12 Towns With the Best Christmas Light Displays

12 Towns With the Best Christmas Light Displays

The world shines brighter during the holiday season, especially when adorned with an array of colorful LED lights and neon signs. The transformation of cities and towns into illuminated wonderlands is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of artists, designers, and event organizers. This article explores the captivating allure of LED Neon Artwork in various locations around the globe, showcasing how these dazzling displays bring joy, inspiration, and a sense of community.

1. Theodore, Alabama: A Glowing Garden

Theodore Alabama christmas lights

Each year, the otherwise quiet town of Theodore, Alabama bursts into a vibrant display of LED Neon Artwork during the festive season. The Bellingrath Gardens hosts the annual event, Magic Christmas in Lights, that brings thousands of visitors to this southern town. The event features a mesmerizing light show spread across a sprawling 65-acre garden.

1.1 Magic in the Making

The creation of this neon marvel is a year-round endeavor, with a dedicated team working tirelessly to design and install the dazzling displays. The garden transforms into a neon wonderland, with the LED-lit displays illuminating the night sky. The event also features food and drink stalls and a special appearance by Santa Claus, adding to the festive cheer.

2. Glendale, Arizona: A Glittering Celebration

Glendale Arizona christmas lights

Glendale Glitters, an annual two-day event held in Glendale, Arizona, is renowned for its unique, never-before-seen LED Neon Artwork. The event illuminates the downtown area with an extravagant light display set up in front of the Glendale Civic Center.

2.1 Glendale Glitters: A Night to Remember

Glendale Glitters celebrates the holiday season with flair and grandeur. The event features an array of vendors, live music performances, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. This short, but high-quality event, adds a unique sparkle to the holiday season in Arizona.

3. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas: A Neon Wonderland

Hot Springs National Park Arkansas christmas lights

Arkansas' Hot Springs National Park is an ideal location to soak in the natural hot springs and revel in the holiday spirit. The Garvan Woodland Gardens hosts an annual Holiday Lights show which transforms the gardens into a whimsical, festive neon wonderland.

3.1 Chipmunk Cafe: Warmth in the Cold

Visitors to the Garvan Woodland Gardens can enjoy hot chocolate and other treats from the adorably named Chipmunk Cafe. This adds to the charm and warmth of the event, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the LED neon artistry.

4. Los Angeles, California: City of Neon Angels

Los Angeles California christmas lights

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is known for its glamorous Hollywood vibe and picturesque beaches. However, during the holiday season, the city transforms into an enchanting neon spectacle. The residential light displays in the city, especially on Candy Cane Lane in the Woodland Hills neighborhood, are a sight to behold.

4.1 L.A. Zoo Lights: A Wild Display

Los Angeles Zoo hosts the L.A. Zoo Lights experience featuring holiday-themed Winter Wildlands, magnificent scenes of native California wildlife, and much more. The zoo also offers treats and alcoholic beverages to visitors, making the event a festive favorite that people return to year after year.

5. Denver, Colorado: A Blossoming Display

Denver Colorado xmas lights

Denver Botanic Gardens hosts the annual Blossoms of Light event, a sustainable light show that uses LED lights to create a colorfully illuminated world. The event is renowned for its magnificent light show and is considered a prime location for romantic proposals.

5.1 A Sustainable Spectacle

In line with global efforts to reduce energy consumption, the Blossoms of Light event exclusively uses LED lights. This not only creates a stunning, energy-efficient display but also adds to the ethereal beauty of the gardens.

6. East Hartford, Connecticut: A Magical Journey

East Hartford, Connecticut xmas lights

From late November to the end of December, East Hartford in Connecticut transforms into a magical spectacle with a mile-long display of twinkling LED Neon Artwork. The Magic of Lights event at Pratt & Whitney Stadium is a holiday festival that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car.

6.1 Festive Cheer on Wheels

Magic of Lights offers visitors a unique drive-through experience. Without ever leaving their cars, visitors can weave through the holiday festival, soaking in the festive cheer and the stunning LED neon artwork.

