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Festival of Lights at Choccolocco Park

Choccolocco Park, Oxford, Alabama

11/20/2026 – 12/31/2026

Mon-Thu 5-9pm; Fri-Sun 5-10pm

Paid

A drive-through light show through Choccolocco Park, followed by Santa's Village, which you walk into on foot. The drive-through is charged per car. Santa's Village is free to enter, with wristbands sold separately for the bigger attractions — snow tubing, synthetic ice skating and the inflatables — and there are photos with Santa, Frosty's Playground, food vendors, hot apple cider and gourmet fudge. The village is card-only; cash can be exchanged for a Santa Bucks card at the front tent on the way in. Open Monday to Thursday 5 to 9pm and Friday to Sunday 5 to 10pm.

Official site for Festival of Lights at Choccolocco Park

Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, Alabama

11/20/2026 – 1/9/2027

5-9pm; gardens close 10pm; last Home tour 8pm

Paid

The 31st year of this Gulf Coast tradition, with thousands of lights set through 65 acres of garden estate, every display handcrafted by the Bellingrath staff. Live choral performances run throughout the Gardens, and the Bellingrath Home is open for guided evening tours decorated for the season with poinsettias. The Magnolia Cafe serves hot meals, s'mores and warm drinks, along with beer, wine and Irish coffee. Open 5 to 9pm with the gardens closing at 10; the last Home tour ticket is sold at 7:30pm. Closed November 25 and 26, December 25 and January 1. Day and night tickets are sold separately and cannot be combined.

Official site for Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Magic of Lights Birmingham

Alabama Adventure, 4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy, Bessemer, Alabama

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

Sun-Thu 5:30-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-9pm to Dec 17, then 5:30-10pm

Paid

A drive-through light show at Alabama Adventure in Bessemer, about twenty minutes southwest of Birmingham, which is how the event is billed. The route winds past holiday scenes and characters built in LED with digital animation, and you stay in your car throughout. One carload, one price. Open Sunday to Thursday 5:30 to 9pm all season; Friday and Saturday also close at 9pm until December 17, then stay open to 10pm from December 18 through January 2.

Official site for Magic of Lights Birmingham

Bright Up the Night

Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska

11/26/2026 – 1/2/2027

Nov 26-Dec 6 Thu-Sun 5-9pm; Dec 10-Jan 2 daily 5-9pm

Paid

Alaska's largest drive-through holiday light display, on the Alaska State Fairgrounds, with more than 70 installations including light tunnels and large holiday scenes.

Official site for Bright Up the Night

Brighter Winter Nights at Alaska Botanical Garden

Alaska Botanical Garden, 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, Alaska

TBC — evenings, Thanksgiving through December

Paid

Alaska Botanical Garden lit for winter, with botanical-themed displays, a kicksled trail and an ice sculpture competition.

Official site for Brighter Winter Nights at Alaska Botanical Garden

Zoo Lights at Alaska Zoo

4731 O'Malley Rd, Anchorage, Alaska

11/27/2026 – 2/28/2027

5pm close varies; see venue

Paid

The Alaska Zoo lit for the holidays across 30 acres of trails, with custom animated displays, overhead light canopies and a polar bear photo bench.

Official site for Zoo Lights at Alaska Zoo

Christmas at the Princess

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, Arizona

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sun 4-11 p.m.; daily 4-11 p.m. from Dec 17

Paid

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess dazzles with 16 million lights, the country's largest traveling Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, and fire tables. One of the premier resort holiday experiences in America.

Official site for Christmas at the Princess

Desert Farm Lights

14629 W Peoria Ave, Surprise, Arizona

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

Nightly 5–10/11PM, Nov 20–Dec 27

Paid

A full walk-through holiday destination with 20+ attractions including a 1.5-acre Candy Cane Maze, real ice skating, a Jolly Journey Train Ride, carousel, a 90-foot fun slide, and private igloo rentals with themed interiors — Sugar Plum, Classic Gingerbread, Winter Wonderland, and Vintage Christmas.

Official site for Desert Farm Lights

Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, Arizona

11/27/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:00-9:30 p.m.

Paid

Over 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags and thousands of white twinkle lights illuminate the paths of the Desert Botanical Garden alongside saguaro cacti and nine live entertainment ensembles.

Official site for Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden

LightsUp! at Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona

11/27/2026 – 1/10/2027

6:00-9:30 p.m., last ticket sold 9:00 p.m.; closed Mondays

Paid

Six artfully designed thematic zones with luminaria chandeliers, oversized custom installations by local artisans, and over a million lights transform the Tucson Botanical Gardens into a curated holiday art experience.

Official site for LightsUp! at Tucson Botanical Gardens

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona

5:30-9:30 p.m.

Paid

Ride the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through a decorated winter wonderland at Scottsdale's beloved railroad park. Late November through December 30.

Official site for McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights

Phoenix ZooLights

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, Arizona

11/25/2026 – 1/15/2027

5:30-10:30 p.m.

Paid

Millions of lights, a 50-foot synchronized LED Lake Lights show, and animated animal sculptures transform the Phoenix Zoo. $35 admission. Runs through mid-January.

Official site for Phoenix ZooLights

GloWILD at Little Rock Zoo

1 Jonesboro Dr Little Rock AR 72205, Little Rock, Arkansas

10/29/2026 – 1/3/2027

5–9PM select nights; last entry 8:30PM

Paid

The Little Rock Zoo transforms after dark with larger-than-life handcrafted animal lanterns glowing through the grounds — GloWILD brings wildlife and holiday wonder together on select evenings through early January.

Official site for GloWILD at Little Rock Zoo

Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens

550 Arkridge Rd Hot Springs AR 71913, Hot Springs, Arkansas

11/21/2026 – 12/31/2026

5–9PM Sun–Thu, 5–10PM Fri–Sat and peak nights; last admission 8:30PM; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

Paid

Garvan Woodland Gardens' 210-acre botanical landscape on Lake Hamilton glows with holiday lights along forested paths and garden structures — a scenic walk-through experience with optional golf cart tours in one of Arkansas's most beloved natural settings. Everyone needs a timed ticket and most nights sell out.

Official site for Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Lights of the Ozarks

Fayetteville Town Square Fayetteville AR 72701, Fayetteville, Arkansas

11/20/2026 – 1/1/2027

Lights on nightly 5PM–1AM; events and activities on their own schedule

Free

Hundreds of thousands of LEDs transform Fayetteville's Historic Downtown Square into a free winter wonderland. The Lights of the Ozarks tradition kicks off with a ceremonial switch-flip and live music, followed weeks later by a holiday parade winding through downtown.

Official site for Lights of the Ozarks

Mountain Harbor Resort Holiday Lights

Mountain Harbor Resort Mount Ida AR 71957, Mount Ida, Arkansas

11/26/2026 – 1/1/2027

Nightly Thanksgiving through New Year

Free

Two million lights glow free and open to the public along the Lake Ouachita shores at Mountain Harbor Resort in Mount Ida — a spectacular and unexpected holiday light display at one of Arkansas's most scenic mountain lake resorts Thanksgiving through New Year's.

Official site for Mountain Harbor Resort Holiday Lights

Sherwood Forest Trail of Lights

Sherwood Forest Sherwood AR 72120, Sherwood, Arkansas

5PM–midnight

Free

A free mile-long drive-through holiday route winds through Sherwood's Enchanted Forest with animated displays and light tunnels — the Little Rock metro's most popular drive-through holiday lights tradition.

Official site for Sherwood Forest Trail of Lights

The Light Show NWA

2463 N McConnell Ave Fayetteville AR 72704, Fayetteville, Arkansas

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

Nightly

Paid

Drive through handcrafted synchronized holiday light displays at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville — a family-built drive-through adventure with themed scenes and festive music. Snacks and drinks available on site.

Official site for The Light Show NWA

White River Wonderland

Batesville Community Center Batesville AR 72501, Batesville, Arkansas

11/25/2026 – 1/3/2027

5 p.m. to midnight

Free

Batesville — the Christmas Capital of Arkansas — transforms for White River Wonderland with millions of lights, a custom-built White River Express train, horse-drawn carriage rides, a skating rink and a 150-foot mega-slide. The lights are free; the rides and skating are ticketed separately.

Official site for White River Wonderland

Cambria Christmas Market

Cambria, California

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

Paid

Three million lights fill the grounds at Cambria on California's Central Coast, wrapped around a German-inspired artisan vendor market. Walk the display or ride the train through it, with Santa, fire pits, live music, and food and drink along the way.

Official site for Cambria Christmas Market

Enchant Christmas Los Angeles

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

Paid

A Christmas light maze fills Santa Anita Park — walk the glowing pathways, skate the ice rink, ride the Ferris wheel and meet Santa, with a shopping village, snow slide, s'mores pit and live entertainment. Food, drink and a bar on site.

Official site for Enchant Christmas Los Angeles

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, California

11/22/2026

5:30-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A one-mile night walk through interactive stained-glass houses, glowing forests, and immersive light installations at one of Los Angeles's most beautiful botanical gardens.

Official site for Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn

3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, California

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

Daily late November through early January

Free

A National Historic Landmark hotel in Riverside draped in millions of lights, animated figures and cascading displays across an entire city block. The lights are free to see — walk the sidewalks and courtyards whenever you like. The switch-on is a street ceremony the Friday after Thanksgiving, and a run of paid activities sits alongside the free display.

Official site for Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn

Filoli Estate & Gardens Holiday Lights

Filoli, 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, California

11/14/2026 – 1/10/2027

4:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A National Trust Historic Site country house glowing with 20 miles of lights, fire pits, and seasonal drinks in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Official site for Filoli Estate & Gardens Holiday Lights

Imaginarium Holiday Events at Cal Expo

Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, California

Sun-Thu 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:00-11:00 p.m.

Paid

California's largest holiday light display with 15 million lights at Cal Expo — and it's free. A daily circus performance and carnival rides alongside the festive displays.

Official site for Imaginarium Holiday Events at Cal Expo

L.A. Zoo Lights Animals Aglow

Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, California

11/20/2026 – 1/10/2027

TBC — select evenings, November through January

Paid

Life-sized animal lantern sculptures, glowing rivers, and festive photo spots transform the Los Angeles Zoo into a nature-focused holiday light experience.

Official site for L.A. Zoo Lights Animals Aglow

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, Colorado

11/20/2026 – 1/10/2027

4:30-9 p.m.

Paid

A 60-75 minute walk along a lit concrete path through Denver Botanic Gardens, with holiday treats and warm drinks at the on-site cafes.

Official site for Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens

Bridge of Lights at Royal Gorge Bridge

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, 4218 County Rd 3A, Cañon City, Colorado

11/27/2026 – 12/27/2026

Fri, Sat, Sun 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Paid

Millions of lights strung across America's highest suspension bridge, 956 feet above the Royal Gorge. A walk-through — cars are not permitted on the bridge for this event. Hot cocoa, ornament-making and festive photo backdrops at the top. Select nights from late November through December.

Official site for Bridge of Lights at Royal Gorge Bridge

Christmas in Color at Colorado Karting

Centennial, Colorado

Paid

A drive-through holiday light show at Colorado Karting Track, near Centennial Airport. One ticket covers a whole vehicle.

Official site for Christmas in Color at Colorado Karting

Christmas in Color at Red Rocks

Morrison, Colorado

Paid

A drive-through holiday light show winding through Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. One ticket covers a whole vehicle.

Official site for Christmas in Color at Red Rocks

Christmas in Color at Water World

Denver, Colorado

Paid

A drive-through holiday light show set up at the Water World park. One ticket covers a whole vehicle.

Official site for Christmas in Color at Water World

Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, Colorado

12/2/2026 – 1/1/2027

5:30-8:30pm; closed Dec 24

Paid

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's long-running holiday light event, with more than 85 light sculptures, a drone show and animal areas open into the evening.

Official site for Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Mile High Tree

Civic Center Park, Denver, Denver, Colorado

11/20/2026 – 12/31/2026

TBC — December evenings, free

Free

A 110-foot illuminated tree structure in downtown Denver carrying 60,000 LEDs, with free nightly light and music shows.

Official site for Mile High Tree

Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms

Chatfield Farms, 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, Colorado

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

5-8:30 p.m.

Paid

A lit path winding through Chatfield Farms in Littleton, past the historic Hildebrand Ranch and silo, with s'mores and a small artisan gift market.

Official site for Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms

Zoo Lights Denver

2300 Steele St, Denver, Colorado

11/23/2026 – 1/3/2027

Sun-Thu 4:30-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4:30-10:00 p.m.

Paid

Denver Zoo lit across 80 acres with more than three million lights, with carousel and railroad rides available as a bundle.

Official site for Zoo Lights Denver

Glow Hartford Indoor Holiday Light Festival

100 Columbus Boulevard Hartford CT 06103, Hartford, Connecticut

11/20/2026 – 12/23/2026

Paid

The Connecticut Convention Center transforms indoors into a giant holiday light garden with interactive installations a holiday market seasonal treats and rides on the Glow-comotive train — a warm all-weather alternative to Connecticut's outdoor light shows.

Official site for Glow Hartford Indoor Holiday Light Festival

Hebron Lions Lights in Motion

347 Gilead Street Hebron CT 06248, Hebron, Connecticut

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

Donation

A million lights synchronized to holiday music at the Hebron Fairgrounds produced by the Hebron Lions Club — a beloved eastern Connecticut tradition with genuine community character.

Official site for Hebron Lions Lights in Motion

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

27 Coogan Boulevard Mystic CT 06355, Mystic, Connecticut

11/20/2026 – 1/31/2027

Free

Half a million lights transform Olde Mistick Village's shops and walkways into one of southern New England's largest free holiday light displays — and one of the longest-running, staying lit well past the New Year.

Official site for Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport Museum

75 Greenmanville Avenue Mystic CT 06355, Mystic, Connecticut

12/3/2026 – 12/23/2026

Staggered entry every 30 min from 2PM; last entry 7PM

Paid

Mystic Seaport Museum transforms after dark into a 19th-century seafaring Christmas village — historic character actors in period dress bonfires glowing lanterns and illuminated tall ships on the water create one of the most atmospherically distinctive holiday light experiences in New England.

Official site for Lantern Light Village at Mystic Seaport Museum

Magic of Lights at Pratt and Whitney Stadium

615 Silver Lane East Hartford CT 06118, East Hartford, Connecticut

11/27/2026 – 1/2/2027

Nov 27-Dec 17 daily 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Dec 18-Jan 2 Sun-Thu 5:00-9:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 5:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

Drive through a 200-foot light tunnel and past massive digital animated displays including holiday dinosaur scenes at Pratt and Whitney Stadium — East Hartford's large-scale holiday drive-through running through early January.

