Jaw-dropping holiday light displays worth the trip this December

By Lisa Wells

Looking at lights and decorations is a cherished tradition in anticipation of Christmas, especially as the displays seem to grow more elaborate and fantastic every year. If you are looking for the most impressive light displays, these cities are top destinations for magnificent holiday decorations.

Evergreen trees, festive music, good food, colorful lights – the trappings of the holiday season bring cheer as Christmas approaches. Outdoor light displays featuring string lights, inflatables and even music can be the ultimate holiday wonderland.

These locations, from cities to local organizations to neighborhoods, put on jaw-dropping displays. Incorporate them into your December road trip or visit to family. Remember to wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and indulge in a cup of hot cocoa for the perfect light-viewing experience.

Light displays in the South

Although there might not be much snow, cities in the Southern states put on some incredible light shows to get you in the mood for the holidays. Check out these destinations featuring beach celebrations, Santa Claus visits and more.

Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights

Charleston puts on an award-winning light display and festival in James Island County Park. In 2024, they’ll host the 35th annual Holiday Festival of Lights every evening through the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

You’ll find 3 miles of lights throughout the park, arranged in 750 displays. See these Charleston Christmas lights as you drive through the festival, then park the car and ride the Festival Express train for another view.

In addition to lights, you can also visit Santa, view giant greeting cards designed by local schools or check out the 50-ton sand sculpture. Finish up the evening with s’mores kits and roast marshmallows around the bonfire.

St. Augustine Nights of Lights

The St. Augustine beaches are a great daytime escape from the winter blues, but even nights in St. Augustine are filled with cheer. During the holiday season, you’ll find the oldest city in America bedecked in millions of white lights for a sparkling holiday spectacle.

The Nights of Lights runs throughout the holiday season and into January. Listed as one of the top 10 holiday displays by National Geographic, you can see the lights by walking, train or trolley. You can also book a boat cruise to see the city from the water or take a carriage ride through the historic streets and bask in the city’s Old World charm.

Holiday Lights at the Beach

The annual Holiday Lights at the Beach is an exciting, family-friendly light tour on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. With its seaside location, many of the displays are beach themed for a fun twist on the holidays. You’ll drive through colorful displays featuring swimming fish, nautical displays, a surfing Santa and a 40-foot dancing Christmas tree. It is the only time of year that vehicles can drive on the oceanfront Boardwalk.

The show also includes the longest curved LED light tunnel in the United States. “The event brings together the magic of the holidays with the beauty of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, creating an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike,” says Nancy Helman, director of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Holiday lights in New York City

New York City is always bright, but for a special holiday experience, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Since the 1980s, homes in this neighborhood have showcased remarkable light displays, from classic string lights to music-synced shows to a house famously dubbed as Christmas meets Las Vegas. Visiting Dyker Lights has become a popular way to explore Brooklyn during the holiday season.

Stroll through the neighborhood or join a bus tour for a guided experience. Tours often include local history and neighborhood lore, making for a festive evening full of holiday cheer. Other not-to-be-missed displays in the city include the iconic Rockefeller Center tree and the Winter Village at Bryant Park.

Magical Winter Lights in Houston

Held at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Magical Winter Lights is an interactive light extravaganza featuring more than 60 lantern displays. You’ll walk through scenes like Dinosaur Kingdom, The Sea and Space, all created from sparkling lights.

After exploring the lantern displays, visitors can explore a variety of carnival rides, including an impressive 87-foot tall gondola Ferris wheel, as well as attractions for both young children and thrill-seekers. Enjoy carnival food favorites and live entertainment, including costumed characters and nightly performances.

West Coast light shows

Wherever your holiday travels take you along the West Coast, you’ll find captivating holiday displays. The historic Mission Inn in Riverside, California, decorates its grounds with over 10 million lights for a Festival of Lights. In addition to lighting up the town at night, the Mission Inn hosts live holiday music, brunch and sweet treats in their Candy Lane throughout the holidays.

At the San Diego Botanic Garden, the annual Lightscape combines dazzling lights and nature in several immersive and Instagram-worthy displays. You’ll walk a mile loop to see all of the lights with several stops available for food and seasonal beverages to add to the holiday spirit.

The city of Leavenworth in the mountains of Washington is modeled after an alpine Bavarian village. Visiting during Christmas time will remind you of traditional German Christmas markets.

The city hosts Christmastown each year, decorating the town with lights all winter long. Christmastown also features a gingerbread house exhibition, strolling carolers, visits with Santa and a Festhalle where you can warm up with a sweet treat.

Visit a holiday light display this season

Whether you are after classic charm, beach vibes or a unique cultural experience, a holiday light display is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the festive season. Add one of these spectacular displays to your travel plans this year and make lifelong holiday memories with family.

Lisa Wells is a travel, food and lifestyle writer and photographer who has traveled across 37 countries. As the founder of Coastal Wandering, she shares her love for laid-back beach living with stories, recipes and tips for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.