Few things can warm up a winter night and raise the level of holiday cheer quite like a brilliant Christmas lights display. From New York to Hawaii, South Dakota to Texas, London to Sydney, towns around the world create extravagant Christmas light shows each year.
But getting the most out of these annual holiday events means prepping the kids, keeping them warm and choosing the right Christmas lights displays. Read on for the tips you need to plan the perfect holiday lights outing.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t put off the planning! The kickoff to the holiday season is no longer the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.. Many holiday light displays open before Turkey Day.
1. Choose the Right Christmas Lights Display for Your Family
With so many different types of Christmas lights displays, selecting the right type of event for your family is key to the success of your trip.
For toddlers and preschoolers with short attention spans, events like zoo lights, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony or a Christmas-themed attraction with activities will minimize meltdowns. Elementary-aged kids usually veer towards activities like ice skating, holiday train rides or amusement park-type Christmas villages. Adults and older teens love Instagram-worthy events like illuminated boat parades and miles-long trails that wind through several towns.
If it’s super cold or you want to see the lights with a multigenerational group that includes seniors with mobility challenges, consider one of the drive-through Christmas lights displays. No one wants to feel left out of holiday fun and these gorgeous light tunnels will enchant everyone.
Let Everyone Vote for Their Favorite Winter Wonderland Extravaganza
The best way to make sure everyone is in a good mood and invested is to involve them! There are several ways to do this. You can do the research up front and present several options or you can let everyone give input on what types of activities they’d like to do, whether that means live music, larger-than-life light displays, or stuffing their faces with s’mores and hot cocoa.
2. Dress and Pack Appropriately for Outdoor Winter Fun
Nothing kills a happy outing like a toddler who decides she’s freezing two minutes into viewing the magical twinkling lights. Dress the family in layers. Even in the warmest climates, temperatures can dip in the evening when the lights come on. Being prepared is key.
Other things to throw in a bag? Snacks, phone chargers, a blanket for hayrides and a thermos of hot chocolate if you’re feeling festive. A wagon can make a big difference when visiting walk-through Christmas light displays.
Read More: How to Keep Your Toddler Warm for Winter Travel
3. Review Safety Procedures for Festival of Lights Visits
No, we don’t mean how to make the quickest exit to the car. Light displays tend to happen at night. Add in crowds and darkness and it becomes easy for a little one to dart away quickly.
On the way to the holiday light festival, review safety pointers. Remind preschoolers what to do if they get lost and go over who they should ask for help. With older kids, set a meeting spot. Line the kids up for a quick photo before heading into the event. If they do disappear, you’ll know what they were wearing.
In all likelihood, your visit will go off without a hitch but being prepared is always good!
Read More: Christmas Traditions Around the World and Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions
4. ‘Tis the Season to Try Something New
Are your holiday traditions in a bit of a rut? It’s fantastic to have some staples that you always do. But surprise everyone by shaking things up a bit. If you always visit the same living Nativity or drive the same one-mile stretch of the 100-mile holiday lights fest, look for something new to add. With so many unique light experiences available, you can choose something that will wow everyone.
From underground caverns of lights to giant ice sculptures, there are so many choices to get in the holiday spirit.
You don’t have to spend loads of money. Some of the best holiday lights displays are free or charge a small fee to support the community.
Read More: Kid-Friendly Christmas Events Near Los Angeles
5. Plan, Plan and Plan Some More
We love to be spontaneous, but winging it on Christmas light displays can be tricky. Many Christmas extravaganzas involve advance purchase tickets, reservations or arriving at a set time. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Start researching Christmas lights in your area now. We’ve helped you out below with regional lists of Christmas Lights displays.
When you’re researching your area, look for events and pages on Facebook. A lot of smaller community-level Christmas lights don’t maintain websites. Look for tips from folks who have been there. Check your local zoos, arboretums, botanic gardens and amusement parks. Many do special holiday activities and events that your family will love.
Read More: 10 Best Places to Visit in December to Fill You with Holiday Cheer
Where to See the Best Christmas Lights Display This Year
Best Drive Through Christmas Lights Across the USA
Northeast U.S. Christmas Lights Displays
Christmas Lights Displays in Texas and the Southwest U.S.
Midwest Christmas Lights Displays
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