16 Places in America Where December Lights and Decorations Go All Out
When December arrives, certain places across the United States become a visual feast for the eyes. From huge light displays to perfectly decorated streets, these destinations bring the holiday season to life in the most spectacular way. Each year, communities go above and beyond to create dazzling decorations that make the streets and neighborhoods come alive with holiday cheer. Whether it’s the sight of a twinkling tree or the glow of thousands of lights, these places transform into winter wonderlands. The beauty of it all encourages people to slow down and savor the season. Visitors can wander through these festive locations, enjoying not just the lights but the lively atmosphere that comes with them.
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Austin Trail of Lights (Austin, Texas)
The Austin Trail of Lights is a large-scale holiday display located in Zilker Park, showcasing over 2 million lights, 90 Christmas trees, and dozens of other light displays. Visitors can walk or drive through the park, enjoying the seasonal spirit that fills the air as they pass by lighted arches and themed installations.
In addition to the main display, the Trail of Lights offers performances from local artists, food vendors, and a petting zoo, making it a family-friendly destination. The event has become a tradition for many Austinites, providing a festive outing that draws crowds from all over the region.
Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Bright Nights at Forest Park has been a beloved holiday tradition since its inception, transforming the park’s natural beauty into a dazzling winter wonderland. The light displays include large holiday-themed sculptures, intricate designs, and glowing trees, which can be admired from the comfort of your car or while walking along illuminated paths. This festive event has become one of the region’s most popular attractions.
The event also includes a variety of additional attractions, such as horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa. The twinkling lights reflect the joy and community spirit of Springfield, and each year, new displays are added to surprise returning visitors. It is an event that brings people together, offering an experience that mixes art, nature, and holiday cheer in a seamless blend.
Hershey Sweet Lights (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
Hershey Sweet Lights is an enchanting drive-through light display where visitors pass through a two-mile-long route illuminated by 600 displays and over 2 million twinkling lights. This immersive experience invites guests to enjoy the magic of the season as they journey through snow-covered landscapes, creating a truly festive atmosphere. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the town of Hershey during the holidays.
Alongside Sweet Lights, Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane offers visitors a more interactive holiday experience, featuring more than 5 million lights, festive rides, and holiday-themed shows. The park’s glowing pathways and Christmas music enhance the cheerful spirit, and families can visit Santa in his workshop for a heartwarming experience. Both events showcase the town’s dedication to creating an unforgettable holiday experience for everyone.
Portland International Raceway Winter Wonderland (Portland, Oregon)
The Winter Wonderland light display at Portland International Raceway is one of the largest and most popular of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Guests can drive through more than 250 elaborate displays that illuminate the raceway’s grounds, with glowing trees, holiday scenes, and animated displays creating a magical journey. This event continues to grow in size each year, with more creative and intricate displays added.
In addition to the drive-through experience, visitors can enjoy walking or biking on certain nights, allowing a closer look at the lights and a more intimate holiday experience. Families can also enjoy food vendors, hot drinks, and other seasonal entertainment as they make their way through the wonderland.
Peacock Lane (Portland, Oregon)
Peacock Lane is a charming four-block residential street in Portland, known for its vibrant holiday displays. Every December, the homes on this street are decorated with thousands of lights, turning it into a glittering spectacle for all to enjoy. The street is renowned for its festive atmosphere, with each house showcasing its unique holiday decorations, including Christmas trees, wreaths, and various festive characters.
The tradition of Peacock Lane has been passed down through generations, with neighbors working together to create an enchanting experience. Visitors can stroll through the street, taking in the lights and decorations while enjoying seasonal treats from nearby stands. With its close-knit community and longstanding tradition, Peacock Lane remains a staple of Portland’s holiday celebrations.
Miracle on 34th Street (Hampden, Baltimore, Maryland)
Miracle on 34th Street is a magical neighborhood light display that turns an ordinary street in Baltimore into an extraordinary holiday spectacle. For over 70 years, homeowners have come together to decorate their rowhouses with thousands of lights, turning the entire block into a shimmering holiday scene. The unique aspect of this display is its community-driven spirit, where the neighbors unite to create something truly special.
The display has become an iconic Baltimore tradition, attracting visitors from across the country who come to admire the bright lights and cheerful atmosphere. The decorations vary from traditional Christmas trees to whimsical holiday characters, offering something for everyone. Best of all, the display is free for visitors to enjoy, making it an accessible and beloved holiday tradition.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights (St. Augustine, Florida)
Nights of Lights in St. Augustine is a captivating holiday event that transforms the city into a glowing, festive paradise. Known for its white lights that decorate the historic buildings, trees, and waterfront areas, the display brings a sense of elegance and serenity to this Spanish‑style city. The soft white lights create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for visitors, highlighting St. Augustine’s rich history and charm.
Visitors can take a trolley tour or enjoy a boat ride to view the lights from different perspectives. The event complements the city’s festive activities, such as parades and live performances, adding to the magic of the season. St. Augustine’s blend of history, architecture, and holiday cheer makes it one of the most enchanting places to visit during December.
Denver, Colorado (Downtown Denver & 16th Street Mall)
Downtown Denver comes alive in December with a dazzling array of lights that adorn the city’s streets, buildings, and public spaces. The 16th Street Mall, a bustling pedestrian area, is lined with trees and storefronts decorated in thousands of colorful lights, making for a truly festive walk through the heart of the city.
