Holiday light shows are a cherished part of the festive season, offering dazzling displays and memorable experiences for families and friends. From massive drive-through events to walkable botanical gardens, there’s a light show for every preference. Here’s a quick rundown of the best holiday light displays across the U.S., showcasing millions of lights, themed attractions, and unique regional touches.
These events cater to all budgets, from free neighborhood displays to premium experiences. Whether you’re looking for a tropical twist, historic charm, or a high-tech spectacle, there’s a holiday light show waiting for you. Plan ahead, book tickets early, and enjoy the magic of the season!
Top 15 Holiday Light Shows in America: Quick Comparison Guide
The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (200 Hurd Road, Bethel, New York) – famous as the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival – hosts a dazzling holiday light show that turns the venue into a magical winter escape. Themed zones like "New York," "Holidays Around the World," and "Rock-n’-Roll" pay tribute to both the season and the site’s rich musical history.
You can enjoy the display as a drive-thru for $27 per vehicle on most nights. On Mondays, there’s a walk-through option for $12 per person for those 12 and older, while kids under 12 can join for free. Plus, adults who bring an unwrapped toy get complimentary admission.
To make the experience even more special, a holiday market with children’s craft tables is held over Thanksgiving weekend. The light show runs nightly from 5:00 to 10:00 pm ET. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as prices may vary.
Stay tuned as we explore more festive light displays across the country!
After exploring the Catskills, let’s head to Brooklyn for a holiday tradition that’s nothing short of magical.
Every winter, Dyker Heights turns into a glowing wonderland, with 11th to 13th Avenues (between 83rd and 86th Streets) showcasing dazzling displays. Around 50 to 100 homeowners go all out, decorating with millions of LED lights, life-sized reindeer, motorized carousels, and towering 20-foot light-wrapped trees. Some families spend between $1,000 and $20,000 on their displays, with monthly electricity bills sometimes hitting $10,000 [8,9].
This glittering spectacle draws over 100,000 visitors each year, making it one of New York’s favorite holiday traditions. Two standout homes include the Lucy Spata House at 1152 84th St – where this tradition began back in 1986 – and the Polizzotto House at 1145 84th St, famous for its 29-foot motorized Santa Claus [7,8,9]. The lights usually debut the weekend after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2026) and stay up through New Year’s Eve. They’re typically lit from around 5:00 PM until 9:00 or 10:00 PM [7,8].
"It’s one of those unforgettable, only-in-New-York Christmas experiences your kids will talk about for years."
- Jody Mercier, Journalist and Mother
While walking through the neighborhood is free, guided bus tours are available, costing $65 for adults and $55 for children [7,8]. For a smoother experience, visit on a weekday evening around 5:00 PM to see the lights turn on before the crowds arrive [7,9]. Public transportation is your best bet – take the D train to 79th Street or the R train to 86th Street to avoid parking headaches. Bring some cash for hot cocoa vendors and charity donation buckets scattered throughout the area [7,8].
Families will love the interactive displays, which include animatronics, costumed characters, and festive music. Just remember to bundle up – temperatures can drop as low as 27°F later in December – and note that public restrooms are not available [7,8].
Trade in winter chills for tropical holiday magic.
Honolulu City Lights transforms Honolulu Hale (City Hall), located at 530 S King St in downtown Honolulu, into the heart of the festivities each December. The 2025 season began with the Mayor’s Tree Topping Ceremony on Wednesday, December 4, followed by the grand Opening Night on Saturday, December 5. This beloved event marked its 40th anniversary in 2024. The charm of Honolulu City Lights lies in its ability to blend holiday traditions with a Hawaiian flair.
Expect to see iconic decorations like "Shaka Santa" and "Tūtū Mele" (Grandma Mele), alongside creative displays such as "Shaka Hōkūléa", paying tribute to Hawaii’s famous voyaging canoe. Other fun, locally themed displays include "Got Poi", "Makapu’u", and "Holoholo".
The celebration extends to Thomas Square (925 S Beretania St), where Show Aloha Land offers 16 nights of free entertainment from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Attractions include glowing light tunnels, holiday trains, bouncy castles, and outdoor movies shown at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Films include holiday favorites like Elf (December 13 and 25), The Polar Express (December 20 and 24), and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (December 6 and 18). Hungry? Grab a bite with options ranging from $4 burgers to $16–$20 entrees, while kids’ meals are priced around $7.