Official site for Magic of Lights at Pratt and Whitney Stadium

Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights at Connecticut Trolley Museum

58 North Road East Windsor CT 06088, East Windsor, Connecticut

Paid

Board a restored trolley car and ride through a glowing tunnel of lights while singing Christmas carols at the Connecticut Trolley Museum — a warmly atmospheric holiday experience that puts you inside the lights rather than just watching from outside.

Official site for Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights at Connecticut Trolley Museum

Festival of Lights at Delaware Park Casino

777 Delaware Park Boulevard Wilmington DE 19804, Wilmington, Delaware

11/27/2026 – 12/19/2026

Fridays and Saturdays only, 5–9PM

Free

Delaware Park Casino's free outdoor Festival of Lights brings a holiday market, Santa photos and a heated party tent with live entertainment to Wilmington — a Friday and Saturday tradition across four December weekends.

Official site for Festival of Lights at Delaware Park Casino

Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway

1229 Persimmon Tree Lane Dover DE 19901, Dover, Delaware

11/26/2026 – 1/3/2027

2026 dates coming soon

Paid

Drive two miles through 2.5 million lights and glowing tunnels at Dover Motor Speedway — Delaware's largest holiday light drive-through, with one ticket covering the whole vehicle.

Official site for Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway

Holiday Lights Express on the Wilmington and Western Railroad

2201 Newport Gap Pike Wilmington DE 19808, Wilmington, Delaware

12/3/2026 – 12/31/2026

Evening departures select dates

Paid

Board a vintage Wilmington and Western Railroad train adorned in festive holiday decor for a magical 1-hour evening ride through the scenic Red Clay Valley — thousands of twinkling lights and the warmth of a heritage railroad make this one of Delaware's most distinctive holiday traditions.

Official site for Holiday Lights Express on the Wilmington and Western Railroad

Holiday Magic on the Christina Riverwalk

Riverfront Wilmington 815 Justison Street Wilmington DE 19801, Wilmington, Delaware

Nightly from dusk

Free

The Christina Riverwalk transforms with lights draping trees and archways for free holiday walks along the water in Wilmington, with hot chocolate, food and seasonal programming through the season.

Official site for Holiday Magic on the Christina Riverwalk

Noel at Nemours Estate

1600 Rockland Road Wilmington DE 19803, Wilmington, Delaware

Paid

The French-inspired Nemours château and its 300-acre estate dress for the holidays in one of Delaware's most elegant seasonal experiences — a natural pairing with Winterthur for a Brandywine Valley holiday weekend.

Official site for Noel at Nemours Estate

Schellville at Rehoboth Beach

Behind Tanger Outlets 1600 Coastal Highway Rehoboth Beach DE 19971, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

11/1/2026 – 12/31/2026

Holiday season evenings

Free

A magical holiday pop-up village rises behind Rehoboth Beach's Tanger Outlets — a twinkling tree maze roller rink artisan cabins and thousands of lights transform Delaware's beloved beach destination into a festive winter wonderland.

Official site for Schellville at Rehoboth Beach

Yuletide at Winterthur

5105 Kennet Pike Winterthur DE 19735, Winterthur, Delaware

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

Tue-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Holiday Nights Fri-Sat until 8 p.m. from Nov 27

Paid

Winterthur's historic du Pont mansion glows with magnificent holiday trees and decorations inspired by American White House traditions — one of the country's finest decorative arts collections dressed for Christmas in the Brandywine Valley.

Official site for Yuletide at Winterthur

Enchant Christmas Washington DC

Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

Paid

A Christmas light maze fills Nationals Park — walk the glowing pathways, skate the ice rink, meet Santa and browse the shopping village, with carollers and live entertainment through the grounds. Food, drink and a bar on site.

Official site for Enchant Christmas Washington DC

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Tampa

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, Florida

11/13/2026 – 1/4/2027

Park open to park close, select dates

Paid

Tampa Bay's longest-running Christmas celebration with millions of lights included with park admission. Festive rides, holiday entertainment, and seasonal décor throughout the park.

Official site for Busch Gardens Christmas Town Tampa

Christmas Lane at Plant City

Plant City FL 33563, Plant City, Florida

11/27/2026 – 12/24/2026

Gates 6:00-10:00 p.m. (6:00-8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve); ticket booths open 5:30 p.m.

Free

Volunteers transform Plant City into Christmas Lane with massive light displays and giant Christmas trees you can walk inside — photos with Santa a kid zone and years of community tradition make this Hillsborough County's most beloved holiday light festival between Tampa and Orlando.

Official site for Christmas Lane at Plant City

Christmas Wonderland Miami at Tropical Park

7900 SW 40th St Miami FL 33155, Miami, Florida

11/12/2026 – 1/3/2027

4PM–midnight nightly

Paid

Tropical Park in Miami transforms into Christmas Wonderland — a holiday festival with carnival rides, light installations and food vendors, with a distinctly Miami flavour.

Official site for Christmas Wonderland Miami at Tropical Park

Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens

1920 N Forest Ave Orlando FL 32803, Orlando, Florida

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Entry times from 5:30PM

Paid

Walk three-quarters of a mile through Harry P. Leu Gardens past illuminated installations set among the trees and meadows — one of the South's more artistically ambitious holiday light walks, with food, drink and a bar on site.

Official site for Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Lights

2350 McGregor Blvd Fort Myers FL 33901, Fort Myers, Florida

11/27/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:30-9:00 p.m., last admission 8:30 p.m.

Paid

The winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford along the Caloosahatchee River glow with holiday lights in Fort Myers — a rare chance to see two of America's most famous inventors' Florida retreats dressed for the season including Edison's legendary banyan tree.

Official site for Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Lights

Enchant Christmas St. Petersburg

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

Paid

A Christmas light maze fills Tropicana Field — walk the glowing pathways, skate the ice rink, meet Santa and browse the shopping village, with carollers and live entertainment through the grounds. Food, drink and a bar on site.

Official site for Enchant Christmas St. Petersburg

Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park

3600 W Sample Rd Coconut Creek FL 33073, Coconut Creek, Florida

11/21/2026 – 1/2/2027

6–10PM nightly

Paid

Drive three miles through animated holiday light displays at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek — South Florida's longest-running holiday lights drive-through, with a portion of every ticket supporting Gilda's Club South Florida.

Official site for Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Tradewinds Park

Lights 4 Hope at Okeeheelee Park

7715 Forest Hill Blvd West Palm Beach FL 33413, West Palm Beach, Florida

11/27/2026 – 12/26/2026

Nightly

Paid

Drive 2 miles through dancing lights talking props and synchronized displays at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach — every ticket supports Lights 4 Hope's mission of bringing holiday joy to local children with terminal illnesses through hospital visits decorations and gifts.

Official site for Lights 4 Hope at Okeeheelee Park

Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

900 S Palm Ave Sarasota FL 34236, Sarasota, Florida

12/5/2026 – 1/2/2027

Early entry 5:30–9PM; general entry 6:30–9PM

Paid

Two million lights transform the tropical pathways of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens along Sarasota Bay — one of Florida's most distinctive holiday light walks where the lush botanical setting and waterfront location create a uniquely Florida glow.

Official site for Lights in Bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Mount Dora Christmas Fest

Donnelly Park Mount Dora FL 32757, Mount Dora, Florida

Free

The brick-lined downtown of Mount Dora glows for the holidays around Donnelly Park and the Lake Dora waterfront — a free, walkable small-town celebration that is one of Florida's best known.

Official site for Mount Dora Christmas Fest

Night Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

10901 Old Cutler Rd Coral Gables FL 33156, Coral Gables, Florida

11/7/2026 – 1/11/2027

Paid

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables glows after dark with light, sound and projection along its tropical pathways — a walk-through experience in a world-class botanic garden rather than a traditional Christmas display.

Official site for Night Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

St. Augustine Nights of Lights

Plaza de la Constitución St. Augustine FL 32084, St. Augustine, Florida

11/21/2026 – 1/18/2027

Free

Three million white lights drape twenty blocks of the nation's oldest city, with St. Augustine's Spanish Colonial architecture glowing from sidewalk to rooftop. Free to walk the historic streets.

Official site for St. Augustine Nights of Lights

Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City

Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, Georgia

11/13/2026 – 12/31/2026

Nightly

Paid

Five themed trails wind through Rock City on Lookout Mountain — illuminated gardens, bridges and caverns, with Santa and food and drink along the way. Tickets online only.

Official site for Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens

Callaway Resort & Gardens, 17800 US-27, Pine Mountain, Georgia

11/15/2026 – 1/3/2027

Nightly, timed entry

Paid

Ten million lights across eighteen themed scenes along a seven-mile route at Callaway Gardens, seen by car or by trolley. A separate walk-through takes you past Christmas Tree Lane and into the Callaway Christmas Village, with hot chocolate, seasonal shopping and Santa meet-and-greets at the Christmas Market.

Official site for Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens

Garden Lights Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

1345 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta GA 30309, Atlanta, Georgia

11/14/2026 – 1/10/2027

Nightly until midnight; last entry 11:00 p.m.

Paid

The Atlanta Botanical Garden transforms after dark for one of the South's most artistically distinguished holiday light walks, with illuminated displays throughout the Midtown gardens and food and drink on site.

Official site for Garden Lights Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Holiday Lights of Georgia — Canton

7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, GA 30115, Canton, Georgia

11/21/2026 – 12/31/2026

Sun–Thu 6–9PM; Fri–Sat 6–10PM

Paid

A drive-through holiday light route in Canton, north of Atlanta, with over a million lights and illuminated tunnels along the way.

Official site for Holiday Lights of Georgia — Canton

Holiday Lights of Georgia — Ellijay

1729 S Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540, Ellijay, Georgia

11/23/2026 – 12/31/2026

Sun-Thu 6:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A walk-through Christmas light show in the north Georgia mountains — stroll past twinkling displays and a light maze, with Santa on site throughout the event.

Official site for Holiday Lights of Georgia — Ellijay

Holiday Lights of Georgia — Rome

1400 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Rome, GA 30161, Rome, Georgia

11/27/2026 – 12/30/2026

Sun-Thu 6:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A drive-through Christmas light show in Rome, north-west Georgia — a route of illuminated scenes seen from the comfort of your own car.

Official site for Holiday Lights of Georgia — Rome

Holiday Lights of Georgia — Woodstock at Dixie Speedway

150 Dixie Dr, Woodstock, GA 30189, Woodstock, Georgia

11/20/2026 – 12/31/2026

Sun-Thu 6:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A hybrid show at Dixie Speedway — a drive-through light route plus Santa's Village, a walk-through area with a light maze, concessions, vendors, photo spots and Santa every evening.

Official site for Holiday Lights of Georgia — Woodstock at Dixie Speedway

Holly Jolly Jekyll at Jekyll Island State Park

Jekyll Island GA 31527, Jekyll Island, Georgia

11/27/2026 – 1/3/2027

Nightly

Free

Jekyll Island State Park's historic district glows with holiday lights for Holly Jolly Jekyll — walk the illuminated grounds, or take a trolley light tour.

Official site for Holly Jolly Jekyll at Jekyll Island State Park

Lights of Life at Life University

1269 Barclay Cir SE Marietta GA 30060, Marietta, Georgia

11/26/2026 – 12/31/2026

Sunset (about 5:30 p.m.) until 9:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

Life University's Marietta campus transforms for Lights of Life, a drive-through holiday light route just outside Atlanta, with proceeds supporting student scholarships.

Official site for Lights of Life at Life University

Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park

1000 Robert E Lee Blvd Stone Mountain GA 30083, Stone Mountain, Georgia

11/7/2026 – 1/3/2027

Hours vary by attraction — see the park's daily schedule

Paid

Stone Mountain Park transforms for the holidays with over two million lights, festive music and holiday shows, the Scenic Railroad running through it all, Santa on site and a nightly drone and light show. Dining and warm drinks throughout the park. Included with park admission.

Official site for Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park

Winter WonderLights at State Botanical Garden of Georgia

2450 S Milledge Ave Athens GA 30605, Athens, Georgia

11/19/2026 – 12/30/2026

Select evenings

Paid

A half-mile, fully accessible trail through the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens — a Winter Wondercave, Jingle Bell Lane, the Northern Lights and a Cone Tree Forest, with s'mores over an open fire and hot chocolate along the way.

Official site for Winter WonderLights at State Botanical Garden of Georgia

World of Illumination at Six Flags White Water

250 Cobb Pkwy N Marietta GA 30062, Marietta, Georgia

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

6–10PM

Paid

Drive through an animated light show synchronized to music at Six Flags White Water in Marietta, with the soundtrack playing through your car radio. World of Illumination builds a completely new show each season.

Official site for World of Illumination at Six Flags White Water

Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale

530 S King St Honolulu HI 96813, Honolulu, Hawaii

12/5/2026 – 12/31/2026

Mon–Thu 7:30AM–8PM Fri 7:30AM–10PM Weekends 10AM–10PM

Free

Honolulu Hale transforms for a free holiday celebration at the heart of the city, with Hawaii's own warm take on Christmas — community trees, island music and keiki activities, opening with a ceremony and the Electric Light Parade.

Official site for Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale

Hōlualoa Music & Light Festival

Historic Hōlualoa Village, along Māmalahoa Highway from the Kona Hotel to the old Holualoa Library, Hōlualoa, Hawaii

12/5/2026 – 12/5/2026

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Free

A one-evening stroll through the historic artists' village of Hōlualoa, in the coffee country above Kona, as the galleries and shops light up for the holidays. Live music along the street, treats, shop specials and photos with Santa. The village holds it on the first Saturday in December, which in 2026 falls on December 5 — but the organiser has not posted the 2026 date yet, so confirm before you plan around it.

Official site for Hōlualoa Music & Light Festival

Kapolei City Lights at Kapolei Hale

1000 Ulu Ohi'a St Kapolei HI 96707, Kapolei, Hawaii

11/28/2026 – 1/3/2027

Free

Kapolei Hale in Leeward O'ahu lights up for a free City and County holiday celebration, opening with a community block party and staying lit through the season.

Official site for Kapolei City Lights at Kapolei Hale

Kaua'i Festival of Lights

3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy Suite 1710 Lihue HI 96766, Līhu'e, Hawaii

Free

Kaua'i's Festival of Lights brings island spirit to the holidays at Kukui Grove Center in Līhu'e, where local teen artists turn recycled materials into handcrafted ornaments and whimsical themed trees. Free.

