15 Fantastic Christmas Light Displays to Visit in the U.S.

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There are so many ways to celebrate the holidays, whether you’re all about dressing up the mantel and front porch, baking all the goodies, or DIYing the perfect Christmas card. But the season’s best moments are always spent with loved ones, and we can’t think of a more magical tradition than packing up the whole fam and heading off to see one (or two, or three…) of the best Christmas light displays! From towering trees draped in strand upon strand of lustrous lights to forests filled with thousands of brilliantly blazing bulbs, these show-stopping installations are guaranteed to bring on the merry and bright!

No matter what region of the country you live in, you’ll find a super cool Yule installation to love on our list. Some bring the Christmas cheer to horticultural attractions, like Brookgreen and Longwood Gardens, others set big cities ablaze in millions of walk-through or drive-through lights (including Austin and Las Vegas). And of course, there are plenty of charming small towns that go all out with seasonal displays (hellllooo Leavenworth, Washington).

Make note of the closest to you, then start planning a day (or overnight) trip to see the sights of these exceptional holiday lights. You might even pick up a few ideas for your own Christmas tree, or your home’s indoor or outdoor lights!

Branson, Missouri: An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City

When: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026

What to expect: Branson’s beloved Silver Dollar City has been dubbed “The Most Illuminated Park On Earth,” and with 6.5 million lights glowing at Christmastime, it’s no wonder! Holiday happenings there include an eight-story Christmas tree with animation synchronized to the carols it plays; Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade; and rides through the park aboard the Frisco Sing Along Steam Train.

For more information: Visit Silver Dollar City.

Brooklyn, New York: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

When: Beginning November 28, 2025

What to expect: If you’re going to be anywhere near the Big Apple in December, you’re going to want to visit ritzy Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. The neighborhood has been going all out for Christmas since the 1940s, with hundreds of families packing every square inch of their homes’ exteriors and yards with lighted holiday decorations. Parking can be an issue, so your best bet is to book the bus tour offered by the residents.

For more information: Visit Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.

Asheville, North Carolina: Christmas at Biltmore

When: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026

What to expect: Said the be America’s largest home, the 8,000-acre Biltmore estate really shines during Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Outside the Châteauesque-style mansion, a massive Norway spruce festooned with brilliant white lights greets guests, while inside thousands of ornaments reflect the gleam of candles, firelight, and nearly uncountable twinkle lights. The estate’s Antler Hill Village, a Christmas gift shopper’s paradise, is likewise draped in festive holiday illumination.

For more information: Visit Biltmore.

Austin, Texas: Trail of Lights

When: December 10 – 23, 2025

What to expect: For two glorious weeks, the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park will return to Austin. What began in 1965 as a little celebration known as Yule Fest has grown into one of the city’s largest events, featuring more than 2 million lights, including 90+ (!!) lighted Christmas trees and tunnels, and more than 70 other holiday displays. There are also live musical performances, photos with Santa, food trucks galore, carnival rides, and more!

For more information: Visit Austin Trail of Lights.

Clifton, Ohio: Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

When: November 28 – December 30, 2025

What to expect: There’s more to Clifton Mill during the holiday season than its legendary light display, although that alone is legit worth the price of admission (a very reasonable $15 for adults, btw). More than 4 million lights outline the historic mill building, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees, and bridges, including a red, 100-foot “waterfall” of luminescence! Other seasonal delights include the Santa Claus Museum, a toy collection, and Santa’s Workshop, where you can see a real, live Kris Kringle at work!

For more information: Visit Clifton Mill.

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina: Nights of 1,000 Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

When: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026

What to expect: For something a little different (and absolutely magical), plan a trip to Brookgreen Gardens, located just south of Myrtle Beach. Each holiday season, the grounds are set aglow with more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of white Christmas lights. Elevate the enchantment with the Sparkle & Fun Package, which includes wine or cider and a set of holographic glasses that make the evening shine even brighter.

For more information: Visit Brookgreen Gardens

Duluth, Minnesota: Bentleyville Tour of Lights

When: November 22 – December 27, 2025

What to expect: You’d figure that someplace as frosty and frozen as the North Pole would do Christmas lights right—and you’d be correct! Now in its 22nd year, this cherished Minnesota tradition boasts more than 5 million lights, making it America’s largest free walk-though Christmas light display. Under the soaring, 128-foot LED tree, visitors will also discover a 4,000 sq. foot gift store, a cider house, and complimentary treats like hot chocolate, cookies, and marshmallows to roast at one of the many fire pits.

