The Best Places To See The Holiday Lights in North America
The holidays have arrived!
Not only do we love this time of year, but we love seeing all of the gorgeous lights and decorations all over North America.
1. Hershey Sweetlights | Hershey Park, Pennsylvania
Experience the magic of nearly 600 illuminated displays from the comfort of your heated car! Hershey Sweetlights, is located inside of Hershey Park and is a part of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, a seasonal festival held every year at the park that includes over 4 million lights, rides and roller coasters and more.
2. Winter Festival of Lights | Niagara Falls, Ontario
This spectacular celebration dates back to 1982 and is Canada's largest illumination festival. Over 1.8 million people flock to Niagara Falls every year to enjoy 15 Canadian Wildlife displays, over fifty trees wrapped in lights, the world’s largest Canadian-American Flag, a light show on the Toronto Power Generating Station, the two-storey tall Zimmerman Fountain, and a visitor favourite, Noah’s Ark!
3. Illumination at Morton Arboretum | Lisle, Illinois
This award-winning light show is a mile long walking tour through the 50 acre arboretum with stunning lights, music, and projections. You can even warm up by the crackling fire while roasting marshmallows!
4. Austin Trail of Lights | Austin, Texas
See Zilker Park transform into the walk-through Trail of Lights that attracts thousands of locals and tourists every year. The celebration includes two million lights, 90 holiday trees, over 70 displays, and nightly entertainment. This year marks the 55th annual celebration!
5. Busch Garden's Christmas Town | Williamsburg, Virginia
Busch Gardens goes all out for their holiday celebration, including over 10 million lights, a tree maze, rides and coasters, festive food and drinks, holiday shopping, and heart-warming shows. Even Rudolph stops to make an appearance at the celebration!
6. Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado
Celebrate the holiday season at the Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens! This event has been a local favorite for over three decades and transforms York Street into a winter wonderland. You won't want to miss the spectacular 360-degree immersive light experience!
7. Disneyland | Anaheim, California
Who wouldn't want to celebrate one of the most magical times of the year at one of the most magical places in the world? As expected, Disneyland goes all out for their seasonal celebration with festive decor, classic park attractions turned into a winter wonderland, and the Season of Lights evening shows.
8. Festival of Lights | Vancouver, Canada
Hosted in the VanDusen Botanical Garden, the Festival of Lights is a yearly celebration that includes a carousel, mesmerizing dancing lights on Livingstone Lake, Santa's Lodge for free photos with Santa, and tons of selfie spots and photo opps for the whole family!
9. Christmas Town | McAdenville, North Carolina
USA Today has once again named McAdenville, Christmas Town USA on it's list of 20 Town's and Cities for Best Public Holiday Light Display! The common areas of town feature a large Nativity scene and over 250 Evergreens covered with lights. Over 160 beautiful homes are fully decorated in the Christmas spirit. Drive or walk through as much as you would like because the best part is that there is NEVER a charge. Visit their website for directions and times.
10. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | Charlotte, North Carolina
This is such a family favorite for us and we have made it a part of our annual tradition for many years. A stroll through the gardens is delightful for all, as it the crackling fire and sipping warm cocoa to the sweet sounds of holiday music. A wonderful model train exhibit is set up and there are other exhibits throughout such as the enchanting fairy village. We always find a perfect spot for a family photo! Don't forget to check the events calendar for Santa and Mrs. Clause times. They do have a special Santa visit for those children that have special sensory needs as well. I look forward to seeing you there!