“Holiday lights” is a generic term that refers to the various electrical lighting extravaganzas everyone enjoys. Every year’s final weeks become an occasion to showcase nighttime lights.
Seeing and beholding these country and city lights doesn’t always mean you have to be there. Certain lighting festival websites feature still and motion pictures—some with live feeds or other channels—so you can enjoy the lights either while lounging in stockings and pajamas or right there bundled in mittens, coats and scarves as you walk, drive or attend lighted holiday displays.
So, whether you’re located close by or far away, whether you’re alone this season or in the company of friends, family or colleagues, or seek a moment of peace, wonder and amazement, there is illumination for you, too, in holiday lights across America.
Table of contents:
- Alabama – Mobile County
- California – Los Angeles
- California – Riverside
- California – Sacramento
- California – Southern: Coachella Valley, Marina Del Rey, San Diego, Encinitas
- Illinois – Chicago
- Nebraska – Omaha
- New York – Nassau County
- Oregon – Portland
- Pennsylvania – Philadelphia
- Texas – Grand Prairie
- Texas – Houston
- Wisconsin – La Crosse
- Enchant (7 locations nationwide)
La Crosse, Wisconsin: Electrical Lights Feed the Hungry
With a simple purpose to feed the region’s hungry, Rotary Lights in La Crosse, Wisconsin—America’s dairyland—enters its 30th year at Riverside Park. “Nearly 160,000 visitors per year enjoy this holiday tradition while driving, walking or taking a carriage ride,” the food charity company says. “Join us for the opening parade and opening ceremony…[and note that] Santa will be in the park every night through December 23.” A couple of Santa’s reindeer will also be in the park.
An ice skating rink with free skate rentals will be available to use as weather allows and guests can enjoy complimentary s’mores at the fire pits. All Abilities Night returns on Monday, November 27th from 5 pm-8 pm, when Rotary Lights adjusts lights and music to accommodate those who may not have been able to experience the show in the past due to an aversion to loud music and flashing lights. Browse the Event Schedule for details.
With over three million—that’s right, 3,000,000!—electrical lights, this North American lighting display is among the most ambitious in the United States. It’s free to attend. All Rotary Lights asks in return is that guests consider making a food or cash donation to feed those in need.
Event: Rotary Lights at Riverside Park
Dates: 11/24/24 – 12/31/23
Open: 5-10 pm, special hours Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
Location: 410 Veterans Memorial Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Southern California – Los Angeles: Take a Train through a Festival of Lights in Griffith Park
“Beginning the day after Thanksgiving,” LA’s Griffith Park recently announced, “join us for an evening train ride around our festively decorated, one-mile track in Griffith Park.”
Every night until early January, the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad is transformed into an enchanted locomotive toward festivities in scenes decorated with thousands of lights. A gift kiosk and a few winter-themed, open-air photo booths have been added. The cost of the train ride, which goes from November 24th through January 7th, is seven dollars per guest (18 months and under ride for free).
The trip lasts about 10 minutes as you make your way around a mile-long track journeying into holiday lights in one of America’s largest city parks. The ride’s appropriate for all ages.
Event: Holiday Light Festival Train Ride
Dates: 11/24/23 – 1/7/24 (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve)
Open: 5-8 pm Monday – Thursday, 5-9 pm Friday & Saturday
Location: Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Northern Illinois – Chicago: Starscape, Lightscape and Mandylights
Chicagoland’s botanical gardens’ Lightscape returns this holiday season featuring new installations such as Starscape—hundreds of colorful stars up and down the length of a 130 foot-long tunnel—from the Australian lighting firm Mandylights. Book tickets with the best availability on weeknights and for later time slots.
Event: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Dates: Select dates from 11/10/23 – 1/7/24
Open: 4:30-11 pm, last ticket time 9:15 pm
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022
Omaha, Nebraska: Holiday Lights Festival
Venture into downtown Omaha for the annual Thanksgiving lighting ceremony at the Gene Leahy Mall at 6 pm on Saturday, November 25th.
Here, you can rejoice and celebrate the commencement of the festive holiday season with the kickoff to 2023’s Holiday Lights Festival. Once again, Christmas lights will cast an enchanting glow and illuminate downtown Omaha in and around the Gene Leahy Mall.
“The Holiday Lights Festival celebrates the beauty of our city and the generosity of our community,” says Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. “We are so fortunate to have incredible event partners and community members who work with us every year to make the Holiday Lights Festival a time of free and festive fun for everyone.”
The 24th annual Holiday Lights Festival kicks off with a lighting ceremony Saturday, November 25.