Parking tips: Skip street parking – Victoria Street is restricted during the event. Instead, park at McKinley High School for convenience. Don’t forget to bring a blanket for the outdoor movies and check out the commemorative ornaments ($24) and t-shirts ($16–$20), with proceeds supporting the Friends of Honolulu City Lights.
Building on the holiday charm of Honolulu City Lights, the Kauai Festival of Lights in Lihue offers a festive experience with a creative, eco-conscious twist.
Held at the Historic County Building in Lihue, with additional displays at Kukui Grove Center, this event is known for its "Trash to Treasure" decorations. These one-of-a-kind displays are crafted from upcycled materials by local teens under the guidance of Elizabeth Freeman.
"Visitors love ‘Santa’s Gone Kauaiian’ theme and the gorgeous hand-crafted ‘Trash to Treasure’ decorations art-directed by Elizabeth Freeman and created by Kauai’s talented teens!" – Kauai Festival of Lights
The displays reflect a distinctly Hawaiian holiday spirit, featuring creations like the SPAM Can Tree, "Surfin’ Santa", the Kauai Mermaid Kingdom, and the Hokulea Aloha Tree. Adding to the charm, the festival highlights Christmas Folk Art by the late Auntie Josie Chansky, celebrating local traditions and heritage.
The celebration officially begins with the Lights on Rice Parade, held on the first Friday of December (December 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM). This lively parade includes around 60 units and 3,000 performers, drawing crowds along Rice Street. Make sure to arrive early – Rice Street closes at 5:30 PM – to secure a prime viewing spot from Hoolako Street to the Historic County Building.
For a sneak peek at past exhibits and to plan your visit, check out the festival’s official website.
After soaking up Hawaii’s tropical vibes, shift gears and dive into an electrifying urban light art celebration on the West Coast. San Francisco comes alive with Illuminate SF Festival of Light, turning the city into a glowing gallery of over 40 incredible light art installations spread across more than a dozen neighborhoods.
The festival’s highlights are clustered in areas like the Embarcadero, the Castro District, Mission Bay (near Moscone Center), and the Civic Center. Standout pieces include the LED crown atop the Salesforce Tower, a creation by artist Jim Campbell, and the mesmerizing "Point Cloud" installation outside the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Works by artists such as Leo Villareal and Hank Willis Thomas further showcase the city’s dedication to public art.
"Illuminate SF transcends typical holiday events by elevating the city’s thriving art scene and fostering civic collaboration." – Dorothy Field, Destination Content Specialist, Tripster
This family-friendly event is free to enjoy and features interactive, visually stunning displays that appeal to all ages. Grab the Illuminate SF map or mobile app to plan your walking route through the city. Since the lights stay on from dusk until early morning, be sure to dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Getting around is easy with public transit – BART and Muni provide access to most festival locations, saving you the hassle of parking fees that range from $8 to $25.
Step into a magical holiday tradition on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast. Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet transforms the botanical gardens into a breathtaking display of over 2,700 hand-lit candles. The warm, flickering glow beautifully complements Brookgreen’s celebrated collection of American sculptures and lush botanical displays. As you wander through the gardens, enjoy live holiday music and sip on warm cider for the perfect festive atmosphere. This enchanting event takes place on select nights in December at 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576.
This event has earned national recognition, ranking among the top 10 botanical garden holiday light displays for eight years straight. In 2021, it reached an impressive #3 spot.
Tickets are priced at $25 for adults (ages 13–64), $23 for seniors (65+), and $14 for children (ages 4–12), while kids under 3 can join the fun for free. For added convenience, the gardens feature food trucks and the Harvest Restaurant (reservations are recommended), along with beverage stations offering hot drinks scattered throughout the grounds.
This cherished tradition offers a cozy, timeless ambiance that feels worlds apart from flashy, high-tech light shows.
Looking for a holiday getaway with a touch of Southern charm? Holly Jolly Jekyll turns Jekyll Island into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 1,000,000 lights from November 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026. The Historic District serves as the centerpiece, offering multiple ways to soak in the festive atmosphere. Whether you choose a guided trolley tour, a nostalgic Model T ride on the Millionaire Motorcar tour, or a self-guided walking tour with a detailed map, there’s no shortage of ways to explore.
