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Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you’re spending Christmas in Europe or the US, there’s something about the cold weather and the sight of colorful lights that makes us all giddy. You’ll also find elaborate displays across the street, lively markets, and beautiful outdoor skating rinks. But for those who want to admire millions of lights at a comfortable pace, there are drive thru Christmas lights.
Convenient and family-friendly, drive-thru routes like Christmas in Color are also perfect for road trips and if you want to see millions of lights without the strenuous walking. Furthermore, this is one of the best and socially distant ways to celebrate Christmas since you don’t have to get out of your car to admire the scenery.
If you’re looking for Christmas lights drive-thru routes, look no further! Here’s the rundown on where to find them in America.
1. The Lights of Christmas
[caption id="attachment_127994" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from The Lights of Christmas Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Stanwood, Washington
Website: https://www.thelightsofchristmas.com/
If you’re looking for day trips from Seattle this holiday season, check out Stanwood’s Christmas lights show. The Lights of Christmas showcases a light tunnel, life-size Nativity Scene, and other holiday classics. Tune in to the car radio and enjoy traditional Christmas music. Then, pair your scenic drive with fresh mini donuts, popcorn, and a warm coffee or hot chocolate. At the end of your drive, stop by the gift shop and take home novelty items, trinkets, and even Christmas ornaments.
2. Christmas in Color
[caption id="attachment_127855" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Christmas in Color Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Various locations
Website: https://christmasincolor.net/
Christmas in Color is a magical event held in various locations. Whichever location you choose, you will enjoy millions of wonderful illuminations. Lively holiday carols also accompany the dancing lights and giant candy canes, creating a colorful spectacle everyone will enjoy. Best of all, a part of the proceeds from each show is donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This non-profit organization helps children with critical illnesses by granting their wishes.
3. Holiday Festival of Lights
[caption id="attachment_127862" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Holiday Festival of Lights Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Charleston, South Carolina
Website: https://ccprc.com/1975/Holiday-Festival-of-Lights
From mid-November to the end of the year, James Island in Charleston is a must-visit, particularly for its drive thru Christmas lights. The Holiday Festival of Lights is a lakeside drive with lights and jaw-dropping displays. The light displays and figures also extend to the lakeside, creating an idyllic reflection in the water. In addition to the drive-through lights, tourists can step out of their cars, explore the stalls, and join the festivities.
4. Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
[caption id="attachment_127860" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Website: http://www.glitteringlightslasvegas.com/
Las Vegas’ famous lights aren’t just found at casinos and at Fremont Street! Find over five million dazzling lights along the 2.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the holiday season. Split into several fun-themed sections, journey through a visual spectacle of illuminated sea creatures, race cars, and even dinosaurs! Staying true to the spirit of giving, proceeds from the drive-thru lights show go to different charities and organizations. Not only are you able to experience Vegas’ famous Yuletide lights show, but you’re also helping the less fortunate.
7. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
[caption id="attachment_127857" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Website[/caption]
Where: Brooklyn, New York
Website: https://www.dykerheightschristmaslights.com/
Driving through Dyker Heights on Christmas is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn! The residential area transforms into a winter wonderland with a larger-than-life Santa Claus, inflatable snowmen, and twinkling lights. Every house is simply a head-turner and you’ll never run out of photo spots! However, since there are plenty of pedestrians, driving around can be tedious. Nonetheless, the sight of Dyker Heights filled with brilliant decorations is worth it.
8. The Great Christmas Light Show
[caption id="attachment_127870" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from The Great Christmas Light Show Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Website: https://www.nmb.us/433/The-Great-Christmas-Light-Show
Every year, thousands of tourists and locals head to North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex for a leisurely drive surrounded by lights. The road is decked with holiday decorations, light displays, and even animated figures and holiday scenes. After driving through, stop by Santa’s Village for a break and have a cup of hot chocolate and s’mores. You can also hop on the Santa’s Express Train for a different perspective of the lights!
