The Best Holiday Light Shows & Festivals ❄️🤩 in the U.S. | Discover 30 Magical Holiday Light Festivals!
Dakota WiengesThere’s something almost cinematic about wandering beneath millions of twinkling lights on a crisp winter night. From mountain towns to botanical gardens, the best holiday light shows and holiday festivals across the U.S. turn ordinary landscapes into glowing works of art.
Whether you’re chasing reflections on icy lakes or candlelit desert trails, these events are made for exploring - and photographing. Just remember to keep your camera secure while you capture the magic; our Wildtree camera straps are designed for the very moments when inspiration hits under the glow of a thousand bulbs. Bundle up, charge your batteries, and let’s dive into the country’s brightest winter celebrations.
30 Must-See Holiday Light Shows
Each of these winter light shows captures the season’s spirit in its own way - some grand and glittering, others quiet and tucked beneath snow-dusted trees - but all are worth packing the camera for.
1) A Longwood Christmas — Longwood Gardens (PA)
Fountains mist into cold air while miles of lights spill through a glasshouse jungle - equal parts cathedral and fairytale. If you want a “wow” that feels refined (and photogenic), this is the East Coast’s gold standard.
- Location: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
- Dates/Times: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 11, 2026; gardens open 10am–11pm (timed entry).
- Cost: Adults $45, Youth (5–18) $25 (timed tickets).
2) Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights — Lewis Ginter (VA)
A one-mile glow garden with lanterns, model trains, and “warm-cocoa energy” that turns chilly Richmond nights into family memory fuel. Timed entry keeps crowds flowing so you can actually savor the scenes.
- Location: Richmond (Henrico), Virginia.
- Dates/Times: Nov 17, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; evening timed arrival windows (member preview Nov 14–16, 4–10pm).
- Cost: Non-members Adults $22, Youth 4–12 $12 (advance purchase required; walk-up fees may apply).
3) Illumination: Tree Lights — The Morton Arboretum (IL)
A contemplative, music-driven walk where towering oaks glow and soundscapes pulse, perfect for anyone searching for a holiday light show near me in the Illinois area that delivers wonder without the kitsch. New art elements and plan-ahead pricing make it both fresher and easier to book.
- Location: Lisle (Chicago suburbs), Illinois.
- Dates/Times: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 3, 2026, 4:30–9:30pm nightly (last entry 8:30pm).
- Cost: Adult non-member tickets generally start around $22; prices vary by date/time (plan-ahead pricing).
4) Blossoms of Light — Denver Botanic Gardens (CO)
A city-center glow trail that feels alpine - crisp air, warm drinks, luminous tunnels - perfect for date night or a stroller-friendly stroll. High-demand nights sell out, so book early and aim for later entries for a calmer vibe.
- Location: Denver (York Street), Colorado.
- Dates/Times: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 11, 2026, typically 4:30–9:00pm (closed Nov 27 & Dec 25).
- Cost: $22–$33 per person (timed tickets; ages 2 and under free).
5) Trail of Lights — Chatfield Farms (CO)
A quieter, countryside cousin to Denver’s big holiday light shows - walk a winding path through fields and farm structures that flicker against the foothills. It’s cozy, manageable, and ideal for families who want magic without downtown bustle.
- Location: Littleton (Chatfield Farms), Colorado.
- Dates/Times: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 11, 2026, 5:00–8:30pm (closed Nov 27 & Dec 25).
- Cost: Adults $20, Seniors/Members $18, Children 3–15 $12 (2 & under free).
6) Garden Glow — Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
Victorian glasshouses and grand allees become a river of light - elegant, immersive, and paced for slow, cozy wandering. Go on a weeknight for that calm, candlelit-museum vibe.
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri.
- Dates/Times: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 3, 2026; closed Nov 17, Nov 27, Dec 24–25; evening hours vary (timed entry).
- Cost: Plan-ahead pricing; recent release notes ~$5–$24 depending on date/type (book in advance).
7) Garden of Lights — Brookside Gardens (MD)
A pure, walk-through glow in the woods - no rides, no fluff - just twinkling footpaths and color-washed trees that feel intimate and local. It’s the DMV’s most affordable “quiet magic” night out.
- Location: Wheaton, Maryland.
- Dates/Times: Nov 21, 2025–Jan 4, 2026, 5:00–9:00pm; closed Nov 24–27, Dec 24–25, Jan 1.
- Cost: $13.99 Sun–Thu / $16.99 Fri–Sat (ages 5 & under free; advance purchase only).
