My grandmother always told me that holiday lights were colorful wishes of the season. She would say to me, in a quiet but determined voice, that every vivid light displayed was an important wish made by people all over the world. She said that is why adults and children love lights and seasonal displays.
The holiday season is always filled with magic, wishes, and hope for the year to come. Communities around the country show off their creativity in the most magical way possible with an array of light displays that astound both locals and visitors to their communities.
We recently polled the experts here at Macaroni Kid, our Publisher Moms, and came up with a list of incredible light shows that will get you into the holiday spirit. These spots are hidden gems that you might (or might not have) heard of until this moment. Now is the time to continue your family holiday light tradition or travel to a new spot and create new memories to last a lifetime.
Lights Under Louisville - Louisville, Kentucky
http://lightsunderlouisville.com
Patrons can drive their vehicle through an underground light display that spans 17 miles of passageways with over 850 lit characters and 3,000,000 points of light, all while the hustle and bustle of the city take place directly overhead.
Illumination Symphony of Light - Phoenix, Arizona
Check out Arizona’s largest holiday drive-thru light show. The approximately 25-minute drive showcases beloved holiday icons, carefully synchronized to joyful holiday classics, that culminate at the Holiday Boulevard; a spectacular winter playland.
Glittering Lights - Las Vegas, Nevada
http://www.glitteringlightslasvegas.com/
This stunning array of festive visuals and sounds feature more than 3 million LED lights that intertwine a 2.5-mile course through the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights - Wheeling, West Virginia
https://lights.oglebay.com/light-displays/
Considered one of the nation’s largest (and most popular) holiday light shows since 1985, the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights covers more than 300 acres of ground with memorable displays and characters, as well as an animated snowflake and rainbow tunnel.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights - Tucson, Arizona
http://winterhavenfestival.org/
What makes this light display unique is that it is hosted and created by local residents who have been passionately decorating for 68 years. This community supported festival shows off a splendid array of creative light displays for visitors to see and admire, all within a neighborhood that adores the holiday season.
Holiday Lights at Garvan Gardens Center - Hot Springs, Arkansas
http://www.garvangardens.org/visitor-guide/holidaylights.aspx
The perfect holiday stroll awaits all families in Arkansas. Discover a multitude of light-wrapped trees, a 12-minute musical holiday celebration with an animated light show, ice tunnels, ice palace, and a fully-animated James the Train.
Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas - Nashville, Tennessee
Grab that cup of hot cocoa and enjoy exploring the gorgeous Gaylord Opryland Resort and their yearly holiday decorations and special events. The indoor and outdoor display is astounding with over 3 million twinkling lights covering nearly every corner of the resort.
Santa Claus Land of Lights - Santa Claus, Indiana
http://www.santaclauslandoflights.com/
The largest campground holiday light show in North America takes place in Santa’s midwest home. Enter this colorful display that follows the story of Rudolph on his journey to become Santa’s most crucial reindeer. Make sure you let your kids read the storybooks along the way!
Austin Trail of Lights - Austin, Texas
https://austintrailoflights.org
Every year, the city of Austin goes all out, holiday style, with this massive event that always features new lights, activities, and experiences for families. For the past 53 years, the Austin Trail of Lights has delighted families with gorgeous displays, food, fun, and entertainment for all.
Bright Nights at Forest Park - Springfield, Massachusetts
Bright Nights is considered the Northeast’s premier holiday lighting experience. Imagine driving through a beautiful array of lights within a natural forest setting. Families can even visit their website to view a live webcam or take a virtual tour of their many displays such as Santa’s Magical Forest and the North Pole Village.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens - Pine Mountain, Georgia
http://www.callawaygardens.com/resort-experiences/signature-events/fantasy-in-lights/
Travel south for a holiday light show tradition unlike any other. At Callaway Gardens, families will travel through an illuminated forest display filled with 8 million twinkling lights, complete with a Christmas Village that is a must-visit spot.
Drive-Thru Christmas Lights at The Rock Ranch - The Rock, Georgia
https://therockranch.com/drive-thru-christmas-lights/
Imagine taking in the sights of the holidays on a 1,500-acre working cattle ranch in Georgia! This light display allows patrons to enjoy a country drive through a mile of beautiful holiday lights and displays on the most beautiful country setting you can find for the season.
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade - Annapolis, Maryland
http://eastportyc.org/welcome-lights-parade
Make plans to travel to this beloved, east coast tradition that takes holiday lights to the water. Families will be amazed watching a parade of illuminated boats and holiday displays that are simply breathtaking as they travel along the water. Arrive early to pick out your favorite waterfront viewing spot.
Johnstown Central Park Christmas Tree - Johnstown, Pennsylvania
http://www.discoverjohnstown.org/
No holiday season would be complete without a Christmas tree, and Johnstown is home to a fantastic 38-foot animated tree synchronized to holiday music. It is surrounded by a Christmas Village of little houses sponsored by local businesses. You will feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie with the sights and sounds of their hometown Christmas.
National Shrine of La Salette Festival of Lights - Attleboro, Massachusetts
https://www.facebook.com/AttleboroLasaletteShrine/
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is home to a magnificent holiday light display that focuses on the wonder, faith, and beauty of the holiday season with over 300,000 lights that regulars describe as pure beauty.
What is your favorite local light display? Feel free to share your favorites with us on social media using the hashtag #mackidtravel
