Holiday lights, like candles or Yule logs, have been around for a very long time. During Christmas 1880, Thomas Edison put together a string of electric lights and hung them outside his lab. Two years later, Edison’s friend Edward H. Johnson wrapped his Christmas tree in a string of red, white, and blue electric lights. The tree even spun! It was another few decades before these kinds of lights were widely available and not too expensive.
These days, people all over the U.S. decorate their rooms, trees, and outsides with lights. Some people put together huge shows that draw crowds every year. The best Christmas light shows from across the United States were put together by U.S. News to help you choose which ones to see first. Whether you like small displays that are still very holiday-themed or big shows that are full of glitz and style, these bright displays will make you feel very happy this holiday season.
1. ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo: Washington, D.C.
One of the best events in Washington, D.C. is ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, which both locals and tourists love. There are more than 500,000 bright LED lights and glowing animal lanterns all over the zoo. People can enjoy tasty snacks and live music as they walk through the show and look at the lights. Wheelchair-accessible paths lead to the lights, but they are on a hill with a slight slope. This is something that disabled tourists and families with young children and strollers should keep in mind. From November 24 to December 30, the event is open on certain days, mostly on the weekends, from 5 p.m. to 8 or 9 p.m.
Many people love going to ZooLights every year, but some say it can get busy and the animals aren’t out. ZooLights used to be free, but now there is a small fee to help cover the costs of the event. The money made from the concessions and parking will go toward caring for the animals. Visitors must pay $30 to park. If you’d rather take the Metro, the closest stops are Cleveland Park or Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan on the Red Line.
- Price: $6 per person
- Dates: Nov. 24 to Dec. 30
2. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: Bronx, New York
There’s no surprise that the Bronx Zoo has a great light show—it’s one of the best zoos in the U.S. The lights show animals from all over the world, such as hippopotamuses, bears, penguins, jellyfish, insects, and many more. Like raccoons, great egrets, and red foxes, lanterns made in 2023 will also look like animals that live in New York. Light shows a train ride that kids love, ice carving displays, food, and performers on stilts are also available.
While in New York City, many visitors say they have to see the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights show. However, some say it costs a lot. Between November 17 and January 7, Holiday Lights is open on some days from 3 to 9 p.m. There will be fewer people, quieter music, and different shows on Dec. 7 and Jan. 5 for sensory-friendly nights. You can choose a ticket that only works for a certain date or an all-night ticket that works for many more nights but costs more.
3. Dyker Heights light displays: Brooklyn, New York
During the holidays, people in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, put up wireframe displays on their roofs and string bright bulbs around the trees and around their windows. Of course, there are lots of figures of Santa Claus, the Nutcracker, the Snowman, and the Elf. Visitors have said that the area’s light shows are beautiful and that seeing the homes lit up at Christmas is a must in New York City. Some say to come right after New Year’s to have more time to explore without as many people around.
The Dyker Heights area is in the southwest part of Brooklyn. The best displays are usually found between 83rd and 86th streets and 11th and 13th avenues. The lights come on after Thanksgiving and stay on from 5 to 9 p.m. until New Year’s Eve. You can look around the area for free, but for a fee, tour companies like Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours offer organized tours through Dyker Heights at certain times. Tours cost between $35 and $75 per person.
- Price: Free
- Dates: Late November to early January
Former visitors said that the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is exciting all year, but they had the most positive things to say about the Gardens Aglow event that happens every year. That’s right, 14 acres are covered with more than 750,000 lights that are shaped like everything from Christmas trees to mushrooms. Thanks to the Parks Aglow Lighting Contest, the lights are shining in places other than the parks. Nearby towns will make their own shows, and people can drive around to see them and pick a favorite. These screens can be found with maps.
Between November 18 and December 31, the event takes place every Thursday through Sunday and on some other days. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. From 4 to 7:30 p.m., you can get in. Boothbay is a small town about 60 miles northeast of Portland, where the property is located.
- Price: $19 for adults and $10 for children; tickets must be purchased in advance
- Dates: Nov. 18 to Dec. 31
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens always amazes visitors, who suggest stopping at the resort for at least one night to extend the fun. You can walk through the grounds, which are one of the best things to do in Georgia and are located about 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. There is also a 7-mile light show that you can drive through. At the event, there is the Callaway Christmas Village, where you can meet Santa and get some refreshments. There are also lit-up trees around the lake on the land.
With a ticket, you can walk through the attraction and also choose to drive your own car or take the Jolly Trolley. Prices change based on the day you visit. When you book your trip through the lights show, you’ll be given a specific time slot in the evening. However, your ticket also gives you entry to the Christmas Village, which is open every day at 4 p.m., and day admission to Callaway Gardens before your chosen time.
- Price: Starts at $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children 3 to 11
- Dates: Nov. 17 to Jan. 1
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes these light shows and tours special for Christmas?
These walks and light shows with a Christmas theme are meant to get people in the holiday spirit with their bright displays, holiday-themed decorations, and magical atmosphere that captures the joy of the season.
Q2. What types of light displays can visitors expect to see?
Visitors can see a lot of different kinds of light shows, such as twinkling Christmas lights, moving decorations, lit sculptures, and themed light shows that play along with holiday music. It's a visual feast for everyone.
Q3. Are these light shows and tours suitable for all ages?
These Christmas light shows and tours are good for people of all ages and are family-friendly. A lot of places have extra things to do and entertainment, which makes them great for families, couples, and groups of friends.