For families, the event is packed with kid-friendly fun. Peppermint Land, a whimsical reimagining of the mini-golf course, is decked out with giant gumdrops, gingerbread figures, and peppermint sticks. On December 21, 2025, the Winter Carnival & Big Truck Roundup takes over Village Green and Great Dunes Beach Park, featuring free carnival rides and games. Kids can also climb into emergency vehicles from the Jekyll Island Fire/EMS and Georgia State Patrol for a hands-on experience.
Other standout activities include the Cold-Stunned Plunge on November 29, 2025. Brave participants take a chilly dip in the Atlantic to support sea turtle conservation at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. History buffs will love the Holidays in History Tour, which offers a glimpse into how Gilded Age families celebrated the season at the exclusive Jekyll Island Club.
Don’t forget to stop by the Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum to pick up scavenger hunt materials or book your trolley tour tickets early, as they’re only available on select nights. And for a touch of holiday shopping, the North Pole South shop – open year-round – has all the gifts and souvenirs you need to commemorate your visit.
Step into a cherished 33-year-old tradition in the heart of America’s oldest city. Nights of Lights transforms about 20 blocks of St. Augustine’s historic district into a glowing wonderland, with over 3 million tiny white lights adorning Spanish Colonial architecture, rooftops, and the iconic Bridge of Lions. This dazzling display pays homage to an old Spanish custom of placing white candles in windows, symbolizing a warm welcome for Mary and Joseph.
Back in 2011 and 2012, National Geographic named this event one of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world. Running from November 21, 2026, to January 18, 2027, the lights switch on daily at 5:30 p.m. and stay illuminated until well past 2:00 a.m., giving visitors plenty of time to soak in the magic. Best of all, admission is completely free.
This isn’t your typical drive-through light show. Nights of Lights is designed to be explored on foot, making it a perfect opportunity to wander the historic streets while enjoying local shops and restaurants. Families can hop on Santa’s Red Train Tours, go for a Roadster Ride with festive characters like the Grinch and Santa, or watch holiday boat parades. Kids will also love hunting for the single red light hidden among millions in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Want a unique perspective? Consider a horse-drawn carriage ride (starting around $150 per group of four), a trolley tour, or a climb up the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the illuminated city. For picture-perfect moments, head to the Plaza de la Constitución to snap photos by the Christmas tree or along the beautifully lit Bridge of Lions.
Parking downtown can be tricky – and expensive, with rates reaching $40 during peak times – but the free Park & Ride Shuttle on select days is a great solution. To make your visit even smoother, download the Nights of Lights mobile app for interactive maps, parking details, and event schedules. It’s all you need to plan an unforgettable holiday outing!
Just a short drive from Charleston’s historic downtown, James Island County Park (871 Riverland Drive) is home to a cherished Lowcountry holiday tradition that’s been lighting up the season for 36 years. Sarah Reynolds, Public Information Coordinator for Charleston County Parks, describes it as "one of the most popular holiday attractions here in the Lowcountry".
This isn’t just a simple drive-through experience – it’s an evening packed with holiday magic. The centerpiece is a three-mile driving tour showcasing over 750 dazzling light displays, featuring an incredible 2 million lights. A standout feature this year is the newly revamped Cooper River Bridge display, along with other themed exhibits that turn the park into an enchanting winter wonderland. As you drive through, tune your radio to 102.5 FM to enjoy synchronized holiday music that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Once you’ve completed the driving tour, head over to Winter Wonderland, a family-friendly area perfect for strolling. Highlights include a massive 50-ton sand sculpture, s’mores fire pits, and fun attractions at Santa’s Village. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a carousel ride for $2, hop on the Festival Express train for $5 per rider, or tackle the portable rock-climbing wall for $4 (two climbs). Santa himself will be there for photos through December 23, making it a must-visit spot for families.
This beloved event draws over 200,000 visitors and 60,000 cars each year. Admission costs range from $15 to $45, with a $5 discount available on weekdays for those who bring canned food donations. Families can also opt for Inclusive Santa sessions, priced at $40 for up to five people.
The festival runs nightly through December 31, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. – arrive by 5:00 p.m. on weekends to beat the traffic. Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve fireworks display on December 31 to close out the season. For those looking to extend their visit, campsites and cottages are available starting at $60 per night, offering unlimited park access.
