The 23 Best Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S.

Holiday lights – whether they be Yule logs or candles – have been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until 1882 that electric lights arrived on the scene. It took several more decades before such lights were widely (and cheaply) available. Today, homes and businesses regularly deck their halls, trees and exteriors with lights, some creating enormous spectacles that draw crowds year after year. To help you decide which to prioritize, U.S. News rounded up the top Christmas light displays across America. Whether you prefer small displays that pack a festive punch or flashy shows full of glitz and glamour, the colorful exhibits on this list are sure to bring you plenty of holiday cheer.

Previous travelers said Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is thrilling at any time of year, but they saved their biggest praise for the facility’s annual Gardens Aglow event. More than 750,000 lights adorn 14 acres in shapes ranging from Christmas trees to round baubles. Lights extend beyond the gardens, too, thanks to the Gardens Aglow Lighting Contest. Communities around Boothbay will create their own displays, and visitors can drive around to see them (and vote for their favorite). Maps will be available to find the displays. Tickets cost $18 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors, and must be purchased in advance. You’re welcome to walk the grounds from 4 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday to Sunday between Nov. 19 and Dec. 23, or any day between Dec. 26 and 31. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The property is located in Boothbay, a small town about 60 miles northeast of Portland. Learn more at the gardens’ website.

Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights residents wrap their windows in fairy lights, twine colorful bulbs around the trees and erect wireframe displays atop their roofs come the holidays. And, of course, there are plenty of Santa Claus, nutcracker, snowman and elf figurines. Previous visitors praised the area’s light displays, saying the homes are beautiful and it’s a must-do activity in New York City come Christmastime. Some suggest arriving just after New Year’s to explore with fewer people around. The neighborhood sits in southwest Brooklyn; the best displays are typically found between 11th and 13th avenues and from 83rd to 86th streets. Lights go up after Thanksgiving and generally stay lit from 5 to 9 p.m. through New Year’s Eve. The area is free to explore, though tour operators like Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours offer guided trips through Dyker Heights at specific times for a fee. Tickets for tours range from $35 to $75 per person.

As one of the best zoos in the U.S., it’s no wonder the Bronx Zoo puts on a fantastic light show. You’ll see more than 360 lanterns that represent animals from all over the world including sloths, bats, bears, penguins, jellyfish and insects, among many other species. There are also light shows, a kid-favorite train ride, ice carving demonstrations, refreshments and entertainers on stilts. Visitors say it is a must-do event while in New York City, though some note it’s an expensive trip. Tickets start at $39.95 for adults and $24.95 for children 3 to 12; they must be purchased online before you arrive. Holiday Lights runs from 3 to 9 or 10 p.m. from Nov. 18 to Jan. 8 and closes on select days. Visit the zoo’s website to book tickets.

ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is one of the city’s premier events – and it’s extremely popular among residents and visitors alike. The zoo is decorated to the nines with colorful LED lights and glowing animal lanterns. Visitors can catch live music performances and sample tasty snacks as they walk through the display and admire the lights. The pathways to view the lights are wheelchair-accessible but situated on a hill with a bit of an incline – something for disabled travelers and families with young kids and strollers to keep in mind. The event runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30 (note: some weeks it’s only open from Friday to Sunday), from 5 to 9 p.m. Overall, many love checking out ZooLights each year; however, some warn that it can get crowded and note that the animals are not out. Admission to ZooLights is free, but you will need a special entry pass (which is different from a normal zoo pass). There is a parking fee of $30; if you wish to visit by Metro, the nearest stops are Cleveland Park or Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan on the Red Line. For more information, head to the National Zoo website.

For a Christmas-themed stroll, visit Koziar’s Christmas Village, which sits about 45 miles southwest of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Not only will you see homes, trees, fences and more strung up with lights and wireframe figures, you’ll also have the chance for photos with Santa, displays featuring a toymaker and more. Travelers agree the lights are gorgeous, but some complained about the traffic (especially on Saturdays) and felt the attractions did not justify the ticket price. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for children 4 to 10; they’re free for kids 3 and younger. On prime nights (certain weekend nights), each ticket is $5 extra. Lights are on from Nov. 5 to Jan. 1, though Koziar’s is only open on weekends up until Thanksgiving. Specific hours vary depending on the month and day, but you can generally visit from 5 or 6 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. Visit Koziar’s website for more information.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this holiday season, Callaway Resort & Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights continually wows travelers, who recommend staying at least one night at the resort to extend the fun. The gardens, which sit about 80 miles southwest of Atlanta and are one of the top things to do in Georgia, offer a walk-through experience with light tunnels and nutcrackers as well as a 7-mile drive-thru light show. The 2022 event will also feature the Christmas Village (where you can meet Santa or grab some refreshments) and Celebration Lake, where 30 glowing trees dance around the property’s lake. Tickets include both the driving and walk-through experience, as well as the option to take the Jolly Trolley. Expect to pay at least $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11 on nonprime nights; admission is free for kids 2 and younger. Fantasy in Lights runs from Nov. 18 through Jan. 1. You’ll select a specific evening timeslot when booking your trip through the lights show, but tickets also grant access to the Christmas Village, which is open daily at 4 p.m. To learn more, visit the Callaway Resort & Gardens website.