9. Gardens Aglow
[caption id="attachment_127859" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Boothbay, Maine
Website: https://www.mainegardens.org/events-exhibits/gardens-aglow/
Gardens Aglow combines the beauty of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens with the twinkling Christmas lights. While it started as a walk-thru in 2014, it has cleverly transformed into a drive-thru this year for a safer way to enjoy the lights. It has lights wrapped around bushes, trees, and other structures that give it an ethereal glow. Find reindeers, snowmen, and sleighs spread around the garden as you drive through. But the holiday drive doesn’t end there! Check out the residential and business properties competing at the Community Lighting Contest. You can also cast your vote for the winner via text.
10. Magic of Lights
[caption id="attachment_127867" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Magic of Lights Website[/caption]
Where: Various locations
Website: https://magicoflights.com/events/jonesbeach/
The Magic of Lights is one of the much-anticipated light shows all over the country. Some locations include Jones Beach in New York, Daytona International Speedway in Florida, and Little Elm in Texas. Pass through twinkling light tunnels and marvel at the digital displays along the route. Moreover, some locations also offer family-friendly extras along the way. For example, kids can write letters to Santa Claus and drop them off at the makeshift North Pole at the end of Candy Cane Lane. In Florida, you can also take a commemorative photo of your car against the light displays. If you are planning a trip to see the lights, check a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy for timing your visit to other destinations.
11. Tanglewood Festival Of Lights
[caption id="attachment_127869" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Tanglewood Festival Of Lights Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Clemmons, North Carolina
Website: https://www.forsyth.cc/Parks/Tanglewood/fol/
Tanglewood Park’s lush hills transform into an illuminated winter wonderland from November. The Festival of Lights allows visitors to admire the gorgeous Christmas lights from their car or via a hayride for an additional fee. Drive through interactive musical displays, with original music created by the UNC School of the Arts Music Technology students. Make sure to tune your car radio to sync to holiday music for a merry sound trip! Don’t forget to stop by the Gift Village and do some last-minute holiday shopping or enjoy sweets at S'moresville. Attracting over 250,000 visitors annually, this is one of the best drive-through Christmas lights displays in the country.
12. Journey Borealis
[caption id="attachment_127865" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo from Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Hamilton, Ohio
Website: https://journeyborealis.com/
Journey Borealis is the oldest and most popular tradition in Pyramid Hill. Since launching in 1999, the event has raised funds and collaborated with local artists and organizations. Journey Borealis takes you through LED lights and eye-catching art installations. This year, it also boasts more new sections to discover, such as the Candy Cane Forest and Starry Night. You can also download an app via the website that lets you play music as you drive through the lights show!
13. Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm
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Photo from Shady Brook Farm Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Yardley, Pennsylvania
Website: https://shadybrookfarm.com/holiday-light-show/
Shady Brook Farm in Yardley is famous for its seasonal events such as the Holiday Light Show. From November, parts of the farm turn into the perfect holiday destination with drive thru Christmas lights. The light show features many whimsical displays and classic holiday characters that are sure to delight families. Visitors can also see the colorful lights while riding an open-air wagon for a traditional Christmas feel. Then, cap off the night with s’mores, hot chocolate, and other locally-made beverages.
14. Holiday Lights Festival
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Photo from Holiday Lights Festival Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Omaha, Nebraska
Website: https://www.holidaylightsfestival.org/
Have the most festive holiday cheer at the winter lights festival in Omaha! The Holiday Lights Festival is a multi-day event with fun activities and breathtaking sights. The Christmas displays scatter across the Old Market, its surrounding areas, and around North and South Omaha which makes for a scenic drive. Roll down your windows and listen to holiday music as you drive past streets decked in bright lights. The festival also extends until January so you can ring in the new year complete with a dazzling fireworks show on New Year’s Eve!