Event: Holiday Lights Festival
Dates: 11/25/23 – 1/1/24
Location: Downtown Omaha
Lone Star State: Motor through Prairie Lights in Texas
Reflecting upon Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, Texas at a place called Lynn Creek Park, an event known as the Prairie Lights features lights within a magical village skirting a walk-through forest filled with carnival rides, shopping and Santa Claus.
Halfway through your holiday drive, motorists can exit the vehicle to indulge in concessions, rides, a picture with Santa Claus, an enchanted forest, and Christmas shopping.
The rest of the drive culminates in a light tunnel—a dazzling finale of lights for a Christmastime night to remember.
Event: Prairie Lights
Dates: 11/23/23 – 12/31/23
Open: 6-10 pm
Location: Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Portland, Oregon: Electrical Lights Help Feed the Hungry
Known throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi”, Portland, Oregon’s 31st annual Safeway Winter Wonderland powered by Advantis Credit Union promises “glimmers and glows around every corner.” Money made from the event funds the Sunshine Division’s efforts to give nutritious meals to hungry people in Portland.
Spectators enjoy a drive-through light show from the comfort of their own motor vehicles, viewing over 250 colorful light set pieces with fully animated scenes along the way. Buy tickets to this year’s show here. For faster access, buy tickets to use the Toyota VIP Lane. Organizers forewarn that Saturday nights are busy with waiting times as long as an hour.
The first hour is best for shorter waiting periods. Since 1923, Sunshine Division has provided free food and clothing to people in crisis. This December marks 100 years that Sunshine Division, the Portland Police Bureau members, and volunteers from the community deliver holiday food boxes to hungry people’s homes. Thanks to these charitable efforts, 2,500 holiday meals and turkeys will be delivered to those in need this holiday season.
In addition to traditional holiday home delivery, Sunshine Division’s food delivery program serves an escalating, inflation-era need among thousands of Portland-area people. The charity’s goal: no one goes hungry this holiday season.
Sunshine Division offers food assistance six days a week at their N. Thompson location, five days a week at their SE Stark location, and 24-hour food assistance through a partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, which store Sunshine Division food boxes at each police precinct to be dispatched at any time.
Sunshine Division also provides no-cost, bulk food and food boxes to local hunger relief charities and agencies serving Clark, Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah counties. Besides hunger relief, they offer new and gently-used clothing in rooms and provide new school clothes for needy children through the Izzy’s Kid’s program which pairs a Portland police officer with a child for a one-on-one shopping experience. If you need help with food assistance, please click here.
Event: Winter Wonderland Portland
Dates: 11/24/23 – 12/31/23
Open: 5-10 pm Monday-Thursday, Friday-Sunday 4:30-11;00 pm
Location: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217
California: Riverside County’s Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights returns with the 31st Anniversary lighting display along Main Street in one of the most iconic places in Southern California’s Riverside County. The lighting event at Main Street’s Mission Inn debuts again as a self-guided holiday lighting and festival experience. Visitors are encouraged to take in the lights of The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa and downtown Riverside light displays—besides visiting shops, merchants and restaurants—taking time with Santa Claus beginning Saturday, November 18th.
“Meet Jolly Saint Nick and his elves before Christmas Day to check if you’re on his nice list,” the city of Riverside entices everyone, noting that the organic, meet-and-greet is available without professional photographers or reservations. It’s strictly for families on a first-come, first-served basis and, of course, private camera and smartphone photography is allowed. All ages are welcome.
Visiting dates and hours for Santa are:
- Thursday – Sunday 5 pm – 10 pm
- Christmas Eve; December 24th 2 pm – 9 pm
- Closed Christmas through New Year’s Eve
- Location: Main St. between University Ave. and Mission Inn Ave
Event: Riverside Festival of Lights
Dates: 11/18/23 – 12/31/23
Location: Downtown Riverside, CA – Main St. between University Ave. and Mission Inn Ave.
Houston, Texas: Light Festival Open for Christmas and New Year’s
Near Houston at the Raceway Park in Baytown, visitors can explore illuminated castles and the world’s landmarks, go under the sea and step into imaginary lands of delight and adventure.
Magical Winter Lights encompasses seven themed displays with more than six million lights. The electrical light festival runs throughout the holiday season from November 17 through January 7, 2024, and it’s open to the public on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Magical Winter Lights Houston is a spectacular, 45-day, larger-than-life festival and holiday celebration on 20 acres of outdoor space, featuring Texas-sized lantern masterpieces using Chinese lantern-making techniques, some of which are 60-feet high. This is Houston’s largest holiday celebration and America’s largest lantern festival.