Along the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, you’ll have the chance to see light collections in Alexandria and Pineville; Minden; Monroe and West Monroe; Natchitoches; Logansport; Ruston; and Shreveport and Bossier City. Each destination features its own special offerings. For example, Natchitoches is known for its lights that illuminate the downtown area and for hosting a plethora of events, including its annual Christmas Festival, weekly fireworks shows, and tours of historic and highly decorated homes (for a fee). Meanwhile, Minden is a nutcracker lovers paradise. Visitors praise all of the different decorations along the Holiday Trail of Lights, particularly those in Natchitoches. Most displays are free to visit, though extra charges may apply for attending events or buying treats. You’ll need to purchase a $10 armband if you want to see Natchitoches’ lights on a Saturday, for example. You’ll find the cities mostly in northern Louisiana, off of state highways 49 or 20. Displays usually go up in mid-November and are taken down shortly after New Year’s Day. Visit the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights website for full details.

Brookgreen Gardens’ name for its wintertime event does not do it justice: The Nights of a Thousand Candles display actually includes 2,700-plus real candles in addition to strung electric lights. Make a full evening at the gardens by enjoying dinner at one of the on-site dining venues before grabbing a hot drink at a beverage station to keep you warm as you stroll. (Note: Harvest Restaurant requires advance reservations.) There is also live music every night. Multiple visitors applaud Brookgreen Gardens’ display and particularly enjoyed seeing the oak trees aglow with cascading lights. The installation is open 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday from Nov. 26 to Jan. 1 (though note it’s closed between Dec. 22 and 25). Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $35 for adults and $17 for children ages 4 to 12; kids 3 and younger can attend for free. The gardens sit less than 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet. For additional information, head to the Brookgreen Gardens website.

More than 3 million lights illuminate the St. Augustine Historic District in Florida, including must-visit sights like the Lightner Museum and St. George Street. If you’d rather explore with a guide, you can sign up for a tour of the lights with a local company like Old Town Trolley Tours or the Red Train tours from Ripley’s. Once you’ve seen the lights, admire the Villa Zorayda Museum’s holiday decor or partake in the Nights of Pints event, which lets participants sample beers from local breweries. Previous visitors say this is a terrific time to visit St. Augustine because the lights are spectacular. Perusing Nights of Lights is free for all – though tours, Nights of Pints and any goodies you wish to purchase from downtown vendors will cost you. The lights are viewable every night from Nov. 19 through Jan. 31. Head to the Florida’s Historic Coast website for more details.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home sits along the banks of the Fowl River in Theodore, Alabama, about 25 miles south of Mobile. The venue’s Magic Christmas in Lights event spans 65 acres and features light displays handcrafted by staff members. After visitors walk the outdoor grounds, they can see the Bellingrath Home outfitted in its finest holiday decor as they take a guided tour. Reviewers say the displays are stunning and highly recommend taking a tour of the home, led by interesting and friendly guides. Others warn you may encounter long traffic lines to access the display. Magic Christmas in Lights glows nightly from Nov. 25 through Jan. 4 (though it’s closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). A combined gardens and home ticket costs $27 per adult and $16 per child age 5 to 12. A cheaper option that only includes access to the gardens is available as well. You can purchase tickets online and on-site. For more information, go to the Bellingrath Gardens and Home website.

You’ll find double the joy at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s holiday spectacle. While Garden Lights, Holiday Nights showcases traditional holiday cheer (think: lights strung up to form Christmas trees and strands dangling from tree branches like icicles), the event also features sculptures from “ORIGAMI IN GARDEN,” which was part of a previous garden exhibition. There’s also a new exhibit crafted by Cédric Le Borgne. There are several places to snag refreshments as well as a s’mores station. Previous travelers said the entire presentation is lovely and a truly immersive experience. You can view the exhibits nightly from Nov. 12 through Jan. 14 from 5 to 11 p.m. Tickets start at $27.95 for adults and $24.95 for children between 3 and 12; kids 2 and younger get in for free. You are advised to buy your tickets online in advance. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden website to plan your visit and purchase tickets.

