a behind-the-scenes look at how America's most legendary bat is made, while honoring some of the sport's greatest players.
"We're thrilled to be back in the lineup once again," said Deana Lockman, Vice President, Executive Director of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. "It's an honor to be in such great company with our partners who help make Louisville an iconic destination where legendary stories are told and unforgettable memories are made every day. From baseball to Ali to horse racing, Louisville truly is a dream destination for sports fans."
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this November, the Ali Center is a powerful cultural attraction that honors the life, values, and legacy of Muhammad Ali—Louisville's native son and global sports icon.
"As the home of The Greatest of All Time, it's an honor to be recognized as one of the top destinations for sports fans," said DeVone Holt, President & CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. "We hope this nomination showcases the work our team does every day to provide the Greatest experience within our museum. We invite everyone to show their support with a vote for the Ali Center."
While planning a trip to Louisville, visitors can download a copy of Louisville Tourism's annual Visitor Guide or explore attractions, events, lodging, and dining options at Louisville Tourism.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Louisville Tourism.
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Thinking of taking your group deep in the heart of Texas?
Given it's the second largest U.S. state in both population and area, you'll have a lot of ground to cover! Good thing we have the inside scoop for you on the top places to go—and attractions to see. Let's jump in!
El Paso has a number of draws, whether it's enjoying wine, food, music, and picturesque views at nearby wineries or getting your thrills with a guided UTV tour through scenic Red Sands. Franklin Mountains State Park is another favorite, with 100-plus trails to hike, including El Paso Tin Mine Trail or a trek to Aztec Caves. There are opportunities for biking and rock climbing, too.
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is also great for hiking and rock climbing, as well as bird watching. And, before leaving Sun City (it does boast about 300 days of sunshine yearly!), be sure to check out El Paso Mission Trail, recently ranked by the Texas Travel Awards as the best historic site in Texas. In addition to Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and the Presidio Chapel of San Elizario, there are several restaurants, art galleries and shops along the trail.
Situated perfectly amid greater Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is Mansfield. It's more than just a jumping off point for its neighbors, though! Groups will want to take a free tour of the Man House Museum—a renovated home of one of the city's founders that provides a view into life in 1890s Texas. And, see a show at historic Farr Best Theater or soak up the great outdoors at Oliver Nature Park—an 80-acre nature preserve.
For dining and refreshments, our friends at Mansfield CVB recommend Our Place for classic Texas fare and Dirty Job Brewing, which has ample seating and live music regularly.
Dallas is just a short drive from Mansfield, and there's plenty to do and see there. For the arts and culture crowd, top picks include Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas Museum of Art, and Nasher Sculpture Center. For those more interested in recreation, check out Sandy Pickle, an all-in-one spot for pickleball, sand volleyball and golf simulation; Good Surf for pickleball and yard games, plus a surfing machine; Bowlounge for classic bowling; and Electric Shuffle, which offers high-tech shuffleboard. All four have food and drinks, too.
Photo courtesy of Visit Dallas.
Other fun things to do include taking a guided pub crawl with Dallas Party Bike, watching live programming on Cosm Dallas' immersive dome screen, or getting creative at Tiles Workshop. Strolling Dallas Farmers Market and grabbing a bevvie at Katy Trail Ice House are also popular options.
They don't call DFW a Metroplex for nothing! Another big part of this 11-county, North Texas area is Fort Worth. Whether you see a cattle drive at the Stockyards or tour Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky tonk, your group will have an authentic Texas experience. Add to the charm by getting fitted for custom boots at Leddy's and a custom hat at Flea Style or Best Hat Store.
Photo courtesy of Visit Forth Worth.
Foodies can tour the Near Southside and art lovers can spend a day in the Cultural District. And, Bass Performance Hall, Jubilee Theatre and Circle Theatre all offer live theater shows. Definitely take time to shop the boutiques along Magnolia Ave and South Main Street, and have a meal at Lonesome Dove, Provender Hall or Panther City BBQ.
Also in the DFW region is Grapevine. Groups are invited to take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and explore historic Main Street, home to several late-1800/early-1900 buildings repurposed into galleries, boutiques, cafés and winery tasting rooms. A visit to Nash Farm to learn about 19th-century farm life is in order, as well.
Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Grapevine Mills is, in itself, a destination to discover. In addition to being a bustling shopping center, it is home to the Meow Wolf Grapevine immersive art installation experience and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium. And, don't leave the city without seeing a classic movie or a live tribute performance at the 1920s-era, arch-ceiling Palace Theatre on Main Street.
