Taking The Kids’ annual listing of holiday events around the country
We love holiday lights celebrations — the decorations, evergreens, religious displays and multicultural celebrations that light up cities and towns everywhere from November to January.
As always, families gather, enjoy parties, celebrate long-delayed milestones and seek out local festivities. You don’t have to skip winter holiday vacations just because of rising air and hotel costs. Instead, read on to find daytrips and overnight fun at closer-to-home locations.
If budget is not an issue, trends forecasters all point to Europe! For many families this year, a Christmas together is the best reason to visit a favorite European destination.
EUROPE AT THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
Between late November and Christmas Eve, don’t miss the chance to experience one of Europe’s top Christmas Markets together. The France-based CroisiEurope river cruise company makes it comfortable and easy to discover authentic holiday markets. Shop, dine and be entertained as lights twinkle and, if you’re lucky, snowflakes fall on historic town squares. Select December 2024 departures are still available with up to 50% savings. Choose from 4 to 7-day cruises aboard a 22 passenger canal barge or a more traditional river cruise ship. Take in the beauty of Christmas on the Danube, or Delight in the Christmas Markets of the Neckar Valley . If you’re looking for something a little different, consider discovering the magic of Naples, Sicily and the Amalfi Coast. CroisEurope is offering December and Christmas departures. Other options include Christmas or New Years in Venice or the Andalusian region of Spain. If you can’t make it for Christmas, how about the world famous celebration of Carnival in Venice?
If you’d rather chase the Winter sun, consider a 7-day cruise through the Canary Islands. CroisiEurope offers cruises through here from November through early March.
And no matter where you go, get out of the kitchen and enjoy a starry lights display.
TOP U.S. HOLIDAY LIGHTS, DECORATIONS AND FESTIVALS FOR 2024 – ALBUQUERQUE TO AUSTIN
This roundup of the top holiday celebrations across America plus the best and brightest public events was compiled with The Family Travel Forum. We hope you will share your finds and photos with us by using the tag #starrylights when you post to social media. Here’s to getting the kids out to at least one of these memorable events this season. Cheers!
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
The ABQ Biopark Botanic Garden hosts the River of Lights, New Mexico’s largest walk-through holiday production. A past winner of USA Today’s Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, it features giant sculptures created by millions of twinkling lights and nearly 700 dazzling displays. Nov. 30-Dec. 30, 2024
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
Many families believe Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is the most magical time of the year. Guests enjoy a Disney Festival of Holidays, the Latin-themed Viva Navidad!, special dining, holiday décor at Carsland and more. To save this year, skip the pricey theme park tickets and discover free Disney holiday theming at the Downtown Disney mall and over a meal at the Disneyland Resort hotels. Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
Lights on the Bay is a drive-through holiday light show at Sandy Point State Park comprised of more than 60 stationary and animated displays. Pickup 3D glasses to see a glowing lighthouse and blue crabs on Chesapeake Bay. Nov. 24, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025.
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Since the Vanderbilt family moved into the Biltmore estate Christmas Day, 1895, it has hosted a holiday extravaganza. That’s especially important this year after the region’s devastation during Hurricane Helene. Plus, Asheville goes all out with an amazing National Gingerbread House Competition (free public viewings Sunday night through Thursday at Omni Grove Park Inn) and the walk-through “Winter Lights” at the North Carolina Arboretum. Nov. 19-Jan. 5, 2024.
AUSTIN, TEXAS
The 60th annual Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, voted a USA Today “Top 10 Holiday Celebration,” boasts 2 million lights, 90 lighted trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. Several free admission days from 7pm-10pm. Dec. 10-23, 2024.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS, DECORATIONS AND FESTIVALS – BALTIMORE TO BROOKLYN
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Experience the authentic German-style Christmas Village in Baltimore at Inner Harbor. Outdoors, more than 50 local and international vendors sell traditional crafts, gingerbreads, bratwurst, hot pretzels and more. Free admission; handicap accessible; Wednesday to Sunday. Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, 2023.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Take your pick of fabulous holiday lights across Boston. The edutaining Freedom Trail Holiday Stroll (select weekend nights) explores how Boston’s holiday traditions evolved. Christopher Columbus Park transforms into a magical light garden with 50,000 blue LED lamps on trellises. Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025.