Around 5 million holiday lights bedazzle Pigeon Forge – and for a much longer stretch of time than similar displays in other destinations across America. Pigeon Forge Winterfest showcases illuminated features throughout the town, including on many of its top attractions, which remain lit from mid-November to mid-February. Dollywood, in particular, earns rave reviews from its guests for its massive Christmas lights exhibition and family-friendly holiday shows. If you’d rather stay in your warm car while checking out the area’s twinkling lights, drive along the Pigeon Forge Parkway for a festive spectacle or about 15 miles north to Smokies Stadium to explore Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland (note: 2022 will be the final year for this event) or Shadrack’s Super Sized Christmas Adventure at Soaky Mountain Waterpark. Be sure to leave room in your schedule for one or two Pigeon Forge Winterfest events – parades, train rides and shopping experiences are just a few options – in Pigeon Forge or nearby Gatlinburg. There are no specific tickets or set hours for Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Individual events and experiences have fees and their own timetables. Visit the Pigeon Forge Winterfest website for full details.

Hosted in Austin’s Zilker Metropolitan Park, the Austin Trail of Lights is a holiday extravaganza. The trail glistens with more than 2 million bulbs. As you weave your way around the park, you’ll pass through tunnels and catch glimpses of holiday must-sees like Santa’s home and workshop. There are 70 displays in all, not to mention 90 trees wrapped in twinkling lights. Plan to walk about 2.5 miles in total. Reviewers say the lights and displays are incredible but warn of heavy crowds and long wait times. The Austin Trail of Lights runs from Dec. 8 through 31, but it closes on Mondays. Visit any time from 6 to 10 p.m. On select nights, you can explore Trail of Lights for free; if you visit at other times, tickets can range from $5 for general admission to $90 per person, with the most expensive tickets offering special perks and experiences. Parking costs extra. Visit the Austin Trail of Lights website for more information and to purchase tickets.

Past visitors to River of Lights in Albuquerque heartily encourage others to make a stop as part of their holiday itineraries. Each year, River of Lights takes over ABQ BioPark’s Botanic Garden, allowing visitors to walk among wireframe whales, dinosaurs, horses and more. The event runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 30 (but is closed on Dec. 24 and 25). Tickets cost between $14 and $17 for adults, and $7 and $9 for kids ages 3 to 12 (children 2 and younger gain free entry), depending on what day you visit. Timed ticket entry is required to visit the River of Lights, so you must purchase your tickets online in advance to select your day and time slot. Learn more at the official website.

Sitting about 25 miles west of the Millennium and Grant parks in Chicago is The Morton Arboretum. Beginning in mid-November, the arboretum decks out 50 acres with lights as music plays in the background. After walking the mile-long path, get a snack at the on-site refreshment tents. New for 2022, witness late-night light displays synchronized to music on Dec. 16, 23 and 30 (for attendees 18 and older only). Travelers say the trek is well worth it. If you’re not a member, tickets – which should be purchased in advance to ensure a spot – range from $22 to $27 per adult, depending on whether it’s a discount night. Illumination runs 4:30 to 8 p.m. from Nov. 19 to Jan. 7. Visit the arboretum’s website for more details.

Branson, Missouri, is well known for its entertainment industry, and its Old Time Christmas is no exception. The Silver Dollar City amusement park robes itself in 6.5 million lights and puts on live shows suitable for the whole family. There are also plenty of festive treats, shopping and rides to keep you entertained. Routine visitors praise the festivities and many compliment the cinnamon bread served on-site. An Old Time Christmas runs from Nov. 5 to Dec. 30. One-day tickets to the park start at $85 for adults and $75 for children; food and drinks are not included. Visit the park’s website for more details.

Denver Botanic Gardens hosts two separate holiday events: Blossoms of Light at its York Street location (near downtown Denver) and Trail of Lights at its Chatfield Farms outpost in Littleton (which sits less than 20 miles south of the city). At Blossoms of Light, visitors walk through the gardens to see trees and brush aglow in a kaleidoscope of colors. Meanwhile, Trail of Lights offers two paths of slightly different lengths that take patrons to a children’s play area and through two illuminated tunnels. Antique tractors (also lit up) are also on display. Paths at both locations are accessible, but the venue notes that the walkways may be icy and visitors should exercise caution if using a wheelchair or stroller. Previous viewers loved the displays, especially Blossoms of Light, which they described as a stunning spot for a Colorado date night.

