As the holiday season approaches, families across the United States eagerly anticipate the dazzling Christmas lights shows that fill neighborhoods and landmarks with festive cheer. Whether you’re looking for a small-town charm or a grand, immersive spectacle, the USA offers an array of Christmas light displays that can make the season sparkle in new and exciting ways. From old-fashioned displays to cutting-edge, experiential exhibits, here are some of the most magical holiday light displays around.
Asheville, North Carolina: Christmas at the Biltmore
When: November 3 – January 6, 2024
The Biltmore Estate is a must-see during the Christmas season. With its sprawling estate and historic mansion, visitors can witness a truly magical transformation. During the Christmas season, the estate is decorated with a huge lighted tree on the lawn and thousands of lights twinkling inside the mansion itself, including the grand rooms and Antler Hill Village. It lights up the beautiful architecture of the house, making the already breathtaking view much more spectacular. The cost to see the house or the grounds ranges from $110–to 145 depending on when you come to visit.
Plan your trip to the Biltmore Estate and make it a family tradition to witness this grand celebration of Christmas lights decorations.
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Branson, Missouri: Christmas in Midtown at Silver Dollar City
When: November 4 – December 30, 2023
If you’re looking for a theme park that takes Christmas lights outdoors to the next level, Silver Dollar City is the place to be. Located in Branson, Missouri, this park transforms into a glowing wonderland by donning over 6.5 million twinkling lights. While walking into this festive park, you are instantly met by colorful displays lining the entire area. You might be interested in participating in the “An Old Time Christmas” experience which also includes heartwarming performances and holiday-themed activities. Tickets go for $89 per person.
Silver Dollar City offers a great mix of fun rides and holiday cheer, so it is great for family fun to see professional Christmas lights at their best.
Bernville, Pennsylvania: Koziar’s Christmas Village
When: Nov 4 – Jan 1, 2024 (on select dates)
Koziar’s Christmas Village is one of the nation’s most renowned and popular Christmas lights show. Located in Bernville, Pennsylvania, this holiday village boasts a staggering number of lights – over 1 million twinkling bulbs – that illuminate every inch of the grounds. The display covers several acres, and visitors can walk through a magnificent village that includes sparkling trees, themed sections, and more. Admission is $13 for adults, with a small surcharge on prime nights.
Just in case you want a little magic and, a more intimate feel of Christmas light decorations, Koziar’s Christmas Village is the place to be.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
When: November 9 – January 7, 2024
While neon lights do Las Vegas all year round, at Christmas time, the Glittering Christmas lights show at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a drive-through to look out for. Visitors can enjoy a drive-through experience that covers a 2.5-mile stretch of the speedway, complete with tunnels of twinkling lights and festive displays. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for families, offering a memorable way to enjoy the holiday season while staying warm in your car. Tickets start at $39 per vehicle.
For truly unique Christmas light displays, Glittering Lights is the perfect choice for Las Vegas visitors.
Hershey, Pennsylvania: Hersheypark’s Candy Lane
When: November 10 – January 1, 2024 (select dates)
Hersheypark’s Candy Lane will be a dream come true for any sweet-toothed enthusiast. With more than 5 million lights, this holiday display combines Hershey’s rich chocolate heritage with the happiness of Christmas fun. Families can experience rides and attractions created from candy themes and even greet Santa Claus. Additionally, for a one-of-a-kind experience – the drive-thru light show is available for $25 per car.
If you are looking for the finest Christmas lights on house displays and some entertaining sweet treats, Hersheypark is just the place.
Charleston, South Carolina: Holiday Festival of Lights
When: Nov. 10 – Dec. 31 2024
Well-loved holiday traditions in Charleston, South Carolina, include the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. Visitors drive slowly through a 3-mile lakeside light show featuring millions of lights arranged in beautiful displays. There are also carolers, a holiday market, and an array of family activities that make it an unforgettable experience. Ticket prices start at $15–$20 per car.
A trip to Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights is the best outdoor Christmas lights viewing in a very natural setting.
Louisville, Kentucky: Lights Under Louisville
When: November 10 – January 1, 2024
For an experience with Christmas lights unlike any other, venture into the underground world at Lights Under Louisville in the Louisville Mega Cavern. In this incredible holiday display, 17 miles of cavern passageways are illuminated to deliver a 30-minute car ride through aglow tunnels and massive light installations. Tickets start at $42.99 per vehicle.
