As the days grow shorter and the nights become colder, towns and cities across the United States prepare to sparkle. One of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season is seeking out 2025 Best Christmas Light Displays — and 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of extra magic and wonder.
Each December, millions of twinkling lights transform parks, botanical gardens, city streets, zoos, raceways, and even entire neighborhoods into enchanting winter wonderlands. These displays offer families, couples, and holiday travelers the perfect opportunity to experience the joy of the season and create cherished memories.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the 2025 best Christmas light displays across the country. Whether you’re looking for famous displays, off-the-beaten-path gems, or kid-friendly holiday attractions, you’ll find the perfect destination to brighten your holidays.
2025 Best Christmas Light Displays – Why You Should Visit
Christmas light displays are more than just beautiful decorations — they embody the joy, community spirit, and timeless traditions that make the holiday season so special.
Here’s why you should make visiting these displays a part of your 2025 Christmas celebrations:
✨ Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages
Children’s faces light up with joy as they gaze at glittering trees and animated scenes, while parents and grandparents savor the nostalgia of holiday magic.
✨ Capture Unforgettable Moments
Today’s Christmas light displays often include interactive installations and themed photo spots, offering countless opportunities for creating Instagram-worthy holiday memories.
✨ Affordable and Accessible
Many of the best displays are free to the public or charge a modest fee, making them a budget-friendly way to celebrate the season.
✨ Support Local Communities
By attending displays hosted by parks, zoos, non-profits, and small businesses, you help sustain local holiday traditions and encourage community pride.
✨ Build Lasting Traditions
Families who attend the same light display year after year build a treasured holiday tradition that is passed down through generations.
🎆 2025 Best Christmas Light Displays Across the U.S.
From East Coast cities decked out in historic charm to West Coast botanical gardens shimmering with high-tech displays, here are some of the most breathtaking Christmas light displays in 2025 — organized by region for your travel planning.
✨ East Coast Christmas Light Displays
1️⃣ Dyker Heights Christmas Lights — Brooklyn, NY
Every year, the residents of Dyker Heights transform their homes into a jaw-dropping showcase of lights, animatronics, and oversized decorations. You’ll find everything from 20-foot nutcrackers to life-size Santas and thousands of twinkling bulbs adorning the stately brownstones. Visitors can stroll or take a guided bus tour through this Brooklyn neighborhood — a must-see for Christmas enthusiasts.
2️⃣ Koziar’s Christmas Village — Bernville, PA
Since 1948, Koziar’s Christmas Village has been delighting visitors with one of the most charming light displays in the U.S. Nestled in rural Pennsylvania, this family-run attraction features over a million lights spread across themed buildings, covered bridges, and pathways. It’s a magical experience for kids and nostalgic for adults.
3️⃣ Gardens Aglow — Boothbay, ME
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens hosts Gardens Aglow, one of New England’s premier light shows. Wander through immersive lighted tunnels, glowing sculptures, and creatively illuminated gardens that showcase the natural beauty of Maine during the winter season.
🎇 Midwest Christmas Light Displays
4️⃣ Christmas at the Zoo — Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience where guests can explore animal exhibits and festive light displays simultaneously. Featuring life-size illuminated sculptures, musical light shows, and themed photo areas, Christmas at the Zoo is perfect for families and animal lovers alike.
5️⃣ Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” — Duluth, MN
Located along the snowy shores of Lake Superior, the free Bentleyville Tour of Lights features more than 5 million lights across a 20-acre park. Visitors can walk through dazzling light tunnels, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit Santa Claus himself.
6️⃣ Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape — Glencoe, IL
The Lightscape event at Chicago Botanic Garden offers an immersive journey through luminous art installations, towering light tunnels, and music-synchronized displays. It’s a sophisticated, magical experience that appeals to both children and adults.
🎆 South Christmas Light Displays
7️⃣ Bellingrath Gardens and Home Magic Christmas in Lights — Theodore, AL
Southern hospitality meets Christmas cheer at Bellingrath Gardens, where over 3 million lights illuminate garden paths, fountains, and historic architecture. Visitors can also tour the beautifully decorated Bellingrath Home, adding a historical touch to their holiday outing.
8️⃣ Holiday Trail of Lights — Louisiana & East Texas
The Holiday Trail of Lights spans several charming towns in Louisiana and Texas, each offering its own unique light displays, Christmas markets, parades, and festive attractions. This regional tour invites visitors to explore multiple towns while enjoying a diverse array of holiday traditions.
9️⃣ Austin Trail of Lights — Austin, TX
Set in the heart of Zilker Park, the Austin Trail of Lights showcases more than 2 million lights, themed displays, interactive attractions, and live entertainment. The event is a vibrant, music-filled celebration that captures the spirit of Austin’s creative community.
🎇 West Coast Christmas Light Displays
10️⃣ LA Zoo Lights — Los Angeles, CA
LA Zoo Lights transforms the zoo into a glowing fantasyland filled with animal-shaped light sculptures, oversized ornaments, and themed photo ops. Visitors can enjoy holiday treats, ride a carousel, and experience interactive displays throughout the zoo grounds.
11️⃣ The Lights of Christmas — Stanwood, WA
One of the largest holiday light displays in the Pacific Northwest, The Lights of Christmas features a drive-thru experience with whimsical scenes, storytelling elements, and over a million lights. Live entertainment and seasonal treats make this a memorable holiday outing.
12️⃣ Portland Winter Wonderland — Portland, OR
Held at Portland International Raceway, Winter Wonderland is a massive drive-thru light show that transforms the racetrack into a glowing spectacle of animated displays, tunnels of lights, and holiday-themed installations — perfect for families who prefer to stay warm in their cars.
Helpful Tips for Visiting 2025 Best Christmas Light Displays
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your Christmas light display adventures this year:
✅ Book in advance: Many of the most popular displays require tickets with timed entry. Book early, especially for weekends.
✅ Arrive early or late: To avoid the biggest crowds, visit early in the evening on weekdays or later at night on weekends.
✅ Dress appropriately: Bundle up if attending outdoor or walk-through events — many displays happen rain or shine.
✅ Check the weather: Severe weather may cause closures or reduced hours, so always check event websites before you go.
✅ Support local businesses: Many displays feature local vendors selling festive food, crafts, and gifts — a great way to enhance your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions – 2025 Best Christmas Light Displays
Q: What are the most famous Christmas light displays in the U.S.?
Iconic displays include Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, Koziar’s Christmas Village in Pennsylvania, and Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Minnesota, among many others.
Q: When do most Christmas light displays start in 2025?
Most displays begin around Thanksgiving weekend and continue through early January 2026. Some may open as early as mid-November.
Q: Are there many drive-thru Christmas light shows in 2025?
Yes! Drive-thru displays like Portland Winter Wonderland and The Lights of Christmas in Washington are especially popular for 2025, providing a safe and cozy way to enjoy the lights.
Q: How can I find the best Christmas light displays near me?
Check local tourism websites, city event calendars, Facebook events, and regional blogs. Many online publications release annual guides to the best Christmas lights in each area.
Q: What should I bring to a Christmas light display?
Dress warmly for outdoor events, bring a camera or smartphone for photos, and pack snacks or hot drinks for drive-thru displays. Many families bring blankets and thermoses to make the experience extra cozy.
Conclusion
The 2025 Best Christmas Light Displays offer something for everyone — whether you want to stroll through a quaint holiday village, drive through a glittering light tunnel, or marvel at a dazzling public park. These displays provide the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones, embrace the joy of the season, and create magical memories.
So grab your mittens, your camera, and your sense of holiday wonder — and start planning your 2025 Christmas light adventures today! 🎄✨