Official site for Kaua'i Festival of Lights

Royal Hawaiian Center Holiday Lights

The Royal Grove, Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu HI 96815, Honolulu, Hawaii

11/25/2026 – 11/25/2026

5:00-7:30 p.m.

Free

A one-night tree lighting in the Royal Grove on Kalakaua Avenue. Aloha Santa arrives to light a 34-foot tree, then keiki hula and Hawaiian entertainment carry the evening, with free photos with Santa afterwards.

Official site for Royal Hawaiian Center Holiday Lights

Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour

Waikiki Honolulu HI 96815, Honolulu, Hawaii

Paid

Board an open-air double-decker trolley for a warm tropical evening tour through Honolulu's holiday lights — with free photos with Santa before and after the ride, and complimentary hot cocoa on board.

Official site for Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour

Christmas in Color

Roaring Springs Water Park, 400 W Overland Rd, Meridian, Idaho

TBC — November through December, nightly

Paid

A drive-through music-synchronized holiday light show at Roaring Springs Water Park. Around $35 per car.

Official site for Christmas in Color

Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show

Coeur d'Alene Resort, 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

11/27/2026 – 12/20/2026

Show Thu/Fri 7pm, Sat/Sun 5pm

Paid

More than 1.5 million lights around The Coeur d'Alene Resort and lakefront, with a lighting ceremony and fireworks, and boat cruises out to a lit North Pole.

Official site for Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show

Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden

Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, Idaho

Wed–Sun, Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve

Paid

Hand-strung lights across 32 acres at Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, with cocoa and a train that winds through the displays.

Official site for Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden

Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek Plaza

Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell, Caldwell, Idaho

11/20/2026

Evenings

Free

Caldwell's free holiday celebration at Indian Creek Plaza, with more than a million lights along Indian Creek, ice skating, food trucks and Santa.

Official site for Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek Plaza

Aurora Festival of Lights

Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Dr, Aurora IL - enter at Smith Blvd and Fifth Ave, Aurora, Illinois

11/27/2026 – 12/27/2026

5:00-9:00 p.m. nightly

Free

A free one-mile drive-through at Phillips Park with animated and music-synchronized displays. Aurora's beloved holiday tradition running late November through December.

Official site for Aurora Festival of Lights

Bethalto Christmas Village

Bethalto Central Park and Arboretum, Bethalto, IL, Bethalto, Illinois

Free

Bethalto's Central Park and Arboretum fill with festive lights and decorated Christmas cottages, free and open daily through the season.

Official site for Bethalto Christmas Village

Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois

11/7/2026

Paid

More than fifty trees and displays decorated by community volunteers fill the museum, each drawing on a different global heritage, with displays marking Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and other celebrations of light. Stroll the indoor forest, see the four-storey Grand Tree, and stop at the seasonal treat pop-ups. Included with general admission.

Official site for Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry

Christmas Wonderland at Rock Spring Park

Rock Spring Park, 2116 College Ave, Alton, Illinois

11/27/2026 – 12/27/2026

Mon–Fri 6–9PM, Sat–Sun 5–9PM (unverified for 2026)

Donation

Four million lights hung by a volunteer crew known as the "Grandpa Gang" transform Rock Spring Park in Alton. Drive the route, with a Santa's Village for photos and a tree-decorating competition by local businesses and schools. Free with a suggested donation, cash only.

Official site for Christmas Wonderland at Rock Spring Park

Downtown Country Christmas and Bright Nights

State Street and Dolan Park, Jerseyville, IL, Jerseyville, Illinois

Free

Holiday lights fill downtown Jerseyville — Bright Nights displays in Dolan Park, at the historic county courthouse and in the State Street storefronts. See them from the car or stroll the downtown district.

Official site for Downtown Country Christmas and Bright Nights

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

3:00-9:00 p.m.

Paid

Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival uses over 3.5 million lights, a massive 600-foot music-synchronized tunnel, and giant animal sculptures.

Official site for Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Illuminated at Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, Illinois

12/3/2026 – 1/3/2027

5–8:30PM, last admission 7:45PM. Thu–Sun only Dec 3–13; nightly Dec 17–Jan 3. Closed Dec 14–16, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Paid

Anderson Japanese Gardens under dramatic up-lighting and thousands of white string lights woven through the landscape and canopy. Made-to-order woodfire pizza and rotating food trucks nightly, with fireside dining indoors at the visitor centre.

Official site for Illuminated at Anderson Japanese Gardens

Illumination at The Morton Arboretum

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Illinois

11/14/2026 – 1/2/2027

Evenings

Paid

A walking trail of interactive tree-lighting effects through The Morton Arboretum, with four new large-scale installations this season including a 400-foot canopy inspired by the northern lights. Food and drink along the route, and a new model railroad exhibit available as an add-on.

Official site for Illumination at The Morton Arboretum

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, Illinois

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

4:30-10:30 p.m. most nights, last entry 8:45 p.m.; select dates 4:30-9:30 p.m., last entry 7:45 p.m.

Paid

A one-mile illuminated trail of artistic light installations winding through the Chicago Botanic Garden, with food, drink and a bar along the route.

Official site for Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Vintage Holidays in Long Grove

Downtown Long Grove, Long Grove, Illinois

11/20/2026 – 12/24/2026

Select dates Nov 21–Dec 24

Free

Sleigh rides, seasonal lights, and Santa fill the charming historic village of Long Grove on select dates through Christmas Eve.

Official site for Vintage Holidays in Long Grove

Way of Lights

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, 442 S De Mazenod Dr, Belleville, Illinois

11/20/2026 – 12/31/2026

Evenings

A mile and a half of lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, telling the journey of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Nightly choirs, with snacks and drinks on site.

Official site for Way of Lights

Willow Hill Lights

TBC — Northbrook area, Northbrook, Illinois

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

Opens nightly at 5:00 p.m.

Paid

A 2.5-mile drive-through with over one million lights, three distinct light tunnels, and giant holiday figures in the Chicago suburbs.

Official site for Willow Hill Lights

WonderLight's Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway, 1905 Collinsville Road, Fairmont City IL 62201, Fairmont City, Illinois

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A two-mile drive-through light show at World Wide Technology Raceway, synchronised to holiday music and taking around 45 minutes. Admission by reservation only.

Official site for WonderLight's Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Select evenings

Paid

Lincoln Park Zoo lights up for ZooLights, a walk-through of illuminated displays in the heart of Chicago, with Santa on site and food and drink along the way.

Official site for ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, Indiana

11/27/2026 – 12/28/2026

5:30–9:30PM on selected nights only — Nov 27–28; Fri–Sun Dec 4–20; Mon–Wed Dec 21–23; Sat–Mon Dec 26–28. Closed Nov 29–Dec 3 and Dec 24–25.

Paid

Conner Prairie's historic grounds host A Merry Prairie Holiday on selected winter evenings — a walk-through of period holiday traditions with Santa, food and drink, and festival programming across the site.

Official site for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie

Blue Jacket's Fantasy of Lights

Franke Park, Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana

11/17/2026 – 12/31/2026

Paid

A three-mile drive-through light route at Franke Park in Fort Wayne — some 700 displays across 200 scenes, including a half-mile stretch synchronised to music. Run as a fundraiser by Blue Jacket, and billed as the largest non-profit drive-through light show.

Official site for Blue Jacket's Fantasy of Lights

Christmas at the Zoo Indianapolis

Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, Indiana

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

Evenings, 5–9/10PM (closing time varies — unverified for 2026)

Paid

The Indianapolis Zoo lights up for Christmas at the Zoo — a walk-through of glowing animal displays with Santa on site, food and drink, and the zoo's own cold-weather animals out in the winter evenings.

Official site for Christmas at the Zoo Indianapolis

Festival of Lights Michigan City

Washington Park, Michigan City, Michigan City, Indiana

12/5/2026 – 1/10/2027

Evenings

Free

Washington Park on Lake Michigan fills with free holiday light displays for Michigan City's Festival of Lights — a walk-through on the lakefront, with Santa on site and snacks available.

Official site for Festival of Lights Michigan City

Parkview Field Holiday Lights

Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St, Fort Wayne, Indiana

11/12/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

The Fort Wayne TinCaps' ballpark transforms into a walk-through light display — a third of a mile round the concourse plus a quarter-mile on the field-level warning track, with holiday train rides, Johnny Claus every night, s'mores stations, fire pits and concessions. Free parking.

Official site for Parkview Field Holiday Lights

Santa Claus Land of Lights

Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Indiana

11/27/2026 – 12/23/2026

5:00-9:00 p.m. CST

Paid

A drive-through light route telling a continuous Christmas story, at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph next to Holiday World — in the town literally named Santa Claus, Indiana.

Official site for Santa Claus Land of Lights

Shipshewana's Lights of Joy

TBC — Shipshewana area, Shipshewana, Indiana

11/10/2026 – 12/31/2026

Sun–Thu 6–9PM, Fri–Sat 6–10PM, seven days a week. Closed Nov 26 and Dec 25. All cars in line by closing are admitted.

Paid

A drive-through route of light scenes and animatronics in Indiana's Amish Country, synchronised to a Christmas radio broadcast you tune in from your car.

Official site for Shipshewana's Lights of Joy

Walkway of Lights

Matter Park, 1915 E 4th St, Marion, Indiana

11/22/2026 – 12/31/2026

6:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A walk through holiday light displays at Matter Park in Marion, along the Mississinewa Riverwalk, with snacks and drinks on site.

Official site for Walkway of Lights

Wellfield Botanic Gardens Winter Wonderland

Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N Main St, Elkhart, Indiana

11/27/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

A half-mile pathway of light displays winding through Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, with food and drink on site.

Official site for Wellfield Botanic Gardens Winter Wonderland

Winter WonderLights

7595 E Lincoln Hwy, Merrillville, Indiana

Select evenings, Sun–Thu 5:30–9PM, Fri–Sat 5:30–9:30PM

Paid

Northwest Indiana's drive-through holiday light show. Half-mile route with giant characters, light tunnels, and FM-synchronized music. Portion of proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. $24.95+ per vehicle.

Official site for Winter WonderLights

Winterlights at Newfields

Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

Newfields' grounds and historic Lilly House light up for Winterlights — a walk-through of the gardens and mature trees, with food, hot drinks and a bar on site.

Official site for Winterlights at Newfields

Festival of Lights at Midwest Old Threshers

Midwest Old Threshers Campground, 405 E Threshers Rd, Mount Pleasant, Iowa

11/21/2026 – 12/31/2026

5:30-9:00 p.m.

Paid

A two-mile drive-through holiday light park on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds in Mount Pleasant.

Official site for Festival of Lights at Midwest Old Threshers

Jolly Holiday Lights

Iowa State Fairgrounds, E 30th St, Des Moines, Iowa

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Fri-Sat 5:30-10:00 p.m.; Sun-Thu 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Paid

A drive-through display of around 3 million lights at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. One dollar from every ticket goes to Make-A-Wish Iowa.

Official site for Jolly Holiday Lights

Symphony of Lights

Eagle Point Park, 2000 N 3rd St, Clinton, Iowa

11/26/2026 – 12/30/2026

Mon-Fri 6:00-9:00 p.m.; Sat-Sun 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Paid

A 1.1-mile route winding through Eagle Point Park along the Mississippi River bluffs, showcasing 250+ lighted displays, a gingerbread lodge, and historic castle scenes.

Official site for Symphony of Lights

Winter Wonderscape at Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, Iowa

11/27/2026 – 12/27/2026

5-9pm, last entry 7:30-8pm

Paid

A walk-through light show across 17 acres of outdoor gardens at Iowa State's Reiman Gardens, with model trains running in the indoor conservatory.

Official site for Winter Wonderscape at Reiman Gardens

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom

Kentucky Kingdom, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, Kentucky

11/21/2026 – 1/2/2027

Select days only — not nightly

Paid

Kentucky Kingdom opens for Christmas on select evenings — a walk-through of the lit park with Santa, food and drink.

Official site for Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom

ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter

Ark Encounter, 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, Kentucky

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

Evenings, 5–8:30PM (Thu–Sat pattern inherited, unverified for 2026)

Paid

The full-size Noah's Ark at the Ark Encounter is lit for ChristmasTime — more a light show projected on and around the structure than a trail of displays, walked on select evenings.

Official site for ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter

Grand Rivers Festival of Lights

Downtown Grand Rivers and Patti's 1880s Settlement, Grand Rivers, Kentucky

11/6/2026 – 1/31/2027

4–10PM nightly

Free

Downtown Grand Rivers and Patti's 1880s Settlement light up at the junction of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley — a free walk through the lit streets with Santa, shops and restaurants, open nightly from 4PM and running from early November right through January.

Official site for Grand Rivers Festival of Lights

Light Up the Levee

Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, Kentucky

11/21/2026 – 11/21/2026

3:00-7:00 p.m.; tree lighting at 7:00

Free

A one-evening tree lighting on the Levee in Newport, with a 50-foot tree, fireworks, an activity row and Santa.

Official site for Light Up the Levee

Lights Under Louisville

1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, Kentucky

11/14/2026 – 1/3/2027

Daily 9AM–10PM

Paid

An underground drive-through light show inside the Louisville Mega Cavern — you drive your own car through the lit cave system, or ride the open-top Christmas Express guided tour. Open daytime as well as evenings.

Official site for Lights Under Louisville

Santa's Lookout Express Train

Christmas in the Country, near Bowling Green, Scottsville, Kentucky

Weekends December 2026

Paid

Ride the Santa's Lookout Express Train through North Pole lights to meet Santa and holiday characters in the countryside near Bowling Green. Weekends in December.

Official site for Santa's Lookout Express Train

Southern Lights Holiday Festival

Kentucky Horse Park, 3785 Campground Rd, Lexington, Kentucky

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

5:30–10PM nightly. Closed Christmas Day.

Paid

A nightly drive through the lights at the Kentucky Horse Park, ending at the Holiday Village — included in the ticket — where you park and explore, with photos with Santa, mini-train rides, snacks and hot drinks, and a sit-down café.

Official site for Southern Lights Holiday Festival

Winter Wonderland of Lights

Central Park, Ashland, Ashland, Kentucky

11/16/2026 – 1/4/2027

Dusk-10:00 p.m. Sun-Thu; dusk-11:00 p.m. Fri-Sat

Free

52-acre Central Park in Ashland glows with 800,000 lights and 60+ displays from before Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. The Winter Wonderland Express Train rides the park.

Official site for Winter Wonderland of Lights

Celebration in the Oaks New Orleans

1 Palm Dr, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana

11/27/2026 – 1/1/2027

Daily evenings

Paid

New Orleans City Park's holiday light festival under the live oaks, the park's premier seasonal event.

