Top Christmas Light Shows Across All States

Whether you live in Alabama or Wyoming, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without twinkling lights. Bulbs blinking red and green or classic white have become part of the American Christmas identity, symbolizing prosperity, holiday cheer, and year-end celebrations.

Christmas lights actually have a long history, originating from pagan rituals in northern Europe. In winter, illumination represented hope that the sun would shine brightly again, ending the darkness of December. Winter light traditions have evolved significantly over time, from early Yule logs to candles on German Christmas trees, leading to the dazzling LED displays we see today.

Thus, while travelers flock to Europe for enchanting holiday markets, there are exquisite displays right here in the U.S. Regardless of whether you prefer an elegant tea light-lined spectacle or a drive-through LED extravaganza, here’s a closer look at where to find the best Christmas light displays in every state, primarily visible from late November to early January.

Alabama: Magic Christmas in Lights

Since 1995, Bellingrath Gardens and Home has been the premier location for holiday lights in Alabama, boasting more than 1,100 set pieces and three million lights throughout the 65-acre estate. The Magic Christmas in Lights display runs from the day after Thanksgiving to early January, with delightful attractions such as Christmas Tree Lane, Candy Land, and the Gumball Grove.

Alaska: Santa Claus House

Located just 20 minutes from Fairbanks, the town of North Pole is renowned for its Christmas decorations. Visit Santa Claus House, where “it’s Christmas every day,” to take photos beside one of the world’s largest Santa statues and indulge in treats from the Sweet Shop.

Arizona: The Tumbleweed Tree

No pine trees in sight? Embrace Arizona’s unique Tumbleweed Tree, made from approximately 1,000 tumbleweeds, adorned with over a thousand lights and shimmering glitter.

Arkansas: Wonderland at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens is an architectural gem affiliated with the University of Arkansas, showcasing an annual Wonderland event filled with holiday-themed art installations and creatively themed sections throughout the garden.

California: Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

In Dana Point, southern California, enjoy the iconic Boat Parade of Lights during the first week of December, where decorated vessels twinkle along the coastline, accompanied by festive holiday activities.

Colorado: The Ski Tree

In December, telluride comes alive with its community tradition of lighting the 17-foot Ski Tree made entirely from donated skis, a spectacle since 2013, marking the beginning of holiday festivities.

Connecticut: Winterfest Tunnel of Lights

The Connecticut Trolley Museum transforms into a vibrant wonderland each year for Winterfest, featuring historic vehicles adorned with lights and a delightful hologram show during trolley rides.

Delaware: Yuletide at Winterthur

Experience breathtaking Christmas decorations at Winterthur, where the estate is illuminated with lights that reflect related exhibitions.

District of Columbia: The National Christmas Tree and More

Washington, D.C., is illuminated with a variety of Christmas light displays, featuring iconic locations from the National Christmas Tree to numerous holiday markets.

Florida: Walt Disney World’s Holiday Festivities

Walt Disney World offers enchanting holiday decor, seasonal snacks, and festive entertainment, making it the “Most Magical Place on Earth” during the holidays.

Georgia: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s stunning exhibition illuminates the gardens with holiday-themed topiary sculptures and breathtaking light tunnels.

Hawaii: Honolulu City Lights

Oahu celebrates the holiday season with dazzling lights and displays, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoying the Hawaiian ambiance as part of the stunning Honolulu City Lights.

Idaho: The Coeur d’Alene Resort

At the Coeur d’Alene Resort, witness stunning displays along the sparkling lake, highlighted by a massive floating Christmas tree adorned with 1.5 million lights.

Illinois: Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Enjoy the annual Zoo Lights featuring stunning displays and family-friendly activities amidst the enchanting atmosphere of Lincoln Park Zoo.

Indiana: Santa Claus Christmas Celebration

Mix fun and holiday cheer in Santa Claus, Indiana, with its numerous events and delightful displays that illuminate the town’s Christmas spirit.

Iowa: Jolly Holiday Lights

Enjoy a magical ride through more than 100 Christmas light displays at Jolly Holiday Lights, where every admission aids charitable causes.

Kansas: Illuminations at Botanica

More than two million lights turn Botanica in Wichita into a Christmas-themed spectacle, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.

Kentucky: Lights Under Louisville

See the magic of over six million lights at Lights Under Louisville, where visitors can drive through this spectacular holiday-themed experience.

Louisiana: Celebration in the Oaks

Since the late 1980s, City Park in New Orleans has been adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights as part of the cherished Celebration in the Oaks event.

Maine: Gardens Aglow

Gardens Aglow transforms Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens into a stunning wonderland featuring a glowing forest decorated with thousands of lights.

Maryland: Lights on the Bay

Drive through Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis and enjoy a spectacular display with over 70 animated and stationary holiday lights.

