Planning a road trip inspired by holiday lights? This guide showcases the best displays to visit across the U.S.Discover festive destinations perfect for your holiday travels.
East Coast Holiday Light Adventures
The East Coast is a treasure trove of holiday light displays, offering a variety of experiences from quaint village setups to grand urban spectacles. These festive events run from late November to early January, giving you ample time to soak in the holiday cheer.
Whether you’re marveling at the million lights of Koziar’s Christmas Village or strolling through the twinkling streets of Dyker Heights, there’s something for everyone.
Koziar’s Christmas Village, Bernville, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1948, Koziar’s Christmas Village has been a beloved holiday destination for generations. Nestled in Bernville, Pennsylvania, this enchanting village opens its doors in early November, transforming into a winter wonderland with over one million lights. It’s not just the sheer volume of lights that captivates visitors, but the meticulous arrangement and the festive atmosphere that make it one of the best Christmas light displays in the country.
As you wander through the village, you’ll encounter whimsical toymaker displays, festive lights, and the opportunity to snap a photo with Santa himself. This immersive experience brings the magic of Christmas to life, making it a perfect family outing. The village operates from 5 or 6 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., with general admission priced at $13 for adults, though prices can vary on prime nights.
Local or traveling from afar, Koziar’s Christmas Village promises an unforgettable holiday experience. The combination of twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and festive events makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, New York
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is renowned for its elaborate and competitive Christmas light displays that draw visitors from around the world. The best time to visit is from late November to late December, when the neighborhood is aglow with fairy lights, colorful bulbs, and festive figurines of Santa Claus, nutcrackers, snowmen, and elves.
For the best experience, concentrate on the area between 11th and 13th Avenues, especially from 83rd to 86th Street. The displays are lit from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening until New Year’s Eve. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting on a weekday.
The sheer creativity and festive spirit of Dyker Heights make it a standout location for holiday light enthusiasts.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia
The Atlanta Botanical Garden transforms into a luminous wonderland during the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event. This event runs from November 16 through January 12, open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m., with ticket prices starting at $29.95 for adults and $26.95 for children. Visitors are treated to a winding walkway adorned with holiday-themed sculptures, light tunnels, and Christmas trees, all synchronized to festive music.
In addition to the dazzling lights, the event offers a s’mores station and other refreshments to enhance your visit. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or marveling at the synchronized light shows, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights promises a memorable holiday experience for all ages.
Midwest Festive Road Trips
The Midwest is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas light displays, perfect for festive road trips. From historic amusement parks to sprawling gardens, these light displays offer a mix of traditional charm and modern spectacle.
Sipping hot chocolate under the twinkling lights or attending live holiday shows, the Midwest’s festive spirit is bound to warm your heart.
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City is a holiday tradition that transforms the amusement park into a dazzling winter wonderland. Featuring 6.5 million lights, the event runs from November 2 to December 30, 2024, and offers a host of festive activities. A standout feature is the 8-story musical tree, which twinkles to holiday tunes, alongside live holiday shows on outdoor stages.
One of the highlights is Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade, which delights visitors with its vibrant and cheerful displays. The parade, combined with the park’s festive atmosphere, creates a magical experience that captures the essence of the jolly holiday lights and the holiday season.
Tickets for An Old Time Christmas range from $82 for children to $92 for adults, making it an accessible and memorable holiday outing for families. Whether drawn by the light displays or live shows, Silver Dollar City promises a holiday experience that delights visitors of all ages.
Celebration of Lights, O’Fallon, Missouri
The Celebration of Lights in O’Fallon, Missouri, is a beloved holiday tradition featuring over one million lights. Running from November 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025, this event offers a festive atmosphere and a variety of ways to experience the lights. Driving, walking, or taking a trolley ride each offer unique perspectives on the dazzling displays.
The Celebration of Lights is perfect for families and friends looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The various modes of experiencing the lights cater to different preferences, ensuring that everyone can find joy in this festive event.