8) Winter Walk of Lights — Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (VA)
A lakeside loop of glowing archways and reflections - romantic at dusk, wonderfully kid-friendly after dark. This winter festival favorite keeps things breezy with timed entries and a schedule that stretches well into January.
- Location: Vienna, Virginia.
- Dates/Times: Nov 7, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; 5:30–10:00pm (Nov 7–Dec 4), 5:00–10:00pm (Dec 5–31 & Jan 1–4); last entry 9:30pm.
- Cost: Typically $19–$24 early/shoulder dates; ~$23 in December peak (advance purchase recommended).
9) Garden Lights, Holiday Nights — Atlanta Botanical Garden (GA)
A blockbuster show with choreographed canopies, skyline views, and art-forward installations that feel more “modern gallery” than mall Santa. Late-night slots are cheaper and calmer - date-night pro tip.
- Location: Midtown Atlanta, Georgia.
- Dates/Times: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 11, 2026 (nightly; timed tickets).
- Cost: Night-Light tickets start from $19.95 after 9pm on non-peak nights; standard pricing varies by date.
10) Lightscape — San Diego Botanic Garden (CA)
A seaside-cool take on the global Lightscape phenomenon: one mile of artful light + sound under towering palms and torchlit succulents. Expect fresh installations in 2025 and plenty of photo-ops without theme-park chaos.
- Location: Encinitas, California.
- Dates/Times: Nov 14, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 (select evenings; timed trail).
- Cost: Tickets start at $28 adults / $18 children (variable pricing; parking fees may apply)
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11) Las Noches de las Luminarias — Desert Botanical Garden (AZ)
Candlelit bags and desert silhouettes turn the Sonoran trails into a warm, whispery glow - one of the best holiday light shows for capturing the magic of the Southwest. Go later in the evening for thinner crowds and the softest light for photos.
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona.
- Dates/Times: Nov 28–30 & Dec 5–6, 12–14, 18–23, 26–30, 2025; 5:30–9:30pm.
- Cost: Adults $45.95 GA / $40.95 members; Children $21.95 GA / $19.95 members (timed tickets).
12) Gardens Aglow — Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (ME)
A mile of forested pathways, giant trolls, and kinetic “nature-in-motion” lighting wrap a true coastal-winter vibe - bundled-up, breath-in-the-air magic. Early Bird nights are cheaper and calmer if you prefer fewer crowds.
- Location: Boothbay, Maine.
- Dates/Times: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 3, 2026 (Thu–Sun + select); 4–9pm (closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24–25, Dec 31–Jan 1).
- Cost: $10–$23 standard nights (Early Bird $8–$19); timed entry required.
13) Nights of a Thousand Candles — Brookgreen Gardens (SC)
Thousands of hand-lit candles + live music in a sculpture garden - romantic, dramatic, and utterly Southern. It’s a slow-walk experience; linger by the ponds for mirror-like reflections.
- Location: Murrells Inlet (near Myrtle Beach), South Carolina.
- Dates/Times: Select nights Nov 28, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; typically 4–9pm (timed entry).
- Cost: Members $35 adult / $15 child (4–12); Non-members $40 adult / $20 child.
14) Nights of Lights — St. Augustine (FL)
The nation’s oldest city drapes itself in millions of white lights - cobblestones, bayfront, and Spanish Colonial facades glowing end-to-end. It’s a walkable, open-air spectacle that feels festive without the ticketed bottlenecks.
- Location: Historic Downtown St. Augustine, Florida.
- Dates/Times: Nov 15, 2025–Jan 11, 2026 (nightly; Light-Up! Night on Nov 15).
- Cost: Free to view citywide (tours available for a fee).
15) Holiday Lights on the River Walk — San Antonio (TX)
Bald cypress trees twinkle over the water while mariachi and boat parades bring the fiesta energy - zero turnstiles, maximum ambience. Grab hot chocolate and wander; reflections off the canal are the money shot.
- Location: Downtown River Walk, San Antonio, Texas.
- Dates/Times: Nov 28, 2025–Jan 11, 2026 (lights nightly; official switch-on at the Ford Holiday River Parade).
- Cost: Free (public park; special events/tours extra).
16) Austin Trail of Lights — Zilker Park (TX)
A drive-or-stroll glowfest under the Austin skyline, with classic light tunnels, local eats, and easy family logistics baked in. Among Texas’s most beloved winter light shows, it’s best enjoyed on weeknights or later entry windows to keep the vibe relaxed and the lines short.
- Location: Zilker Park, Austin, Texas.
- Dates/Times: Dec 10–23, 2025; nightly, timed entry (see calendar).
