The Best Holiday Light Shows & Festivals ❄️🤩 in the U.S. | Discover 30 Magical Holiday Light Festivals!

There’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.

Updated November 2026 for the 2026–27 season. Where an event had not announced dates or prices yet, we say so rather than guess. Event details were accurate at the time of writing and may change, so always confirm on the official site before you go.

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)

This year's theme is a Cosmic Christmas. 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 20, 2026–Jan 10, 2027; Gardens open 10am–11pm daily (timed entry).
• Cost: Adults (16–64) and seniors (65+) $45–$52, Youth (ages 5–15) $25–$32, depending on the date; ages 4 and under are free. Military/veteran tickets start at $45 with photo ID. Tickets are timed and bought in advance (sell-outs are likely); members need free timed reservations.

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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 23, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; evening timed arrival windows (member preview weekend Nov 20–22).
• Cost: Peak and non-peak pricing, so prices vary by date; see the Lewis Ginter site for current rates. Advance online purchase is strongly encouraged and tickets are non-refundable.

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 14, 2026–Jan 2, 2027; the one-mile trail opens at 4:30pm, with timed entry (you have 30 minutes after your ticket time to enter). New this year: four large installations, including a 400-foot northern-lights canopy, plus a Pine Whistle Railroad model-train add-on. Sensory Night is Tue, Nov 17.
• Cost: Plan-ahead pricing changes daily. On Nov 10, listed tickets ran about $19.50–$32.50 (members about $15.60–$26), with weekends and late November costing more. Sensory Night (Nov 17) was $10. Prices do not drop once listed, so earlier is cheaper. Tickets are nonrefundable but can be rebooked. Leashed dogs are welcome only on Dec 2, 9, 16 and Jan 1, with a separate dog ticket.

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 20, 2026–Jan 10, 2027, 4:30–9:00pm; closed Thanksgiving (Nov 26) and Dec 25.
• Cost: $19–$45 (members $16–$38) with plan-ahead pricing; ages 2 and under free. Tickets are timed and sold only through Denver Botanic Gardens.

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, 2026–Jan 3, 2027, 5:00–8:30pm; closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 1, Dec 7, Dec 8 and Dec 25.
• Cost: $13.50–$30 (members $11.50–$25.50) with plan-ahead pricing; ages 2 and under free. Timed tickets, not sold at the door.

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 14, 2026–Jan 2, 2027 (member preview Nov 13); closed Nov 16–19, Nov 26 and Dec 24–25; timed entry.
• Cost: $6–$25 depending on the date, with plan-ahead pricing (buying after 4:30pm for same-night entry costs $2 more).

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 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; closed Nov 23–26, Dec 24–25 and Jan 1. It is a half-mile outdoor walk-through with timed entry, so arrive at your scheduled time.
• Cost: Tickets are per person and timed; ages 4 and under are free and need no ticket. Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred if requested by 4pm on the ticket date. 2026 prices were not listed on the event page at the time of writing, so check the Brookside ticket page.

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 11, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; 5:30–10:00pm (Nov 11–Dec 3), 5:00–10:00pm (Dec 4–Jan 3); admission ends 9:30pm.
• Cost: $19 online / $24 at the door (Nov 11–Dec 3 and Jan 1–3); $24 online only (Dec 4–31). Before tax and fees.

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. Later time slots tend to feel calmer - a date-night pro tip.

• Location: Midtown Atlanta, Georgia.
• Dates/Times: Nov 14, 2026–Jan 10, 2027, nightly until midnight (last entry 11pm); member premiere Nov 12; timed tickets.
• Cost: On the dates we checked, general admission was $29.95 adult / $26.95 child, Premium $59.95 / $56.95 (adds a drink ticket, hologram glasses and express entry), and Premium Plus $199 / $189 (adds a VIP Holiday Hideaway). A Flex add-on (free date changes) costs $10 more per ticket, and each order has a $5 processing fee. Prices vary by date. Night Light Tickets (entry after 9:30pm) are offered every night as the lowest-priced option, and members save $5 per ticket. All tickets are non-refundable.

