Top Holiday Light Displays Worth the Trip

What better way to spend time during the holidays than checking out light displays? No matter where you go, you can find holiday lights, but some displays are just bigger and better than others. Check out these holiday light displays that are worth the trip and immerse yourself in the magical holiday season.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Take a trip to Boothbay, Maine, and experience the annual Gardens Aglow holiday event. 2024 will be the 10th year of this light extravaganza, which features over 750,000 lights. They wind along a mile-long path through the gardens, creating all kinds of holiday shapes. You’ll also get to see two of the garden’s giant trolls along the way, and thanks to the Boothbay Lights, the display expands beyond the gardens.

Holiday Light Display in Downtown Franklin, Indiana

If you’re in the Franklin, Indiana, area during the holidays, you’ll want to check out their light display. The town makes an event of the lighting, with a Winter Market, a lighted parade leading up to the official lighting, and then the flip the switch at the Johnson County Courthouse.

Glow Hartford Holiday Light Display

Hartford, CT, is the place to be if you like holiday lights. Glow Hartford is an annual event with over 1 million lights and lit structures that represent landmarks from around the world. Take a stroll through this light display to see everything from the Taj Mahal to the pyramids and Big Ben. The tunnel of lights is one display that makes Connecticut worth the trip, and it all takes place inside the Connecticut Convention Center.

Nauticus’ WinterFest on the Wisconsin

This light display is unique because it takes place on the Battleship Wisconsin. Head to Norfolk, VA, to see a unique twist on a holiday display. The ship is decorated with over 1 million lights that take the shape of all kinds of festive things. This year, a new display features Ralphie and the leg lamp from “A Christmas Story.” The Mistletoe Marina outside of the ship has snacks and warm drinks, along with falling snow every hour.

Austin Trail of Lights

What better place to take a trip around the holidays than Austin, TX? You’ll get to see the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Metropolitan Park. This holiday extravaganza has over 2 million lights that form tunnels to walk through, Santa’s workshop, and much more. As you walk through this display, you’ll see trees wrapped in lights and catch glimpses of all your holiday favorites.

Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum in Chicago is a must-see if you enjoy holiday light displays. Make sure to set aside some time to explore the 50 acres of lights and music, which will also include an interactive display this year. The path runs for a mile and is fully accessible for people with limited mobility so that everyone can enjoy the lights. If you stay later in the evening, there are even displays synchronized to music.