By Lisa Wells
Viewing lights and decorations is a treasured tradition within the anticipation of Christmas, especially because the decorations appear to develop into more elaborate and fantastical annually. If you're in search of essentially the most impressive light displays, these cities are top destinations for magnificent Christmas decorations.
Evergreen trees, festive music, good food, colourful lights – the sights of the vacations bring cheer as Christmas approaches. Outdoor light displays with fairy lights, bouncy castles and even music might be the final word holiday wonderland.
These locations, from cities to local organizations to neighborhoods, offer stunning presentations. Incorporate them into your December road trip or family visit. Remember to wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and treat yourself to a cup of it hot cocoa for the proper lighting experience.
Light plays within the south
Although there might not be much snow, cities across the South offer some incredible light shows to get you within the mood for the vacations. Check out these destinations with beach festivals, Santa visits and more.
Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights
Charleston hosts an award-winning light show and festival at James Island County Park. In 2024, they’ll host the thirty fifth annual Christmas Festival of Lights with New Year's Eve fireworks displays every evening.
Throughout the park you'll find 3 miles of lights arranged in 750 displays. Check these out Charleston Christmas Lights As you drive through the festival, park the automobile and ride the Festival Express train for one more view.
In addition to the lights, it’s also possible to visit Santa Claus, view giant greeting cards designed by local schools, or view the 50-ton sand sculpture. End the evening with s'mores sets and roasted marshmallows across the campfire.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
The St. Augustine Beaches are a terrific escape from the winter blues throughout the day, however the nights in St. Augustine are also stuffed with happiness. During the vacation season, America's oldest city is decorated with hundreds of thousands of white lights, making a sparkling Christmas spectacle.
Nights of Lights occur throughout the vacation season and into January. Listed as considered one of the highest 10 holiday displays by National Geographic, you’ll be able to see the lights on foot, by train, or by tram. You can even book a ship trip to see town from the water, or take a carriage ride through the historic streets and luxuriate in the Old World charm.
Christmas lights on the beach
The annual Holiday Lights on the Beach is an exciting, family-friendly lights tour on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Since it's situated right on the ocean, most of the exhibits are beach-themed, making for a fun change of pace on vacation. You'll cruise past colourful exhibits featuring swimming fish, nautical displays, a browsing Santa Claus, and a 40-foot-tall dancing Christmas tree. It is the one time of 12 months that vehicles can travel on the oceanfront boardwalk.
The show also includes the longest curved LED light tunnel within the United States. “The event combines the magic of the holidays with the beauty of the Virginia Beach coastline, creating an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors,” said Nancy Helman, director of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Christmas lights in New York City
New York City is all the time shiny, but for a special vacation experience, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Since the Nineteen Eighties, homes on this neighborhood have featured remarkable light displays, from classic fairy lights to music-synchronized shows to a house famously nicknamed “Christmas meets Las Vegas.” Visiting Dyker Lights has develop into a well-liked option to explore Brooklyn throughout the holiday season.
Take a walk across the neighborhood or take a bus tour and have a guided experience. Tours often concentrate on local history and neighborhood stories, making a festive evening stuffed with holiday cheer. Other must-see exhibits in town include the enduring Rockefeller Center tree and the Winter Village in Bryant Park.
Magical winter lights in Houston
Held on the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Magical Winter Lights is an interactive light spectacle featuring greater than 60 lanterns. You will run through scenes similar to the dinosaur kingdom, the ocean and space, all created from twinkling lights.
After exploring the lanterns, visitors can explore quite a lot of rides, including a powerful 87-foot-tall gondola Ferris wheel, in addition to attractions for young children and adventure seekers. Enjoy carnival favorites and live entertainment, including costumed characters and evening performances.
Light Shows on the West Coast
Wherever your holiday journey takes you along the West Coast, you'll find charming Christmas displays. The historic Mission Inn in Riverside, California, decorates its grounds with over 10 million lights for a festival of lights. In addition to illuminating town at night, Mission Inn offers live music, brunch and sweet treats on 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 performances. You'll complete a mile-long walking tour to see all of the lights, and a number of other stops will feature food and seasonal drinks so as to add much more holiday cheer.
The town of Leavenworth within the mountains of Washington is modeled on a Bavarian Alpine village. A visit at Christmas time will remind you of the tradition German Christmas markets.
The town hosts Christmastown yearly and decorates the town with lights throughout the winter. Christmastown also incorporates a gingerbread house exhibit, carols, visits with Santa, and a festival hall where you’ll be able to warm up with a sweet treat.
Visit a Christmas light display this season
Whether you're in search of classic charm, a beachy feel, or a novel cultural experience, a vacation light show is the proper option to feel the spirit of the festive season. Add considered one of these spectacular exhibitions to your travel plans this 12 months and create lifelong family vacation memories.
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