If you’re dreaming of a getaway that glows, these destinations are the perfect places to see holiday lights that are truly worth the trip. Whether you’re after big-city displays or cozy charm, here are some of the brightest spots to visit this winter.
New York City, New York
The Big Apple is notorious for going all out during the holidays, and visitors around the world flock to the city from mid-November to early January to see the many decorations and light displays. While some decorations are up before Thanksgiving, the Christmas season doesn’t start until Santa himself closes out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—a time-honored tradition dating back to the very first parade in 1924. Must-see displays include the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, scheduled to be lit on Wednesday, December 3rd, the storefront windows along Fifth Avenue, and even Central Park, where you can grab a hot cocoa to go to watch the 29th Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting on December 4th.
St. Augustine, Florida
The holiday season sure looks bright in America’s Oldest City, and this year marks the 32nd year of the city’s Nights of Lights, an award-winning light display with more than 3 million lights. Throughout historic downtown St. Augustine, these dazzling lights last from November 15th until January 11th, allowing for more time to visit and see the displays. With Florida’s beautiful, temperate weather, walking to see the lights is completely doable, but you might want to look into a Nights of Lights tour given by Old Town Trolley.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado, is a great starting point for those wanting to enjoy a winter escape or ski vacation in the Rocky Mountains. With its airport being a major hub for multiple airlines, Denver is not only easy to get to, it’s also a great destination to spend some time during the holidays, regardless of whether you’re plans to ski or not. Mile High City is also known to get very festive during the holiday season, with a seemingly endless array of light displays and scheduled events throughout the city. From drone shows to choreographed lights and even light trails, see the full list on Visit Denver’s website.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The holiday season in the Smoky Mountains is nothing short of magical, and if you want to experience twinkling lights and have plenty of fun, family-friendly activities at your fingertips, Gatlinburg should be your go-to. The whole downtown lights up during the Smoky Mountain Winterfest, a celebration that actually extends to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as well. From early November through mid-February, visitors to either town are able to see the beautiful displays, as well as those in ticketed parks like Anakeesta and Dollywood if there’s room in the trip’s itinerary.
San Antonio, Texas
Looking for some holiday spirit while still enjoying some sunshine? Head to San Antonio for the holidays for average highs in the low 70s to high 60s from November to December. The city’s iconic River Walk—a network of walkways that shadows the San Antonio through the heart of downtown—gets fully decked out in decorations and lights. A light display that you won’t want to miss is Illuminate at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The exhibition includes handcrafted lanterns, light trails, and sculptures that are simply stunning. Or head to The Light Park, a fun tradition that lets you drive through a light display until early January.
London, England
Grab your passport, because one of the most magical places to be during the holidays is in London, England! Starting in November, the lights stun visitors shopping for Christmas presents along Oxford and Regent Streets, those walking through Covent Garden, and especially for everyone strolling through the festive light trail at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In addition to London’s spectacular decorations and light displays, the city’s Christmas markets, shows, and performances, as well as cozy experiences like Christmas-themed afternoon tea and decked-out traditional pubs, will all definitely put you into the holiday spirit.
Copenhagen, Denmark
For a truly storybook holiday experience, Copenhagen shines brightest at Tivoli Gardens. Each winter, this historic amusement park transforms into a glowing wonderland of more than a million twinkling lights, festive rides, and cozy market stalls serving warm drinks and sugary pastries. Beyond Tivoli, the Danish capital sparkles with charm, from ice skating rinks and the Christmas markets to candlelit cafés that embody true hygge—a Danish word explaining that warm and cozy feeling the holidays bring.
Málaga, Spain
Get ready to be dazzled, because Málaga, Spain, has spectacular holiday lights! Each year, the city’s Calle Larios, a popular street, transforms into a breathtaking display of shimmering arches, music, and synchronized light shows that draw visitors from around the world. The entire historic center glows with illuminated trees, nativity scenes, and festive markets. Locals call it alegría, that joy that fills the air as you stroll through lively plazas, listen to carolers, and enjoy churros con chocolate by the sea. With mild temperatures and a seaside sparkle, Málaga proves that holiday magic doesn’t need snow to shine.