Event: Magical Winter Lights
Dates: 11/17/23 – 1/7/24
Open: 5-9:30 pm Sunday-Thursday, 5-10:30 pm Friday & Saturday
Location: 2525 FM 565, Baytown, TX 77523
Philadelphia: Christmas Lights in America’s First Capital
Philly welcomes back “in-person holiday celebrations throughout our city.” The city of brotherly love—the nation’s first capital—invites everyone to get back to indulging in the wonder of glorious, colorful displays of the city’s electrical Christmas lights.
“From our breathtaking tree lighting” featuring show-stopping performances, “to our unforgettable Holiday Parade on Market Street,” the city is grateful to festival sponsors Visit Philadelphia, Independence Blue Cross, Primark, and Wawa for bringing the Holiday Parade back “as we continue this spectacular tradition”.
Event: Philly Holiday Experience
Alabama: Magic Christmas in Lights
Every night from November 24th through January 3rd (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) Alabama’s Magic Christmas in Lights runs during a delightful walking tour of Bellingrath Gardens. The walk takes about an hour to complete. Wagons and wheelchairs can be rented, parking is free and hot chocolate and snacks are available for purchase on Live Oak Plaza.
Or enjoy hot evening meals in the Magnolia Café nightly from 4 pm to 8 pm—with beer, wine or Irish coffee available for purchase in the Magnolia Café and on Live Oak Plaza at the midpoint of the walking tour. Santa Claus appears at Bellingrath Gardens and Home nightly from 5:30 pm to 9 pm through December 23rd and he’s available for pictures in the Magnolia Room, adjacent to the café.
Mobile County’s Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates its 28th year of presenting the Magic Christmas in Lights. This Gulf Coast Christmas pastime lets guests stroll through an electric lighting display throughout the 65-acre estate. The historic, 15-room Bellingrath Museum Home, decorated with festive poinsettias and lights, is open from 8 am to 9 pm—tours allowing a glimpse into the lives of Walter and Bessie Bellingrath are from 9 am to 8:30 pm every hour and half hour—featuring original furnishings decorated for Christmastime.
Magic Christmas in Lights is a made-in-Alabama production. Each year, set pieces for the holiday lights are designed, welded, painted and lamped by Bellingrath’s staff. Three employees work full-time all year on the light display.
Event: Magic Christmas in Lights
Dates: 11/24/23 – 1/3/24 (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
Open: Park open 8 am-9 pm
Location: Bellingrath Gardens & Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, AL 36582
New York, the Empire State: Eisenhower Park in Electric Christmas Lights
“Every year,” New York’s Nassau County proclaims, “we bring new and unique pieces of art into our festival to create a multi-acre immersive experience full of magic and wonder” in electricity and light. “This year’s theme, “Wonder Journey” will deliver state-of-the-art production that brings art, light, and color to life through remarkable displays!”
Dubbed “the best holiday light festival in New York,” LuminoCity and Nassau County work hard to imagine and create “a world of magical light installations that come to life at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York.” Their state-of-the-art production pledges to bring art, light and color to life with remarkable displays across Lumi’s winter wonderland in over 17 Acres at Eisenhower Park.
LuminoCity, using light and imagination, explores concepts of transforming creative thoughts, “inspired by the world around us, into illuminating works of light and color.” Lumi’s Gift Shop will showcase new 2023 and 2024 collectibles. Tickets can only be purchased online. Reserve tickets online in advance, follow instructions and prepare to witness magic in holiday lights.
There are three different tickets—with no admission charge for children ages two and under—starting with General Admission ($34 plus taxes and fees) for ages 12 and up. Kids aged three through 12 ($22 plus taxes and fees) are not be allowed inside unless accompanied by someone 16 years old or older. Lumi’s VIP Ticket ($63 plus taxes and fees) includes a fast pass into the festival via the VIP entrance; 10 percent off festival gift shop (this does not apply to online shop) purchases; complimentary Lumi goody bag with Lumi’s favorite things (worth more than $40) and one free dino ride (kids only).
Event: LuminoCity Festival
Dates: 11/9/23 – 1/7/24 Wednesday-Sunday (except holidays)
Open: 4:30-9:30 pm, 1-hour entry time slots
Location: Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow, NY 11554
America’s Capital City and More: Help Santa Claus have an Enchanted Christmas
“The world’s largest Christmas light maze and village” comes to Kansas City, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, San Jose, Scottsdale, St. Petersburg and the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, this holiday season with an “illuminated winter wonderland.”
“Experience a world of adventure with awe-inspiring animated light sculptures, and discover our charming village offering live entertainment, interactive games, dining, holiday shopping, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and so much more,” Enchant Christmas promises on its website. The lighting festival and experience opens on the day after Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s Day.
