Where To See the Best Christmas Lights And Holiday Displays Across the U.S.
Christmas lights and holiday displays are a beloved American tradition, right alongside baseball and apple pie. The most famous Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center was first televised in 1951 and since then, America's passion for Christmas lights and festivities has continued to expand from small towns to large cities across the country. Today, that tradition shines brighter than ever.
One of the best places to see Christmas lights and feel like you’ve left the country is Leavenworth, located in Washington state's Cascade Mountains. This quaint town was designed to resemble a Bavarian village and showcases endless lights and holiday displays from December through February. Orlando, Florida, transforms into an even more magical destination during the holidays. And on the East Coast, seaside towns like Nantucket celebrate the season with carolers dressed in Victorian costumes who stroll along cobblestone streets lined with boutique stores for Christmas shopping. And for a delightful bit of trivia, there is also a town in Indiana named Santa Claus that celebrates Christmas year-round.
From charming historic towns and streets with colorful lights to big-city multimedia light shows, these holiday happenings offer something for everyone. Several are free and all will create memorable moments this holiday season.
Astra Lumina—Los Angeles
Address: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Website: astralumina.com/los-angeles
Ticket prices: Approx. $29–$41
Astra Lumina Los Angeles is an immersive experience of lights, projections, and music that transforms the nighttime landscape into a cosmic winter fairytale. As you follow the designated outdoor path, you'll pass through a series of themed displays, glowing starfields, illuminated mist, sparkling constellations, and light installations that respond to movement. Astra Lumina can be found in other West Coast cities, including Seattle , and is suitable for all ages. Advance tickets are timed entry and highly recommended.
Winter Wonderland—Portland, Oregon
Address: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR
Website: winterwonderlandportland.com
Ticket prices: Per-vehicle pricing ranges from $38 to $45 and up.
Portland's Winter Wonderland is one of the largest displays of Christmas lights in the city and is held at Portland International Raceway. New for 2025 is a drive-thru light tunnel. Because it’s designed for vehicles, it’s ideal for families, groups with pets, or anyone wanting to enjoy spectacular Christmas scenes from the warmth of a car. Winter Wonderland Portland features over 1 million lights, hundreds of festive displays, and themed areas like a candy-cane forest and "12 Days of Christmas."
If you're a bike lover and willing to brave the cold, deck out your ride in Christmas lights and rock your favorite holiday gear. From Santa suits to reindeer onesies, "Bike The Lights" is a pedal-power event. For pet lovers, "Lights and Leashes" is also held during Winter Wonderland where you can explore the lights and amazing displays at your own pace with your pet. All proceeds from Portland's Winter Wonderland , which runs through the end of December, go toward hunger relief programs in the Portland area.
Austin Trail of Lights—Austin, Texas
Address: Zilker Park, Austin, TX
Website: austintrailoflights.org
Ticket price (range): General Admission is free Dec 10-12 & 15-18. Passes range from $20 to $85 and up.
The Trail of Lights is an Austin, Texas tradition that started in 1965. Today, it has grown into a miles-long walking route adorned with millions of lights and themed light displays throughout Zilker Park. There are more than 90 decorated Christmas trees, dozens of holiday scenes and lighted tunnels. Special dates include live music and there are plenty of family activities, including Santa's workshop, photo opportunities, and special parade nights. Free admission is available on select dates.
ZooLights—Smithsonian's National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
Address: Smithsonian's National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Website: nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/events/zoolights
Ticket prices: $9 per person. Parking fees $30 and up.
ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. transforms the grounds into a festive evening lantern-and-lights experience with glowing animal sculptures, twinkling pathways, and live entertainment. Kids' activities, music, and photo ops are available, and its proximity to other D.C. holiday events makes it easy to pair with additional seasonal fun. The family-friendly event also features themed weekends, members-only nights, and special date-night events.
Nights of Lights—St. Augustine, Florida
Address: Downtown St. Augustine. Tours depart from Visitor Information Center, 10 West Castillo Drive
Website: staugustinelights.com
Ticket prices: Free to view walking through downtown. Organized tours, electric carts, trolleys, or boat tours are available for a fee.
Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, Florida , is one of the most breathtaking holiday light displays in the country, featuring millions of white lights adorning old-world buildings, palm trees, plazas, and waterfront streets. The entire historic downtown area transforms into a glowing, walkable wonderland. For a more immersive experience, numerous guided tours depart from the Visitor Information Center at 10 West Castillo Drive. These tours include classic trolley rides, romantic horse-drawn carriages, and scenic boat cruises along Matanzas Bay.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights— Bronx, New York
Address: Bronx Zoo / Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY
Website: bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights
Ticket prices: Approx. $27–$42
The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights in New York features millions of lights, hundreds of illuminated animals, lighted tunnels, seasonal displays, and a variety of kid-friendly activities. Ideal for friends and families, the event is a large-scale holiday destination, so be prepared. There are hands-on activities and lots of holiday entertainment. Locals love the Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea, and new this year are snow tube slides, an epic illuminated ice-themed throne, and a virtual snowball throwing contest.
Shine Bright Hudson Yards Holiday Lights—New York, NY
Address: Hudson Yards Public Square & Gardens 11th Ave & Hudson Blvd Manhattan, NY
Website: hudsonyardsnewyork.com
Ticket prices: Free.
Hudson Yards holiday celebration, Shine Bright turns this mixed-use urban neighborhood on Manhattan's West Side into a festive, contemporary holiday destination. There are miles of string lights, decorated trees, large-scale art installations, including a decorated hot air balloon, a forest of Christmas trees, pop-up performances, and plenty of nearby dining and shopping. It's an easy, walkable stop for an urban holiday night out. Free ticketed events include Mozart for Munchkins, Jingle Bell Swing, and Holiday Magic New Orleans Swing.
Quick tips for visiting holiday light displays
- Buy timed or date-specific tickets in advance for ticketed events to ensure entry and avoid missing out, as many sell out quickly.
- Check each event's official site for the current season's dates, hours, ticketing policy, accessibility info, and note that parking/shuttle options carry extra costs.
- For outdoor displays, bring warm layers and be prepared for rain or snow. Also, arrive early for free ticketed events whenever possible.
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