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 and plenty of photo-ops without theme-park chaos.

• Location: Encinitas, California.
• Dates/Times: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; nightly from about 5pm (timed trail).
• Cost: Tickets from $28 adults / $18 children (prices vary by date; ages 2 and under free; military and member discounts). Parking is $15 per vehicle if bought in advance, or $20 on site. Tickets are sold through Fever and all sales are final.

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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 27–29, Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23 & 26–31, 2026, plus Jan 1–3, 2027; 5–9:30pm (Dec 4–6 is Members Weekend).
• Cost: Adults $39.95–$44.95 general admission (members $37.95–$42.95); Children ages 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95). 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. Dress warm and take your time on the path.

• Location: Boothbay, Maine.
• Dates/Times: Nov 14, 2026–Jan 2, 2027, Thursday–Sunday plus select dates (Nov 25, Dec 22–23 and Dec 29–31), 4–9pm; closed Thanksgiving, Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1. A weekend shuttle runs from downtown Boothbay Harbor.
• Cost: Three price tiers by date: Family Value, Standard and Premium. Adults $20 / $24 / $28, seniors and veterans $18 / $22 / $26, children $10 / $14 / $18. Members save 20%. A VIP upgrade (unlimited exchanges, flexible arrival, fire pit with s'mores) adds $50 per ticket. Timed entry is required.

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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: 4–9pm on Nov 27–29, Dec 2–6, 9–13, 16–20 and 29–31, 2026, plus Jan 1–3, 2027. Tree lighting is 6–6:15pm.
• Cost: Adults $40 and children (4–12) $20; members $35 adult and $15 child. Tickets are date-specific, and Brookgreen says the only legitimate sellers are its own website and its ticketing partner, leapevents.com.

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: Sat, Nov 21, 2026 through Jan 18, 2027. Light-Up Night on Nov 21 has live entertainment from 4pm at City Hall and the lighting ceremony at 6:30pm in the Plaza de la Constitución. The lights come on at dusk each evening and stay lit into the early morning.
• Cost: Free; no tickets required to see the 3 million-plus white lights (guided tours and boat cruises cost extra).

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: Ford Holiday River Parade and lighting ceremony: Fri, Nov 27, 2026 (about 6pm). The 200,000 lights then glow nightly through early January.
• Cost: Free to wander (the River Walk is a public park open 24 hours); parade seating is ticketed (roughly $20–$32 for most areas) and there is a free public viewing area.

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, 2026 (nightly, ticketed by date; a Night Lights Preview Party is Dec 4).
• Cost: Tickets are on sale at austintrailoflights.org and prices vary by night. Check the official calendar for current rates and parking.

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: Oct 28, 2026–Feb 28, 2027 (rink and The Lodge); Holiday Shops through Jan 3, 2027. Tree lighting is Tue, Dec 1 at 5:30pm.
• Cost: Park entry free; rink admission free if you bring your own skates (reserve a time); skate rentals $18.72–$64.48 before tax, depending on date and time.

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 Sat, Nov 21, 2026 (5pm, with fireworks); festival Nov 22–Dec 31, 2026; closed Thanksgiving and Dec 25.
• Cost: General viewing free; ice rink $20 per skater including skate rental (one-hour sessions). New this year: Holiday Magic at Candy Lane at Albert S. White Park (Nov 27–Dec 27, Thu–Sun) is separately ticketed, about $15–$20.

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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 27, 2026 (select evenings; timed entry every half hour from 4 to 6pm, closing at 8pm).
• Cost: Adult non-member $45, youth non-member (6–12) $18, adult member $30, youth member (6–17) $18; children under 6 free. Tickets are non-refundable.

