Holiday Favorites from Our Strategists

The Moments That Make Their Towns Shine

The holidays have a way of sharpening our sense of place. Maybe it’s the way our favorite downtowns glow a little brighter, or how routines seem to give way to cold-weather traditions — the bakery you always stop at, the neighborhood you drive through just to see the lights, the small events that mark the season year after year. During the holidays, these moments often become the suburban holiday traditions families cherish most.

At Suburban Jungle, we talk a lot about what makes a town work for a family. But during the holidays, what really stands out is how a place feels.

But even post-move, you’ll no doubt keep discovering hidden gems and building out even more suburban holiday traditions — and the Suburban Jungle team is no exception. We asked some of our Strategists to share the moments that make their towns shine this time of year — and they did not disappoint. As you’re exploring some of our suburbs, make sure you check out these team faves. 

Alli Levine, Director of Communications & New York Strategist

Northern New Jersey: Where the Holidays Are an Excuse to Go Out to Dinner

The standout food scene in Northern New Jersey is one of the best in the tri-state area. Our family loves the holiday spirit in the local restaurants and downtowns at this time of year. We have our forever favorites and always enjoy trying new spots in the local towns! It’s about the food, the people, and the shared moments that turn a night out into a tradition. Check out our roundup of Northern New Jersey spots food lovers can’t stop talking about. 

Robin Hoberman, New York Strategist & Director of Talent Acquisition 

Westchester: Easy Traditions That Feel Like Home

For my family, Westchester Winter Wonderland has always been a seasonal staple – an easy outing for all ages that’s endlessly festive without being overwhelming. We’ve been going for decades and my entire family looks forward to it year after year. 

Another favorite? Breakfast at The Beehive in Armonk. It’s not flashy or complicated, just a cozy local ritual that feels especially right during the colder months when we’re all looking to take a breath and slow down a little. Definitely worth checking out! 

Barbara Hirsch, Director of Operations & Head Boston Strategist

Wellesley: When a Town Fully Leans In

This is the season for blending long-standing traditions and new experiences and things to do – to me, that’s what really defines the holidays. I love the Wellesley Marketplace, hosted by the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club. It’s been a local holiday fixture for nearly five decades, packed with local vendors and incredible essentials, must-have gifts, and more. Plus, proceeds directly support scholarships and community grants.

Beyond shopping, the community really turns out for the Winter Wonderland House Decorating Contest as well as the Holiday Stroll, which features scavenger hunts through local businesses, carolers, familiar holiday characters, photos with Santa, and a Town Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

This year brings something new, too — the return of an outdoor ice skating rink on Hunnewell Field, inspired by local youth hockey families and eagerly anticipated by residents. It’s a reminder that holiday traditions can still evolve, shaped by the people who live there now.

Jodi Bloom, Head Philadelphia Strategist 

Philadelphia Suburbs: Small-Town Magic, No Big Production Required

For Jodi and the Bloom family, holiday weekends are made for wandering through holiday markets, then popping over to Suburban Square in Ardmore when everything feels a little brighter and more festive. There’s the Narberth Dickens Festival, where kids run through town alongside characters from A Christmas Carol, hot chocolate in hand. 

But some of her favorite memories are the simplest ones: loading the kids into the car and driving through neighborhood streets, scanning for the best light displays. No tickets, no schedule, just time together, and a town that feels like home.

Melissa Schneider, Director of Corporate Development & Head Florida Strategist 

Florida: Lights, Cookies, and a Limoncello Cake Worth the Trip

The Schneider Family is less about a single seasonal event and more about the seemingly-endless South Florida moments that bring their community together. One favorite suburban holiday tradition? Cruising the Intracoastal waterways after dark, taking in the glow of holiday lights reflected across the water – a uniquely Florida spin on traditional light-viewing.

Closer to home, Melissa looks forward to a longtime neighborhood tradition: an annual holiday luncheon and cookie exchange, now in its 10th year. Everyone brings something savory or sweet, and guests arrive armed with empty containers, ready to stock up on leftovers (especially the chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies that always disappear first…).  And while Melissa freely admits baking isn’t her forte, she knows exactly where to go for something special. Gramma’s Bakery, where everything is made from scratch, is her go-to for holiday treats, especially their limoncello cake, which she describes simply as perfection.

Pamela Goldman, Head Bay Area Strategist 

Northern California: Thoughtful Gifts and Coastal Calm

Holiday spirit looks different in Northern California, says West Coast Strategist Pamela Goldman. It’s quieter, she says, but no less meaningful. For years, the Goldman kids packed up and headed to The Tiburon Holiday Festival. Now, her seasonal rituals lean toward thoughtful gift-giving, guided by two favorite local shops: Local Spicery, known for its curated blends and unique finds, and Main Street Mercantile, a go-to for hostess gifts and small, special surprises. 

What These Moments Have in Common

What stands out across all these stories isn’t just the events themselves. It’s how naturally they fit into everyday life. These are towns where traditions don’t feel imposed – they grow from community, familiarity, and shared routines.

That’s what we mean when we talk about finding your where. It’s not just a house, but a place that feels just right during every season – and the holidays elevate what you love most about the community. Over the next few weeks, we hope you’ll keep exploring, and maybe even check out a few of our favorite suburban holiday traditions. We can’t wait to hear what you think. 

For more insights, visit Suburban Jungle’s blog page on our website.

If you’re starting to imagine what the holidays could look like in a different town, our Strategists are here to help you explore what might fit your family best. Schedule your free initial strategy session today.