News & Trending Travel News

The Most Magical Holiday Light Show in Every State (#32 Is on Our Bucket List)

Join us on a coast-to-coast tour of the nation's most breathtaking holiday light extravaganzas.

woman looking at shop window
Updated Oct. 1, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

‘Tis the season for bundling up for a walk under the twinkle of holiday lights. Many families make it a tradition to visit their city’s most impressive lights display every year.

With a hot chocolate in hand and a chill in the air, strolling beneath the festive lights of winter seems like the official start to the holiday season.

Whether you tour a downtown display or seek the peace of a botanical garden lit up for the holidays, you can step up your travel game by visiting one of these iconic holiday light shows.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Alabama: Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville

GENETTICA/Adobe family looking at chistmas tree

The Galaxy of Lights in Huntsville, A, brings a dazzling display of lights to the magic of the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

You can walk through or drive, and there are even nights to bring your festive pups.

Alaska: Downtown Anchorage Holiday Lights

MVProductions/Adobe cheerful couple dressed warmly

The holiday tree in downtown Anchorage is a favorite of Alaskans, and it’s the cherry on top of a beautifully decorated downtown area.

You can stroll around admiring the colorful lights, hot chocolate in hand, and feel like you’ve truly found the holiday spirit.

Arizona: Glendale Glitters

Nick Starichenko/Adobe christmas city fair during snow storm

Glendale Glitters has lit up the Arizona sky throughout the holiday season for three decades.

With a tree and a wonderland of lights, in addition to a night market and ice skating, this is one of the most festive spots in Phoenix.

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Arkansas: Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights, Hot Springs

Richard/Adobe christmas lights in hot springs

The holiday lights in Garvan Woodland Gardens are one of the most magical spots in Arkansas throughout December.

Grab a hot chocolate at the Chipmunk Cafe, then take in the beauty of all the colors.

California: Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn, Riverside

Kit Leong/Adobe historical mission inn

For 31 years, the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn at Riverside has been a favorite of Californians, and it’s even been voted "Best Public Lights Display" by USA Today.

From the nutcrackers that greet you at the door to the unique mission-inspired take on lights, this is a must-visit.

Colorado: Blossoms of Light, Denver Botanic Gardens

Carlos David/Adobe christmas lights decorated holiday mall

You’ll find a twinkling wonderland of colorful lights at the Blossoms of Light display at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Make an evening of it by grabbing holiday treats and warm drinks at their Offshoots Café or the Hive Garden Bistro.

Connecticut: Fantasy of Lights, New Haven

FotoAndalucia/Adobe father and daughter in christmas tree

The drive-through Fantasy of Lights display is a holiday tradition beloved by those in New Haven, CT, who love bringing their families back year after year.

The Goodwill of Southern New England runs the event, so you know your ticket purchase is going toward a good cause.

Delaware: Holiday Magic at Riverbright, Wilmington

K.A/Adobe colorful display at winter

A two-mile stretch of Wilmington’s Riverwalk is transformed into a vibrant and festive celebration at the holidays.

Depending on the day, you may meet Santa or stop by Merry Mugs at the mini-golf course to pick up a seasonal hot chocolate.

Florida: St. Augustine's Nights of Lights

Rafael/Adobe night of lights st. augustine

National Geographic says it’s one of the top ten light displays in the world, and that’s reason enough to check out St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights.

This magical celebration feels even more festive, set against the backdrop of one of the country’s oldest cities.

Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)

Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.

No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.

Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.

Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.

Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).

Apply for the SELECT card today

Georgia: Atlanta Botanical Garden's Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Natalia Kuzmina/Adobe night in downtown atlanta

Illuminated metal birds and deer by Cédric Le Borgn and a white rabbit in the Skyline Garden Pond are two of the installations that make Garden Lights, Holiday Nights in Atlanta, one of the most unique holiday lights experiences.

Hawaii: Honolulu City Lights

Jon_Travel_Pictures8/Adobe hawaii christmas santa decoration

It doesn’t need to be cold to have a wonderful holiday lights display! Honolulu’s City Lights is a festive occasion that brings locals and tourists alike to admire the color and magic.