15. Lights Under Louisville
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Photo from Louisville Mega Cavern Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
Website: https://lightsunderlouisville.com/
Lights Under Louisville is one of the most unique drive thru Christmas lights in the US. After all, it prides itself on being the only underground light show worldwide, held at the Louisville Mega Cavern. The ride takes you through hundreds of winter illuminations made up of lights. If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy the holiday lights, this drive-thru Christmas wonderland is one of the best things to do in Louisville!
16. Fantasy Lights
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Photo from Fantasy Lights Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Spanaway, Washington
Website: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1253/Fantasy-Lights
If you’re traveling in the Pacific Northwest, don’t miss the Fantasy Lights show in Spanaway Park. It showcases light displays that span throughout the roads and around Spanaway Lake. Fantasy Lights is also popular for its eclectic displays with special effects. You’ll marvel at the splendid animation of bears flying kites, penguins sliding down an igloo, and Santa Claus and Rudolph sailing a tall ship. Make sure to tune your car radio to their special channel for a complete festive experience!
17. Trail of Lights
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Photo from Austin Train of Lights Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Austin, Texas
Website: https://austintrailoflights.org/
The Trail of Lights at Zilker Park in Austin is the city’s longest-running holiday tradition. Originally known as the Yule Fest, the drive-thru lights show welcomes more than a hundred thousand guests every year. It displays lights, brightly illuminated Christmas trees, animated displays, and several lighted tunnels. Along your drive, you’ll see the famous Zilker Christmas Tree, a 155-foot tall moonlight tower decked with thousands of lights.
18. Winter Wonderland Portland
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Photo from Winter Wonderland Portland Website[/caption]
Where: Portland, Oregon
Website: http://winterwonderlandportland.com/
Seeing the whimsical lights of Winter Wonderland is one of the best things to do in Portland during the holidays. Hailed as the largest drive thru lights show in the Northwest, it spans across the Portland Raceway. Find vibrant light displays inspired by the classic Christmas carol, the Twelve Days of Christmas. Drive through the rainbow light tunnel and don’t miss the playful interpretations of the beloved holiday song. Find three hens perched on the Eiffel Tower, four birds perched on a telephone, and seven swans swimming on a fountain.
19. Hershey Sweet Lights
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Photo from Hersheypark Facebook Page[/caption]
Where: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Website: https://www.hersheypark.com/info/hours/sweet-lights.php
Fans of Hershey’s (or simply just chocolate, really!) will love this one. This drive thru Christmas lights has more than 600 animated displays over two miles of forest trails. Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking illuminations within the comforts of your car. There are different areas, each having its own theme based on Christmas songs, stories, and more! Furthermore, complete your Yuletide visit to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane for a perfectly sweet end to your Christmas.
20. Holiday Lights at the Beach
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Photo from Virginia Beach Website[/caption]
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Website: https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/event/bayport-credit-union-holiday-lights-at-the-beach/5487/
Find nautical and adventure-themed light displays at Holiday Lights at Virginia Beach! Drive through the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and see thousands of Christmas lights along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss the fishes swimming along the archways, lobsters playing musical instruments, and Santa fishing on the sea! Along with the spectacular Christmas light display and the 40-foot tall Christmas tree, traditional holiday music completes your scenic drive. You can also find tributes to the Armed Forces community throughout the display.
Enjoy a Safe Christmas With Drive-Thru Christmas Lights
Watching the Christmas lights show on a car is one of the best holiday traditions. They allow you to see and watch entertaining light shows without leaving the comfort of your car. As we are now living in the “new normal” brought by the COVID pandemic, drive-thru holiday lights are also one of the safest and socially distant holiday activities—making them a great option among places to travel during COVID. You can roll your windows down, take photos of the scenery, and soak up the festive atmosphere. It is also a welcome change of pace from the rush of holiday shopping or skiing down the slopes.
If you’re looking for holiday activities or even road trip ideas, drive thru Christmas lights are a must!
