'Tis the season to get the family together and take a look at the lights!
We asked our editors across the country where you can see the best lights in their city. From Miami to Los Angeles, NYC to Chicago and everywhere between, here are the best spots for holiday lights across the country.
See also: 10 Best Pies Across The Country
1345 Piedmont Ave., 404-876-5859 / Website
One of Atlanta’s most anticipated seasonal events, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden, is a 30-acre exhibition full of dazzling holiday lights. This year’s 14th annual show features the world's largest curtain of synchronized light and sound, several large plant sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns, and even the Cheshire Cat. See more on Atlanta’s full list.
315 E. Dean St. / Website
The St Regis invites you to its annual tree lighting, featuring music, refreshments, entertainment, and more. The hotel’s 40-foot tree in its fountain courtyard evokes the holiday spirit for the ninth year running in what is sure to be another long-standing Aspen tradition. Years past have featured performances by the Aspen High School band, a photo booth with Santa Claus himself, holiday cookies, and lots of Champagne. No RSVP is required, so make it a priority for your holiday checklist. See more on Aspen’s full list.
Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas delivers a high-octane holiday spirit with a drive-through experience that winds through millions of twinkling lights. This immersive journey features animated displays, themed areas, and festive characters, creating an unforgettable adventure from the comfort of your vehicle. See more on Austin’s full list.
139 Tremont St., 617-635-4505 / Website
On Dec. 6, 1917, Boston sent relief efforts to Nova Scotia after an explosion in Halifax Harbor. To commemorate their gratitude, the Province of Nova Scotia has given the City of Boston its official Christmas tree for over 50 years, and this year is no different. Celebrate with Mayor Michelle Wu, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and, of course, Santa Claus at the lighting of the official Christmas tree on Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m. See more on Boston’s full list.
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2400 N. Cannon Drive / Website
Marking 30 years of holiday celebrations, ZooLights features over 3 million lights across the zoo grounds. This year’s event includes LED displays, interactive elements, and festive attractions. Guests can take in views from the Ferris Wheel, walk through a light tunnel, and enjoy photo ops, ice carving demos, and Victorian carolers on select nights. The Pepper Family Wildlife Center will be transformed into the North Pole, with Santa and a holiday tree. See the rest on Chicago's full list.
8525 Garland Rd., Website
This year, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is hosting a showstopping Christmas extravaganza. Stroll alongside 25-foot-tall Victorian-style gazebos decorated to represent the 12 Days of Christmas, then stop by Christmas Village for visits with Santa, cooking demos, entertainment and more. See more on Dallas' full list.
149 Edwards Ave., Calverton / Website
Riverhead Holiday Light Show's annual debut is a must-see. The title of the largest drive-thru light show in Suffolk County is legit and quite amusing. From November 15th through December 31st, witness some of the greatest light displays and music to get into the holiday groove. Tickets go fast, so claim yours online. See more on the Hamptons full list.
Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., Honolulu, Website
Keep the holiday spirit alive this year without stepping outside of your car. This year’s A Winter Wonderland at Aloha Land will feature a jaw-dropping drive-through experience complete with holiday music, views of Santa’s workshop and 2.5 million LED lights. See more on Hawai'i's full list.
Take a self-guided tour of this well-appointed neighborhood as it transforms into a magical holiday village. River Oaks residents go all out every year with mansions and huge oaks decadently wrapped in dazzling lights. See more on Houston's full list.
A holly jolly experience awaits at the Las Vegas Ballpark, where Enchant will light up the holiday season with the world’s largest Christmas light maze and a magical ice skating trail. The kids will love visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Christmas village offers the perfect place to find a unique gift to nestle under the tree. Don’t miss themed events, including Ugly Christmas Sweater Night on Dec. 7 and Date Night on Dec. 13. See more on Vegas' full list.
Beverly Hills / Website
Kick off the holiday season with style at this celebration presented by the city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee, featuring luminous decor, themed performers and live music that will decorate the town in true holiday spirit. Even after a visit from Santa and a fabulous fireworks show, the Christmas magic isn’t over just yet, as Beverly Hills will continue to glow well into the new year. See more on LA’s full list.
1440 Ocean Drive., Miami Beach / Website
Experience the holiday season on South Beach as the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival pairs live music with a dazzling display of holiday lights. As South Florida’s first immersive symphony and opera experience and the first theatre company to incorporate 360-degree projection mapping technology in a live performance, the family-friendly array of vibrant imagery showcases an awe-inspiring holiday production. Taking place from Dec. 13-16, each performance promises a different experience. See more on Miami's full list.
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45 Rockefeller Plaza / Website
Coming here to gaze at the Christmas tree is an annual New York tradition. The first tree was installed back in 1931, and it seems to be even more grand each passing year. Essential for locals and tourists alike, Rockefeller is perfect for a poster-worthy photograph to share season's greeting. Don't forget the skating rink, which makes for an iconic date. See more on NYC's full list.
Beginning Nov. 13, Dana Point Harbor will receive a merry makeover with thousands of twinkling lights that are illuminated nightly during the holiday season. Steal a smooch under the popular Merry Kiss Me arch or stroll through the Happy Harbor Days display. Little ones will love taking boat rides with Santa on Dec. 7 and 8, thanks to Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, while your furry friends can join those same dates during the Pet Project Foundation’s annual Santa Paws event. Finally, return Dec. 13 through 15 to view dozens of decorated vessels during the 49th annual Boat Parade of Lights, themed Santa’s Seaside Carnival. See more on Orange County's full list.
700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, Website
CityPlace kicks off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Kickoff, featuring the first snowfall, light shows at The Wishing Tree and photos with Santa. Enjoy festive music and performances by Mister Trombone, Ballet Palm Beach and DJ Lexey on electric violin. Emmy-winning meteorologist Glenn Glazer hosts the event, leading the countdown to the first snowfall and Wishing Tree light show. See more on Palm Beach's full list.
Race St., 215-629-4026, Website
This holiday season, Winter at Franklin Square will once again be set ablaze with a sensational light show featuring thousands of sparkling lights for the Electrical Spectacle. This year, the colorful show will be synchronized to a new song, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by The Philly Specials. After the theatrics, hit the Ben on the Rocks heated tent for festive culinary delights and cocktails as you warm up. See more on Philly's full list.
Beloved decor, such as 10-foot-tall gold nutcrackers and kinetic spiral trees, will transform Little Italy into a winter wonderland at the Little Italy Association’s annual event on Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. The festive neighborhood gathering will also feature two towering 25-feet-tall Christmas trees, vendors for holiday shopping, live music, a tree lighting ceremony and seasonal surprises—and this year, Santa is back for in-person visits! See more on San Diego's full list.
Meander through the bright lights of the city during Illuminate, an annual light art festival featuring dozens of glowing public art installations. The festival features site-specific artworks by acclaimed artists from all over the world. See more on San Francisco's full list.
The country’s largest animated drive-thru holiday light show is back and better than ever with two Arizona locations: Enchanted Safari at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe and Rockin’ Christmas at Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale. See more on Scottsdale's full list.
The lure is the world’s largest Christmas light maze, but there’s so much more at this wonderland of holiday spirit at PayPal Park. The mind-blowing attraction also boasts larger-than-life light sculptures, an ice skating trail, live entertainment, Santa’s Landing, Enchant Village and seasonal food and beverages. See more on Silicon Valley's full list.
7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, Va.,Website
Rev up the engine and drive through more than two miles of light displays. Visitors can enjoy a holiday village and carnival with rides, bonfires, hot cocoa, s’mores and holiday merchandise. See more on DC's full list.
Photography by: Getty