Magic of Lights delivers holiday cheer across more than 15 locations in the United States and Canada. From the Daytona International Speedway in Florida to Jones Beach State Park in New York, this drive-thru event transforms major venues into glowing wonderlands. To find a location near you, visit magicoflights.com/locations.
The experience spans over a mile of dazzling light displays, all enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Highlights include a sparkling Holiday Barbie™, a towering Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs, all illuminated with millions of LED lights. Along the way, traditional holiday scenes and characters add to the festive charm, with most visitors completing the route in about an hour.
One of the perks of Magic of Lights is its per-car pricing, which covers everyone in the vehicle (up to three rows), making it a budget-friendly outing for families. Reviewer Kyle B. shared his enthusiasm:
"Absolutely awesome! 10/10 time. We went on Christmas Eve. So many creative lights. It’s probably like an hour to see everything. A bang for a buck!"
Even pets are welcome, as long as they remain inside the vehicle, so your furry friends can join the holiday fun too.
At select locations, the event doesn’t stop at the drive-thru. After enjoying the light trail, you can step out of your car to explore a Holiday Village featuring Santa photo opportunities, s’mores stations, hot cocoa, and synchronized light displays with color-changing trees. As C P. described:
"My kids had a blast! The drive through to see all the lights was pretty! At the end you can get out to see Santa, make s’mores, and sit near these big trees that change color with music"
For those who want to skip the wait, a Dash Pass is available at certain locations for an additional fee.
To make the most of your visit, buy your vehicle passes online ahead of time for discounts and quicker entry. While driving through, dim or turn off your headlights to enhance the experience for everyone. Many families return year after year, enjoying new displays that keep the tradition exciting and fresh.
Set within the Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park (216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07653), Let It Glow brings the holiday spirit to life with over 30 dazzling lantern displays. These scenes feature both real and fantastical animals, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors. Families can also enjoy a ride on the Safari Express train, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Afterward, unwind by the fire pits and, for an extra fee, indulge in s’mores kits for a cozy treat.
Let It Glow runs Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $11.75 per person, making it an accessible option for family fun. Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedules and ticket information. Perfect for all ages, this event blends the wonder of wildlife with holiday cheer, offering a memorable stop on your holiday light tour.
Just 30 miles from Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens Christmas in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, transforms its 1,100 acres into a dazzling holiday spectacle. It’s no surprise this event claimed USA Today 10Best’s "#1 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights" title from 2018 to 2022. Drawing about 650,000 visitors each season, this celebration accounts for nearly one-third of the gardens’ yearly attendance. The magic spans from indoor displays to breathtaking outdoor light displays.
Inside, the Historic Main Conservatory enchants visitors with vibrant poinsettias, fragrant blooms, and beautifully decorated trees. The Music Room features extravagant themed decorations, while the Exhibition Hall showcases fresh floral designs each year [36,37].
Step outside, and you’ll find over 500,000 lights illuminating the gardens. More than 170 trees are adorned with 30 miles of lights, creating a mesmerizing scene [37,38]. Highlights include a 200-foot curved tunnel in the Meadow Garden lit with 20,000 sparkling lights and a towering 90-foot illuminated Meadow tree [38,39].
Families can enjoy unique attractions like the Garden Railway, where G-scale model trains wind through miniature replicas of Longwood landmarks. Another favorite is the Wildlife Tree, decorated with edible treats such as millet and seaweed, which volunteers replenish regularly [36,37]. At the Open Air Theatre, 750 fountain jets perform music-synced shows that last five minutes each [36,37].
Tickets are sold with timed entry, priced at $45 for adults, $25 for youth (ages 5–18), and free for children 4 and under. The 2026–2027 season runs from November 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027, with daily hours from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The event is so popular that local hotels report bookings up to a year in advance.
"From the brilliance of sapphires to the warmth of gilded metallics, every element of A Longwood Christmas has been thoughtfully chosen to convey the richness, beauty, and wonder of the holiday season." – Jim Sutton, Associate Director of Display Design at Longwood Gardens
Located just over an hour from Atlanta, Callaway Resort & Gardens hosts Fantasy in Lights, a holiday spectacle that spans 2,500 acres and features over 10 million lights [43,44]. Recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the "Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights", this event has become a cherished tradition in the South, often described as "The South’s Most Beloved Holiday Tradition".
