Christmas lights are a magical part of the holiday season, transforming ordinary streets into sparkling wonderlands. As the season approaches, families, couples, and travelers search for the best places to go see Christmas lights in USA. From small-town parades to large-scale light shows, the U.S. is home to a variety of enchanting displays that make the holiday season extra special. If you’re ready to experience some of the most stunning Christmas light shows, here are the top 10 places that are guaranteed to light up your holiday spirit.
1. Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, New York: A Dazzling Christmas Spectacle
When it comes to best Christmas lights in USA, few places can rival the incredible displays at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, New York. This neighborhood is world-renowned for its extravagant Christmas decorations, with homeowners competing to create the most spectacular light displays. From life-sized Santa figures to elaborate, animated light shows, Dyker Heights is a must-see for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The entire neighborhood is adorned with millions of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere like no other. If you’re in New York City during the holidays, a visit to Dyker Heights is a magical experience you won’t forget.
2. Bellingrath Gardens, Theodore, Alabama: Magic Christmas in Lights
If you find yourself in Alabama during the Christmas season, Bellingrath Gardens is the place to go for a breathtaking light display. Known for its best places to see Christmas lights in USA, Bellingrath’s Magic Christmas in Lights event is a holiday tradition that draws visitors from all over the country. Set within a beautiful 65-acre estate, this event features over 3 million lights and 1,100 set pieces. Some of the highlights include themed displays like Candy Land, Fire & Ice, and Christmas Tree Lane. Additionally, you can tour the historic Bellingrath Home and take pictures with Santa in the Magnolia Room. It’s a place where the magic of the season truly comes to life.
3. Santa Claus House, North Pole, Alaska: Christmas Every Day
For a truly enchanting Christmas experience, head to North Pole, Alaska. The best places to look at Christmas lights in USA can be found here at the Santa Claus House. Located just 20 minutes from Fairbanks, this charming destination features one of the largest Santa statues in the world. During the holiday season, the entire town and Santa Claus House are decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. You can even mail your holiday cards with a North Pole postmark, which is a unique way to spread Christmas cheer. Visiting the Santa Claus House is like stepping into a Christmas wonderland, and it’s perfect for families and holiday lovers alike.
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4. Tumbleweed Tree, Chandler, Arizona: A Desert Christmas Tradition
Chandler, Arizona, is home to one of the quirkiest Christmas light displays in the country. The Tumbleweed Tree, made from over 1,200 tumbleweeds and adorned with glitter and lights, is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Unlike traditional Christmas trees, the Tumbleweed Tree is a product of Arizona’s unique desert environment. This whimsical creation is the centerpiece of Chandler’s annual Parade of Lights, which takes place in early December. The Tumbleweed Tree is a fantastic example of how creative communities can celebrate the holidays in their own distinct ways.
5. Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs, Arkansas: A Winter Wonderland
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is one of the most picturesque places to see Christmas lights in the USA. Known for its stunning botanical gardens, Garvan transforms into a best Christmas light show in USA every December. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, which are lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, and enjoy themed displays that celebrate the holiday season. The serene environment, combined with the dazzling light installations, creates a peaceful yet festive atmosphere that’s perfect for a holiday outing.
6. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, California: Boat Parade of Lights
If you’re in Southern California during the holiday season, don’t miss the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. This event is one of the best places to go see Christmas lights in USA for those who enjoy the water. Each year, boats in Dana Point Harbor are decorated with elaborate holiday lights, creating a festive parade that can be enjoyed by land and sea. The boats are adorned with colorful lights, holiday-themed decorations, and even Santa Claus himself. Whether you’re watching from the shore or taking a cruise around the harbor, this boat parade is a unique and joyful way to experience Christmas lights.
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7. Ski Tree, Telluride, Colorado: A Unique Holiday Tradition
For a Christmas experience with a bit of a twist, head to Telluride, Colorado, where the Ski Tree lighting is a beloved annual event. The Ski Tree is constructed from donated skis, with the star on top made from ski poles. This unique tree is a true reflection of Telluride’s ski culture and adds an extra layer of charm to the holiday season. The lighting ceremony is part of the town’s Noel Night, which kicks off two weeks of festivities throughout Telluride and Mountain Village. The Ski Tree, along with the other holiday events, makes Telluride one of the best places to see Christmas lights in USA.
8. Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights, East Windsor, Connecticut: A Nostalgic Trolley Ride
The Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor offers one of the most nostalgic best Christmas light shows in USA. Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights feature the museum’s historic trolleys, which are decorated with electric Christmas lights. Visitors can ride in one of the open-air trolleys while watching a Christmas-themed hologram show through the windows. The combination of vintage trolleys and dazzling light displays creates a unique holiday experience that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a festive yet cozy atmosphere during the Christmas season.
9. Yuletide at Winterthur, Winterthur, Delaware: A Classic Christmas Display
In Delaware, the Winterthur Museum offers one of the most elegant Christmas light displays in the country. Yuletide at Winterthur features a Christmas tree decorated with over 60 varieties of dried flowers, creating a stunning visual effect. The entire museum and garden are transformed into a winter wonderland, with special exhibitions related to U.S. history adding to the experience. This is a perfect destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy a sophisticated holiday atmosphere.
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10. Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, Oregon: A Festive Urban Experience
Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Oregon, is a festive and lively spot to enjoy Christmas lights. The square, known as the “living room of Portland,” is decorated with hundreds of thousands of lights, making it one of the best places to look at Christmas lights in USA. The holiday season is celebrated with live entertainment, holiday markets, and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a perfect location for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy an urban Christmas experience surrounded by the festive spirit.
Conclusion
These 10 places to go see Christmas lights in USA are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to celebrating the holiday season. From the over-the-top displays in Dyker Heights to the whimsical Tumbleweed Tree in Arizona, the U.S. offers a wide variety of Christmas light experiences that are sure to create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for a traditional holiday display or something a bit more unique, these destinations will help you create a magical Christmas experience. So pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready to see some of the most stunning Christmas light shows in the country!
FAQs
❓What are the best places to go see Christmas lights in the USA?
Top spots include Dyker Heights, Bellingrath Gardens, Santa Claus House, and Dana Point Harbor for stunning light displays.
❓When is the best time to see Christmas lights in the USA?
The best time is from late November to early January, with peak displays closer to Christmas.
❓Are there free places to see Christmas lights in the USA?
Yes, Dyker Heights, Tumbleweed Tree, and other displays are free to visit.
❓What makes the Tumbleweed Tree in Arizona unique?
It’s made of 1,200 tumbleweeds, decorated with glitter and lights, offering a desert twist on the Christmas tree.
❓Can I visit Santa Claus at the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska?
Yes, Santa is there daily from mid-November to December (except on Christmas and Thanksgiving).
🚩Note – The list isn’t chosen using any specific criteria. It’s just meant for information. We gathered this data from the internet.