Official site for Celebration in the Oaks New Orleans

Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

132 Botanical Gardens Dr, Boothbay, Maine

11/14/2026 – 1/2/2027

Thu-Sun plus select dates, 4-9pm

Paid

A mile-long walk through the lit gardens at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, with cafes and food trucks along the route.

Official site for Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Annmarie Garden in Lights at Annmarie Sculpture Garden

13480 Dowell Road Solomons MD 20688, Solomons, Maryland

11/27/2026 – 1/1/2027

5:00pm until 8 or 9pm nightly

Paid

Annmarie Sculpture Garden turns its wooded paths into a twinkling wonderland of glowing light sculptures, large light installations and photo ops at every corner. A nightly schedule rotates festive programming, with visits from Santa, a holiday train display, and hot chocolate from a food truck.

Official site for Annmarie Garden in Lights at Annmarie Sculpture Garden

Cascade Lights at Coppermine Cascade Park

2844 Snydersburg Road Hampstead MD 21074, Hampstead, Maryland

11/28/2026 – 12/23/2026

Paid

A half-mile walking trail of lit trees and decorated paths at Coppermine Cascade Park, built around a choreographed light show — with Santa, a children's train ride, food trucks, hot chocolate and a bar, every night.

Official site for Cascade Lights at Coppermine Cascade Park

Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park

1100 East College Pkwy Sandy Point State Park MD 21409, Annapolis, Maryland

11/23/2026 – 1/3/2027

Sun–Thu 5–9PM; Fri–Sat 5–10PM

Paid

A drive along the edge of the Chesapeake Bay through light displays at Sandy Point State Park, with Santa on site. Proceeds benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

Official site for Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park

Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular at Maryland State Fairgrounds

2200 York Road Timonium MD 21093, Timonium, Maryland

12/3/2026 – 12/30/2026

Thu–Sun Dec 3–20, then nightly Dec 21–30; closed Dec 25. 5:30–9:30PM

Paid

Half a mile of Christmas, on foot: over a million lights along a walking trail you take at your own pace at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, with a winter carnival, live Santa and the Swiss Holiday Village of boutiques and food trucks.

Official site for Maryland Holiday Light Spectacular at Maryland State Fairgrounds

Miracle on 34th Street

700 block of 34th Street between Chestnut and Keswick Hampden neighborhood Baltimore MD 21211, Baltimore, Maryland

Free

The rowhouses of Hampden's 34th Street light up with some of Baltimore's most elaborate homeowner holiday decorations — a free walk down a block that closes to traffic most nights, with the street's shops, food and drink open around you.

Official site for Miracle on 34th Street

Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion

10475 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia MD 21044, Columbia, Maryland

11/27/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

A drive through animated holiday light displays at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, synchronised to music, with dedicated walk-through nights scheduled separately. Proceeds benefit Howard County General Hospital.

Official site for Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion

Winter City Lights

4501 Olney Laytonsville Road Olney MD 20832, Olney, Maryland

Evenings

Paid

Over a million lights fill the grounds around a 52-foot Christmas tree topped with a massive canopy of lights, with the whole event consolidated into one site — Candy Cane Lane and the new Ice Palace among the walk-through displays. Dozens of firepits, free face painting, hot drinks and food, plus the Polar Pub Bar for adults.

Official site for Winter City Lights

Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park

11950 Clopper Road Gaithersburg MD 20878, Gaithersburg, Maryland

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

Opens 6PM nightly. Last entry 9PM Sun–Thu, 10PM Fri–Sat. Closed Dec 25.

Paid

A 3.5-mile drive through Seneca Creek State Park past hundreds of illuminated displays and lit trees — Gaithersburg's Winter Lights Festival, in its 31st season.

Official site for Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park

Bright Nights at Forest Park

Forest Park, 300 Sumner Ave, Springfield, Massachusetts

11/25/2026 – 1/3/2027

Sunday–Thursday 5–9pm; Friday, Saturday and holidays 5–10pm.

Paid

A three-mile drive through Forest Park lit with more than 750,000 lights, past festive scenes, characters and gardens. You stay in the car for the route, and there are wagon and carriage rides, food and drink, and extra activities on some nights. Closed Nov 30 and Dec 1.

Official site for Bright Nights at Forest Park

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine

Attleboro, Massachusetts

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

More than a million lights on the grounds of the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, walked rather than driven. This is a religious shrine and the festival is part of its Christmas season, so expect a devotional setting alongside the displays. Check the shrine's site for admission before you go.

Official site for Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette Shrine

Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights

5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts

11/27/2026 – 12/27/2026

Fri 4–9pm; Sat 2–9pm; Sun 3–7:30pm. Weekends only.

Paid

A weekends-only light festival at Edaville in Carver, with a train ride through the displays, an ice rink, a carriage ride, Santa, a village of shops, and entertainment through the evening. Food, drink and alcohol on site. Some displays are synchronised to music. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, from late November to just after Christmas. No pets.

Official site for Edaville Christmas Festival of Lights

Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

11 French Drive, Boylston, Massachusetts

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

4–10pm daily

Paid

A walk through the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill after dark, open daily from late November into January with a long 4–10pm window. Food, drink and alcohol on site, plus theme nights and extra events through the season. Prices are higher on peak nights, so check the date you want. No pets, and under-3s are free but still need a ticket.

Official site for Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

NightWood at The Mount

Lenox, Massachusetts

11/21/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

An after-dark walk through the woodland grounds of The Mount, Edith Wharton's estate in Lenox, with light and music through the trees. Opens Nov 21; check the site for the closing date. A natural pairing with Winterlights at Naumkeag, about ten miles away.

Official site for NightWood at The Mount

Somerville Illuminations

Somerville, Massachusetts

Free

A free, self-guided walking tour of decorated houses across Somerville, run by the city's Arts Council. You go at your own pace on public streets, following the route they publish each year. Check the site for this season's dates and map.

Official site for Somerville Illuminations

Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland

Mendon, Massachusetts

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

From 5pm. Closing time not stated by the venue.

Paid

More than four million lights through Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, running from 5pm through the holidays. There's a carousel, a gift shop, a tavern, food and drink, Santa and entertainment. Tickets are cheaper booked online than bought at the gate. No pets.

Official site for Southwick's Zoo Winter Wonderland

Winterlights at Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate

2468B Washington Street (Route 138), Canton, Massachusetts

11/27/2026 – 1/2/2027

Wed-Sun 4:30-9:00 p.m.

Paid

A walk through the lit grounds of the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, with seasonal treats, food and drink, and festive music. One of two Winterlights properties The Trustees run each year — this is the one south of Boston.

Official site for Winterlights at Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate

Winterlights at Naumkeag

5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, Massachusetts

11/27/2026 – 1/2/2027

Wed-Sun 4:30-9:00 p.m.

Paid

A walk through the lit grounds of Naumkeag, the Gilded Age estate and gardens in Stockbridge, with seasonal treats and festive music. One of two Winterlights properties The Trustees run each year — this is the Berkshires one.

Official site for Winterlights at Naumkeag

ZooLights at Stone Zoo

149 Pond St, Stoneham, Massachusetts

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

4–9:30pm

Paid

A walk through Stone Zoo after dark from late November into January, with a carousel and special events through the season. Open 4–9:30pm, so an early start works for younger children.

Official site for ZooLights at Stone Zoo

Greenfield Village Holiday Nights

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, Michigan

12/3/2026 – 12/28/2026

6:30-10pm; member early entry 6pm

Paid

Greenfield Village after dark for the holidays, with carolers and live musicians, free ice skating, horse-drawn wagon and Model T rides, and a historic village lit by lamplight.

Official site for Greenfield Village Holiday Nights

Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo

8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, Michigan

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

5-10:30pm Fri/Sat, 5-9pm other nights

Paid

The Detroit Zoo lit with millions of lights, including a walk-through light tunnel and a Field of Light that dances in time to holiday music.

Official site for Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo

Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Bayfront Festival Park, 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, Minnesota

11/21/2026 – 12/26/2026

Sun-Thu 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:00-10:00 p.m.

Free

Five million lights illuminate Bayfront Festival Park on the shores of Lake Superior. Free admission, hot cocoa, and Santa visits through December 27.

Official site for Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes

Viking Lakes, 2600 Vikings Circle, Eagan, Minnesota

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

Sun-Thu 5:30-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A holiday drive-through at Viking Lakes just south of Minneapolis, with animated LED displays and a light tunnel viewed from the car.

Official site for Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes

Spirit of Winter at Sovereign Estates

Sovereign Estate, Waconia, Waconia, Minnesota

11/21/2026 – 12/31/2026

Paid

Holiday lights on a lakeside winery estate west of the Twin Cities — a walk through the illuminated grounds, with food and drink on site.

Official site for Spirit of Winter at Sovereign Estates

Winter Lights at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chanhassen, Minnesota

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Select evenings 4:30–9:30PM

Paid

An illuminating winter experience among the trees at the University of Minnesota's Landscape Arboretum — a walk through the arboretum grounds after dark, with the displays synchronized to music. Open select evenings.

Official site for Winter Lights at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, Missouri

11/7/2026 – 1/2/2027

Select days; evenings

Paid

Silver Dollar City's holiday festival fills the Branson theme park with millions of lights, a five-story special-effects Christmas tree and daily live shows. Walk-through, with food and drink throughout the park.

Official site for An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City

Branson Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo

Promised Land Zoo, 2752 Shepherd of the Hills Expwy, Branson, Missouri

11/1/2026 – 1/4/2027

5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Paid

A two-mile drive-through holiday light display across the grounds of Promised Land Zoo in Branson, with live zoo animals visible from the car and food trucks on site.

Official site for Branson Let There Be Lights at Promised Land Zoo

Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch Brewery, One Busch Place, Saint Louis, Missouri

Paid

The Anheuser-Busch brewery's Germanic-Romanesque architecture glows with holiday lights in St. Louis. A walk-through of the illuminated brewery grounds, with food and drink on site.

Official site for Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch

Capital City Festival of Lights

Binder Park, Jefferson City, Jefferson City, Missouri

12/4/2026 – 12/26/2026

Paid

A mile-long drive-through of choreographed lights synchronized to holiday music at Binder Park in Jefferson City, with an arched light tunnel along the route.

Official site for Capital City Festival of Lights

Celebration of Lights at Fort Zumwalt Park

Fort Zumwalt Park, 1000 Jessup Lane, O'Fallon, Missouri

11/27/2026 – 12/30/2026

Nightly 6–9PM; closed Dec 25

Paid

A long-running O'Fallon holiday tradition at Fort Zumwalt Park, with scenes designed and funded by local organizations. Drive the route, or take an enclosed heated trolley, a tractor-pulled hayride or the City Train. On a handful of evenings the park closes to vehicles and opens to pedestrians instead.

Official site for Celebration of Lights at Fort Zumwalt Park

Christmas on the Lake Cruise

Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, Lake Ozark, Missouri

11/27/2026 – 12/26/2026

Board 5:15 p.m., depart 6:00 p.m., return 8:00 p.m.

Paid

A charity cruise on Lake of the Ozarks past the lit lakefront homes, seen from the water. Boarding at 5:15, two hours on the lake, light appetizers included.

Official site for Christmas on the Lake Cruise

Enchanted Village of Lights

Laurie Fairgrounds, 269 N Fairgrounds Rd, Laurie, Missouri

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

Late November–January 1, nightly

Free

The largest holiday light display in the Ozarks spans 27 acres at the Laurie Fairgrounds with millions of twinkling lights. Both drive-through and walk-through options available. Tens of thousands of visitors annually.

Official site for Enchanted Village of Lights

Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden

Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, Saint Louis, Missouri

11/14/2026 – 1/2/2027

5:00-9:30 p.m.; last entry 8:15 p.m.

Paid

A walk through the Missouri Botanical Garden after dark, with s'more roasting and warming fire pits at Central Axis and Linnean Plaza — kits are sold on the grounds, and you can reserve a VIP propane pit for a group in advance. Prices change by night, so it's worth checking the calendar: Family Nights are the cheapest and booking before 4:30pm on the day gets the best rate. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No pets.

Official site for Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden

Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm

Grant's Farm, 10501 Gravois Rd, Saint Louis, Missouri

Paid

A drive-through of the historic Busch family estate in St. Louis, lit for the holidays and synchronized to your car radio, with Santa on site.

Official site for Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm

Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave Trail

Top of the Rock, Big Cedar Lodge, 612 Devil's Pool Rd, Ridgedale, Missouri

TBC — December evenings

Paid

A 2.5-mile night trail at Top of the Rock driven in your own rented golf cart, past lit caves, waterfalls and woodland on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail.

Official site for Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave Trail

Powell Gardens Festival of Lights

Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, Missouri

11/19/2026 – 1/3/2027

Evenings

Paid

A walking path of lights through the botanical grounds of Powell Gardens east of Kansas City, with botanic-themed displays, a train garden and visits with Santa. Food and drink on site, including alcohol.

Official site for Powell Gardens Festival of Lights

Santa's Magical Kingdom

Jellystone Park, 4001 Fox Creek Rd (next to Six Flags), Eureka, Missouri

Nightly 5:30–10:30PM; 5:30–10PM from Dec 25

Paid

A drive-through holiday light park beside Six Flags St. Louis, with animated scenes viewed from the car. Open every night of the season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Official site for Santa's Magical Kingdom

Sparkle in the Park

Central Park, Carthage, Carthage, Missouri

5:00 p.m. to midnight nightly

Free

Nearly 26 miles of lights fill Carthage's Central Park along historic Route 66, with carriage rides and hot chocolate. On the corner of Route 66 and history.

Official site for Sparkle in the Park

Wild Lights at Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr, Saint Louis, Missouri

11/27/2026 – 12/30/2026

5:00-8:30 p.m., last entry 8:00 p.m.

Paid

A walk through the Saint Louis Zoo after dark, with themed light displays across the zoo grounds.

Official site for Wild Lights at Saint Louis Zoo

Winter Magic Kansas City

10400 N Platte Purchase Dr, Kansas City MO 64154, Kansas City, Missouri

11/4/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

A drive-through of over a mile of lights synchronized to holiday music at Platte Purchase Park in KC's Northland, now in its 7th year. One ticket covers everyone in the car.

Official site for Winter Magic Kansas City

Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park

Tilles Park, 9551 Litzsinger Rd, St. Louis MO 63124, Saint Louis, Missouri

11/25/2026 – 1/2/2027

Nightly 5–9PM; closed Nov 29–30, Dec 24–25, Dec 31

Paid

A canopy of lights across Tilles Park in St. Louis County, with festive characters and winter scenes along a drive-through route.