Visitors can experience the magic in two ways: a scenic seven-mile drive or a 45-minute open-air trolley ride. The display includes custom-built scenes like the Magical Field of Lights, Snowflake Lane, and Song of the Trees [43,44]. For the 2025-2026 season, the lights will shine from November 14, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
The festivities extend beyond the light show. Families can explore a Christmas Village, offering local gifts, seasonal treats like s’mores and hot chocolate, and even a Winter Wonderland. For children, highlights include meeting Santa during the Breakfast with Santa events. Ticket prices start at $24.99 for adults and $19.99 for children, with pricing varying by date.
"The magic of the holidays shines brighter than ever as Fantasy In Lights returns… Recognized as The South’s Most Beloved Holiday Tradition, the award-winning experience invites guests to step into a dazzling world illuminated by over 10 million lights." – Callaway Resort & Gardens
For those looking to make it an overnight adventure, Callaway Resort offers packages at its four-diamond lodge or cozy cottages, which include admission to the light show. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to secure your time slot. Each ticket also grants access to the gardens during the day, making it a full-day experience.
Every holiday season, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in downtown Riverside becomes a dazzling spectacle, glowing with 10 million lights and featuring over 400 animatronics [46–48]. This beloved event has been a tradition for 33 years, drawing more than 750,000 visitors annually. In fact, Newsweek crowned it the #1 Best Holiday Light Show in the U.S. in 2026 [47–49].
The festivities begin with the Switch-On Ceremony, a highly anticipated event held on the Friday or Saturday following Thanksgiving. This opening night alone gathers approximately 75,000 attendees, who come for the countdown, live music, and an unforgettable fireworks show launched from the hotel’s roof [46,49]. It’s a grand kickoff to a season full of holiday magic.
"He’s a Riverside native, and he wanted to give back to the community and do some sort of major free event. And of course, he turned it into a mega event." – Patrick O’Brien, Spokesman for the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The festival offers more than lights – it’s packed with activities for the whole family. There’s a holiday carnival complete with a carousel and century wheel, an ice-skating rink, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Visitors can also step inside a giant walk-in snow globe for perfect holiday photos [46,47,49]. Kids can meet Santa, drop off letters at the Santa Letter Drop Box for “express delivery to the North Pole,” and enjoy live caroling throughout the season. For those looking for something extra special, the Lights and Delights VIP Tours are available Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., priced at $65 for adults and $35 for children.
The lights stay on through early January, and there are also festive dining options like the Sunday Champagne Brunch with Santa, priced at $79 for adults and $39 for children, available on select December dates. With free admission, this extraordinary display is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy the season together [47–49].
From November 6, 2026, to January 10, 2027, the Biltmore Estate transforms its eight-thousand-acre property into a stunning holiday wonderland, recreating the Vanderbilt family’s first Christmas in 1895. At the heart of this celebration is the 250-room Biltmore House, a breathtaking French Renaissance-style mansion.
The holiday displays are nothing short of magical. Over 100 hand-decorated Christmas trees adorn the estate, including a 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall, decorated with 500 ornaments and Edison-style lights. Outside, the Front Lawn features a 55-foot Norway spruce illuminated by 45,000 lights, surrounded by 36 smaller glowing evergreens. The estate also boasts 25,000 ornaments, 1.5 miles of fresh garlands, 500 wreaths, and 2,000 poinsettias spread throughout the grounds.
The festivities extend beyond the decorations. Candlelight Christmas Evenings run from 5:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., offering a cozy ambiance with flickering candles, roaring fireplaces, and live choir performances. A newer addition, the Luminere experience, lights up the gardens with an outdoor display of lights and sound. Families can head to Antler Hill Village to meet Santa on weekends and select weekdays, enjoy a bonfire, and browse charming shops like "Toymakers" and "Confectionery". Adults can also enjoy complimentary wine tastings of seasonal reds, whites, and sparkling wines at the estate’s winery.
Tickets start at $105 for adults, with free entry for children 9 and under, and discounted rates for ages 10–16. Visitors can save up to $40 by booking midweek dates, and hotel package deals can offer savings of up to 19%. Tickets, which typically go on sale in late June, sell out quickly, so booking early is advised. Valet parking is available for around $30.
Plan to spend a full day exploring the estate. Arrive at least 45 minutes early to navigate the expansive grounds. Be sure to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes to stay prepared for the mountain weather.