BRANSON, MISSOURI
Do not miss an Ozark Mountain Christmas that features over 300 attractions including the 2½-mile long Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the 2-mile Let There Be Lights Trail at Promised Land Zoo. More than 6.5 million lights, 1,000 trees and 30 live shows overtake the Silver Dollar City amusement park. Try advance booking for Branson’s many traditional holiday events including live shows and the chance to ride the Polar Express. Select nights Nov. 1, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025.
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
The Lights of Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn attracts 100,000 visitors to stroll past dozens of amazing private houses. Expect to see massive, professionally wired light displays that start blinking the weekend after Thanksgiving. (Locals say best to come in Mid-December.) Free. Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025.
AMERICA’S BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS, PARADES AND CHRISTMAS CRUISES FOR 2024 – CHARLESTON TO CRUISES
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
The annual Holiday Festival of Lights, considered one of the top 20 holiday lights events in the Southeast, features two million lights arranged in over 750 displays along a 3-mile route. Meet Santa, go climbing, ride a train, craft your own reindeer and more. Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 2024
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
The grand Rock City Garden’s Enchanted Garden of Lights returns for its 30th year with more than 30 illuminated holiday scenes. Stroll the Christmas tree walk and bake cookies. Advance tickets and reserved entry time required Catch 40 more local events with the free, self-guided Holiday Trail of Lights website. Nov. 15,2024-Jan. 4, 2025.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
A key Chicago event, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and parade led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse returns Nov. 23 to kickstart the shopping season. The Museum of Science and Industry celebrates Christmas Around the World with more than 40 trees decorated to celebrate various cultures and holiday traditions. Nov. 16, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025.
CLEVELAND, OHIO
Enjoy the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo walk or drive-through Wild Winter Lights exhibit with more than 1.5 million lights. Don’t miss the Enchanted Forest, Santa’s Workshop or the train circling the lights along Waterfowl Lake. Drive-through Tuesday and Wednesday only. Nov.12-Dec. 30, 2024.
COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO
Be wowed by the largest on-the-water holiday light display in the US. The lakefront Coeur d’Alene Resort runs four nightly “Journey to the North Pole Cruises” for a spectacular view of the holiday celebration. Meet reindeer on the lawn, carolers in the lobby or catch the Travolta Family Show. Nov. 15, 2024- Jan. 1, 2025.
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo produces holiday lights, light sculptures plus crowd-warming firepits and hot cocoa stands for the annual Electric Safari. A bonus: Indoor animal exhibits remain open too. Nearby, The Broadmoor Hotel is also known for its lavish décor including a million holiday lights, garlands, trees and a life-sized Gingerbread creation, different each year. Select nights Dec. 1, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025.
CRUISE CELEBRATIONS
With so many new ships launched in 2024, think about putting a family cruise vacation on your gift list. There are options from bucket list adventures to beach vacations at ports of call around the world. Our annual family cruise guide has all the information you need to choose the best cruise and itinerary for your family.
TOP HOLIDAY LIGHTS, FESTIVALS AND CHRISTMAS MARKETS FROM DENVER TO GRAPEVINE
DENVER, COLORADO
The Mile High City goes all out for the holidays, including the Mile High Tree and downtown’s “Grand Illumination.” Catch a 110 foot-tall immersive LED art installation, the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light, which is sound reactive. Additionally, “Zoo Lights” transforms the Denver Zoo; 4 million lights and thrill rides shine at Elitch Gardens, and the mountain resorts host festivities.. Nov. 20, 2024-Jan. 12, 2025.
GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS
The mile-long Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens includes the Dancing Tree of Light, Ice Land, 3D movies and a 4D Rudolph show, fireside s’mores, ice skating, a 100-foot-long Arctic ice slide and more. Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025.
GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE
Enjoy the marching bands from all over the East, characters, floats, large balloons, dancers, musicians and more at the annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade on Dec. 6, 2024. Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood is legendary, with more than 6 million gleaming holiday lights around the theme park, drone light shows and a train to watch them from. Select days Nov. 5, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025.