Official site for Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park

Enchanted Forest at Big Sky Resort

Big Sky Resort, Ramcharger 8 Lift, Big Sky, Montana

12/16/2026 – 3/27/2027

5-9pm

Paid

A self-guided kilometre-long lit trail on top of Andesite Mountain at Big Sky, reached by the Ramcharger 8 lift, with more than 10,000 lights and a fire pit for marshmallow roasting.

Official site for Enchanted Forest at Big Sky Resort

Flathead Festival of Lights

Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster, Lakeside, Lakeside, Montana

TBC — December evenings

Paid

A holiday light display at the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster in Lakeside, with festive rides alongside the lights.

Official site for Flathead Festival of Lights

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

ZooMontana, 2100 S Shiloh Rd, Billings, Montana

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

5-8:30pm

Paid

A drive-through holiday light display through ZooMontana in Billings, priced by the car.

Official site for Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens

Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, Nebraska

11/27/2026 – 1/3/2027

5-8pm

Paid

The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and indoor gardens at Lauritzen Gardens lit for the holidays, with a cafe open on select nights.

Official site for Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens

Minden Nebraska's Christmas City

Kearney County Courthouse, Minden, Minden, Nebraska

TBC — December evenings

Free

Minden's Christmas City tradition, centred on the Light of the World pageant and more than 12,000 bulbs lit on the Kearney County Courthouse and square, a custom dating to 1915.

Official site for Minden Nebraska's Christmas City

Omaha Holiday Lights Festival

Downtown Omaha, Gene Leahy Mall, Omaha, Nebraska

11/25/2026 – 1/8/2027

Late November through January 1, nightly

Free

Omaha's downtown holiday light festival at the RiverFront, with a 70-foot tree, a lighting ceremony and an hourly multimedia show projected across downtown buildings.

Official site for Omaha Holiday Lights Festival

Santa's Rock N Lights

TBC — Papillion area, Papillion, Nebraska

11/21/2026 – 12/31/2026

TBC — November through December, nightly

Paid

A mile-long drive-through light show in Papillion, choreographed to music broadcast to your car radio.

Official site for Santa's Rock N Lights

Zoo Lights at Lincoln Children's Zoo

Lincoln Children's Zoo, 1222 S 27th St, Lincoln, Nebraska

11/20/2026 – 12/30/2026

5:30-9:30pm

Paid

Lincoln Children's Zoo lit for the holidays, with light tunnels, more than 30 lit animal silhouettes, several light shows choreographed to music, and holiday train rides.

Official site for Zoo Lights at Lincoln Children's Zoo

Enchant Christmas Las Vegas

Las Vegas Ballpark, 1650 S Pavilion Center Dr, Las Vegas, Nevada

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

Paid

A Christmas light maze fills the Las Vegas Ballpark — walk the glowing pathways, skate the ice rink, visit the market and follow an original Christmas adventure story. Santa, food, drink and a bar on site.

Official site for Enchant Christmas Las Vegas

Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, Nevada

11/7/2026 – 1/3/2027

Sunday–Thursday 5–9pm; Friday–Saturday 5–10pm

Paid

Nevada's largest drive-through holiday light show, with over 6 million LEDs along a 3-mile course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A complete in-car experience — you stay in your vehicle the whole way, tune to Ho Ho Radio for the soundtrack, and drive-through entry never sells out. Pets are welcome in the car any night. Concessions at the entrance every night from the Cocoa Chalet, run by local Scouts: hot cocoa, apple cider and kettle corn, with proceeds going to Southern Nevada Scout troops. On select nights a Santa Tram runs and a Living Nativity is staged.

Official site for Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Home for the Holidays at Greater Nevada Field

Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave, Reno, Nevada

11/27/2026 – 12/23/2026

Select dates December

Paid

An immersive downtown Reno holiday experience with a vendor village, Santa visits, tree-lighting shows, Friday night fireworks, and Saturday drone shows on select December dates.

Official site for Home for the Holidays at Greater Nevada Field

Magical Forest Las Vegas

6300 W. Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada

11/27/2026 – 1/1/2027

Sunday–Thursday 5:30–9pm; Friday–Saturday 5:30–9:30pm

Paid

A walk-through holiday park in Las Vegas benefiting Opportunity Village, which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Beyond the lights there's a train, a slide, a ride, mini golf, and a Village to wander, plus Santa. Food, drink and beer on site. Note the season runs in three blocks with breaks — check the schedule before you go.

Official site for Magical Forest Las Vegas

World of Illumination Henderson

Cowabunga Bay Water Park, 900 Galleria Dr, Henderson, Nevada

11/12/2026 – 1/3/2027

Tuesday–Sunday; gates open 6pm, last entry 10pm. Closed Mondays.

Paid

A drive-through animated light show at Cowabunga Bay Water Park, running an Enchanted Safari theme. You stay in your car the whole way and pets are welcome as long as they stay in the vehicle. Tickets are priced per car rather than per person, so the cost is the same however many of you go. Open rain or shine, Tuesday through Sunday. There are no concessions on site — bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, or eat before you come.

Official site for World of Illumination Henderson

Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

1122 Route 106 N, Loudon, New Hampshire

11/26/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A drive-through of light tunnels and festive displays around the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.

Official site for Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Christmas Fantasy at Storybook Land

6415 Black Horse Pike Egg Harbor Township NJ 08234, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

11/14/2026 – 12/30/2026

Paid

The Storybook Land family park in Egg Harbor Township lights up for Christmas, with storybook-themed rides and play areas among the displays. A walk-through, with food and drink on site.

Official site for Christmas Fantasy at Storybook Land

Christmas Light Show and Village at Skylands Stadium

94 Championship Place Augusta NJ 07822, Augusta, New Jersey

11/21/2026 – 12/30/2026

Paid

A drive-through light show at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, New Jersey, synchronized to your car radio, with a Christmas Village alongside it where you can park and walk around.

Official site for Christmas Light Show and Village at Skylands Stadium

Holiday Light Show on the Lake at Historic Smithville

1 N New York Road Galloway NJ 08205, Galloway, New Jersey

11/26/2026 – 1/5/2027

Free

Christmas trees appear to float on Lake Meone in the historic village of Smithville, lighting up in time with holiday music. Free to watch, and the village's shop-lined streets are decorated around it.

Official site for Holiday Light Show on the Lake at Historic Smithville

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Avenue West Orange NJ 07052, West Orange, New Jersey

11/20/2026 – 12/31/2026

5:00-9:00 p.m. nightly

Free

A walk through the grounds of Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, past animal-shaped light installations and winter characters. Food and drink on site.

Official site for Holiday Lights Spectacular at Turtle Back Zoo

Let It Glow Holiday Lantern Spectacular at Bergen County Zoo

216 Forest Avenue Paramus NJ 07652, Paramus, New Jersey

Paid

Giant illuminated animal and nature lanterns glow across the Bergen County Zoo grounds in Paramus. A walk-through, with food and drink on site.

Official site for Let It Glow Holiday Lantern Spectacular at Bergen County Zoo

Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms

244 Wierimus Road Hillsdale NJ 07642, Hillsdale, New Jersey

11/21/2026 – 12/29/2026

5–9PM. Weekends to Dec 6, then nightly Dec 10–23; closed Dec 24–25; reopens Dec 26–29

Paid

Drive through 32 acres of illuminated Demarest Farms orchards with your radio tuned to 107.9FM for a synchronized soundtrack — a Winter Lights Petting Zoo s'mores at the fire pit and Santa visits make this one of New Jersey's most complete and charming holiday light farm experiences. Nov 21–Dec 29.

Official site for Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms

Winter WonderLights at Middlesex County Fairgrounds

655 Cranbury Road East Brunswick NJ 08816, East Brunswick, New Jersey

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A drive-through of animated lights synchronized to holiday music at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds in East Brunswick, with light tunnels and themed displays along the route. Food and drink on site.

Official site for Winter WonderLights at Middlesex County Fairgrounds

Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall Cape May

251 Beach Avenue Cape May NJ 08204, Cape May, New Jersey

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

Thu 3-8 p.m.; Fri 2-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Paid

The grand lawn of historic Congress Hall hotel in Cape May becomes a North Pole fantasyland — hot cocoa an enchanted village market Santa and a ride on the Congress Hall Express train amid one of America's most beautifully preserved Victorian seaside towns.

Official site for Winter Wonderland at Congress Hall Cape May

ABQ RIDE Luminaria Tour

Old Town Albuquerque Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico

12/24/2026 – 12/24/2026

TBC — December evenings

Paid

A guided city-bus tour of Albuquerque's Christmas Eve luminarias, running through Old Town, Country Club and Huning Castle. The buses do not stop - you ride and watch. It runs on Christmas Eve every year; the 2026 edition had not been posted when this was written, so confirm before booking.

Official site for ABQ RIDE Luminaria Tour

Canyon Road Farolito Walk

Canyon Road, Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico

12/24/2026 – 12/24/2026

Christmas Eve only, Thursday Dec 24 2026, after dark

Free

A one-night event. On Christmas Eve, Canyon Road closes to cars and the street is lined with farolitos — candles set in sand inside paper bags — as people walk the galleries end to end. This is a single evening, not a multi-night light display.

Official site for Canyon Road Farolito Walk

Christmas On The Pecos

Pecos River, Carlsbad, Carlsbad, New Mexico

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

TBC — December evenings

Paid

A long-running Carlsbad tradition seen from the water: pontoon boats run the Pecos River past the lit riverfront homes, with a train, a village and festive programming on land. Select nights through the season.

Official site for Christmas On The Pecos

River of Lights

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque NM 87104, Albuquerque, New Mexico

11/28/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:00-10:00 p.m., last timeslot entry 8:00 p.m.

Paid

New Mexico's largest walk-through holiday light show features over 700 custom hand-welded, animated 3D light displays along a 1.6-mile path at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. $15–$21 depending on the night.

Official site for River of Lights

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx NY 10460, Bronx, New York

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

Animated animal lanterns light up the trails of the Bronx Zoo after dark. A walk-through, with food and drink including alcohol, and a holiday train ride available.

Official site for Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

84th Street between 11th and 13th Avenues Brooklyn NY 11228, Brooklyn, New York

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

Dusk through late evening

Free

Homeowners across a handful of Dyker Heights blocks decorate their houses every December, and the result draws crowds from all over the city and well beyond. The streets are public, so walking the neighbourhood is free and you can go at your own pace. Guided bus tours run through the season and guided walking tours on select nights, both ticketed separately. There's nothing on site — no concessions, no facilities — so eat before you come and dress for standing around in the cold.

Official site for Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park

106 Lake Drive Liverpool NY 13088, Liverpool, New York

11/21/2026 – 1/4/2027

5:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A drive-through light display along Onondaga Lake near Syracuse, with animated arches and themed scenes viewed from the car.

Official site for Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

990 Washington Avenue Brooklyn NY 11225, Brooklyn, New York

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A walking trail of light installations through Brooklyn Botanic Garden after dark, including a tunnel of colour-shifting light set to music. Food and drink on site, including alcohol.

Official site for Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Magic of Lights at Jones Beach State Park

1 Ocean Pkwy Wantagh NY 11793, Wantagh, New York

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Sun-Thu 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:00-11:00 p.m.

Paid

A drive-through of LED light displays at Jones Beach State Park on Long Island, seen from the car.

Official site for Magic of Lights at Jones Beach State Park

Peace Love and Lights at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

200 Hurd Road Bethel NY 12720, Bethel, New York

11/27/2026 – 1/2/2027

5:00-10:00 p.m., last entry 9:00 p.m.

Paid

A drive-through light experience on the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, New York, with the Catskills as a backdrop. Food and drink on site at the Holiday Hub.

Official site for Peace Love and Lights at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Westchester Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam Park

1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla NY 10595, Valhalla, New York

11/19/2026 – 12/31/2026

4:30–10:45PM

Paid

A 1.2-mile drive-through light journey at Kensico Dam Park in Valhalla, seen from the warmth of your car, with Santa, elves and glowing angels along the route.

Official site for Westchester Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam Park

Wild Lights at The Wild Center

45 Museum Drive Tupper Lake NY 12986, Tupper Lake, New York

11/27/2026 – 2/27/2027

Fridays & Saturdays 5–8pm; also nightly Dec 26–31 and Feb 12–20. Closed Jan 1.

Paid

A walk through the Adirondack woods after dark on The Wild Center's 115-acre campus, with lit trails, photo ops, and hot cocoa and s'mores by the fire. It runs Fridays and Saturdays from late November all the way to the end of February, so this is as much a deep-winter outing as a Christmas one — with two weeks of nightly opening over the holidays and again in February. Service dogs only.

Official site for Wild Lights at The Wild Center

WinterFest at New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, New York

11/14/2026 – 1/10/2027

Daily, hours vary

Paid

The Holiday Train Show features model trains winding through a display of iconic New York landmarks recreated in natural materials. Millions of lights illuminate the Victorian-era glasshouse. One of New York's most magical holiday experiences.

Official site for WinterFest at New York Botanical Garden

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne's Backyard

15025 Ballantyne Corporate Pl Charlotte NC 28277, Charlotte, North Carolina

11/27/2026 – 12/30/2026

Select nights 5:30–10PM; early close Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day

Paid

A half-mile walk-through of over a million lights and 25+ interactive scenes at Ballantyne's Backyard in Charlotte, with oversized snow globe performances, a winter carnival with a Ferris wheel, and a Holiday Village of shops and rotating food trucks. All pathways are concrete or decked.

Official site for Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular at Ballantyne's Backyard

Christmas Town USA

McAdenville NC 28101, McAdenville, North Carolina

12/1/2026 – 12/26/2026

Nightly December

Free

The whole town of McAdenville lights up for Christmas each December, with lights on homes, businesses and trees along every street. Free, and you can either drive the route or walk it.

Official site for Christmas Town USA

Christmas at Biltmore

1 Lodge St, Asheville, North Carolina

11/3/2026 – 1/10/2027

Daytime and Candlelight Evening sessions

Paid

America's largest private home transformed for Christmas with over 100 decorated trees, 45,000 lights inside the house, and the legendary 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall. Candlelight evenings feature live musicians throughout the historic rooms.

Official site for Christmas at Biltmore

Lights on the Neuse at Boyette Family Farms

1620 Loop Rd Clayton NC 27527, Clayton, North Carolina

11/27/2026 – 12/26/2026

6-9pm Fri/Sat; 6-8pm Sun and weeknights; Dec 24 5-7pm

Paid

A tractor-pulled hayride through a mile of Christmas lights at Boyette Family Farms in Clayton, just outside Raleigh, with cookie decorating in the Sugar Barn and s'mores at the fire pit.