In addition to the lights, the city offers seasonal performances, ice skating rinks, and holiday shopping, making it a perfect destination for families and visitors looking to get into the Christmas spirit. The mix of urban energy and holiday decor creates a magical experience that visitors can enjoy year after year.
Leavenworth, Washington (Bavarian-style mountain town)
Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-style village, transforms into a stunning winter wonderland every December. The town’s alpine architecture is enhanced by thousands of twinkling lights that line the streets and decorate buildings. The atmosphere evokes a festive European vibe, with snowy peaks providing the perfect backdrop for the holiday displays.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of holiday activities, including strolling through the village, shopping for handmade crafts, and indulging in seasonal treats. Leavenworth is also known for its outdoor holiday concerts, carolers, and live performances that add a magical touch to the festive atmosphere.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival (Omaha, Nebraska)
The Omaha Holiday Lights Festival is a beloved holiday tradition, lighting up the downtown area with more than 40 city blocks of dazzling lights. The event features a mix of traditional displays and modern light art, creating a dynamic holiday experience that spans the entire city center. The festival also includes interactive exhibits and photo opportunities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the holiday magic.
In addition to the lights, Omaha’s festival offers a range of festive activities, including ice skating, seasonal markets, and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Families can enjoy hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies, and live entertainment as they take in the glowing beauty of the city. Omaha’s blend of twinkling lights and lively events makes it a top destination for anyone looking to celebrate the holidays in style.
Winter City Lights Holiday Festival (Maryland area)
The Winter City Lights Holiday Festival spans acres of land and is known for its breathtaking display of over 1 million lights. Guests can explore a magical winter wonderland filled with massive holiday-themed sculptures, glowing trees, and a towering 50-foot Christmas tree that serves as the centerpiece of the event.
Beyond the lights, visitors can enjoy food trucks, hot drinks, and other seasonal delights. The event often features themed areas such as a Candy Cane Lane and an Ice Palace, adding to the festive atmosphere. This holiday festival offers an enchanting way to experience the joy and beauty of the season with loved ones.
Magical Winter Lights (Houston / Fort Bend County area, Texas)
Magical Winter Lights is a spectacular light festival in Houston that transforms a fairground into a glowing holiday village. With over 1 million lights spread across various themed exhibits, including a Chinese Lantern Festival, this event is known for its vibrant displays and artistic flair. Guests can enjoy whimsical light installations, towering sculptures, and illuminated walkways, all set to festive music.
The festival also offers carnival-style rides, games, and live entertainment, making it an ideal place for families and friends to celebrate together. With food vendors offering traditional holiday treats, Magical Winter Lights is an immersive experience that brings the magic of Christmas to life in a warm climate. The variety of attractions ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Santa Fe Farolito Walk (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Santa Fe’s Farolito Walk is a serene and unique holiday experience that sets it apart from traditional light displays. Instead of modern electric lights, the city is decorated with thousands of farolitos, small paper lanterns filled with candles, lining the streets, rooftops, and pathways. This warm, flickering light creates a peaceful, almost mystical ambiance throughout the historic district.
The walk is a beloved tradition, with families and locals walking together through the glowing streets, soaking in the quiet beauty of the holiday lights. The event celebrates the city’s Spanish heritage and offers a sense of calm and reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of the season. The Farolito Walk is a perfect way to experience the holidays in a slower, more contemplative manner.
Vail, Colorado (Alpine resort town)
Vail, a well-known ski resort town, takes full advantage of its winter surroundings to create a festive holiday atmosphere. During December, the streets of Vail are lined with twinkling lights, and the mountain resort is aglow with decorations that enhance the town’s picturesque charm. Snow-covered rooftops and towering pine trees add to the winter wonderland feel, making Vail an ideal destination for holiday visitors.
In addition to the lights, Vail offers seasonal events such as outdoor ice skating, live performances, and cozy après-ski lounges. Visitors can stroll through the village, taking in the sights and sounds of the season while sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine. The combination of stunning natural beauty and holiday cheer makes Vail a top pick for anyone seeking a mountain getaway during December.
Ogunquit Christmas (Ogunquit, Maine)
Ogunquit, a peaceful coastal village, celebrates Christmas by the Sea with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The town is beautifully decorated with lights and holiday displays that line the beach and downtown area. Visitors can enjoy casual strolls along the shore, take in the seasonal decorations, and stop at local shops for unique gifts and treats.
Ogunquit’s small-town charm is enhanced by events such as holiday bonfires on the beach, which create a cozy setting for evening gatherings. The town’s festive spirit is a perfect blend of holiday cheer and seaside tranquility, offering a peaceful escape from larger, more commercialized celebrations. Ogunquit is a perfect destination for those who prefer a low-key, yet festive holiday experience.
Solvang, California (Danish village)
Solvang, a Danish-style village nestled in California’s wine country, celebrates the holidays with festive lights that adorn its charming streets and buildings. The town’s European-inspired architecture provides the perfect backdrop for Christmas decorations, and the entire village glows with holiday cheer. Visitors can stroll through the streets, enjoying the holiday displays and sampling seasonal treats from local bakeries.
In addition to the lights, Solvang hosts a variety of events, including a Christmas parade, caroling, and visits from Santa Claus. The town’s combination of Danish culture and holiday spirit creates a unique experience for those looking for something different from the typical Christmas destination. Solvang’s festive atmosphere and charming vibe make it a must-see holiday destination for families and couples alike.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.