Best Places to See Christmas Lights Across the U.S.
Looking for the best places to see Christmas lights this season? The U.S. is home to a dazzling array of holiday displays—from small-town traditions to grand spectacles that redefine festive cheer. Families, couples, and solo adventurers alike will find glowing getaways perfect for capturing the magic of the season. These light shows transform gardens, neighborhoods, harbors, parks, and even trains into immersive experiences bursting with holiday spirit.
Start planning your winter travel with these top destinations. They combine tradition, innovation, and local flair to deliver the most memorable displays. We’ve included crowd favorites and hidden gems to help you make the most of your Christmas light tour.
Newport Beach, California – Christmas Lights on the Water
For a coastal twist on holiday decor, Newport Beach offers one of the best places to see Christmas lights by sea. The annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade transforms the harbor into a twinkling spectacle with yachts, sailboats, and kayaks showing off thousands of lights synchronized to festive music.
Watch from the Balboa Peninsula boardwalk, reserve a waterfront patio seat, or join a boat cruise via Newport Landing. Don’t miss Balboa Island, where residential light displays rival those on the water. For optimal views and fewer crowds, head to Marina Park and enjoy the reflections dancing across the bay.
Leavenworth, Washington – A Bavarian Holiday Delight
Nestled in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth ranks among the best places to see Christmas lights for its storybook atmosphere. During the Village of Lights: Christmastown celebration, over 500,000 lights adorn the Bavarian-style village, accompanied by music and artificial snowfall.
Enjoy carolers, Santa sightings, and horse-drawn wagon rides in this alpine wonderland. Stay midweek to avoid crowds and book a balcony room at the Bavarian Lodge for magical nighttime views. The Front Street Gazebo hosts nightly performances and cocoa stations, adding to the festive scene.
San Antonio, Texas – River Walk Wonderland
San Antonio’s River Walk transforms into one of the best places to see Christmas lights in the South. Draped in over 100,000 twinkling lights, the walkways sparkle alongside mariachi tunes and glowing bridges. It’s a serene holiday experience with a Southwestern flair.
Catch the season’s kickoff with the Ford Holiday River Parade, then enjoy a peaceful barge ride with GO RIO Cruises. For elevated dining during your stroll, make a reservation at Boudro’s on the Riverwalk. Nearby, the San Antonio Botanical Garden hosts Lightscape, a mile-long trail featuring fire gardens, tunnels, and glowing artwork shaped by nature.
Brooklyn, New York – Dyker Heights Extravaganza
New York City’s Dyker Heights neighborhood is a grassroots legend and one of the best places to see Christmas lights thanks to its homeowner-powered displays. Expect life-size Santas, musical snow globes, and intricate light shows visited by thousands each year.
Main viewing spots include 11th to 13th Avenues between 83rd and 86th Streets. Watch the neighborhood glow from late November through New Year’s Eve. For added fun and context, join a guided tour by A Slice of Brooklyn. Locals recommend the block around 84th and 12th Avenue for the most elaborate displays. Avoid parking headaches by taking the D train to 79th Street and walking in.
Asheville, North Carolina – Grand Estates & Glowing Gardens
For refined Southern charm, Asheville delivers some of the best places to see Christmas lights, especially at the iconic Biltmore Estate. With over 45,000 lights, 55 decorated trees, and lavish Victorian decor, it sets a magical tone for a holiday escape.
After exploring the estate, head to the North Carolina Arboretum for Winter Lights. This walk-through event features light tunnels, musical garden shows, and Blue Ridge mountain views. Time your visit by purchasing entry tickets in advance. On your way home, take a short drive to Black Mountain for charming small-town lights and cozy caroling vibes.
Hershey, Pennsylvania – Chocolate and Cheer
One of the best places to see Christmas lights with a sweet twist is Hershey, Pennsylvania. At Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane, over five million lights shine on coasters, family rides, and candy-themed displays.
Treat yourself to Sweet Lights, a drive-through wonderland featuring 600 animated pieces and two miles of glowing scenes. Warm up with a drink from Milkhouse Coffee before diving in. For a slower-paced experience, visit Hershey Gardens for Glow Nights, which blend botanical brilliance with child-friendly fun.
Branson, Missouri – Ozark Mountain Magic
Families seeking vintage charm will find Branson to be one of the best places to see Christmas lights. Head to Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas for 6.5 million lights, Broadway-style shows, and old-fashioned parades anchored by a jaw-dropping, five-story tree.
Continue your light-filled adventure on the Branson Gift of Lights Drive-Thru or board the Branson Scenic Railway for an unforgettable Polar Express Train Ride. For community flavor, catch the Adoration Parade featuring handmade nativity scenes, local bands, and parade floats downtown.
Kauai, Hawaii – Tropical Christmas Glow
If a warm holiday escape is on your wish list, Kauai offers one of the most unique and best places to see Christmas lights. At Lihue’s County Courthouse Park, recycled materials meet sustainability during the Festival of Lights, creating stunning, eco-conscious displays.
Join locals for the Rice Street Light Parade, featuring hula, illuminated floats, and Hawaiian treats. Lighted paths at Kaua’i Coffee Estate and Poipu Shopping Village showcase tropical holiday decor—from hibiscus flower installations to ukulele carolers. Wrap up with a beach walk beneath palm trees strung with lights for a laid-back, unforgettable night.
Charming Hidden Gems Worth the Detour
If you’ve explored the headliners and still crave more holiday sparkle, venture into these lesser-known destinations—quiet corners that offer big light displays without the big crowds.
- Natchitoches, Louisiana: The Festival of Lights along Cane River Lake blends Southern hospitality with 300,000 lights and fireworks.
- Franklin, Tennessee: This historic town features candlelit windows, vintage Victorian decor, and a nostalgic Holiday Lights Tour.
- Helen, Georgia: A Bavarian-style village that transforms its main street into a glowing alpine trail each December.
These cozy towns may be off the beaten track, but they shine just as brightly—and might become a new holiday tradition for your family to enjoy.
