Holiday season heralds glittering and sparkling red and green lights all around. Elaborate decorations are one of the many ways to celebrate and whether you’re a family that treks to different places in search of these Christmas light displays or you like to see the pictures online, there’s nothing quite like Christmastime decor.

Holiday lights spark holiday cheer all season long. Get in the festive mood with this roundup of amazing Christmas light displays around the country. There’s mansions, gardens and lights galore. Grab your holiday cocktail and let your eyes feast on these lovely holiday light shows.

Here are 12 twinkling holiday light displays that will spark holiday cheer

1. Night of Lights – St. Augustine, Florida

This year marks the 29th annual holiday tradition for this glittering holiday light display. The historic district is covered with more than 3 million lights!

Time: November 15, 2025 to January 11, 2025
Fee: Free

2. Dyker Heights – Brooklyn, New York

The locals put on a dazzling display like no other in this Brooklyn suburb. Each house goes all out with their holiday decorations. Over 100,000 people come to see this amazing light show every year.

Time: First weekend after Thanksgiving
Fee: Free

3. Descanso Gardens – Flintridge, California

Walk amongst the redwoods in this magical enchanted forest holiday light display. There’s an illuminated rose garden and a stained glass village too. If you’re leaning towards trips instead of gifts, then this is a good one!

Fee: $34-$40

Related: 10 magical train rides to take with your family during the holidays

4. Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, Nevada

If you’re in the mood for a cozy drive-thru complete with fantastic holiday light exhibits then the Las Vegas motor speedway is the light show for you. Later, keep the holiday spirit up with a marathon of Christmas movies!

Time: November 10, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Fee: $29 – $39 per car

5. Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden – Boise, Idaho

This annual event at the Idaho Botanical Garden transforms the whole complex into a winter wonderland.

Time: November 24 – December 31
Fee: $14 – $18

6. Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa – Riverside, California

Holiday cheer and time at the spa? Sign us up! Whether you choose to stay for the spa or not, this light display is a clear favorite as it was just nominated for the best public light display.

Time: November 22, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Fee: Free

Related: 20 kid-friendly Christmas movies the entire family can snuggle up to

7. Village of Lights – Christmastown in Leavenworth, Washington

This Bavarian-like town looks like it’s straight out of your child’s fairytale book. With over 500,000 lights and all of your favorite Christmastime events like carolers and performances on ice, this is a Christmas celebration like no other. Don’t forget to snap your family Christmas card photo at this picturesque town.

Time: November 27, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Fee: Free

8. Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens – Pine Mountain, Georgia

Not only is there a walk-through experience but there’s also a drive-through, huge nutcrackers and gigantic snowflakes too. A resort and seeing holiday lights could be a new holiday family tradition, right?

Time: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Fee: $19-$29.99

Related: Yes, decorating for Christmas early *does* make people happy

9. Bright Nights at Forest Park – Springfield, Massachusetts

A few miles long drive-through of spectacular Christmas light displays and several kids events to stop for and stretch your legs make this attraction the best of both worlds.

Time: November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Fee: $23+

10. The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill – Clifton Mill, Ohio

The charm of a centuries old mill and the glittery of Christmas lights come together in this holiday light display featuring over 4 million lights.

Time: November 28, 2025 – December 5, 2025
Fee: $10

11. ZooLights at Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Washington, D.C.

There’s something extra magical about wandering through a zoo glowing with twinkling lights. ZooLights transforms the Smithsonian National Zoo into a colorful winter festival filled with immersive displays, animated animal lanterns, and festive music. Kids love spotting their favorite animals recreated in lights, and parents love that it’s an easy, strollable event.

Time: November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026

Fee: General Admission: $9 per guest (ages 2 and up)

Adults-Only Date Night (Dec. 17): $19 per person

Related: 19 Christmas books we can’t wait to read with our kids this season

12. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden – Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re a sucker for lights that look like they grew right out of the landscape, this display checks every box. The Atlanta Botanical Garden becomes a glowing wonderland with massive sculptures, shimmering forests, and the crowd-favorite “Radiant Rainforest.” It’s breathtaking, immersive, and one of the most beloved displays in the South.

Time: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026

A version of this blog was posted on November 15, 2022. It has been updated.