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10 Outdoor Holiday Light Displays
With the holidays fast approaching, many are looking for ways to celebrate safely. One great activity is to drive around and look for outdoor light displays. While you could drive through local neighborhoods in search of stunning homes, why not attend an organized show?
Across the U.S. are numerous holiday light shows. From open-air walking tours to drive-through displays, there are great ways to see the Christmas lights from a safe distance. Check out 10 of the best displays below, all conveniently located near great resorts!
10 Spots to Safely See Holiday Lights Across the U.S.
1. Santa Claus Land of Lights
Santa Claus, IN
Boasting the largest campground holiday light show in North America, the Santa Claus Land of Lights is located within our very own Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph ! Stretching for 1.2 miles, the Land of Lights is a drive-through display telling the story of Christmas through lights and storyboards. It takes place rain or shine and has gained national attention over the years.
Vehicle passes are available for individual sale or as part of Rudolph's Family Christmas Package.
2. Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, AZ
For those seeking to stretch their legs, Las Noches de las Luminarias is the ideal light show. Situated outdoors in Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden, this is a Southwestern walk-through show of holiday lights. Advanced reservations are required to stay within capacity limitations, and guests must arrive at their ticketed time.
Nearby Resorts
3. World of Illumination
Tempe and Glendale, AZ
Also in the Southwest, but structured as a drive-through show, the World of Illumination is simply magical. There are two locations around Phoenix in Tempe and Glendale, each with millions of lights. The World of Illumination is the world's largest drive-through light show and you better believe it's a stunner.
Nearby Resorts
4. Winterfest
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN
Tucked away in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains are the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Here, Winterfest takes place with more than five million holiday lights around town. You can enjoy them by walking through Gatlinburg or driving through Pigeon Forge.
Nearby Resorts
5. Austin Trail of Lights
Austin, TX
Austin's beautiful Zilker Park is playing host to the annual Austin Trail of Lights! This drive-through event is a safe and spectacular way to see the best holiday light show in Texas. Be sure to get your tickets in advance to see these twinkling lights, as vehicle passes are not sold at the gate.
Nearby Resorts
6. Daytona Speedway Magic of Lights
Daytona, FL
In a venue known for racing cars, the Daytona Speedway Magic of Lights show takes things at a slower speed. Visitors can drive along the famous tarmac, witnessing one of Florida's best outdoor light shows. To help others during this season of giving, a portion of the proceeds is donated to local branches of the AdventHealth Foundation.
Nearby Resorts
Image via: https://kimandcarrie.com/busch-gardens-christmas-town/
7. Busch Gardens Christmas Town
Tampa, FL
On Florida's Gulf Coast is Busch Gardens Christmas Town, another popular event. The open-air village has been modified for safety and comfort and features millions of holiday lights along with new holiday fireworks. This year will also see the first-ever outdoor production of Christmas On Ice! Trust us, Christmas Town is an event your family won't want to miss.
Nearby Resorts
- Spanish Main
- Tampa East RV Community
- Hidden River RV Community
- Lakeland RV Community
- Sun Retreats Dunedin
8. Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Kissimmee, FL
An annual tradition in Kissimmee, Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a beautiful, family-friendly event. The design is new this year, with an outdoor walk-through experience that features classic Christmas movies. This event is ticketed, but there are reduced prices for children with numerous kid-friendly activities included.
Nearby Resorts
9. Great Christmas Light Show
North Myrtle Beach, SC
Spend Christmas near the Atlantic Ocean! North Myrtle Beach hosts the Great Christmas Light Show, one of the South's best drive-through holiday displays. Gorgeous displays, colorful lights, and the option of visiting Santa's village make this a great event for families.
Nearby Resorts
Image via: https://www.livingdesert.org
10. WildLights at The Living Desert
Palm Desert, CA
Although some like the snow, others prefer the palm trees of a California Christmas. Within the Greater Palm Springs area, you'll find WildLights at The Living Desert. Step into a Western winter wonderland as you walk through one of the best zoo light displays in the U.S. at The Living Desert.
Nearby Resorts
With drive-through tours and outdoor walking displays, it's easy to see holiday lights safely. We hope we've inspired you to check out one of these featured light displays, and encourage you to check out other holiday displays available in your area. Fee free to share the joy by sharing this post with others who may wish to see the dazzling displays!
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