The holiday season will get brighter as the inaugural Great American Family Christmas Festival begins at Northwell Park at UBS Arena in Elmont. Running from Nov. 22 through Dec. 29, the festival promises a magical blend of family-friendly activities, festive food, dazzling lights, and appearances by some of Great American Family’s biggest stars, including Candace Cameron Bure.
The event offers a fully immersive holiday experience. Visitors can ice skate at Frosty’s Frozen Skate, explore Santa’s Craft Village and enjoy nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. Special movie premieres, star-studded panels and interactive opportunities with beloved actors bring the festive charm of Christmas films to life.
“This festival is truly a dream come true for anyone who loves Christmas,” said Bure, a hallmark of holiday television. “You can skate, sip cocoa, make crafts and meet Santa—all while feeling like you’re in the middle of one of our movies. It’s like stepping into Christmas magic.”
A Festival Full of Christmas Cheer
With five entertainment zones, the festival caters to holiday enthusiasts of all ages. Highlights include:
- Candy Cane Lane: The festival’s enchanting entrance offers the perfect spot for family photos and leads to a wonderland of Christmas fun.
- Frosty’s Frozen Skate: Glide on a sparkling ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights and cozy firepits.
- Rudolph’s Main Stage: A lively hub for caroling, contests, and Q&A sessions with stars like Bure, Danica McKellar and Mario Lopez.
- Santa’s Craft Village: Visitors can create personalized holiday decorations and find unique gifts.
- Eat, Drink & Be Merry Village: Enjoy holiday-themed treats and sip on warm beverages by the fire in private igloos or at communal tables.
Each weekend features appearances by actors from Great American Family’s signature Christmas films, with opportunities for fans to meet their favorite stars, take photos and participate in panel discussions.
Star Power in Every Weekend
Bure, along with Cameron Mathison, will kick off the festivities on Thanksgiving weekend with the premiere of their movie “Home Sweet Christmas.” The duo will host a Q&A after the screening and join festivalgoers for the tree lighting on Nov. 22.
“I’ve lost count of how many Christmas movies I’ve done, but I love making them so much,” said Bure. “These films bring people joy, and hearing how they’ve become traditions for families makes it all worthwhile.”
Fans can also meet other beloved stars throughout the festival, including McKellar (“A Cinderella Christmas Ball”), Trevor Donovan (“A Little Women’s Christmas”) and Mario Lopez (“Once Upon a Christmas Wish”).
Building a New Holiday Tradition
For Bure, the festival is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories.
“Christmas is about bringing people together,” she said. “This festival allows families and friends to connect, enjoy holiday traditions and even create new ones. It’s everything I love about this season.”
The festival’s programming reflects the ethos of Great American Family: faith, family, and festive entertainment. Each day offers a unique experience, from crafting workshops and movie premieres to carol karaoke and holiday-themed culinary delights.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Tickets start at $15, with VIP packages offering perks like reserved seating, meet-and-greet opportunities and exclusive gifts.
“I hope everyone comes to experience the festival,” Bure said. “It’s a celebration of everything that makes this season special. Whether you’re a fan of our movies or just love Christmas, there’s something here for you.”
For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.greatamericanfamilychristmasfestival.com.
