Some cities go far beyond a few decorated trees and twinkling shop windows. They close streets, transform entire neighborhoods, and orchestrate synchronized shows that draw people from across the globe. Think neighborhoods that compete for the brightest block, zoos and gardens turned into illuminated fantasy lands, and downtowns where light shows dance perfectly in time with holiday music. Whether you’re a photographer looking for the ultimate festive backdrop, a parent planning a memory-making trip, or a traveler simply chasing that elusive holiday feeling, choosing the right city can completely reshape your December and Christmas holidays.
In this article, we’ll explore the best US cities for Christmas lights, ones fully embrace the art of illumination. As you read, you might discover the perfect destination for your next Christmas trip, or realize that one of the country’s most dazzling displays is closer than you think. Either way, by the end, you’ll have a list of cities where the holiday season doesn’t just arrive, it shines.
New York City, New York
Rockefeller Center: The quintessential Christmas light experience in the US is undeniably in New York City, centered around the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is illuminated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a brilliant Swarovski star, becoming the holiday beacon for millions of visitors.
Fifth Avenue: The iconic Fifth Avenue dazzles visitors with its luxurious and creative holiday spectacles. The street itself is a walking gallery, featuring legendary window displays from department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue (which includes a massive, synchronized light show on its façade), Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co., alongside the glowing red bow of the Cartier mansion.
Dyker Heights: NYC’s true holiday heart shines in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. This residential neighborhood is famous for its competitive and extravagant decorations, where houses are covered in millions of lights, oversized inflatable Santas and Nutcrackers, and elaborate mechanical displays, creating a unique, must-see spectacle.
Leavenworth, Washington
Bavarian Village: The most enchanting Christmas light experience that merges holiday spectacle with stunning natural scenery is found in Leavenworth, Washington. Nestled at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, this small town has completely embraced its theme as a Bavarian Village, transforming into an authentic Alpine-style “Christmastown” during the holidays. Over half a million lights adorn every building and tree, illuminating the unique German-inspired architecture and creating a truly magical, snow-globe atmosphere that is a powerful draw for travelers seeking a storybook Christmas.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Historic Downtown: Dubbed “Christmas City, USA,” Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers one of the most historically rich and charming Christmas light experiences in the country. Founded by Moravian settlers on Christmas Eve in 1741, its light display is rooted in tradition, with the historic downtown—now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site—glowing with classic holiday elegance. The Moravian District is beautifully illuminated with twinkling white lights and Moravian stars, contrasting with the colored lights of the South Side, and offering picturesque carriage rides and walking tours guided by interpreters in period dress.
Charleston, South Carolina
Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island County Park: The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is a long-standing, beloved holiday tradition in Charleston’s Lowcountry region. The centerpiece of the event is a three-mile drive through the park, which features over 750 custom-designed light displays comprising an estimated two million multicolored lights. Visitors are treated to themed sections and massive light sculptures, including recognizable local landmarks like the Ravenel Bridge and Rainbow Row. Beyond the driving route, guests can park and explore the Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Village, which offer a wide array of family activities. These walk-through attractions include visiting with Santa, riding the Festival Train and a classic carousel, roasting marshmallows for s’mores at outdoor fire pits, viewing a stunning 50-ton holiday sand sculpture, and browsing gift shops and festive food stands.
Nashville, Tennessee
Gaylord Opryland Resort: The Gaylord Opryland Resort hosts a massive holiday event called “A Country Christmas,” which is one of Nashville’s premier seasonal attractions. The resort’s signature features are its nine acres of indoor gardens (the Atriums), which are completely transformed with millions of twinkling lights, massive Christmas trees, and elaborate decorations. The cornerstone of the event is ICE!, a walk-through exhibit held in a 9°F environment, where more than two million pounds of hand-carved colored ice sculptures bring a classic Christmas story to life, complete with thrilling two-story ice slides. Beyond the lights and ice, the resort offers a plethora of activities, including Broadway-style cirque shows, outdoor ice skating, ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, breakfast with themed characters, and festive carriage rides through the illuminated grounds.
St. Augustine, Florida
Nights of Lights: The Nights of Lights is the signature holiday event in St. Augustine, Florida, transforming America’s oldest continuously inhabited city into a breathtaking winter spectacle. The festival, which traces its origins to an old Spanish tradition of placing white candles in windows, features over three million tiny white lights that drape every corner of the historic downtown, from the ground to the rooftops. The stunning illumination covers the Spanish Colonial architecture, the trees in the Plaza de la Constitución, and outlines the Bridge of Lions, with the glow reflecting beautifully on Matanzas Bay. National Geographic has named Nights of Lights one of the top holiday light displays in the world. The display is free to view and best experienced on foot, though popular viewing options include horse-drawn carriage rides, special trolley tours, and scenic cruises on the water.
Asheville, North Carolina
Biltmore Estate: The “Christmas at Biltmore” event transforms the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, into a grand and elegant Gilded Age holiday spectacle. The celebration features over 100 hand-decorated Christmas trees across the estate, including the iconic 35-foot Fraser fir towering in the Banquet Hall, all adorned with thousands of ornaments and over 100,000 lights. Visitors have two distinct experiences: the daytime visit, which includes exploring the opulent house, gardens, and conservatory filled with thousands of poinsettias; and the magical Candlelight Christmas Evenings. The evening experience, which requires a separate reservation, allows guests to tour the house illuminated primarily by firelight, glowing candles, and the massive sparkling outdoor tree, while being serenaded by live musical performances, creating an atmosphere that recreates the Vanderbilt family’s first Christmas in 1895. The holiday cheer extends to Antler Hill Village, which is also illuminated with a constellation of festive lights.
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is Southern California’s premier holiday spectacle and one of the oldest and most celebrated boat parades in the country, with a history spanning over a century. Held over five consecutive nights in December, the event transforms Newport Harbor as hundreds of boats—ranging from multi-million dollar yachts to small kayaks—sail a 14-mile route completely decked out in millions of twinkling lights, elaborate decorations, and often featuring music and special effects. Complementing the parade is the “Ring of Lights” competition, where waterfront homes and businesses along the harbor compete with their own extravagantly decorated facades, docks, and landscaping, creating a continuous, shimmering ring around the bay. Viewable by over a million spectators from various free public spots, waterfront restaurants, or from dedicated cruise boats, the celebration typically includes fireworks displays on the opening and closing nights.