As they say in the Aloha State, “Mele Kalikimaka!”

Idaho: Winter Garden aGlow in Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise

MVProductions/Adobe enjoying christmas market

Boise’s Winter Garden aGlow event has all the magic of the holidays, from twinkling lights with cookies and hot chocolate to a Snow Globe Bar, letters to Santa, and a Gingerbread Village.

Illinois: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Ganeshkumar/Adobe walk through the luminous

While the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a favorite in Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape goes all season long.

This enchanting trail is a modern, artful spin on the traditional botanical garden lights festival.

Indiana: Christmas at the Zoo, Indianapolis

M-Production/Adobe standing near the Christmas tree

For 55 years, the Indianapolis Zoo has welcomed visitors to enjoy the zoo underneath the twinkle of lights.

There’s also Santa’s Village, featuring the Polar Pathway, Penguin Encounter, and more.

Iowa: Jolly Holiday Lights, Des Moines

vefimov/Adobe walking down snow covered street

Sponsored by Make-A-Wish Iowa, Jolly Holiday Lights is celebrating a quarter century of bringing joy to Iowans.

This holiday event includes displays like Twinkling Snowflakes and Dolphins Pulling Santa.

Kansas: Illuminations at Botanica, Wichita

Kay/Adobe children at a Christmas market

With everything from a 62-foot Christmas tree that’s programmed to show festive images timed with music to a Candyland walk and the beloved carousel, Illuminations at Botanica is a favorite family event.

Kentucky: Lights Under Louisville at Mega Cavern

Davide Angelini/Adobe multiethnic friends having fun

One of the most unique holiday light displays, Lights Under Louisville, takes you literally under Louisville as you enjoy a truly breathtaking light display in a former limestone mine.

There’s even a holographic Santa that is one-of-a-kind in the United States.

Louisiana: Celebration in the Oaks, New Orleans

JODUBLE/Adobe happy two elderly peopl

Celebration in the Oaks is New Orleans’ City Parks’ largest fundraiser of the year, and it puts on an incredible 2.25-mile show with over a million twinkling lights.

You can even ride the amusement park rides while you’re there.

Maine: Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

Ann Stryzhekin/Adobe christmas garlands with lights

With 50,000 LED lights twinkling throughout 14 acres of central gardens, it features illuminated trails and special effects.

The brilliant display of Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the most vibrant and impressive that you’ll see in New England.

Maryland: Miracle on 34th Street, Baltimore

jonbilous/Adobe street christmas lights at night

Hampden is a neighborhood that does Christmas like no other, and its Miracle on 34th Street display is now in its 74th festive year.

Each house puts on a show, and there are performers, music-themed houses, and more.

Massachusetts: Christopher Columbus Park Trellis

Cavan/Adobe christopher columbus park

The blue sparkling trellis in Boston’s Christopher Columbus Park is one of New England's most iconic light displays, and it’s the site of proposals, wedding photos, and more each winter.

Michigan: Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

deagreez/Adobe ferris wheel on background

The annual holiday lights show at Detroit Zoo is a holiday tradition for families in Michigan.

This sparkling display features millions of lights and lets guests experience the zoo in a new way — through illuminated buildings, trees, and even a light tunnel.

Minnesota: Bentleyville Tour of Lights, Duluth

Jacob/Adobe christmas lights in duluth minnesota

The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is celebrating its 20th anniversary of bringing vibrantly colored holiday lights to the area.

They have attractions like Santa and Rudolph and live music from local artists and school groups.

Mississippi: Christmas in Canton

Syda Productions/Adobe family at christmas market

The Canton Christmas Festival is known for its amazing and festive events and attractions.

These include Rudolph’s Playground, fire truck rides, the Christmas Village, stories with Mrs. Claus, and other festivities worthy of the North Pole.

Missouri: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights, St. Louis

Victoria Chudinova/Adobe holding her boyfriend by hand

Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch is a fun way to experience the brewery like never before.