Remember, though, that a separate ticket is required for each event. Entry for Blossoms of Light is $24 per adult, while Trail of Lights tickets cost $16 per adult. Members, children, students and seniors receive reduced or waived admissions, depending on age and the event. Each timed ticket must be reserved online in advance. Both displays open in late November and end in early January. Blossoms of Light is open between 4:30 and 9 p.m., while Trail of Lights welcomes visitors from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Snacks and refreshments are sold on-site. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens website for more information.

As you might expect, Oregon Zoo’s ZooLights presentation depicts all kinds of critters who call the property home. Throughout the event, you’ll see lit figurines that resemble everything from wolves to beavers to snakes. Past visitors said the lights are incredible and that the event is a great family outing in Portland. ZooLights is a walking event, but those wishing to save some energy can experience the lights as a drive-thru adventure on select nights. Visit Nov. 18 or 19 for BrewLights: a 21-and-older event that pairs lights with samples of local beers. Timed tickets must be purchased online before you visit. Tickets cost $21 to $29 per person if you choose to walk (popular nights will be more expensive). You’ll pay $65 per vehicle to drive. Visitors can view the ZooLights display each evening from Nov. 18 through Jan. 5 (except Dec. 25) from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Refreshments are available on-site for the walk-through nights; drivers can purchase goodies in advance and receive them when they check in. Learn more about the event by visiting the Oregon Zoo website.

No matter the time of year, travelers agree you’re in for a treat at Descanso Gardens (which is about 15 miles north of downtown Los Angeles), but many say its holiday light display should not be missed. You’ll wander through its brilliantly lit Ancient Forest – complete with ginkgo and redwood trees – as well as fields of color-changing, flower-shaped lights. The Rose Garden will feature a stained glass village. Descanso Gardens welcomes visitors for the display from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily from Nov. 20 to Jan. 8. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and cost $34 to $40 per person, depending on the day of your visit. Children younger than 2 can enter for free but still require a ticket. Visit the garden’s website for full details.

The Strip isn’t the only place to see lights in Las Vegas come November. Every year, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (about 15 miles northeast of The Strip) decks out its facility with more than 5 million lights. Although the drive-thru event is located at a track known for hosting auto racing events, Glittering Lights encourages you to drive slowly so you can enjoy as much of the spectacle as possible and snap plenty of photos. Previous travelers raved about the event’s displays and were impressed with the sheer number of lights featured. However, others felt the visit was a tad expensive. Visitors can catch Glittering Lights nightly from Nov. 10 through Jan. 8 from 4:45 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., depending on the day. Ticket options and prices vary, but attendees can expect to pay $29 to $39 per car depending on the day of the week. Purchase tickets and learn more about the event by visiting the Glittering Lights website.

Previous visitors said Winter Garden aGlow is one of the best Christmas light displays available in the Boise area, if not the best they’ve ever seen anywhere. The Idaho Botanical Garden’s annual holiday event takes up the entire complex. The path winds visitors past Santa’s cottage and through the gardens; you could even spot the Grinch. The garden also sells snacks and warm drinks on-site to keep you extra cozy during your walk. Visit on Dec. 18 for Pride in the Garden, when LGBTQ choruses will entertain guests. The display is viewable Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. between Nov. 24 and Dec. 31. You must purchase your timed tickets in advance, which cost $18 for adults and $14 for children 4 to 12 (kids 3 and younger enter for free). Find out more at the Idaho Botanical Garden website.

In the 1960s, Leavenworth, Washington, underwent a townwide renovation to recreate itself as a Bavarian-style village. As part of this remodel, the town put on festivals to draw tourists, and the most popular is its Village of Lights: Christmastown. Each year, more than 500,000 lights adorn town buildings to create a spectacle that even Santa would envy. Throughout December, you can expect a variety of festive events like Christmas carolers, live music performances, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. At the Festhalle venue, you’ll find everything from gingerbread houses to gift-wrapping services to holiday snacks. If you can’t make it for Christmastime, visit in January during the Winter Karneval to see ice carvings and fireworks displays or take part in wintertime sports. It’s free to wander around town, but you’ll likely want some spending money for the quaint shops and local eateries. Visit Leavenworth’s Chamber of Commerce website for more information.

Celebrating its 30th year, The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights delights travelers with its sparkling holiday lights and figurines, like massive nutcrackers at the gate. This year, travelers will also see an animated tree display, a life-size gingerbread house and Santa’s workshop, among other festive delights. Visitors say the holiday lights are magical, but note a few issues with hotel management. Lights shine from Nov. 25 to Jan. 6. Viewing the lights is free, but if you choose to stay at the inn or have a meal, you’ll be paying. Visit The Mission Inn’s website for more details.