Official site for Lights on the Neuse at Boyette Family Farms

Meadow Lights

Benson NC 27504, Benson, North Carolina

11/20/2026 – 12/31/2026

Select evenings

Paid

A long-running family Christmas attraction in Benson, eastern North Carolina, with the whole display visible from the road as you drive through. Train rides run through part of the grounds, plus an enclosed carousel and concessions.

Official site for Meadow Lights

Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular

Great Smoky Mountains Event Park, 1130 Hyatt Creek Rd, Bryson City NC 28713, Bryson City, North Carolina

11/6/2026 – 1/2/2027

6–10PM; 6–8PM on Dec 31. Select nights in Nov, then nightly

Paid

A drive-through of all-LED custom holiday displays at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park in Bryson City, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits.

Official site for Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway

5555 Concord Pkwy S Concord NC 28027, Concord, North Carolina

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

6:00PM–10:00PM nightly

Paid

A four-mile drive-through of more than five million lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway, circling the oval, pit road and infield road course. Lights are synchronized to music on 101.3 FM, with drive-in movies on the Speedway TV big screen and a Christmas Village of shops and food.

Official site for Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights

4061 Clemmons Rd Clemmons NC 27012, Clemmons, North Carolina

11/13/2026 – 1/1/2027

6:00–11:00PM

Paid

A long drive-through of nearly five miles of lights at Tanglewood Park near Winston-Salem, with a Gift Village and s'mores stop partway around.

Official site for Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Asheville NC 28806, Asheville, North Carolina

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

Nightly

Paid

A walk through a million lights and custom-crafted light sculptures at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, with open-air fire pits, s'mores and hot cocoa on the mountain.

Official site for Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

Dickens Village Festival

Downtown Garrison, Garrison, North Dakota

11/27/2026 – 12/5/2026

Noon-7 p.m.; entertainment 1-2, 3-5 and 6-7 p.m.; carriage rides 1-5 p.m.

Free

A small North Dakota town transforms into a Victorian-era English village with street vendors, carriage rides, a lighted Main Street parade at dusk, and rides on the "Queen Elizabus" double-decker bus.

Official site for Dickens Village Festival

Mandan Lights on Main

Downtown Mandan, Mandan, North Dakota

11/27/2026 – 1/9/2027

Nightly 5-10pm

Free

Mandan's holiday lights at Dykshoorn and Heritage Parks, set up both as a walk-through winter wonderland and a drive-by route, with Santa on select nights.

Official site for Mandan Lights on Main

Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive

Spring Lake Park, Williston, Williston, North Dakota

11/29/2026 – 12/31/2026

5:30-9:30pm

Paid

A drive-through light route at Spring Lake Park in Williston, with activity nights that add Santa photos and a Christmas market.

Official site for Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive

A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park

Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, Ohio

11/24/2026 – 12/30/2026

Sun–Thu 5–9pm; Fri–Sat 5–10pm

Paid

A walk through Carillon Historical Park's campus under thousands of lights, with the Carillon Tree of Light, Santa, letters to Santa, Christmas concerts and a puppet show. Two trains actually run — the Carillon Park Railroad and the Midnight Express miniature — alongside model displays. There are several cafés, a bakery, a brewery on site and a Christmas village to shop.

Official site for A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 South Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Sun–Thu 5:30–9pm; Fri–Sat 5:30–10pm. Holidays 5:30–9pm.

Paid

A drive-through light show at Alum Creek State Park, priced per vehicle rather than per person — $20 Monday to Thursday, $30 at weekends. It runs nightly from Nov 20 right through to Jan 3 and is open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, when most displays are shut. Photo ops on site.

Official site for Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

Christmas Lights Ohio

Delaware County Fairgrounds, 236 Pennsylvania Ave, Delaware, OH 43015, Delaware, Ohio

Sun-Wed 6:00-10:00 p.m.; Thu-Sat 6:00-11:00 p.m.

Paid

A ticketed drive-through light show at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, just north of Columbus. Stay in the car the whole way.

Official site for Christmas Lights Ohio

Christmas at Kingwood Center Gardens

Mansfield, Ohio

11/28/2026

Christmas at Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, walked through the grounds after dark, with food and drink on site. Returns Nov 28 — check the site for the closing date and for admission.

Official site for Christmas at Kingwood Center Gardens

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

Sun-Thu 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:00-10:00 p.m. through December

Paid

The Christmas season at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, walked through the glasshouses and grounds. Dates for this season aren't posted yet — check the conservatory's site.

Official site for Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

Country Lights at Lake Metroparks Farmpark

Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd (Rt. 6), Kirtland, Ohio

12/4/2026 – 12/27/2026

6–8:30pm on event nights only

Paid

A drive through the lights at Lake Metroparks Farmpark on just eight nights in December — the first two weekends and the two nights after Christmas. Tickets are $27.50 per carload however many of you go, must be booked online in advance, and go on sale Nov 2. Note it is closed through the whole week before Christmas.

Official site for Country Lights at Lake Metroparks Farmpark

Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Akron, Ohio

11/27/2026 – 12/30/2026

3:00-9:00 p.m.

Paid

The Tudor estate at Stan Hywet decorated for Christmas, with lighted gardens and a light show synchronised to music among the wider programme of estate events. Santa, food and drink on site. Dates for this season aren't posted yet.

Official site for Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland at Boardman Park

Boardman, Ohio

12/7/2026 – 1/6/2027

5–10pm

Free

A free drive through Boardman Park, with more than twenty light creations synchronised to holiday music on 88.9 FM — tune in as you come through the gate. Open 5 to 10pm and running right through to Jan 6, one of the latest finishes anywhere in the directory.

Official site for Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland at Boardman Park

Elegant Illusions — Atwater

Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds, 4215 Fairground Road, Atwater OH 44201, Atwater, Ohio

11/19/2026 – 12/27/2026

Sun and Thu 6:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri and Sat 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A drive-through at the Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds, with thousands of lights, animatronics and more than fifty holiday scenes. Santa, Mrs Claus and the Grinch are all there, photo opportunities are free, and there are warm drinks and sweet treats — all from the comfort of your car. Open Thursday to Sunday only, Nov 19 to Dec 27.

Official site for Elegant Illusions — Atwater

Frost & Lights: Winter Nights at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio

12/5/2026 – 12/27/2026

5–6pm, Saturdays and Sundays only

Free

A free frosty stroll through the outdoor garden lights at Fellows Riverside Gardens, on December weekends only and just from 5 to 6pm — a one-hour window, so time it carefully. Costumed characters appear during the event. Registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome.

Official site for Frost & Lights: Winter Nights at Fellows Riverside Gardens

Gallipolis in Lights

Gallipolis, Ohio

11/25/2026 – 1/1/2027

Free

Gallipolis City Park fills with lights from Thanksgiving week through New Year's Day, with holiday music playing throughout the park and parking all the way around it — so you can walk the display or stay warm in the car. Santa is known to ride through. Free.

Official site for Gallipolis in Lights

Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve

Troy, Ohio

11/28/2026 – 12/23/2026

6-9 p.m.

Paid

A drive through Lost Creek Reserve at $10 a car — CASH ONLY, so bring notes. Weekends only from Nov 28, then every night from Dec 11 to Dec 23. Larger vans are $30. Closes before Christmas Eve.

Official site for Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve

Holiday Lights at the Muskingum County Courthouse

Zanesville, Ohio

6–9pm nightly in December

Free

A SINGLE-BUILDING DISPLAY, watched from the street rather than a route you drive or walk. The Muskingum County Courthouse in downtown Zanesville lights up each night in December, with part of the display dancing in sync to holiday music broadcast on 88.5 FM. Free, and a long-running local tradition.

Official site for Holiday Lights at the Muskingum County Courthouse

Holidays on the Farm at Great Parks

Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

12/3/2026 – 12/23/2026

4:00-8:00 p.m.

Lights over a working farm and equestrian centre, with hayrides, pony rides, carolers, farm animals, Santa and his reindeer, dancing horses and a holiday beer garden. Grab a hot cocoa, walk the Frozen Forest and shop the Vendor Village. No pets. Dates for this season aren't posted yet.

Official site for Holidays on the Farm at Great Parks

Joy of Christmas Light Show

298 East Park Avenue, Columbiana, Ohio

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

6–9pm on event nights

Paid

A drive-through in Columbiana that runs $20 a car — or $40 for a season pass — with far more going on than the lights. Santa's Ice Castle has cookies and hot cocoa served by local non-profits, there's photos with Santa, an indoor train display, gingerbread houses and Mrs Claus' story time on Thursdays and Sundays. Three nights are walk-only with a hayride and no cars. Closed Christmas Day, and Santa's last night is Dec 23.

Official site for Joy of Christmas Light Show

Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

Clifton, Ohio

11/27/2026 – 12/30/2026

Gates open 5pm; lights 6–9pm nightly. Dec 24 and 25, 6–8pm. Closed New Year's Eve.

Paid

Five million lights on a historic mill, the gorge below it and an old covered bridge. Every hour on the hour the whole display goes dark, orchestral music starts, and the bridge lights come back in time with it until the music is booming through the gorge — then everything goes out, and all five million come on at once. Open every night from the day after Thanksgiving to Dec 30, with Santa in residence until the night before Christmas Eve. Food and drink on site.

Official site for Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

Light Up Middletown

Smith Park, 500 Tytus Avenue (Tytus and Verity Parkway), Middletown, Ohio

Donation

A long-running volunteer drive-through at Smith Park in Middletown, admitted on a donation rather than a fixed ticket price. Dates for this season aren't posted yet — check the site before setting out.

Official site for Light Up Middletown

Light in the Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center

Milford, Ohio

A lit woodland trail at the Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford, walked after dark. No pets. Dates and admission for this season aren't posted yet — check the centre's site.

Official site for Light in the Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center

Lights Before Christmas at Toledo Zoo

Toledo, Ohio

Paid

A walk through Toledo Zoo after dark with lights synchronised to music. Check the zoo's site for this season's dates.

Official site for Lights Before Christmas at Toledo Zoo

Lights on the NorthCoast

3110 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, Ohio

Lights on the Lake Erie shore at Sandusky, which you can either drive or walk, with mini golf on site. Dates for this season aren't posted yet — check the site before setting out.

Official site for Lights on the NorthCoast

PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

Cincinnati, Ohio

11/19/2026 – 1/3/2027

Zoo open Sun–Thu 10am–9pm; Fri–Sat and Dec 21–31 10am–10pm. Lights come on at dusk.

Paid

The lights at Cincinnati Zoo are included in ordinary zoo admission, so you can come in the morning and stay for them. Santa is in Santa's Village from 4pm daily until Dec 23, and the North Polar Express train and carousel run from 2:30pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Official site for PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park

Caesar Ford Park, 520 South Stringtown Road, Xenia, Ohio

12/1/2026 – 12/31/2026

6–9pm

Free

A free drive through Caesar Ford Park in Xenia, open 6 to 9pm every night in December. Nothing to book and nothing to pay — just turn up.

Official site for ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park

Pyramid Hill Lights

Hamilton, Ohio

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A drive through Pyramid Hill, an outdoor sculpture park near Hamilton, lit for the holidays — so the route takes you past monumental sculpture as well as light displays. Runs from Nov 20 into the new year.

Official site for Pyramid Hill Lights

Stadium Park Holiday Lights

Stadium Park, 1615 Stadium Park Drive NW, Canton, OH 44718, Canton, Ohio

11/19/2026 – 1/8/2027

Nightly 4–11pm

Free

Displays built in-house by Canton's parks maintenance and grounds crew, stretching from Fulton Road to Tuscarawas through Stadium Park and on into Monument Park and Waterworks Park. Free, lit nightly, and open to cars or walkers.

Official site for Stadium Park Holiday Lights

Steubenville Nutcracker Village

155 N 4th St, Steubenville OH, Steubenville, Ohio

11/24/2026 – 1/8/2027

Open 24 hours a day

Free

More than 200 life-size nutcrackers line historic downtown Steubenville for six weeks. Free, and open around the clock — you can walk it at any hour.

Official site for Steubenville Nutcracker Village

Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights

Harrison Smith Park, 525 East Wyandot Ave, Upper Sandusky, Ohio

11/25/2026 – 12/30/2026

Drive: Fri–Sun 6–10pm, Mon–Thu 6–9:30pm. Walk nights Nov 25–26, 5:30–7:30pm.

Donation

A drive through Harrison Smith Park on a suggested donation — $10 a car — running nightly from Nov 27 to Dec 30. Two walk nights open the season first, on Nov 25 and 26, with cash donations going to the Wyandot County food pantries and a shuttle bus from the fairgrounds on the Wednesday.

Official site for Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights

Wanderlights Downtown Columbus

Columbus, Ohio

11/20/2026 – 2/14/2027

5:00-10:00 p.m. daily

Free

A free walk through downtown Columbus, starting at Columbus Commons — a 40-foot lit tree, more than 150 lighted trees, decorated garden beds and a tunnel of glowing archways with a snow globe to be photographed in. There's a butterfly light display for Nationwide Children's Hospital near the carousel. Dates for this season aren't posted yet.

Official site for Wanderlights Downtown Columbus

Wild Lights at Akron Zoo

Akron, Ohio

11/20/2026 – 12/27/2026

Paid

A walk through Akron Zoo after dark on 17 selected nights between Nov 20 and Dec 27 — mostly Fridays and Saturdays early on, then most nights in the week before Christmas. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check the calendar before you go; it is shut more nights than it is open.

Official site for Wild Lights at Akron Zoo

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Powell, Ohio

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A walk through the Columbus Zoo after dark, with a train and a boat ride through the lights, entertainment, and Santa until Dec 23. Food runs from warm pretzels to fried chicken, and there are seasonal beers and cocktails at kiosks around the zoo for over-21s. Runs from just before Thanksgiving into the new year.

Official site for Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Winter Wonderfest Hartville

Hartville, Ohio

11/28/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:00-10:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays

Free

A free outdoor walk through more than half a million lights at Hartville, with animated Christmas scenes and a 30-foot singing Christmas tree. Open 5 to 10pm Monday to Saturday and closed Sundays. Free for all ages.

Official site for Winter Wonderfest Hartville

WinterFest at Kings Island

Mason, Ohio

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

Paid

Kings Island in full holiday dress, with millions of lights across the park, live entertainment, comfort food and a selection of rides running. It opens on select nights between Nov 27 and Dec 31, so check the calendar before you go.