Bentleyville Tour of Lights, Duluth, Minnesota
The Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth, Minnesota, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a grand holiday light display. Featuring over four million lights and a massive 12-story animated Christmas tree, this event runs from November 23 to December 28, 2024. A unique tradition includes Santa arriving by parachute on opening day, adding an extra layer of excitement for families.
Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or new unwrapped toys to support local charities, making this event as much about giving as it is about celebrating the season. The community involvement and festive atmosphere create a memorable experience for all attendees.
Admission is free, making it an accessible event for everyone. The combination of stunning lights, charitable giving, and festive activities ensures that Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a highlight of the holiday season in the Midwest.
Southern Holiday Light Tours
The South offers a vibrant array of holiday light tours, each with its own unique charm. From the enchanting Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens to the historic Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans, these displays capture the festive spirit in truly memorable ways, often enhanced by beautiful tree lights.
Exploring light tunnels or soaking in live music, Southern holiday light tours guarantee a magical experience for everyone.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens is one of the premier holiday light displays in the South. With over 10 million bulbs and larger-than-life Christmas scenes, this event transforms Pine Mountain into a festive wonderland. Visitors can enjoy walk-through light tunnels and a 7-mile light show, making it a comprehensive and immersive holiday experience.
In addition to the light displays, there’s a Christmas Village where visitors can meet Santa and enjoy festive treats. The combination of dazzling lights and holiday activities ensures that Fantasy in Lights offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
Celebration in the Oaks, New Orleans, Louisiana
Celebration in the Oaks has been a cherished Christmas tradition in New Orleans since the late 1980s. Featuring over one million bulbs, this event offers a 90-minute walking tour, a 30- to 45-minute driving tour, and a combo ticket for both experiences. The diverse tour options allow visitors to choose how they want to experience the festive lights.
In addition to the light displays, Celebration in the Oaks supports initiatives to keep City Park beautiful, making it a community-focused event. The combination of stunning lights and community benefits makes this event a highlight of the holiday season in New Orleans.
Nights of a Thousand Candles, Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Nights of a Thousand Candles in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is a unique holiday event featuring 2,800 candles. This event creates a magical atmosphere with its live music performances and various dining options, ensuring a festive experience for all visitors.
The combination of candlelight, live music, and festive dining makes Nights of a Thousand Candles a standout event in the South. The serene and enchanting atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations and memorable moments.
Western Wonderland Light Displays
The West Coast is home to some of the most breathtaking holiday light displays, offering a diverse range of experiences from grand hotel illuminations to immersive garden light shows. These displays run from November through early January, providing plenty of time to enjoy the festive season.
Whether you’re exploring the Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn or driving through Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the West promises a magical winter wonderland.
Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside, California
The Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, is a long-standing holiday tradition, celebrating its 28th year. Attracting over 500,000 visitors annually, this event has been voted ‘Best Public Lights Display’ by USA Today. It features 400 animated figures, stunning Christmas trees, and spectacular fireworks displays, creating a festive atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages.
The festival runs from November 18 to January 7, offering an extensive timeframe to enjoy the holiday cheer. Whether you’re marveling at the intricate light displays or enjoying the festive activities, the Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn is a must-visit during the holiday season.
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nevada
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a spectacular drive-through light display featuring over 5 million lights and 400 animated lights displays. Spanning 2.5 miles, this event ensures a safe and enjoyable experience with enforced speed limits. Running from November 9 to January 7, the event operates from 5 to 9 or 10 p.m., with admission costing $39 per vehicle.
One of the unique features of Glittering Lights is the Santa Tram experience available on select nights, offering a different perspective on the dazzling displays. This event is perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy a festive night out in Las Vegas.
Winter Garden aGlow, Boise, Idaho
Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden is a mesmerizing holiday event featuring 4,000 light strands. Running from November through early January, this event offers a magical experience with thousands of twinkling lights adorning the garden. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed photo booths and food vendors, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The event operates from 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with an entry price of $15 for adults. A leisurely stroll through the illuminated garden or capturing memories at the photo booth, Winter Garden aGlow ensures a delightful holiday experience for all.