If you’re looking for even more dazzling holiday light displays beyond the 15 featured here, Christmas Light Guide is your go-to resource for finding festive shows across the country. The platform makes it easy to locate displays throughout the season, no matter where you are.
The site organizes events by region – covering the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, West, Hawaii, and Alaska – so you can quickly pinpoint shows near you. Each listing includes a street address, like 105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, ME, which you can plug directly into your GPS for seamless navigation. It’s the perfect way to plan a holiday outing tailored to your preferences.
Want to narrow down your experience? You can filter displays by type – choose a drive-thru event for a cozy car ride or a walk-through option for a more up-close adventure. For example, drive-thru displays often span several miles, like the impressive 7-mile Fantasy in Lights route. Some locations even offer both options, giving you flexibility in how you enjoy the lights.
Each listing also provides direct links to navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps, so you can easily plan your route and get turn-by-turn directions. Verified and popular displays are marked with special badges, helping you find the most celebrated shows nearby with minimal effort.
Whether you’re in the mood for a neighborhood display, a jaw-dropping botanical garden show, or a festive zoo experience, Christmas Light Guide has the tools to help you uncover the holiday magic waiting just around the corner.
Want to make the most of your holiday light adventure? Here are some practical tips to keep in mind.
Book your tickets as early as possible.
Popular venues often require timed-entry reservations, and these can sell out weeks in advance. By booking early, you not only secure your spot but might also save some money. For example, visiting in mid-to-late November can sometimes mean discounted tickets. Early planning helps avoid last-minute stress.
Choose your timing wisely.
Weekdays are your best bet for smaller crowds. Arriving around 5:00 PM lets you enjoy the lights before the evening rush sets in. If you’re looking for a calmer experience, early December is a great time to visit. Many venues even host sensory-friendly nights, designed to be quieter and less crowded.
Dress for the occasion and be ready to walk.
Some light displays cover a lot of ground. For instance, the Austin Trail of Lights spans about 2.5 miles. Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are a must for outdoor events. Many venues also feature warmth stations with fire pits and stands serving hot drinks like cocoa, cider, or coffee. If the weather takes a turn for the worse – think freezing temps or heavy rain – drive-through displays are a cozy alternative.
Plan ahead for parking and transportation.
Parking at urban venues can be pricey and challenging. For example, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo charges around $30 for parking, and finding a spot near Dyker Heights can feel impossible. Consider alternatives like bus tours (usually $35–$75 per person), shuttles, or even public transit to save yourself the hassle.
Keep an eye out for pricing variations and deals.
Ticket prices often change depending on the date. Some venues add a $5 surcharge on "prime nights", but you might also find free nights or flexible "any-night" tickets, giving you more options to plan your visit.
From millions of dazzling lights to historic street displays, holiday light shows across America offer something special for everyone. Whether you’re wandering through beautifully lit botanical gardens, enjoying a drive-thru experience, or soaking in the charm of neighborhood traditions, these events create unforgettable memories.
It’s not just the lights themselves that make these shows magical. Many venues enhance the experience with extras like horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley tours, and interactive light tunnels. Some even feature synchronized music, s’mores stations, or adults-only evenings for a cozy date night vibe.
"The season’s best moments are always spent with loved ones, and we can’t think of a more magical tradition than packing up the whole fam and heading off to see one (or two, or three…) of the best Christmas light displays!" – Country Living Editors
These displays can also inspire your own holiday decorating, sparking ideas from the intricate designs of the professionals. And whether you’re looking for a free outing or a premium experience, there’s a light show to fit every budget and travel preference.
So, why wait? Start planning your visit and make this holiday season one to remember. These displays aren’t just events – they’re traditions that bring families together year after year.
Bentleyville’s Tour of Lights is a fantastic destination for families, especially those with young kids. Children aged 12 and under can visit Santa, enjoy free cookies, and even receive a knit hat – perfect for creating lasting holiday memories. Similarly, the Oshkosh Celebration of Lights offers a magical experience with free community nights, wagon rides, and visits with Santa, making it another excellent option for a kid-friendly outing.
Many holiday light shows require tickets to be bought in advance, and some can sell out fast. To make sure you don’t miss out, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets ahead of time whenever you can.
The ideal time to visit holiday light displays – and avoid the hustle and bustle – is usually on weekdays and during the early evening hours. These times tend to be calmer, giving you the chance to take in the dazzling lights in a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere.
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