You can even buy a fire pit package to stay warm outside in the middle of winter and fully embrace the cozy, magical season.

Montana: ZooLights at ZooMontana, Billings

travnikovstudio/Adobe rockefeller christmas tree in new york

10 million lights and large-scale displays make up ZooLights at ZooMontana in Billings, MT.

This winter Christmas village features areas at the zoo, including Winter Wonderland and Christmas at the Farm, as well as Frosty the Snowman and Crafts with Mrs. Claus.

Nebraska: Holiday Lights Festival, Omaha

Jacob/Adobe holiday lights illuminate the old market

For 24 years, downtown Omaha has lit up at the Holiday Lights Festival.

From a spectacular Lighting Ceremony to celebratory fireworks downtown on New Year’s Eve, the city embraces all things glittering throughout the holiday season.

Nevada: Glittering Lights, Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Greg Kelton/Adobe large christmas drive thru display

As you might expect, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway lights display is a drive-through experience where you get in your car and marvel at the millions of twinkling lights surrounding you.

You can also ride an open-air tram through the 2.5-mile trail.

New Hampshire: Gift of Lights, New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Artbotics/Adobe sitting in the back of a car

For 13 years, New Hampshire has brought festive holiday cheer to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Holiday revelers can drive through 2.5 miles of impressive, twinkling outdoor light displays.

New Jersey: Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show, Augusta

NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe festive christmas fair

Whether you want to roast s'mores on the fire pit, sip hot chocolate, or visit the Christmas Village, there’s something for everyone at Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show in New Jersey.

New Mexico: River of Lights, Albuquerque

deagreez/Adobe decorated street city

Go on a walking tour through New Mexico’s vibrantly colored River of Lights display, which winds through Albuquerque’s beautiful botanical garden.

New York: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, New York City

kirkikis/Adobe horn blowing angels

This is the holiday lights display to beat all holiday lights displays. Everyone should have it on their bucket list to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree once, ideally at the lighting.

Then, lace up your skates and get the full NYC at the holidays experience.

North Carolina: Speedway Christmas, Charlotte Motor Speedway

Юля Бурмистрова/Adobe winter holidays

You can drive through or walk through this holiday lights experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Enjoy an illuminated walking trail, a 360-degree selfie camera in Victory Lane, and fire pits for s’mores.

North Dakota: Holiday Lights at Lindenwood Park, Fargo

leksann/Adobe young Korean Asian woman

Visit Fargo’s fairgrounds for a drive-through light tour perfect for getting in the holiday spirit. There are animated displays and illuminated tunnels, and it all goes towards a good cause.

Donations go to the Fargo-Moorhead Sertoma Club, which has owned and operated the holiday lights for years, as well as to the non-profits who help work the lights display.

Ohio: Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

christopher/Adobe families walking in a park

Experiencing holiday lights at both a zoo and an aquarium is something that children and adults alike will enjoy.

Visit the 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride, the Reindeer Corral, and more throughout the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Oklahoma: Rhema Christmas Lights, Broken Arrow

Igor/Adobe little girl rests on top at christmas

The dazzling Rhema Christmas Lights in Broken Arrow include millions of lights throughout a 110-acre campus, a 50-figure nativity scene, Noah’s ark and animals, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more magical holiday experiences.

Oregon: ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo, Portland

Aldo/Adobe light based dragon

See your favorite lights lit up in vibrantly colored displays at ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo in Portland. This is a magical experience that also lets you see the real animals after hours.

Pennsylvania: Kennywood Holiday Lights, West Mifflin

leszekglasner/Adobe couple in warm clothes

Kennywood Holiday Lights has over two million lights, but it also has Santa and seasonal food and drink offerings that make the entire experience feel like stepping into a winter wonderland.

Rhode Island: Winter Lights Spectacular at the Providence Zoo

MEDIAIMAG/Adobe mother holding child in her arms

Grab a gooey s’mores straight from the fire pit, then take a stroll through the stunning lights of the Winter Lights Spectacular at the Providence Zoo.