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS
They call themselves the Christmas Capital of Texas because there are more than 1,400 events in 40 days, starting with the Carol of Lights at Thanksgiving. Ice skate, ride the Polar Express steam train, learn history with the “Christmas Passport – Elf Adventure” hunt. Stay at the Gaylord Texan resort and immerse your family in glowing holiday-themed lights and a Snow Tubing hill made with real snow. Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 8, 2025.
MORE U.S. HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND FESTIVALS FOR 2024 – HERSHEY TO IOWA
HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA
From the comfort of your car (or the Sweet Lights Trolley), enjoy more than 600 animated displays glowing along 2 miles of forested trails. Hershey Park Christmas Candylane features dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music, theme park rides and all of Santa’s reindeer. Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025.
HONOLULU, O’AHU, ISLANDS OF HAWAII
The Aloha holiday spirit shines throughout the annual, free Honolulu City Lights festival. Check out the gorgeous, illuminated palm trees, winners of the decorated wreath contest and Waikiki Beach Walk. Dec. 1-Dec. 31, 2024.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Indy goes all out illuminating a statue in the Circle of Lights to make it the ‘world’s largest tree.’ Newfields, the contemporary art museum and gardens, puts on a glittery, well-choreographed Winterlights event nightly. Ride a gondola to see the thousands of lights and beacons illuminating the zoo. There’s a Jingle Rails train show at the Eiteljorg Museum, special events at the Children’s Museum plus much more. Select nights Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 11, 2025.
IOWA
Iowa families love the many free light displays. Enjoy the downtowns of Oskaloosa and Atlantic where millions of lights decorate buildings, plus the new Jingle Bright display in Manchester. Keokuk’s City of Christmas takes over the park with 150 lighted displays with one million+ lights and accompanying music score. Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2024.
AMERICA’S TOP LIGHTS DISPLAYS FROM LAS VEGAS TO McADENVILLE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Las Vegas is always an unforgettable wonderland featuring seasonal entertainment and attractions. Feast your eyes on “Glittering Lights” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Join carolers at the “Holiday Experience at the Park.” The Bellagio (fountains and greenhouse), Aria and Cosmopolitan hotels all have festive outdoor attractions, most free of charge. The “Magical Forest at Opportunity Village” raises money for the disabled. Here’s the Vegas.com calendar of holiday events. Nov. 21, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025.
LOUSIVILLE, KENTUCKY
It’s not every town where you can experience holiday lights underground but that’s just what Louisville Mega Caverns offers. Drive through Lights Under Louisville with more than 6.5 million lights arranged in themed displays, very cool mapping projections and 900 illuminated characters in a vast complex of caves. Nov. 8, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025.
MIAMI, FLORIDA
Hotspot Miami boasts gorgeous beaches, an outdoor lifestyle and lots of holiday family activities. Our favorite Fairchild Tropical Gardens features amazingly festive nighttime illuminations, storytime with Mrs. Claus and more at a Very Merry Festive Garden. Two nearby estates of the rich and famous (Deering and Vizcaya) celebrate with Insta-worthy Christmas decor. Nov. 2, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Lights displays, festive trees, shop windows, live music and live reindeer greet holiday-goers in Memphis. The city’s Museum of Science and History and Botanic Gardens display beautifully decorated trees and lights. At Graceland, book ahead for live concerts of Elvis’ Christmas Peace album and holiday house tours. Nov. 16, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
The city of Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival celebrates in Pere Marquette Park, Zeidler Union Square and Cathedral Square. Meet Santa, ride the Jingle Bus and catch live acts. Enjoy a larger-than-life ornament sculpture, a drone aerial show, harp lamp lighting and décor suspended above downtown intersections. Nov. 21, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025.
MCADENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
McAdenville’s Christmas Town USA, in its 69th year, is just as glittery as ever. Get your cameras ready for the downtown Nativity scene and hundreds of holiday trees lit with 1.5 million red, white and green lights. Best of all, it’s free! Nov. 30-Dec. 26, 2024.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND DECOR FOR 2024 – NEW ORLEANS TO NEW YORK
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Celebration in the Oaks, a time-honored tradition, blankets more than 25 acres of City Park’s famous moss-covered oaks with a million twinkling light displays. Drive the 2.25-mile illuminated tour or stroll the decorated Carousel Gardens to see the carousel, botanical gardens and enjoy 18 rides at the small midway. Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025.
NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA
The 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has it all. In addition to one of the largest illuminated boat parades (Dec. 18-22, 2024) in the country, elaborately decorated waterfront estates compete in their “Ring of Lights” contest. Holiday Lights cruises sail the shoreline Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
New York celebrates the winter holidays big time. Iconic attractions include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the world’s largest Menorah in Brooklyn, the Rockettes, and the Botanical Garden’s adorable Holiday Train Show. It is always free to check out the amazing puppetry, robotics, animation and sparkling LED lights of Fifth Avenue store windows with your brood. Visit NYC & Company for current holiday events. Nov. 8, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025.
MORE HOLIDAY CHEER AND FESTIVITIES FOR 2024 – OCEAN CITY TO PINE MOUNTAIN
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Northside Park hosts an expanded Winterfest of Lights themed to popular fairy tales. Come see the 50-foot Christmas tree put on a light show. Closed Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday is bring your pet night! Nov.21-Dec. 31, 2024.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Orlando’s Walt Disney World welcomes guests with holiday cheer, festive shows and lavish decor at all four theme parks. Over at Universal Orlando Resort, count on the annual Macy’s holiday parade and winter décor at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Catch dazzling Lights at Harry P. Leu Gardens in a hi-tech, three-quarter mile outdoor interactive experience. Dezerland Park, SeaWorld, Legoland and other attractions boast their own lights celebrations. See VisitOrlando (Select dates Nov. 8, 2024-Jan.8, 2025.)
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
The 450-acre Living Desert Zoo celebrates three decades of WildLights by blanketing the botanical gardens with thousands of lights. Hunt for a herd of life-size, luminescent animal lanterns or enjoy a cocktail at the new, adults-only WildLights Adult Nights. Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2024.
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
Nights of a Thousand Candles, honored as a “Favorite Botanical Garden Holiday Lights” by USA Today Top 10, comes alive amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling electric lights at the sculpture filled Brookgreen Gardens. Nov. 30, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
For crazy homegrown lights, nothing beats Miracle on South 13th Street, a Philadelphia neighborhood that blows its electricity budget nightly in December. There are many cool civic events, too; check out VisitPhilly.com. Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Combine a temperate climate, golf and beautiful resorts — add twinkling lights — and you have the allure of Phoenix / Scottsdale during the holidays. Our favorite celebration is “Las Noches de Las Luminarias,” when 50,000 cacti at Desert Botanical Garden glow with 8,000 hand-lit paper lanterns. Dec. 3 31, 2024.
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
The entire town becomes a winter wonderland during the city’s annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest. The Wonders of Light Walking Trail and separate WinterFest Driving Tour of Lights welcome pets and wheelchairs. Dollywood theme park’s “Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas” Is also a must. Nov. 7, 2024-Feb. 16, 2025.
PINE MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
Drive, take a trolley, or bike through the Callaway Resort & Gardens’ 7-mile Enchanted Forest at Fantasy in Lights. This winter spectacular voted one of National Geographic’s “Top 10 Light Displays” in the world, has 10 million lights decorating the 2,500-acre property. Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025.