Official site for WinterFest at Kings Island

WinterLand Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio

11/28/2026

Nightly, dusk to 11:00 p.m. Full 6-minute show at the top of each hour; 2-minute Belltower Moment every quarter-hour.

Free

A holiday light show on Cleveland's Public Square, where a 50-foot tree sparkles in sync to three original songs by local artists, surrounded by half a million more lights. The full six-minute show runs at the top of every hour from dusk to 11pm, with a short Belltower Moment every quarter-hour in between. An ice rink, Santa, entertainment and food are on site too.

Official site for WinterLand Cleveland

WonderLight's Christmas in Ohio

Hartford Fairgrounds, 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Hartford, Ohio

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:30-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A drive-through at the Hartford Fairgrounds with the lights synchronised to music on your car radio. Dates for this season aren't posted yet — check the site before setting out.

Official site for WonderLight's Christmas in Ohio

Shore Acres Holiday Lights

Shore Acres State Park, 89039 Cape Arago Hwy, Charleston, Oregon

11/26/2026 – 12/31/2026

Timed entry 4:30/5:30/6:30/7:30pm

Free

Thousands of lights and displays through the formal garden at Shore Acres State Park on the Oregon coast, with timed entry.

Official site for Shore Acres Holiday Lights

Silverton Christmas Market at Oregon Garden

879 W Main St, Silverton, Oregon

11/20/2026 – 12/31/2026

5-9pm, select dates

Paid

A German-style Christmas market at The Oregon Garden with more than two million lights, a biergarten, ice skating, snowless tubing and visits from Santa.

Official site for Silverton Christmas Market at Oregon Garden

Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights

Stewart Park, Roseburg, Roseburg, Oregon

11/23/2026 – 1/1/2027

Opens 5:30 p.m. nightly

Paid

A half-mile drive-through light route in Roseburg with more than 90 displays, including the World's Largest Nutcracker, plus a Holiday Village with a model railroad.

Official site for Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights

ZooLights at Oregon Zoo

4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, Oregon

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Opens nightly 4:30pm

Paid

More than a mile of light tunnels and displays through the Oregon Zoo, with a zoo train that runs past life-size animal lanterns.

Official site for ZooLights at Oregon Zoo

A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road Kennett Square PA 19348, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

11/20/2026 – 1/10/2027

Gardens open 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily

Paid

Longwood Gardens' conservatories, garden rooms and outdoor spaces lit for the holidays in Kennett Square, with the fountains dancing to music. Food, drink and alcohol from the gardens' shops and restaurants. Nov 20 through Jan 10.

Official site for A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

100 W Hersheypark Drive Hershey PA 17033, Hershey, Pennsylvania

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

Select dates

Paid

Hersheypark lit for the holidays, walked as part of Christmas Candylane — icy lights and blazing flames set to an atmospheric score, with Santa, rides and food and drink around the park.

Official site for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm

931 Stony Hill Road Yardley PA 19067, Yardley, Pennsylvania

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A drive-through light route at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, with illuminated displays and animated scenes seen from the car. Open-air wagon rides are available as an alternative to driving.

Official site for Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm

Koziar's Christmas Village

782 Christmas Village Road Bernville PA 19506, Bernville, Pennsylvania

11/7/2026 – 1/2/2027

Nov 7-25 weekends only; Nov 26 - Jan 2 every night. Mon-Thu 6-9 PM, Fri 6-9 PM, Sat 5-10 PM, Sun 5-9 PM

Paid

A whole hillside in a darkened Berks County valley transformed by lights for the 79th season — walk among log cabin gift shops, a glowing lake reflection and Santa's house at Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville. Food and drink on site.

Official site for Koziar's Christmas Village

Overly's Country Christmas

116 Blue Ribbon Lane Greensburg PA 15601, Greensburg, Pennsylvania

11/19/2026 – 12/30/2026

Gates 5:30 p.m.; closes 9:00 p.m. most nights, 10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat in Nov-Dec

Paid

A drive-through light display at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds in Greensburg, followed by a Christmas Village of shops, animals and Santa visits. Food, drink and tractor rides on site.

Official site for Overly's Country Christmas

Peddler's Village

Routes 202 and 263 Lahaska PA 18931, Lahaska, Pennsylvania

11/20/2026 – 1/18/2027

Lights on every evening; shops open until 10:00 PM

Free

Lights glow across the colonial-style specialty shops at Peddler's Village in Lahaska — free to walk, with free parking, food and drink among the shops. Lights on every evening from the Grand Illumination on November 20 through January 18.

Official site for Peddler's Village

Peddler's Village Christmas Lights

Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska, Pennsylvania

11/20/2026 – 1/18/2027

TBC — check website

Free

Holiday lights and seasonal displays throughout the charming Bucks County shopping village. A beloved Pennsylvania holiday tradition with illuminated trees and seasonal decorations.

Official site for Peddler's Village Christmas Lights

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence RI 02907, Providence, Rhode Island

11/27/2026 – 1/4/2027

Nightly 5-9PM

Paid

A walk through the lights at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, running from just after Thanksgiving into the new year. Food and drink on site. Santa appears on select nights and at select times, so check before you go if he's the reason you're coming. Tickets must be booked online in advance — you can't buy at the gate — and no pets.

Official site for Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Sparkling Lights at The Breakers

44 Ochre Point Avenue Newport RI 02840, Newport, Rhode Island

11/21/2026 – 12/27/2026

Timed entry every half hour 4–6PM; closes 8PM

Paid

The grounds of The Breakers in Newport lit after dark, with a walking route through illuminated trees and a light tunnel. Admission also includes the mansion interior on the same visit, and there is food and drink on site including alcohol.

Official site for Sparkling Lights at The Breakers

Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens

822 W Liberty St Sumter SC 29150, Sumter, South Carolina

12/1/2026 – 12/31/2026

Sun-Thu until 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat until 10:00 PM

Free

A free drive-through display of more than one million lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, with a floating Christmas tree and characters from song and story reflected across the water. Open nightly through December. Santa's Village runs on six Friday and Saturday nights.

Official site for Fantasy of Lights at Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park

1640 Freed St Columbia SC 29201, Columbia, South Carolina

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

6–9PM nightly

Paid

Segra Park — home of the Columbia Fireflies minor league baseball team — lit up for the holidays, with rides on the Fireflies Express train, a nightly scavenger hunt, holiday crafts and visits with Santa. Food, drink and a bar on site. Open nightly.

Official site for Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park

Great Christmas Light Show at North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex North Myrtle Beach SC 29582, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

11/23/2026 – 12/30/2026

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Paid

Drive through an animated light show at North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, then park and walk the lighted boardwalk to Santa's Village — free Santa visits, a petting zoo and a Christmas tree show, with a train ride, sleigh slide and fire-pit s'mores available. Nov 23 through Dec 30.

Official site for Great Christmas Light Show at North Myrtle Beach

Harbour Town Lights at Sea Pines Resort

32 Greenwood Dr Hilton Head Island SC 29928, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

11/27/2026 – 1/1/2027

Nightly

Free

The Hilton Head marina at Harbour Town glows for the holidays — a tall waterfront Christmas tree and light displays around the harbour at Sea Pines Resort, free to walk. Nov 27 through Jan 1.

Official site for Harbour Town Lights at Sea Pines Resort

Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park

861 Riverland Dr Charleston SC 29412, Charleston, South Carolina

11/13/2026 – 12/31/2026

5:30-10 p.m. nightly

A three-mile driving route through James Island County Park in Charleston, with more than 750 illuminated displays — then park and explore on foot: the Festival Express train ride, a giant holiday sand sculpture, marshmallow roasting, gift shops, a carousel and a visit with Santa. Nov 13 – Dec 31.

Official site for Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park

Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park

6071 St Andrews Rd Columbia SC 29212, Columbia, South Carolina

11/25/2026 – 12/31/2026

6-10 p.m. nightly

Paid

Drive a loop through animated holiday light displays at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia — with a laser light show, hayrides and a lit walking trail alongside the driving route.

Official site for Holiday Lights on the River at Saluda Shoals Park

Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

1931 Brookgreen Dr Murrells Inlet SC 29576, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

11/27/2026 – 1/3/2027

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, select nights

Paid

Thousands of hand-lit candles transform Brookgreen Gardens' sculpture park in Murrells Inlet — stroll among the illuminated sculptures with live entertainment, an ice garden and a peppermint forest. Food, drink and a bar on site. Select nights, Nov 27 through Jan 3.

Official site for Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens

Upstate Holiday Light Show at District Park

148 Crumpton Ln Easley SC 29640, Easley, South Carolina

11/26/2026 – 12/31/2026

Fri-Sat 6:00-11:00 PM; Sun-Thu 6:00-10:00 PM

Paid

A drive-through light show at District Park in Easley, synchronised to 106.5 FM — with a free petting zoo, carnival rides, an indoor Christmas vendor village and warm holiday treats alongside the route. Thanksgiving through December 31.

Official site for Upstate Holiday Light Show at District Park

Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo

500 Wildlife Pkwy Columbia SC 29210, Columbia, South Carolina

11/20/2026 – 1/10/2027

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, select nights

Paid

Handcrafted nature lanterns glow through Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia — pollinators, plants, endangered animals and even extinct species brought to life in illuminated form on a conservation-minded light walk. Santa on site. Select nights from November 20.

Official site for Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo

1880 Train Holiday Express

222 Railroad Ave, Hill City, Hill City, South Dakota

11/25/2026 – 1/2/2027

TBC — December weekends

Paid

A one-hour round-trip steam train ride from Hill City to the North Pole, with Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting each child on board.

Official site for 1880 Train Holiday Express

Christmas Nights of Lights at Storybook Island

Storybook Island, 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, South Dakota

11/27/2026

TBC — December evenings, free

Paid

Storybook Island in Rapid City lit for the holidays, ticketed per person.

Official site for Christmas Nights of Lights at Storybook Island

Christmas at the Capitol

South Dakota State Capitol, 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, South Dakota

11/25/2026 – 12/26/2026

Daily 8am-10pm

Free

The South Dakota State Capitol decorated for Christmas, open daily including the holidays, with a daily schedule of school bands, choirs and community ensembles.

Official site for Christmas at the Capitol

Winter Wonderland at Falls Park

Falls Park, 300 E River Dr, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Nightly 5PM–midnight, late November through early January

Free

Falls Park in Sioux Falls lit with more than 29 miles of light strands across 260 trees, with a custom soundtrack you can listen to from your car and a five-story viewing tower.

Official site for Winter Wonderland at Falls Park

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

Gaylord Opryland Resort, 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, Tennessee

11/6/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland featuring 5 million lights throughout the resort, ICE! featuring Home Alone (2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures with two-story ice slides and tubing lanes), POMP SNOW & CIRQUEumstance holiday cirque show, real ice skating, and boat rides on the indoor river. Nov 6–Jan 2, 2027.

Official site for Christmas at Gaylord Opryland

Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas

Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

11/6/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

Six million lights across a Smoky Mountain theme park, with each land given its own palette — classic red and green in Santa's Village, crisp blues and whites for winter in Glacier Ridge, a soft candlelight glow through Craftsman's Valley. It rewards a slow walk rather than a dash between rides. Fireworks at weekends, and food, drink and alcohol throughout the park.

Official site for Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas

Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta

Anakeesta, 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

TBC — November through January

Paid

Anakeesta's mountaintop lights up for the season along Wonderland Way, a walk-through route of six themed stops that climbs from Sleighbell Station to the North Pole at Vista Plaza. The North Pole Express gondola and Santa's Flight on the Treetop Skywalk run alongside it.

Official site for Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, Tennessee

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

4:30-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A one-mile trail through more than a million lights in the gardens of a Nashville estate, opening with a 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree. There's hot cocoa and seasonal libations, s'mores to roast over a fire, and a Holiday Marketplace along the way. The historic mansion is decorated each year by Laura Dowling, formerly Chief Floral Designer at the White House.

Official site for Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate

Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival

Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, Tennessee

11/13/2026 – 2/14/2027

Gates 5:00 p.m.; last entry 8:30 p.m.; closes 9:30 p.m.

Paid

More than 60 illuminated lantern displays and walk-through light tunnels across the Memphis Zoo, running on select nights from mid-November all the way to Valentine's Day.

Official site for Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival

Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Pigeon Forge Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

11/6/2026 – 1/31/2027

Mid-November through early January

Free

A city-wide winter light display across Pigeon Forge, running from early November deep into January. The Wonders of Light walking trail along the river is billed as one of the largest free outdoor light festivals in the country, and the Driving Tour of Lights along the Parkway is free to view from the car. Individual attractions and the Christmas Village charge separately.

Official site for Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol Motor Speedway, 151 Speedway Blvd, Bristol, Tennessee

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

6:00-10:00 p.m.

Paid

The famous Bristol Motor Speedway transforms into a 5-mile holiday light drive-through with over 3 million lights. One of the most dramatically scaled drive-through experiences in the South at one of America's most famous racing venues.

Official site for Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway

Houston Zoo Lights

6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, Texas

11/19/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly, last entry 9:30 p.m.

Paid

A walk-through light trail at the Houston Zoo, with Santa's Workshop, snow play in Winter Wonderland and food along the route.

Official site for Houston Zoo Lights

Christmas in Color at Art Dye City Park

American Fork, Utah

Paid

A drive-through holiday light show at Art Dye City Park in Utah County. One ticket covers a whole vehicle.

Official site for Christmas in Color at Art Dye City Park

Christmas in Color at USU Bastian Center

South Jordan, Utah

Paid

A drive-through holiday light show at the USU Bastian Agricultural Center. One ticket covers a whole vehicle.

Official site for Christmas in Color at USU Bastian Center

Holiday Lights at The Ballpark at America First Square

The Ballpark at America First Square, Downtown Daybreak, South Jordan, Utah

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

A walk-through light show inside the ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan, part of the Winter Village at Downtown Daybreak. You walk the base paths and stand on the field, with a 60-foot Christmas tree synchronised to music and the whole outfield running choreographed light shows every 20 minutes. There are glowing tunnels, themed zones like Candy Cane Lane, a 9-hole mini golf course, stomp pads and a yeti snowball toss, plus hot cocoa, apple cider and holiday treats.

Official site for Holiday Lights at The Ballpark at America First Square

Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, Utah

11/12/2026 – 1/9/2027

Mostly 4:00-9:00 p.m., last entry 9:15; later on peak nights; Jan 4-9 5:00-8:30 p.m.

Paid

Stroll through 50 glowing acres featuring 8 million lights, a massive Tree of Life, interactive fire and ice shows, and a giant gingerbread archway. One of Utah's most spectacular holiday light destinations.