Cities scheduled for the enchanted Christmas include:
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- San Jose, California
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Washington, District of Columbia
What’s winter and the holidays without ice skating? “Lace up those skates, and hit the trail on real ice,” organizers tease. “Glide along through a dazzling forest full of Christmas lights. We’ll provide the skates, you create the memories.”
What’s more, they invite visitors to shop in Christmas village—filled with tiny shops of artisan vendors trading uniquely crafted goods and browse boutiques to “deck your halls.”
Holiday treats and unique beverages “put even Scrooge in a festive mood,” topped by “our epic 100-foot tall Christmas tree. Stroll through lighted tunnels and larger-than-life displays with your family and friends snapping photos all along the way. And while you are there, you can help Santa save Christmas”.
Event: Enchant
Dates: Select dates from 11/24/23 to 12/31/23
Location: 7 locations nationwide
Northern California: California’s Capital City Lights Up the Night
With more than three million lights across 15 acres with carnival rides, shows and a laser maze, Sacramento’s Light Up the Night at the Cal Expo Center by Imaginarium – “Light Up the Night” bills itself as “the largest holiday light festival in America.” The experience, which runs from November 18 through January 2, includes food, a meet-and-greet with certain characters, laser tag, an ice rink and a beer garden.
“Guests can let their imagination run wild as they gaze at … newly designed fantasy zones” as well as a circus-style performance with duels high above the ground, acrobatics and an animatronic dinosaur. Children can meet Penny the Penguin and Max Powers—who vows to protect all guests—in the “largest, all-light rose garden, featuring 35,000 LED roses offers the perfect and most romantic backdrop for a proposal.”
Five couples were engaged during last year’s Imaginarium light festival. Buy tickets online or at the Cal Expo office.
Event: Imaginarium “Light Up the Night”
Dates: 11/17/23 – 1/7/24
Location: Cal Expo Center, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
Southern California: Bright Botanic Lights, Boats and Desert Landscapes
In California’s Coachella Valley east of Los Angeles, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens showcases WildLights featuring one million twinkling, colorful Christmas lights in variously themed models and displays. Visit the synchronized tunnel of lights set to Christmas and holiday music—behold model trains on thousands of feet of tracks and take pictures with Santa Claus. WildLights in Palm Desert, celebrating its 30th anniversary, features light displays designed in harmony with native plants and walkways to give visitors a feeling of gaiety, lightness and holiday cheer. Lighting installations are available on select days from November 22nd to December 30th. Admission for adults ranges from $19.95 to $22.95, depending on the day you attend.
Event: Wildlights
Dates: 11/22/23 – 12/30/23 (select days)
Open: 6-9 pm
Location: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade was founded in 1963 when 50 boats showcased Christmas music and lights as they rounded the main channel of the harbor at Marina del Rey. This year, on December 10th, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade features more than 100 boats of all sizes. Parade President David Ross said in an interview that the boat parade projects between 25,000 and 30,000 spectators watching from both sea and land. Ross, who’ll be a passenger on one of the judging boats, recommends viewing from the Burton W. Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village for the best sight lines. He forewarns that parking is difficult and suggests that Marina del Rey Boat Parade spectators be dropped off in advance.
Event: Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Dates: 12/9/23
Open: 5:55-8 pm
Location: 2 viewing locations (1) Burton Chance Park, 13650 Mindanao Way; (2) Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way
Roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate on certain days from November 18th through New Year’s Day at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, California, a 37-acre extravaganza where guests can stroll along a mile-long pathway through elaborate lighting installations. Features include lantern trees, a tunnel of light and a separate cathedral of lights by Lightscape.
“The Lightscape artists understand botanic gardens and arboreta and plants,” San Diego Botanic Garden President and CEO Ari Novy told the press. “The installations are designed to integrate and highlight our plants.” Parking booked in advance is $10 (versus $20 on site) and adult admission is $29. Lightscape also returns to the grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia in the San Gabriel Valley.
Event: Lightscape
Dates: 11/18/23 – 1/1/24
Open: 5-8:30 pm
Location: San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
In Claremont, California, the California Botanic Garden sponsors a bonfire where hot chocolate and light fare will be served in Luminaria Nights, a walkable, 35-acre experience with string lights throughout the grounds, including the pond where visitors can immerse themselves in water-reflected light. Additionally, local musical artists will perform Christmas and other festive shows at both the new indoor-outdoor Lewis Family Forest Pavilion and the open-air Sage Gallery.
Event: Luminary Nights
Dates: 12/16/23
Open: 6-9 pm
Location: California Botanic Garden, 1500 N College Avenue, Claremont CA