San Antonio is a cultural hub with beloved attractions that include the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Witte Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, Japanese Tea Gardens and McNay Art Museum. It's also known for its 15-mile River Walk, considered a must-do while in the city. The largest urban ecosystem in the country, the River Walk has numerous distinct points of interest along the way.
Photo courtesy of Visit San Antonio.
Another group-friendly activity is a river cruise or charter with Go Rio River Cruises. There are a number of themed cruises, many of which feature dining, entertainment and vibrant views of the River Walk from the water. Or, take a hands-on, chef-instructor led course in cooking, baking, wine and more at Culinary Institute of America San Antonio.
Next up, Amarillo—the largest city on Texas Route 66! There's clearly an automobile theme going on here, with Bill's Backyard Classics, a car museum with 90-plus vehicles on display; Cadillac Ranch, which has 10 brightly painted Cadillacs buried nose-down in a field; and, similarly, Slug Bug Ranch, with its graffiti-adorned Beetles, Global Art Wall, picnic area, gift shop and other amenities.
Photo courtesy of Visit Amarillo.
Group travel planners will also want to consider horseback riding and chuckwagon events with Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West, a Jeep tour at Palo Duro Creek Ranch, and a stop at Buc-ee's—a Texas icon. After a full day, wind down at Old Tascosa Brewery or Paramount Recreation Club speakeasy. And, many visitors rave about seeing TEXAS Outdoor Musical held at nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, about a 30-minute drive from Amarillo.
Known as the Live Music Capital of the World®, Austin, of course, attracts visitors for its music scene. But there's so much more to do, including a variety of historic and city tours, a sunset bat cruise (you read that right!), and tons of outdoor recreation, from hiking and cycling to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack and entertainment venue is also an area hot spot.
Photo courtesy of Jim Livingston.
Dining is on the menu in Austin, too, with 44 of its restaurants recognized in the MICHELIN Guide Texas. And, of course, Austin is known for its festivals, such as SXSW in spring and Austin City Limits Music Festival in fall—to name just a couple.
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Jul/Aug '25 issue of Groups Today.
Main photo courtesy of Visit El Paso.
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Queer Kentucky, a proudly LGBTQ+ led nonprofit, recently announced the return of Bourbon & Belonging, Kentucky's Queer Bourbon Week, taking place October 3–5, 2025.
Following a groundbreaking and widely celebrated inaugural year, the second annual event will once again shine a spotlight on Kentucky's signature spirit through the lens of inclusion, culture, and community.
Bourbon & Belonging is a statewide celebration designed to welcome LGBTQ+ Kentuckians and visitors alike into bourbon spaces and hospitality experiences across the Commonwealth. The 2024 event was a resounding success, welcoming visitors from across the globe while generating wide media attention and community enthusiasm across 60 events, eight cities, and an overall campaign reaching over six million people worldwide.
This year's festivities build on that momentum with a weekend full of curated events, distillery experiences, queer performances, and culinary offerings in cities across the state. Returning host regions include Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and Paducah.
"We are beyond proud to bring Bourbon & Belonging back for a second year," said Missy Spears, Executive Director of Queer Kentucky. "It's more than an event—it's a declaration that LGBTQ+ people belong in every space, including those deeply rooted in Kentucky's cultural identity."
The 2025 event will again feature collaborations with leading bourbon brands such as Old Forester, New Riff Distilling, Wenzel Whiskey, and Maker's Mark, as well as partnerships with host hotels committed to fostering welcoming spaces for all travelers.
"This isn't just about bourbon—it's about belonging," said Mary Quinn Ramer, President of VisitLEX. "Bourbon & Belonging celebrates our people, our pride, and our promise that Kentucky is for everyone."
Modeled after iconic events like Sonoma's Gay Wine Weekend and DC's QueerBeer Fest, Bourbon & Belonging has quickly become a beacon for inclusive tourism and cultural celebration in the South. All proceeds support Queer Kentucky's mission to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ Kentuckians through storytelling, education, and community programming.
"Bourbon & Belonging continues to be a shining example of how Louisville leads with hospitality mixed with our strong cultural heritage," said Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. "This event not only celebrates our world-renowned Bourbon scene, but also reinforces our unwavering commitment to being a welcoming destination."
"We're honored to host Bourbon & Belonging again this year in Northern Kentucky," said Julie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of meetNKY. "It's a testament to Kentucky's reputation as a welcoming, world-class bourbon destination that blends heritage with fresh, exciting experiences."
To learn more about Bourbon & Belonging 2025, sign up for email updates, and explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities, visit bourbonandbelonging.com.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Photos courtesy of Bourbon & Belonging.
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