Unique Holiday Light Experiences Across the U.S.
The United States is home to a plethora of unique holiday light experiences that are perfect for festive road trips. From botanical gardens transformed into winter wonderlands to themed tours that blend history with holiday cheer, these displays offer unforgettable experiences.
Exploring the legendary lights of Clifton Mill or enjoying the festive sights at ZooLights, there’s something special for everyone.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a dazzling holiday event featuring over 1 million colorful LED lights. Running from November 29 to December 30, the event transforms the zoo into a festive wonderland, complete with live music performances and holiday activities. The lights are on from 5 p.m. to either 8 or 9 p.m., and there’s a parking fee of $30.
This event is perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy the holiday season in a unique setting. The combination of festive lights and the zoo’s animal enclosures creates a magical experience that delights visitors of all ages.
Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill, Clifton, Ohio
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill in Ohio is a spectacular holiday light display featuring 3.5 million lights. Open from November 29 to December 30, this event includes a nightly music show where the lights flash in sync with festive tunes. Visitors can also explore Santa’s Workshop, where Santa himself is busy checking his list.
This event offers a nostalgic and enchanting holiday experience, making it one of the best Christmas light displays in the region. The combination of synchronized lights and festive activities ensures that visitors leave with lasting holiday memories, highlighted by a stunning Christmas light display.
Austin Trail of Lights, Austin, Texas
The Austin Trail of Lights is a beloved holiday event featuring over 2 million lights along its 2.5-mile route. Running from December 10 to 23, the event includes special attractions like the first tree lighting and a Fun Run. General admission is $8, making it an affordable and festive outing for families and friends.
With its vibrant displays and festive activities, the Austin Trail of Lights offers a comprehensive holiday experience that captures the magic of the season. Walking through the light tunnels or participating in the Fun Run, this event guarantees holiday cheer for all.
Tips for Planning Your Holiday Lights Road Trip
Planning a holiday lights road trip requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. From researching local displays to packing the right essentials, these tips will help you make the most of your festive adventure.
Traveling with family or friends, these tips will ensure your holiday lights road trip is filled with joy and wonder.
Timing and Routes
Viewing holiday lights is best done at night, but visiting during off-peak hours can offer a more relaxed experience without heavy traffic. Carefully planning your route can help you connect different light displays while considering traffic and road conditions.
It’s also important to bring appropriate clothing for the weather and have snacks and drinks like hot chocolate to enhance the enjoyment of your drive-through holiday lights tour. Preparing in advance will help you make the most of your holiday lights adventure.
Accommodation Options
Choosing nearby accommodations can enhance your holiday lights experience by minimizing travel time and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
For example, when visiting Koziar’s Christmas Village, nearby options like Comfort Inn & Suites, Courtyard, and DoubleTree by Hilton provide convenient and comfortable stays.
Packing Essentials
Packing essentials for a holiday lights road trip include warm clothing, snacks, and drinks to ensure comfort and enjoyment. Bringing your own mugs for tea and hot chocolate can add a personal touch to the experience.
Ensuring you have everything you need will make the trip enjoyable for the whole family.
Summary
The holiday season is a time for creating cherished memories with loved ones, and exploring the best Christmas light displays across the U.S. is a perfect way to do so. From the East Coast’s historic villages to the Midwest’s enchanting festivals, the South’s vibrant tours, and the West’s breathtaking spectacles, there’s something magical for everyone. Each destination offers unique attractions, from light tunnels and synchronized music shows to festive parades and community events.
As you plan your holiday lights road trip, remember to consider timing, routes, accommodations, and packing essentials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Let the twinkling lights and festive cheer guide you on a journey filled with joy and wonder. Embrace the holiday spirit and create unforgettable moments with your family and friends. Happy holidays!
