The holiday season is here, and nothing feels more festive than surrounded by glowing Christmas lights.
Something about how they light up the night makes everything feel more cheerful and magical.
All across the U.S., towns and attractions go big with their displays, featuring millions of lights, fun themes, and even music that syncs with the lights.
So, if you’re ready to make your holiday season extra special, these Christmas light shows are the perfect way to do it.
Get your family or friends together and enjoy the season’s magic at these amazing displays!
Key Takeaways
- See 5 million lights at Stone Hedge in Pennsylvania, including a giant glowing flag tunnel and kid-friendly displays.
- Stroll through Maine’s Gardens Aglow, featuring 66 miles of LED lights and handcrafted sculptures.
- Experience Louisiana’s Candy Cane Lane, with dancing trees, glowing tunnels, and lights synced to music.
Stone Hedge Golf Course, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania
Set in Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains, Stone Hedge Golf Course transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holidays.
With over 5 million lights, this display is amazing and potentially the best place to see Christmas lights.
One of its standout features is the giant flag tunnel, a glowing tribute to the American flag you can drive through.
Another jaw-dropping sight is “The River,” which uses 2,368 strands of lights, each with 100 bulbs.
Kids will love the fun animated displays scattered throughout the course, while adults can admire the synchronized soldier scenes.
Bill and Karen Force Ruark, the owners, add fresh designs every year, keeping visitors coming back for more.
Stone Hedge is open daily (except Christmas Eve) through December 31, so you have plenty of time to visit.
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights, Clemmons, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights has been lighting up the season for more than three decades.
The display runs through January 1, with lights glowing nightly from 6 to 11 p.m.
It features 1.5 million lights spread across a five-mile route with about 150 displays.
Favorites include a towering 100-foot Christmas tree, a pirate ship, and a majestic dragon.
The Bell Land section adds music to the mix, with light-up bells that blink in time with festive tunes.
And if you want to make it even more fun, you can hop on a tractor-pulled hayride for a unique view of the lights.
With 250,000 visitors every year, this is part of the Christmas light displays you don’t want to miss.
Fantasy in Lights, Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia
If you’re looking for a show-stopping display, head to Callaway Resort & Gardens in Georgia, and you won’t be disappointed.
Their Fantasy in Lights show is ranked as one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays in the World.
This holiday favorite features a seven-mile scenic drive with 17 themed scenes, all synced to holiday music.
You can enjoy the view from the cozy comfort of your car or hop on the open-air Jolly Trolley for a more interactive experience.
Not to mention, this family-friendly event is surprisingly affordable, with tickets for a family of four starting at under $90.
If you want to turn it into a getaway, overnight packages start at just $229.
Fantasy in Lights runs through January 4, so plan your visit before it’s too late.
Holiday Lane at American Christmas, Mount Vernon, New York
In Mount Vernon, Holiday Lane transforms into a magical walk-through wonderland with 100,000 twinkling lights, and it’s one of the best Christmas light displays.
Themed sections like sugar plum fairies and gingerbread houses add extra holiday charm, and visitors can even write letters to Santa.
The displays also include fun animatronic figures, so it’s a hit with families.
Plus, every ticket sold supports three local non-profits, so you’ll feel good about spreading cheer while enjoying the magic.
Before you leave, check out the Christmas in America Shop, which is filled with unique holiday decorations.
Holiday Lane is open through December 29, so add this one to your holiday plans!
Candy Cane Lane, Calhoun, Louisiana
For a light show full of surprises, visit Candy Cane Lane in Louisiana.
This one-mile wooded trail is decked out with 1.5 million lights, including glowing character scenes, light tunnels, and a 33-foot dancing Christmas tree.
The highlight is the 155-foot tunnel, where every light blinks in sync with classic Christmas songs.
Created by the Hanson family, this display is a labor of love that has grown into a popular holiday attraction.
Candy Cane Lane runs nightly through January 4 from 6 to 10 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to check it out.
Gardens Aglow, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine
If you’re in Maine, don’t miss Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
This event features 750,000 LED lights, stretching an incredible 66 miles if laid end-to-end.
What makes it special are the handmade sculptures inspired by Maine’s natural beauty.
You’ll see glowing lighthouses, lobsters, moose, and whimsical fairy houses like the Butterfly House Bar.
Over 120,000 people visit this enchanting display each year, and it’s easy to see why.
Gardens Aglow is open through December, so don’t wait too long to visit!
Night of Lights, St. Augustine, Florida
Florida’s oldest city, St. Augustine, shines bright during the holiday season with its Night of Lights display.
The historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa is a highlight, glowing with millions of white lights.
Visitors can stroll through downtown, take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, or listen to carolers dressed in festive costumes.
This display runs through January 26, making it one of the longest-lasting holiday events on this list.
Make This Holiday Season One to Remember
The holidays are all about joy, magic, and spending time with the people who matter most.
Don’t let this season pass by without taking a little time to experience the magic of these incredible Christmas light displays.
These glowing moments turn ordinary nights into something special and unforgettable.
So grab your family, call your friends, and make plans to visit one (or more!) of these amazing holiday light shows.
It’s time to feel the holiday spirit, soak in the sparkle, and create moments you’ll treasure forever.
Make this holiday season one you’ll always look back on with a smile!