There are eye-catching and magical animal displays for when the real animals are sleeping.

South Carolina: Holiday Festival of Lights, Charleston

master1305/Adobe happy family over lights

From watching carolers to visiting with Santa to listening to Mrs. Claus tell stories, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit the Holiday Festival of Lights, one of the most festive events of the year in the Holy City.

South Dakota: Winter Wonderland at Falls Park, Sioux Falls

Jacob/Adobe christmas light display at falls park

Falls Park turns into a winter wonderland each holiday season, with 270 trees decorated, 275 light poles decorated, and 25 miles of light strings.

It’s truly a magical experience for anyone who makes this their holiday tradition.

Tennessee: Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights

Irina Schmidt/Adobe preschool girl on a carousel train

Go by trolley or car to see the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. This celebration in the mountains has light displays, animated characters, and Christmas scenes.

Taking the trolley means your hands are free to take photos and marvel at the magic of the season.

Texas: Trail of Lights, Austin

lightrapture/Adobe austin texas trail of lights

The Trail of Lights in Austin’s Zilker Park is a beloved experience now in its 59th year.

This festive and colorful event has dazzling light displays, 90 lighted holiday trees, and over 70 other magical scenes.

Utah: Temple Square Lights, Salt Lake City

Lane Erickson/Adobe christmas lights on trees

The impressive Temple Square Lights are one of the glowiest displays in Salt Lake City, and they are open to anyone to admire on the grounds.

Vermont: Shelburne Museum Winter Lights

leszekglasner/Adobe walking between Christmas decorations

Light and music come together at the Shelburne Museum Winter Lights in Shelburne, VT, with an artistic take on lights you’d expect from a museum.

You’ll find a 220-foot steamboat, Ticonderoga, an 1871 lighthouse, and installations throughout the Beach Woods and Bostwick Garden.

Virginia: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, Richmond

Sebastian/Adobe holiday light display

This year’s Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has a new theme, Rhythms of Nature.

However, it still has the holiday model trains and decorations that families come for year after year.

Washington: Leavenworth Village of Lights Christmastown

CK/Adobe christmas lights on trees

Discover an actual Christmastown in Leavenworth with carolers, a mailbox for letters to Santa, gift wrapping, choirs, and other holiday festivities.

You’ll instantly feel the warmth of the holiday season as soon as you step foot in the Village of Lights

West Virginia: Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort

adrianad/Adobe woman on car sun roof

This 6-mile drive-through is possibly the longest of the driving winter lights experiences, and it takes you through installations, including the suspension bridge and welcome tree.

You can also bring your ice skates, try your best spins on Schenk Lake, and warm up with hot chocolate afterward.

Wisconsin: Country Christmas at the Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee

Syda Productions/Adobe family on winter holidays

Over one million holiday lights are sprinkled throughout the mile-long trail of Country Christmas.

There’s also a Christmas Village, complete with a model train, and The Streets of Bethlehem, where you’ll find a near life-size Fontanini nativity display.

Wyoming: Jackson Hole Town Square

helivideo/Adobe arch of Christmas lights

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then visit the Jackson Hole Town Square, where you’ll likely find the snow you’ve been wishing for, along with twinkling lights that transform the town into a magical village.

Bottom line

ViDi Studio/Adobe woman wears Christmas hat

Every state has a holiday lights display that’s as colorful as it is festive.

So, grab your top travel credit cards and make this the year you start a family tradition of visiting the lights and strolling or driving through with a hot chocolate in hand.

Taking a moment to savor these moments is what makes the holiday season special.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Simple, flat-rate rewards
  • Flexible redemption options
  • Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
  • Apply Now
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card
4.1
info
Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Author Details

Heather Bien

Heather Bien is a writer covering personal finance and budgeting and how those relate to life, travel, entertaining, and more. With bylines that include The Spruce, Apartment Therapy, and mindbodygreen, she's covered everything from tax tips for freelancers to budgeting hacks to how to get the highest ROI out of your home renovations.