Official site for Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point

Ogden Christmas Village

Municipal Park, Ogden, Ogden, Utah

11/28/2026 – 1/1/2027

Lights on from 5 p.m.; off at 10 p.m. Sun-Thu and midnight Fri-Sat

Free

A historic downtown park filled with glowing cottage cabins and holiday trains, completely free from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through New Year's Day every evening 5PM to midnight.

Official site for Ogden Christmas Village

A Forest of Lights at VINS Nature Center

149 Natures Way, Quechee, Vermont

Select evenings 4:30-7pm, extended hours some nights (2025-26 pattern)

Paid

Thousands of lights along the trails of the VINS Nature Center, with walk-through displays that change each season — recent additions have included the Sparkle Dome, Fiery Tower, Dancing Lights Pavilion and Under the Black Light Sea. There is a campfire to warm up at afterwards, with hot chocolate, cider and snacks for sale. It runs on select evenings rather than nightly, usually 4:30 to 7pm with later hours on some nights, and tickets must be bought in advance. The 2026-27 dates have not been announced yet, so check the VINS site before planning a visit. Note that the Tree House on the Forest Canopy Walk is not wheelchair accessible.

Official site for A Forest of Lights at VINS Nature Center

Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum

6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont

11/27/2026 – 1/9/2027

4:30-8pm; last entry 7pm walking, 7:30pm drive-around

Paid

Illuminated installations across the Shelburne Museum campus, among them the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga, the model train village in the Diamond Barn, and this season a pine grove of woodland creatures by artist Calvin Laituri. The walk-through runs Thursday to Sunday evenings from November 27 through January 3, about half a mile on foot, with hot chocolate and light snacks at the Weathervane Cafe. A separately ticketed Drive-around, a 15-minute loop following a lead car, runs select Tuesday and Wednesday nights through December and then every night from January 4 to 9, after the walking season has ended; the cafe is closed on those nights. Closed December 24 and 25. November 30 and December 14 are sensory-friendly evenings only.

Official site for Winter Lights at Shelburne Museum

Bull Run Festival of Lights

7700 Bull Run Dr Centreville VA 20121, Centreville, Virginia

11/14/2026 – 1/3/2027

Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sun and holidays 5:30-10:00 p.m.

Paid

A headlights-off drive through animated holiday displays at Bull Run Regional Park, with a Holiday Village and carnival at the end of the route — bonfires, s'mores, rides, a petting zoo and food.

Official site for Bull Run Festival of Lights

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Williamsburg

1 Busch Gardens Blvd Williamsburg VA 23185, Williamsburg, Virginia

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

Park open to park close, select dates

Paid

The World's Most Beautiful Theme Park transformed with over 10 million lights — one of the largest light displays in North America. Holiday shows, train rides, and ice skating make this a complete destination holiday experience.

Official site for Busch Gardens Christmas Town Williamsburg

Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel at Natural Tunnel State Park

1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy Duffield VA 24244, Duffield, Virginia

Paid

A chairlift ride down into Natural Tunnel State Park, where a vast natural rock tunnel is lit for Christmas. Thousands of lights and animated displays line the way down, with a fire, hot chocolate and warm cider at the tunnel, and Christmas stories told at the historic Carter Cabin.

Official site for Christmas Lighting of the Tunnel at Natural Tunnel State Park

Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden

6700 Azalea Garden Rd Norfolk VA 23518, Norfolk, Virginia

11/6/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A walk through Norfolk Botanical Garden lit for the holidays, with illuminated themed areas along the garden lanes. Food and drink on site.

Official site for Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Garden

GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

1800 Lakeside Ave Richmond VA 23228, Richmond, Virginia

11/23/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

A walk through Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond lit for the holidays, with food and drink on site.

Official site for GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Holiday Lights at the Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Paid

Walk a newly built trail of light through the Virginia Aquarium Nature Trail in Virginia Beach — seven themed zones including a Victorian Dickens street with carolers, a 35-foot cascading light canopy, an interactive games cave and a laser-lit enchanted forest. Replaces the long-running boardwalk drive-through. Nov 20 through Jan 3.

Official site for Holiday Lights at the Beach

Illuminate Light Show at Meadow Event Park

13191 Dawn Blvd Doswell VA 23047, Doswell, Virginia

11/20/2026 – 1/2/2027

Gates 5:30–10PM nightly

Paid

A drive-through of themed animated light displays at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, with a village and Santa along the way. Open rain or shine, and on every holiday.

Official site for Illuminate Light Show at Meadow Event Park

Illuminights at Explore Park

3745 Rutrough Rd SE Roanoke VA 24014, Roanoke, Virginia

11/21/2026 – 1/3/2027

Select nights — see calendar

Paid

A winter walk of lights through Explore Park near Roanoke, with food and drink on site. Runs on selected nights, with Santa on a handful of dates and one sensory-friendly evening.

Official site for Illuminights at Explore Park

Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct Vienna VA 22182, Vienna, Virginia

11/11/2026 – 1/3/2027

5:30-10:00 p.m. through Dec 3; 5:00-10:00 p.m. from Dec 4. Admission ends 9:30 p.m.

Paid

Walk a mile of holiday light installations through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna — themed displays, light tunnels, and colorful garden scenes draw more than 100,000 visitors each season to Northern Virginia's premier botanical garden light walk. Nov through Jan.

Official site for Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Winterfest on the Wisconsin at Nauticus

1 Waterside Dr Norfolk VA 23510, Norfolk, Virginia

11/13/2026 – 1/2/2027

Paid

Holiday lights aboard the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus in Norfolk — the decks of a real WWII Iowa-class battleship lit for Christmas, with Santa on board. This season's theme is Christmas in Neverland. Food and drink on site, including alcohol.

Official site for Winterfest on the Wisconsin at Nauticus

Garden d'Lights

Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St, Bellevue, Washington

11/28/2026 – 1/3/2027

First entry 4:30 p.m.; last entry 9:00 p.m., lights out 9:30 (8:00/8:30 on $5 nights)

Paid

Half a million lights shaped into plants and animals transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a surreal living light installation. One of the Pacific Northwest's most distinctive botanical garden light experiences.

Official site for Garden d'Lights

Holiday Magic at the Fair

Washington State Fair Event Center, 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, Washington

12/4/2026 – 12/23/2026

4:30–9:30pm on event days only (12 dates in December). Onsite ticket sales end 8:30pm; last entry 9pm.

Paid

A winter festival at the Washington State Fair Event Center in Puyallup, with millions of lights, an ice rink, a train, free rides, a holiday market and theme nights. It's partly outdoors but there are indoor spaces to warm up in, and it runs rain or shine. Note it opens on just twelve dates in December — mostly Friday to Sunday, then nightly the week before Christmas — so check the calendar before you go.

Official site for Holiday Magic at the Fair

The Lights of Christmas

Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Dr, Stanwood, Washington

11/27/2026 – 12/28/2026

Paid

The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood changes format in 2026: after years as a drive-through, it becomes mainly a walking event, with activities, a Food Village of snack and drink vendors, craft stalls and a train among the displays. A handful of nights stay drive-thru only — useful if you'd rather stay warm in the car, though those nights have no activity stops. It runs on select nights between Nov 27 and Dec 28, and the venue is still announcing which ones.

Official site for The Lights of Christmas

Village of Lights

Downtown Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Washington

11/26/2026 – 2/28/2027

Lights on 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. daily

Free

The Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth lit end to end for the winter. The display is free and open - you simply walk the downtown streets - and the lights stay up long after Christmas, through the end of February. Gazebo music, Santa and Festhalle activities run alongside it through Christmas Eve.

Official site for Village of Lights

Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, Washington

11/27/2026 – 1/3/2027

4:30-10:00 p.m.

Paid

Over 1.5 million sparkling lights transform Point Defiance Zoo including a giant Pacific octopus light display and illuminated light tunnels. Timed online tickets required.

Official site for Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Appalachian Coal Town Christmas at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

513 Ewart Avenue Beckley WV 25801, Beckley, West Virginia

12/4/2026 – 12/5/2026

5:00-9:00 PM

Paid

The grounds of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum lit for Christmas, walked among thousands of lights, with carolling in the church, Santa, an outdoor ice rink, craft vendors and guided tours underground into the mine itself.

Official site for Appalachian Coal Town Christmas at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Bluefield City Park Holiday of Lights

City Park Bluefield WV 24701, Bluefield, West Virginia

Free

Bluefield City Park lit for Christmas and walked after dark, in the town officially designated West Virginia's Christmas City. Free to visit.

Official site for Bluefield City Park Holiday of Lights

Celebration of Lights at Morris Park

Morris Park Fairmont WV 26554, Fairmont, West Virginia

Donation

Morris Park in Fairmont lit for the holidays and driven after dark — with Wednesdays in December given over to walkers, when the park closes to traffic.

Official site for Celebration of Lights at Morris Park

Christmas in the Park at Chief Logan State Park

Chief Logan State Park Logan WV 25601, Logan, West Virginia

11/26/2026 – 1/1/2027

Daily 5:30pm - 10pm

Donation

A drive through the forested grounds of Chief Logan State Park lit for Christmas, with Santa on site and hayrides available. Free, with donations welcomed.

Official site for Christmas in the Park at Chief Logan State Park

Harpers Ferry Holiday Light Show

408 Alstadts Hill Road Harpers Ferry WV 25425, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

11/20/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

Winding paths of holiday lights lead to panoramic overlook views of the Harpers Ferry mountains — a walk-through with community trees, Santa's lookout and optional snow tubing. Food and drink on site.

Official site for Harpers Ferry Holiday Light Show

Light the Night at GoMart Ballpark

601 Morris Street Charleston WV 25301, Charleston, West Virginia

11/13/2026 – 1/3/2027

Paid

GoMart Ballpark in Charleston lit up for the holidays — walk the ballpark among light displays choreographed to holiday music, with ice skating, ice bumper cars, carnival rides, themed areas, food and drink, and Santa photos.

Official site for Light the Night at GoMart Ballpark

Oglebay Festival of Lights

465 Lodge Drive Wheeling WV 26003, Wheeling, West Virginia

11/5/2026 – 1/3/2027

Trolley tours 5:30-9:30 PM hourly; drive-through hours not verified

Donation

Six miles of Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling transformed for the holidays — drive the route with displays synchronised to music on 1700 AM, or skip the drive and take a guided trolley tour. Santa's Village has Santa, ice skating, a train, sleigh rides and food and drink; zoo and mansion on site. Nov 5 through Jan 3.

Official site for Oglebay Festival of Lights

St. Albans Festival of Lights

St. Albans City Park St. Albans WV 25177, St. Albans, West Virginia

Donation

Animated holiday displays driven through St. Albans City Park, west of Charleston. Free, with donations welcomed, and Santa on site.

Official site for St. Albans Festival of Lights

Grand Geneva Resort Trolley Tour of Lights

7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

11/23/2026 – 12/30/2026

Tours hourly at 5, 6, 7 and 8 p.m.; about 30 minutes

Paid

A half-hour ride through the lights at Grand Geneva in a heated, enclosed trolley. Hourly departures through the evening; free for resort guests.

Official site for Grand Geneva Resort Trolley Tour of Lights

Holiday Lights on the Fox

1500 Fort Howard Ave, De Pere, Wisconsin

Tue-Thu and Sun 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:00-10:00 p.m.; closed Mondays

Paid

A mile-long drive through lights synchronised to a holiday soundtrack you tune in on your car radio, with giant reindeer, illuminated tunnels and — unexpectedly — dinosaurs. You stay in the car throughout, and there's no need to book ahead.

Official site for Holiday Lights on the Fox

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Downtown Milwaukee parks, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

11/19/2026 – 1/1/2027

Late November through New Year's Day, nightly

Free

Downtown Milwaukee parks and streets shine with over 500,000 lights, interactive displays, and narrated Jingle Bus tours for $8. Runs late November through New Year's Day across multiple downtown parks.

Official site for Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Miracle at Big Rock

1674 WI-87, Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin

11/27/2026 – 1/2/2027

Walk: Wed, Thu, Sun 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm. Drive: Mon, Tue 5–9pm.

Paid

More than 25 million lights through the woods and fields of Big Rock Creek, with the unusual twist that you walk it most nights and drive it on Mondays and Tuesdays — check which before you go. Off the route there's a heated barn, the Miracle Market, food and seasonal drinks, sledding and s'mores. Fireworks and Santa appear on select nights only, so check the calendar if either is the reason you're going.

Official site for Miracle at Big Rock

Rotary Lights

Riverside Park, La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin

11/27/2026 – 12/31/2026

5:00-10:00 p.m. nightly; Christmas Eve and Day 5-9 p.m.; New Year's Eve 5-11 p.m.

Free

Three million lights illuminate Riverside Park along the Mississippi River. La Crosse's beloved free Rotary Club tradition offers both walk-through and drive-through routes nightly through December 31. Food and cash donations appreciated.

Official site for Rotary Lights

Sam's Christmas Village

TBC — check website, Somerset, Wisconsin

11/27/2026 – 1/3/2027

Wed, Thu, Sun 5–8pm (lights off 9pm); Fri, Sat 5–9pm (lights off 10pm). Closed most Mon–Wed in early Dec and Christmas Eve.

Paid

More than 26 million lights on a walk through Somerset, about 25 minutes from the Twin Cities, with Santa in the market every night through Dec 27 and live reindeer to meet. There's a European Christmas market, a free sledding hill, private S'more Cabins you can reserve, and a bar and grill for warm food and drinks. Closed Christmas Eve but open Christmas Day. Two nights in mid-December are drive-through only.

Official site for Sam's Christmas Village

WPS Garden of Lights

Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay, Wisconsin

11/27/2026 – 12/30/2026

4:30-9:00 p.m.

Paid

The Green Bay Botanical Garden transforms into a holiday light experience for the season with illuminated garden paths and seasonal displays.

Official site for WPS Garden of Lights

Winter Lights Festival

Washington Park, Laramie, Wyoming

11/28/2026

Opens Sat Nov 28 2026 at 6pm; nightly hours not published

Free

A free walking trail of lights through Washington Park, stretching almost a mile along the park path and looping back on itself, with 29 individually lit trees, three large displays and tunnels of lights at both the entrance and the exit. Every display is sponsored by a local business and the money raised goes to Laramie charities. On Fridays and Saturdays local organisations and food trucks sell treats and drinks near the path. The season opens Saturday November 28 2026 at 6pm and runs into January, though the closing date has not been announced. Watch for the sensory-friendly nights, when the flashing lights and music are switched off, and senior nights, when transport along the trail is provided.

Official site for Winter Lights Festival