7. St. Augustine, Florida: A Historic Illumination

St. Augustine, Florida xmas lights

St. Augustine, Florida, is a historic city known for its Spanish Colonial architecture. During the annual Night of Lights event, the city's historic district is adorned with string lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle that captivates locals and tourists alike.

7.1 Lighting up History

The Night of Lights event extends from mid-November to late January, illuminating approximately 20 blocks of the historic district. The event highlights the city's architectural beauty and adds a festive charm to its historic sites.

8. Pine Mountain, Georgia: A Fantasy in Lights

Pine Mountain, Georgia xmas lights

Pine Mountain, Georgia, home to Callaway Gardens, hosts the annual Fantasy in Lights event. This holiday event creates a true winter wonderland, with seven miles of 10 million twinkling LED lights that visitors can experience by car, on foot, or via the resort's Jolly Trolley.

8.1 Callaway Christmas Village: A Neon Forest

At Fantasy in Lights, visitors can step into the Callaway Christmas Village, a shimmering forest offering rich hot chocolate, seasonal gifts, and oversized ornaments perfect for picture opportunities.

9. Honolulu, Hawaii: A Tropical Christmas

Honolulu, Hawaii xmas lights

Honolulu, Hawaii, may be known for its breathtaking beaches and tropical climate, but the city also hosts a stunning display of LED Neon Artwork during the holiday season. The Honolulu City Lights event is a month-long festival that kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony led by the mayor and a light parade.

9.1 Aloha, Christmas!

The Honolulu City Lights event is run by a nonprofit organization, Friends of Honolulu City Lights, with the aim of spreading joy and holiday cheer among the city's residents. The event not only showcases the city's commitment to community spirit but also its flair for creating a festive ambiance with LED neon artwork.

10. Chicago, Illinois: A City Aglow

Chicago, Illinois christmas lights

Chicago's holiday charm is undeniable, with the city's iconic sights transformed by LED lights. The annual Light Up the Lake festival features a vibrant outdoor light display and a local artisan market, while the Lincoln Park Zoo's annual ZooLights event boasts new photo opportunities and interactive features.

10.1 A Windy City Christmas

Chicago also hosts the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, an event that adds an extra sparkle to the city's holiday celebrations. The city's European-style Christkindlmarket is another must-visit location for festive food, drinks, and unique gifts.

11. Santa Claus, Indiana: A Town that Shines Bright

Santa Claus, Indiana christmas lights

Santa Claus, Indiana, lives up to its festive name with a 1.2-mile-long drive-through light event. The Santa Claus Land of Lights event at Lake Rudolph resort tells the story of the famous red-nosed reindeer through brilliant LED displays.

11.1 Rudolph's Illuminated Journey

This town doesn't play around when it comes to Christmas. The dazzling LED neon artwork, coupled with the festive name of the town, creates a magical holiday experience that captures the spirit of Christmas.

12. Altoona, Iowa: A Jolly Light Show

Altoona, Iowa Christmas lights

Altoona, Iowa, hosts the Jolly Holiday Lights event, organized by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This magical light show supports a noble cause - making dreams come true for Iowa's children. The event also offers a personalized email from Santa Claus, adding an element of excitement for the little ones.

12.1 A Cause that Shines Bright

The Jolly Holiday Lights event is more than just a display of LED neon artwork. It's a testament to the power of community spirit and the joy of giving, making it a truly special and meaningful event.

In conclusion, these 12 towns and cities illuminate the holiday season with their stunning LED Neon Artwork, creating a festive atmosphere that brings joy to residents and visitors alike. Whether it's a small town in Alabama or a bustling city in Illinois, these places show how LED lights and neon signs can transform ordinary locations into vibrant, festive wonderlands.

Back to blog
Chris Diprose - Author, Interior Designer and Neon Sign Consultant

Chris is our subject matter expert whose vast experience in helping business owners and individuals with a neon sign designed specifically for them.

With over 20 years experience in online he has worked with many businesses.

Founder of Voodoo Neon, Chris is our resident expert.

He also helped setup Neon By Design.

Author Bio