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: Candlelight Christmas Evenings: Nov 3, 2026–Jan 9, 2027; daytime Christmas House & Grounds runs through Jan 10, 2027.
• Cost: Christmas House & Grounds starts at $110; Candlelight Christmas House & Grounds starts at $135. Prices vary by date, and candlelight requires a separate evening ticket.

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 13, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; evening timed entries. Appreciation Night is Sun, Nov 15.
• Cost: Regular 2026 ticket prices were not listed on the event page at the time of writing (drive-through and trolley tickets are sold separately). On Appreciation Night, Harris County residents, active-duty military, veterans, first responders and educators pay $15 per person with ID. A valid Fantasy in Lights ticket is required for admission.

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 7, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (select dates).
• Cost: 2026 prices were not confirmed at the time of writing. You need an Attractions Ticket for each guest age 3 and up (it covers the Light Show, parade and Scenic Railroad) plus a parking pass. A Christmas VIP add-on is available. Popular dates sell out.

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 7, 2026–Jan 2, 2027. New this year: the Stars, Lights & Christmas Nights Parade, now double in length.
• Cost: Included with regular park admission (no separate event ticket). Merry Mondays deal: one-day tickets for $79 plus tax on Nov 16, 23 and 30.

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 6, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (the park is not open every day; check the calendar for hours).
• Cost: Included with regular Dollywood admission; food, merchandise and extra experiences cost more. Buy a Season Pass between Nov 2 and Dec 13 and you can get a $45 Bring-A-Friend ticket for visits through Dec 13.

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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 27–Dec 24, 2026; the village lights stay on nightly into the new year.
• Cost: Free to enjoy the lights; select activities and 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: Nov 21–Dec 26, 2026 (the 23rd season); Sun–Thu 5–9pm, Fri–Sat 5–10pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus are there nightly Nov 21–Dec 23, 5–9pm.
• Cost: Admission is free, with complimentary cocoa, coffee, cookies and popcorn. Onsite parking has been $12 per vehicle ($10 cash) in past seasons; the 2026 parking price is not listed on Bentleyville's site.

27) Oglebay Festival of Lights — Wheeling, WV

Six miles of drive-through displays 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, it’s ideal if you’ll lap the route more than once.

• Location: Oglebay Park Resort, Wheeling, West Virginia.
• Dates/Times: Nov 5, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; open nightly, dusk to dawn.
• Cost: $20 per vehicle Monday–Thursday and $30 Friday–Sunday and holidays (holiday pricing applies Nov 24–27 and Dec 22–Jan 1). Guided trolley tours are also available by reservation.

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, with festivities starting around 4 pm.

• Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Dates/Times: Nov 19, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25. Zoo hours Sun–Thu 10am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–10pm (Dec 20–31: 10am–10pm).
• Cost: Included with Zoo admission; check cincinnatizoo.org for current rates and parking.

29) Holiday Lights (Bronx Zoo) — Bronx, NY

Hundreds of wildlife lanterns, 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. Tickets are date-specific.

• Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York.
• Dates/Times: Select dates Nov 21, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; check the Bronx Zoo tickets page for available nights. Tickets also let you arrive at 1pm to see the animals before the lights come on. New this year: the Children's Zoo Farmyard is open for Holiday Lights.
• Cost: Date-specific tickets: adults (13+) $37.95 ($29.95 on deal days), seniors (65+) $32.95 ($24.95), children (3–12) $22.95 ($14.95); ages 2 and under free. Any-night tickets (one visit on any event date): adults $42.95, seniors $37.95, children $27.95. Tickets must be reserved in advance, and members get 25% off.

30) L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow — Los Angeles, CA

A lantern-sculpture wonderland of glowing animals and landscapes makes this a photogenic, crowd-pleasing SoCal tradition. Most Mondays and Tuesdays have been dark in past seasons, so plan around the calendar.

• Location: Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, California.
• Dates/Times: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 10, 2027. Check the zoo's calendar for which nights are open.
• Cost: Tickets start at $19, with member discounts and buy-early savings. Parking is 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!