Are you wondering what the best Christmas light displays are in the United States?
In this article, I wanted to cover this question and outline the best I've been to.
This is my list of places I've enjoyed with my family. So, while I'm sure I missed many light displays that should be on this list or might arguably be better than these, they are the best I've visited and recommend.
- The essence of a good holiday light display is its creative flair, design, colors, and scale. The bigger and more elaborate the display, the better.
- Christmas light displays don't need to be dioramas; they can be simply engaging with the environment and color lighting—like Christmas Tree Lane with its color baubles and 134 trees.
- Walking tracks are better as they give you time to soak in the cold air, the colors, the design, and the surrounding atmosphere.
My top 12 Christmas light displays in America are:
Bellingrath Gardens - Theodore, Alabama
The Christmas light displays at the Bellingrath Gardens are second to none, with over three million lights covering 16 different dioramas throughout the garden grounds.
They attract visitors from around Alabama and the United States, and a centerpiece for Theodore in the middle of winter, with hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
When it runs: From December to January.
Where it is located: Bellingrath Gardens, Theodore, Alabama.
For more information: Bellingrath Gardens.
Glendale Glitters - Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona, has one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in America. Their Glendale Glitters run for six weeks, from the third weekend in November through the first weekend in January.
This spectacular light display celebrates its 30th year in 2024. This is not one to miss, so make sure you visit during the holiday season.
When it runs: From the third weekend in November to the first weekend in January.
Where it is located: Glendale, Arizona.
For more information: Glendale Glitters.
Holiday Lights - Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The holiday lights display has over one million lights and features a giant gingerbread house and dozens of Christmas trees.
Explore the Hot Springs areas at night, and celebrate this wonderful time of the year at this festival of lights!
When it runs: From December to early January.
Where it is located: Downtown Hot Springs, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
For more information: Arkansas' Hot Springs National Park Holiday Lights
Christmas Tree Lane - Altadena, California
One of the longest running Christmas light displays in America, the Christmas Tree Lane lights are over 10,000 individual lights, that illuminate the trees in this World-famous lane.
These spectacular twinkling lights have been brightening this little lane since 1885. The lights are installed on 134 Deodar trees and span over one mile towards the entrance of the Woodbury mansion. You can walk or drive your car for this experience, but we recommend walking to bask in the holiday spirit.
When it runs: From Late October to February. The best time to visit is December or January.
Where it is located: Christmas Tree Lane, Santa Rosa Ave, Altadena, California.
For more information: Christmas Tree Lane
Blossoms of Light - Denver, Colorado
Featuring highly creative displays, the Blossoms of Light is a family-friendly experience of light and color. With a mile-long journey through their Christmas light displays, this one is raved about by the hundreds of thousands of visitors it receives annually.
This event also has a cafe for coffee or hot chocolate. The early start time makes it perfect for families.
It is open nightly, from 4.30 pm till 9 pm. Tickets can be bought online.
When it runs: From the third weekend in November to the second weekend in January.
Where it is located: York Street, Denver, Colorado.
For more information: Blossoms of Light
Magic of Lights - East Hartford, Connecticut
For this one you won't need to leave your car - it's a drive through holiday lights extravaganza, featuring hundreds of light displays.
They feature Christmas trees, an entire North Pole display, reindeer, drummer boys, and hundreds of other dioramas with classic characters and modern Christmas light displays, including Barbie, dinosaurs, and even Bigfoot, the monster truck.
Enjoy the fun with your loved ones in the comfort of your vehicle.
Tickets are $23 and can be bought online.
When it runs: From the third weekend in November to the end of December.
Where it is located: East Hartford, Connecticut (also has 21 other locations in the US and Canada)
For more information: Magic of Lights
Nights of Lights - St. Augustine, Florida
This Christmas light display will celebrate its 30th year of operation this year (2024) and features three million lights spread across its array of spectacular displays.
This event happens in the historic downtown area of St Augustine, and many businesses are open late into the evening to accommodate guests with food and drink.
It runs at family-friendly times, starting at 4 pm and running till late in the evening.
When it runs: From the third week in November to the third week in January.
Where it is located: St. Augustine, Florida.
For more information: Nights of Lights
Fantasy in Lights - Pine Mountain, Georgia
With 17 separate Christmas light displays, from classic Christmas scenes, to more modern takes on what Christmas lights should look like. The Fantasy in Lights show is best taken in when you board the Jolly Trolley - a road trolley car with carriages that guests sit in while the trolley is driven around the lights displays.
Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids.
When it runs: Mid-November to early January.
Where it is located: Pine Mountain, Georgia.
For more information: Fantasy in Lights event
Friends of Honolulu - Honolulu, Hawaii
Although Honolulu has plenty of creative displays around the city for Christmas, this is more of an event, with a parade of lighted vehicles happening on a special event Saturday night in early December.
The event features police, fire, ambulance, and dozens of other community groups and organizations, with vehicles dressed up in bright colors and light displays.
When it runs: A one-night event in early December; however, the whole town has Christmas lights.
Where it is located: Honolulu, Hawaii.
For more information: Friends of Honolulu City Lights
Light up the Lake - Chicago, Illinois
A great night time activity for the holidays, this event is walk only, and covers a large area. Take a coat because Chicago can be very cold, however the Christmas light displays are amazing, and not to be missed.
When it runs: From last November to the end of January. Every day from noon to 8 pm.
Where it is located: Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois.
For more information: Light Up the Lake
Festival of Lights - Santa Claus, Indiana
What better place to see Santa than in a town called Santa Claus?!
Enjoy the Christmas lights displays with your kids—featuring Santa Claus, complete with his reindeer and sleigh. The entire display is powered by millions of lights, and designers take weeks to lay out and maintain creative displays throughout the holiday season.
Take a stroll as there are dozens of diaormas and dazzling displays spread throughout the gated community gardens and houses.
When it runs: From mid-December to late December. Usually one week.
Where it is located: Christmas Lake Village, Santa Claus, Indiana.
For more information: Santa Claus Land of Lights
Jolly Holiday Lights - Altoona, Iowa
This particular Christmas light display features plenty of lights but also live reindeer in a petting zoo made to look like the North Pole. The light show is spectacular and attracts thousands of guests each year, making it perfect for families with small children.
When it runs: Late November to Late December.
Where it is located: Altoona, Iowa.
For more information: Jolly Holiday Lights
Conclusion
I hope this guide has been helpful for those looking for the best Christmas light shows in the United States. If nothing else, it should get you into the holiday spirit.
Enjoy the Christmas season with your partner, children, and family, and most of all, stay safe. I wish everyone a happy holidays!