TOP HOLIDAY LIGHTS CELEBRATIONS AND DÉCOR VIEWING FOR 2024 – REDDING TO SYRACUSE
REDDING, CALIFORNIA
The Redding Garden of Lights is a smart holiday display at Turtle Bay McConnell Botanical Gardens. Cross this family-friendly town’s illuminated Sundial Bridge to find a 10-acre wonderland with a model train town, glowing swings, music and animation. Relax over a drink or hot cocoa, stop for s’mores at the firepits, or rent your own igloo to enjoy food, drinks and souvenirs. Select nights Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
Since 1992, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a historic AAA-Four Diamond hotel, has ignited its annual Festival of Lights. USA Today named the hotel’s free holiday extravaganza of lights and animated characters the “Best Public Lights Display in the Nation.” Slow down to admire the mission-style resort’s historic architecture and enjoy a hot cocoa or holiday brunch with your family. Open Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
San Antonio’s River Walk is the place to enjoy more than 100,000 lights artfully adorning the bald cypress trees. Book an outdoor cafe Nov. 29 to celebrate the holiday parade and illumination. Stroll or opt for a Holiday Lights Cruise with caroling. Don’t miss the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias which features more than 2,000 of the traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns lining the riverbank. Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 12, 2025.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
The “San Diego Bay Parade of Lights” features more than 80 lavishly decorated boats sailing by the shores on two December Sundays. This very family-friendly city also presents the Botanic Garden’s million-light Lightscape with tunnels, fire, sculpture and sound installations among many other events. See San Diego calendar. Nov.15, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Check out the top San Francisco holiday attractions including lights, public art, special events and more. Boost the cheer at Pier 39, around City Hall and in Union Square where huge trees, thousands of specialty lights and ornaments abound. Light art brightens block after block of San Francisco for the free, outdoor Illuminate SF Festival of Light with more than 40 installations in 17 neighborhoods created by more than 40 artists. Nov. 8, 2024-Jan. 31, 2025.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Pike Place Market hosts the 29th annual Magic in the Market Nov. 29. Shop the amazing handcrafts vendors and sip eggnog. Ride the rails at the Northwest Railway Museum where the Santa Limited runs festive tours on December weekends. If you prefer the high seas at this popular cruise port, join the “Christmas Ship Festival.” A decked-out cruiser with a choir onboard visits 40 offshore communities to deliver holiday cheer. Nov. 29-Dec. 31, 2024.
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
The 2 1/2 -mile Bright Nights festival at Forest Park is listed on People.com as “One of the Top Ten Holiday Happenings in America.” Look for Supper with Santa, choral groups, wagons and carriage rides past the Garden of Peace display. Wander through Seuss Land which commemorates Springfield’s hometown hero, author Theodore Geisel. Nov. 27, 2024- Jan. 5, 2025.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
Wegman’s Lights on the Lake, is a 2-mile, drive-through show in Onondaga State Park. Watch out for spectacular holiday displays, the larger-than-life Land of Oz, twinkling Fantasy Forest, colorful arches, and a grand finale. Nov. 18, 2024 -Jan. 13, 2025.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND HOLIDAY FESTIVALS FROM VIRGINIA BEACH TO WRIGHTSVILLE
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA
Holidays Lights at the Beach invites you to drive down Atlantic Avenue to see the Boardwalk illuminated in separate nautical, holiday and adventure themes while a soundtrack plays on your car radio. Pause for supper at a seafood cafe then prepare for selfies with the elves who join the Boardwalk’s famous surfing Santa. Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 2024.
WASHINGTON, DC
There are many options to enjoy the holidays in the nation’s capital. Start at the National Christmas Tree and National Menorah surrounded by 56 trees decorated with handmade ornaments from all U.S. states and territories. Experience the traditional decorations, crafts, caroling and life at an 18th-century home at nearby Mount Vernon. Weekend Candlelight Tours are very special, too. Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 6, 2025.
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
Explore Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century celebrations with the firing of guns and fireworks — a historic way to celebrate the holidays. Holiday activities include musical performances, abundant decorations in keeping with the period, a yule log and stories from other countries. Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown also have seasonal décor and programming. Select dates Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 7, 2025.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
Just north of Myrtle Beach, this popular beach town attracts more than 50,000 viewers for the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla each Thanksgiving weekend. Two long-running traditions include the maritime parade featuring decorated power yachts, sailboats and small watercraft, and the huge fireworks display. Of course, nearby Myrtle Beach in So. Carolina celebrates the holidays big time, including a Winter Wonderland, Family Fun Zone and Santa sightings along the famous boardwalk. Nov. 21-Dec. 30, 2024.
Happy Holidays! Please add your favorite lights displays and decorations in our Comment section.
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