Professional-quality Christmas lights can be enjoyed in a way like never before at Lights Under Louisville — take on this underground adventure.
Syracuse, New York: Lights on the Lake
When: November 13 – January 12, 2024
If you’re visiting the Finger Lakes region of New York, don’t miss Lights on the Lake, a two-mile drive-through light show at Onondaga Lake Park in Syracuse. The display is a stunning sight, featuring thousands of twinkling lights that create a mesmerizing experience for families. Admission ranges from $5–$20 per car, depending on the date and time.
Lights on the Lake is one of the best outdoor Christmas lights experiences in New York State and offers an incredible view of the season.
San Diego, California: Lightscape
November 17 – January 1, 2024
The San Diego Botanic Garden has a very festive, light-filled experience in Lightscape. This is an international art exhibition, brought to life by lights, color, and sound, shown along one mile of walking trail. Some features of the exhibit include a Cal Poppy-inspired show and whimsical fiber optic flowers. Tickets run from $29 for adults.
Experience the magic of Lightscape for a holiday light experience like no other with some of the best Christmas lights for house displays outdoors.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Longwood Gardens
When: November 17 – January 7, 2024
It’s in the Philadelphia area that there’s Longwood Gardens, which has become renowned for its incredible holiday light displays during the season. The garden and conservatory are transformed into a winter wonderland, whereby trees, plants, and paths shine with twinkling lights throughout. A visit to this garden will also include spectacular seasonal plant displays and beautifully themed exhibits. Admission is $30 for adults.
Longwood Gardens, located near Philadelphia, offers an experience between horticultural beauty and festive lights. Its Christmas light decorations are so beautifully crafted to create a lovely atmosphere.
Lights of the Ozarks Fayetteville, Arkansas:
When: November 17 – January 1, 2024
The town of Fayetteville lights up during the Lights of the Ozarks celebration when hundreds of thousands of lights illuminate the historic downtown square in this charming small town. Visitors enjoy hot chocolate, festive music, and pony rides and carriage rides while viewing the lights. Admission is free.
For a family-friendly free event, visit Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.
New York City: Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
When: Nov. 17 – Jan. 7, 2024
Undoubtedly one of the most magical places to see Christmas lights outdoors in New York City, the Holiday Lights at Bronx Zoo involve the enchanted panorama of life-size lanterns of animals and an illuminated safari. There is also a musical light show, ice sculptures, and a holiday train ride. What a memorable experience when visit the zoo during the holiday.
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo is a great mix of nature and holiday cheer.
Caldwell, Idaho: Winter Wonderland Festival
When: Nov. 17 – Jan. 8, 2024
The Winter Wonderland Festival in Caldwell, Idaho, features spectacular Christmas lights, along with other seasonal events, including ice skating, food trucks, and vendors. The free event continues after Christmas, making it an excellent choice for post-holiday celebrations.
Enjoy a unique Christmas light show at the Winter Wonderland Festival in Caldwell.
Denver, CO: Blossoms of Light, Denver Botanic Gardens
When: November 17 – January 7, 2023 (closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 25)
While in Denver, head to the Denver Botanic Gardens for this holiday event known as Blossoms of Light. This place is just full of larger-than-life displays with a total of 1 million twinkling lights, and themed sections like a sparkling tunnel, making it a great way to see some of the very best Christmas light decorations in Colorado.
Blossoms of Light is a must-see event in Denver for anyone who needs something that combines nature and light over the holidays.
Conclusion
From traditional displays to innovative and interactive exhibits, there are countless opportunities to enjoy Christmas lights outdoors in all their glory. Whether a classic Christmas light show or an immersive experience, they have something for everyone. As you plan your holiday adventures, consider visiting one (or more!) of these spectacular destinations to make your Christmas season even brighter with the best Christmas light decorations and holiday spirit.
If you are searching for a planning guide for your holiday light tour, then Seekatour is here to provide you with custom holiday itineraries to guarantee that you do not miss out on viewing the most spectacular professional Christmas lights displays throughout the country. For further information and booking for your unforgettable light-filled holiday experience visit their website. Find out dates, ticket prices, and availability on the event websites.
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