For more information: Visit Bentleyville Tour of Lights.

Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin: Miracle at Big Rock

When: November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026

What to Expect: Speaking of winter wonderlands, St. Croix Falls is host to the kind of Christmas celebration people cross the globe to experience. Tucked away in the forest of Big Rock Creek, this extravaganza dishes out more than 25 million Christmas lights (yes, 25 million), plus glamping, sledding, food trucks, fireworks, artisan vendors, live music, visits with Santa, and much more. You can even choose between walking through or driving through the light installations.

For more information: Visit Miracle at Big Rock.

San Diego, California: San Diego Botanic Garden Lightscape

When: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026

What to expect: Lightscape is only in its fourth year, a relative newbie to holiday light displays. But the San Diego Botanic Garden’s mile-long trail of vibrantly imaginative installations, created by artists from around the world, has garnered enough fans that it’s already selling out each season. From twinkling meadows to shimmering towers ascending into the night sky, this event beautifully blends nature, creativity, and illumination (and is now offering 21+evenings, making it great for date night).

For more information: Visit San Diego Botanic Garden.

St. Augustine, Florida: Nights of Lights

When: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026

What to expect: For nearly two months, the Nation’s Oldest City will sparkle with millions of white lights in a dazzling display that’s free for all to see. Stroll the famed Plaza de la Constitución, which dates to the 1500s, or dip into your wallet and opt for a more unique way to see the sights: via a trolley, train, boat, horse-drawn carriage, golf cart, or pedicab tour!

For more information: Visit Florida’s Historic Coast.

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: A Longwood Christmas

When: November 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026

What to expect: One of the world’s premier horticultural displays, the 1,100-acre Longwood Gardens serves up a truly spectacular array of seasonal décor. Within the conservatories, both cut and living trees are wrapped in glittering strands of lights, and hanging crystals glisten with gemstone-colored illumination. The fun continues on the grounds, where more than a half-million Christmas lights beckon, the famed fountain show is choreographed to holiday music, and strolling carolers fill the air with song.

For more information: Visit Longwood Gardens.

Leavenworth, Washington: Christmastown Village of Lights

When: November 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026

What to expect: It’s tough to beat lovely little Leavenworth at Christmastime. Perched at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, the town is modeled on a Bavarian Alpine village, and is usually blanketed in snow come December. More than a half-million lights twinkle from Thanksgiving through February, while December offers live entertainment; appearances from Santa, Rudolph, and friends; and loads of special activities, most of it free to experience.

For more information: Visit Leavenworth.

Pine Mountain, Georgia: Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights

When: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026

What to expect: There’s so much to see at Christmastime in this 2,500-acre resort destination—including more than 10 million lights and 18 themed scenes!!—that you may just want to book a room and stay the night. Visitors can look forward to not only a 7-mile, 45-minute-long drive-through experience, but also the walk-through Winter Wonderland featuring a spectacular tunnel of lights, the shimmering Snowflake Lane, and Christmas Tree Lane, with a forest of brightly lit evergreens.

For more information: Visit Callaway Gardens.

Las Vegas, Nevada: Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway

When: November 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026

What to expect: Sin City is known for its bright lights, but that wattage gets turned way up during the holiday season with Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Featuring 6 million lights, this three-mile-long, drive-through holiday journey takes guests along and through 600 light displays, including the new Tribute to the Movies. Special options include a Date Night package and the Santa Tram, with free photos with Santa, a special kiddie train, and more.

For more information: Visit Glittering Lights Las Vegas

Boothbay, Maine: Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

When: November 15, 2025 – January 3, 2026

What to expect: Mother Nature has never been prettier than at Gardens Aglow. Each night of the festivities, the garden’s 300-some acres of forests, shorelines, and meadows come to life with more than 750,000 LED bulbs. (That’s about 65 miles of lights!) Weekend shuttles run from downtown Boothbay to the walk-through event on weekends.

For more information: Visit Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

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