12 Spectacular Holiday Light Displays Across the U.S.

’Tis the season when festive decorations and strings of sparkly holiday lights adorn houses and lawns. Cheery colors brighten up local neighborhoods and city streets. The top motivation for travel among adults 50-plus is gathering with family and friends, as reported in the recent AARP travel survey. Packing the car with a crew of loved ones for a drive to view seasonal light displays or walking the neighborhood is a fun way experience the season together. It’s a favorite holiday tradition that can be shared with all ages, and it’s one of the best activities for older adults, according to Care.com. Amp up your viewing options with a visit to an elaborately decorated venue for a walk or drive-through special holiday experience. A range of destinations, including Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden, the historic district in St. Augustine, Florida, and the Detroit Zoo, offer festive light shows and displays through New Year’s. Here are 12 beautiful ones around the country.

For the Nights of Lights celebration in St. Augustine, Florida, millions of lights adorn historic sites and landmarks, museums, palm trees, restaurants, old buildings and shops.

Jonathan Wilson/Florida's Historic Coast

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights

Historic Downtown District (St. Augustine, Florida)

Through Jan. 11, 2026

Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine claims the title of the nation’s oldest city. During the holiday season, millions of lights adorn the historic district, illuminating this enchanting city with more than 450 years of history. From the bay throughout downtown, twinkling lights drape historic sites and landmarks, museums, palm trees, restaurants, old buildings and shops. For the best Christmas photo-op, stand under the majestic tree in The Plaza de la Constitución. Make time to see the elaborate light displays of Flagler College and the Lightner Museum. The city offers a free park and ride shuttle so you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot downtown. Stroll the historic district on foot where you can wander into decorated buildings, dine, shop and enjoy special holiday events at your leisure. Or for a festive guided lights tour with family and friends, sit down and enjoy the ride on an Old Town Trolley Tour. The 30 to 45 minute tour winds through the district, offers viewing glasses for a more immersive experience and includes warm apple cider and cookies. Nights of Lights is a free event with free parking and shuttles, days and times vary.

Wander through colorfully lit trees of all shapes and sizes during the Redding, California, Garden of Lights.

Courtesy Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Redding Garden of Lights

Turtle Bay Exploration Park (Redding, California)

Through Jan. 4, 2026

Ten acres of gardens along the Sacramento River and the Sundial Bridge in the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Garden are illuminated with more than 2 million lights throughout the holiday season. Wander through the colorfully lit trees of all shapes and sizes. Stroll the Prismatic Pollinators zone to glimpse butterflies, bees and caterpillar sculptures. Bring the kids to swing on orbs of green, orange, purple and blue under the lights at the Glowing Swings play area. Visit Model Train Town to watch traditional tiny locomotives weaving along miniature tracks through a holiday landscape. Plus, you can ride a real train! New this year, hop aboard the Turtle Express train ($10) to journey through a forest of lights lined with arctic and forest animal lanterns. Cozy up to a fire pit with a s’mores kit and cocoa available to purchase from Mosaic Restaurant. Buy timed tickets online. Admission: $23-$32 for adults 16 and older; $16-$20 for children 3-15; free for children up to age 2. Open select nights 5 to 9 p.m.

Five themed paths shine bright with over 1 million twinkling lights at Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights.

Rock City

Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights

Lookout Mountain (Chattanooga, Tennessee) 

Through Jan. 4, 2026There’s plenty to see at this outdoor wonderland perched atop Lookout Mountain, only a short drive from downtown Chattanooga. Begin your stroll at ADA-accessible Legacy Lane, which leads to Lover’s Leap and the festively decorated Rock City founder’s original home, Carter Cliffs. After a visit with Santa in his workshop, roam the five themed paths shining bright with over 1 million twinkling lights that intersect Legacy Lane. Stop for a break to admire the glowing, towering Christmas tree. See the peace doves, Nativity scene and Toyland displays on the Grand Corridor Trail. The display of elves on the Fairyland Caverns Trail will delight little ones. Listen for singing reindeer that serenade with holiday carols as you weave your way along the mountainside trails, cliffs, caverns and gardens of Rock City.  Buy tickets online. Admission: Starting at $31 for adults, $21 for children ages 3-12. Open from 4 to 10:30 p.m. or 11:30 p.m.; closed Dec. 24.

Light from 8,000 luminaria bags bounces off the desert flora in Phoenix.

B. David Cathell / Alamy Stock Photo

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)

Dec. 12-14, 18-23, 26-30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25) Throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and other areas of the Southwest, you’ll find luminarias — paper bags filled with sand and lighted candles — lining many walkways and streets at Christmastime. Since 1978, the Desert Botanical Garden has celebrated with “Las Noches de las Luminarias”: Light from 8,000 luminaria bags — hand-lit and extinguished each night by a team of volunteers — bounces off the beautiful desert flora while visitors meander along the paths listening to live music. Visit Pavilion at Sunset Plaza to meet Sonoran Santa and Mrs. Claus. Wear festive holiday finery for a complimentary photo. “Framerate: Desert Pulse,” an immersive exhibit, is included with admission. Buy timed tickets online; advanced reservations are required. Admission: $46 for adults; $22 for children. Open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.