Massachusetts: Bright Nights at Forest Park

Since 1995, visitors have enjoyed the charming Bright Nights experience, showcasing a variety of exciting events in the illuminated Forest Park.

Michigan: Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic

Take a holiday-themed ride on the Huckleberry Railroad, experience the stunning Crossroads holiday magic, or enjoy a drive-through light display.

Minnesota: Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Every holiday season in Duluth features more than five million lights across Bentleyville, coupled with festive refreshments and photo opportunities with Santa.

Mississippi: Canton Christmas Festival

The Canton Christmas Festival is a family-friendly event featuring festive entertainment and plenty of activities that engage children.

Missouri: An Old Time Christmas

Branson’s Silver Dollar City offers an extraordinary display with over 6.5 million lights, featuring live entertainment and festive parades to usher in the holiday spirit.

Montana: Bozeman Holiday Lights

In Bozeman, neighborhoods are adorned with holiday lights, making it a picturesque setting reminiscent of classic postcard scenes.

Nebraska: Omaha Holiday Lights Festival

The Omaha Holiday Lights Festival dazzles with sights and sounds across 40 blocks, making it a highlight of the local holiday traditions.

Nevada: Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Glittering Lights showcases 2.5 miles of stunning displays, featuring over five million lights and a variety of animated scenes, perfect for a festive experience.

New Hampshire: Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth

Portsmouth invites visitors to bask in the vintage charm of its Christmas festivities, featuring historic traditions and beautifully decorated homes.

New Jersey: Storybook Land

Located in Egg Harbor Township, Storybook Land enchants visitors with festive displays and more than a million lights, perfect for family fun.

New Mexico: Old Town Holiday Stroll

Experience the holiday spirit at Old Town Albuquerque, where historic storefronts gleam with lights and decorations, embodying the warmth of the season.

New York: Dyker Heights in Brooklyn

In Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood, the festive spirit takes on a competitive flair as homeowners dazzle with spectacular light displays.

North Carolina: Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights

Tanglewood Park’s Festival of Lights transforms over 1,000 acres into a magical display of a million lights, accessible by car or carriage.

North Dakota: Holiday Lights Drive

Each December, Spring Lake Park in Williston is aglow with thousands of twinkling lights as part of the Holiday Lights Drive, an unforgettable experience for families.

Ohio: Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill

Clifton Mill comes to life with nearly four million lights, creating a dazzling display accented by a unique twinkling waterfall feature.

Oklahoma: Rhema Bible School

Three million lights illuminate Rhema Bible School, featuring stunning displays such as tunnels, an illuminated Nativity, and a forest of Christmas trees.

Oregon: Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights

At River Forks Park, Disney fans will delight in the Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights, showcasing animated displays and a charitable cause behind the event.

Pennsylvania: Koziar’s Christmas Village

Koziar’s Christmas Village, in Bernville, is a festive attraction with stunning lights that create a magical atmosphere across their Christmas-themed displays.

Rhode Island: Newport Mansions

Enjoy a refined and elegant experience at Newport Mansions, showcasing beautifully themed trees and decorations in a stunning setting.

South Carolina: Nights of a Thousand Candles

Brookgreen Gardens invites visitors to stroll through a captivating display illuminated by thousands of hand-lit candles and sparkling lights.

South Dakota: Winter Wonderland at Falls Park

With over 25 miles of lights, falls Park’s Winter Wonderland highlights Sioux Falls’ commitment to festive celebrations every holiday season.

Tennessee: Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort

Visit Gaylord Opryland Resort for a truly magical Christmas light display and festive activities in Nashville.

Texas: Austin Trail of Lights

The Austin Trail of Lights transforms Zilker Park into a winter wonderland complete with lights, live music, and festive food.

Utah: Christmas in Color

Witness synchronized music and light displays at Christmas in Color, an illuminated experience involving over a million lights.

Vermont: Wassail Weekend in Woodstock

Attend the Wassail Weekend celebration in Woodstock, which includes traditional performances and festive activities for families.

Virginia: Richmond’s Tacky Lights Tour

Discover the fun of Richmond’s Tacky Lights Tour, where residents adorn their homes with exuberant and colorful displays.

Washington: The Lights of Christmas

Experience the wonder of over a million lights at The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood, offering a delightful drive-through experience.

West Virginia: Winter Festival of Lights

With over a million LED lights across 300 acres, Oglebay’s Winter Festival of Lights is one of the largest and most beautiful light shows in the country.

Wisconsin: Oshkosh Celebration of Lights

Oshkosh’s Celebration of Lights features an array of illuminated displays, Santa’s workshop, and seasonal festivities to enjoy with family and friends.

Wyoming: Holiday Light Tour

Take a ride on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley during the Holiday Light Tour for a charming view of some of the best light displays in Wyoming.