- Cost: General Admission $0–$8 by night; ZIP Pass $20–$35; Platinum $85–$480; Parking $25–$35; kids 11 & under free with adult.
17) Bank of America Winter Village — Bryant Park (NYC)
NYC’s only free-admission rink wrapped in a European-style market - skate, sip, and shop beneath midtown towers without needing a ticket to enter. Late evening skate slots are calmer; own skates = free skating (just reserve a time).
- Location: Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan, New York, New York.
- Dates/Times: Holiday Shops Oct 24, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 (generally Mon–Fri 11am–8pm; Sat–Sun 10am–8pm); select shops + rink continue to Mar 1, 2026.
- Cost: Park entry free; rink admission free; skate rentals $18.72–$60.32 depending on time/date.
18) Mission Inn Festival of Lights — Downtown Riverside (CA)
A full downtown takeover: switch-on fireworks, millions of lights, food vendors, and nightly street energy around the landmark Mission Inn. Strolls are free, with optional paid add-ons like the seasonal ice rink.
- Location: Mission Inn Ave & surrounding blocks, Riverside, California.
- Dates/Times: Switch-On Nov 22, 2025; festival Nov 23–Dec 31, 2025 (closed Thanksgiving & Dec 25).
- Cost: General viewing free; ice rink $20 per skater incl. rental (one-hour sessions).
19) Sparkling Lights at The Breakers — Newport Mansions (RI)
Gilded Age grandeur meets coastal garden glow - an outdoor light trail plus same-visit access inside The Breakers for double the magic. Limited-night schedule keeps capacity reasonable; book early for prime December weekends.
- Location: The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island.
- Dates/Times: Nov 21–Dec 28, 2025 (select evenings; timed entry).
- Cost: $14–$45 depending on date/time and ticket type.
20) Christmas at Biltmore (incl. Candlelight Evenings) — Asheville (NC)
America’s largest home turns into a storybook - daytime splendor across the estate and soul-stirring Candlelight Evenings after dusk. As one of the nation’s most elegant holiday light shows, it’s best enjoyed midweek for lighter crowds and better pricing, especially when paired with a stroll through Antler Hill Village.
- Location: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina.
- Dates/Times: Daytime now–Jan 4, 2026; Candlelight Evenings now–Jan 3, 2026 (closed Nov 27, Dec 24–25 for Candlelight).
- Cost: Variable by date/ticket; Candlelight requires a separate evening ticket (daytime estate access included per ticket rules).
21) Fantasy In Lights — Callaway Resort & Gardens (GA)
Seven glittering miles through pines and lakes turn your car into a snow-globe ride, then spill you into a cozy Christmas Village for cocoa and photos. It’s one of the Southeast’s bucket-list light drives, with walk-through moments for extra magic.
- Location: Pine Mountain, Georgia.
- Dates/Times: Nov 14, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; evening timed entries (Christmas Village opens 4pm).
- Cost: Adults $25–$40, Children (4–12) $20–$35 depending on date/time; special bike/“personal vehicle only” nights available.
22) Stone Mountain Christmas — Stone Mountain Park (GA)
Two million lights, a drone show, and a nostalgic parade wrap a whole mountainside in sparkle - classic rides + live shows keep families busy for hours. Choose a simple festival ticket or bundle the “Flight to the North Pole” for a bigger night out.
- Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia.
- Dates/Times: Nov 8, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 (select weekends & holidays; attractions often open 12–2pm with Skyride 10am–3pm).
- Cost: Stone Mountain Christmas ticket $39.99 adult / $36.99 child (3+); Combo with North Pole experience from $59.99 (parking/fees extra).
23) An Old Time Christmas — Silver Dollar City (MO)
Ozark hills glow with 6.5+ million lights, a towering Grand Fir, and Broadway-caliber shows - equal parts theme-park thrills and old-fashioned holiday warmth. Go midweek for softer crowds and golden-hour photos down candy-lit streets.
- Location: Branson, Missouri.
- Dates/Times: Nov 1, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 (generally Thu–Mon, ~1–9pm; check calendar).
- Cost: 1-Day gate price $95 (ages 4–11 & 65+: $10 less); promos/flash sales may reduce prices.
24) Smoky Mountain Christmas — Dollywood (TN)
Six million lights, Appalachian carols, and cinnamon-steam in the cold air - Dollywood nails that “small-town Christmas” feeling with big-park polish. For anyone searching for holiday light shows near me, this one delivers fireworks, nostalgia, and Glacier Ridge’s breathtaking blue-white glow.
- Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
- Dates/Times: Nov 1, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 (nightly; check calendar for hours).
- Cost: Variable by date/time; see Tickets & Pricing for current rates and packages.
25) Village of Lights: Christmastown — Leavenworth (WA)
A Bavarian mountain town flickers to life from dawn to late night - half a million lights on timbered facades, with choirs, cocoa, and snow swirling off the Cascades. January is quieter if you want the full glow without the crowds.
- Location: Downtown Leavenworth, Washington.
- Dates/Times: Christmastown festivities Nov 28–Dec 24, 2025; village lights on daily starting Thanksgiving (Nov 27) and continuing into February (check site for daily schedule).
- Cost: Free to enjoy the lights; select activities/tours may have fees.
26) Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” — Duluth, MN
A true North Shore ritual: over 5 million lights ignite Bayfront Festival Park, plus free cocoa, cookies, popcorn, and marshmallows keep spirits toasty as Lake Superior air nips your cheeks. Go on weeknights or later in the evening for thinner crowds - this one’s wildly popular for good reason.
- Location: Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, Minnesota.
- Dates/Times (2025): Nov 22–Dec 27; Sun–Thu 5–9 pm, Fri–Sat 5–10 pm.
- Cost: Admission free; onsite parking typically $12 per vehicle ($10 cash); Explore Minnesota lists $10–$15 range on different nights.
27) Oglebay Festival of Lights — Wheeling, WV
Six miles of drive-through displays (dusk to midnight, even on holidays) sweep across rolling hills; add Santa’s Village, mansion and garden lights, and nightly entertainment for a full resort-style holiday outing. Ranked among the best holiday festivals in the country, a $30 per-vehicle gift yields a season pass and rewards book - ideal if you’ll lap the route more than once.
- Location: Oglebay Park Resort, Wheeling, West Virginia.
- Dates/Times (2025–26): Nov 12, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; drive-through nightly dusk–midnight.
- Cost: Drive-through by donation; $30 gift includes Season Pass + rewards book (most up-to-date official language).
28) PNC Festival of Lights (Cincinnati Zoo) — Cincinnati, OH
Five million LEDs, Fiona’s Fairyland scavenger hunt, Swan Lake’s “Wild Lights,” and indoor habitats open late - come early for animals, stay for the glow. The event is included with Zoo admission (plan-ahead pricing; parking $10), with festivities starting around 4 pm.
- Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Dates/Times (2025–26): Nov 20, 2025–Jan 4, 2026; Zoo hours Sun–Thu 10 am–9 pm, Fri–Sat 10 am–10 pm (Dec 21–31: 10 am–10 pm); closed 11/27, 12/24, 12/25.
- Cost: Included with Zoo admission (dynamic “plan-ahead” pricing); parking $10.
29) Holiday Lights (Bronx Zoo) — Bronx, NY
Hundreds of wildlife lanterns, six lantern trails, and animated light shows transform the zoo into a glittering winterscape - NYC holiday energy with room to wander. For anyone searching for a holiday light show near me, this one combines city sparkle with the charm of wild encounters. Timed-entry tickets are date-specific (member previews available) with clear pricing and occasional promos.
- Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York.
- Dates/Times (2025–26): Select dates Nov 21, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 (member previews Nov 18–20).
- Cost: Adult $41.95, Child (3–12) $26.95, Senior $36.95; occasional multi-ticket discounts.
30) L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow — Los Angeles, CA
A lantern-sculpture wonderland with new pollinator, Southeast Asia, and African landscapes - plus FREE parking and special community nights - makes this a photogenic, crowd-pleasing SoCal tradition. Most Mondays/Tuesdays are dark; tickets start at $19 (kids) / $29 (adults) with member discounts.
- Location: Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, California.
- Dates/Times (2025–26): Nov 13, 2025–Jan 11, 2026; evenings on select nights; closed most Mon/Tue + 11/27, 12/24–25, 12/31.
- Cost: Tickets from $19 (ages 2–12) / $29 (13+); member discount –$5; parking free.
A Final Word From Wildtree
From coast to coast, these holiday light shows and winter festivals prove that the colder months can shine the brightest - each one inviting you to slow down, bundle up, and see familiar places in a new light. Whether you’re chasing reflections on frozen lakes or capturing the glow of city skylines, it’s the perfect season to keep your camera close and your creativity alive.
If you’re still hunting for the perfect gift for the photographer or musician in your life, explore our latest blogs "100 Gift Ideas for Photographers" and "50 Gift Ideas for Musicians" to find something they’ll truly love.
Happy holidays!
