Where to See Holiday Lights on Vacation

If you’re traveling during this wonderful time of year, you’ll want to make sure you see some Christmas lights! So many top vacation destinations have magical light displays that are well worth the trip. We wanted to highlight some of the most impressive displays you can find in the most fantastic destinations. If you’ve been wondering where to see holiday lights, we’ve got you covered!

Make this holiday season one to remember with a viewing of the best Christmas lights 2022!

New York City

New York City is a town that is lit up from head to toe even in the non-holiday months, so it’s no surprise the city is quite the spectacle for the Christmas season. If you’re vacationing in NYC during December, you’ll definitely want to visit Rockefeller Center to view the 77-foot Christmas tree that is fully decked with lights and ornaments. Enjoy ice skating at 30 Rock’s popular rink while enjoying hot chocolate and the glow of the tree.

Another lesser-known place to see holiday lights is in the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn. This residential area is home to people who go all in on the Christmas spirit. Each house aims to out-do the other every year with whimsical holiday decor, lights, and sounds of the season. It is well worth the trip!

Where to stay: West 57th Street by Hilton Club

St. Augustine

You won’t find winter weather down in St. Augustine, but this fantastic destination makes up for that with plenty of holiday cheer and many dazzling lights. If you’re headed to Florida during December, be sure to visit St. Augustine to check out their Nights of Lights festival that runs through January. The area’s Spanish-style architecture is fully decked out with millions of twinkling lights from the ground to the roof.

Be sure to stop in the Plaza de la Constitución for a family Christmas card photo op in front of the sky-high Christmas tree. Then walk across the Bridge of Lions to enjoy the Christmas light reflections on the water.

Where to stay: World Golf Village

New Orleans

You must experience a New Orleans Christmas season at least once in your life. This fabulous city transforms its City Park during the Celebration in The Oaks. Once Thanksgiving is over, the park is completely covered in stunning lights all over the oak trees, some of which are over 800 years old.

You can take a drive or enjoy a walking tour through two miles of magical Christmas lights. If you choose to take the walking tour, you also get admission to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park which features a botanic garden and 18 rides to add more fun to the experience.

Where to stay: Wyndham Avenue Plaza

Pigeon Forge

There are more than 5 million holiday lights that make Pigeon Forge sparkle during the Christmas season. The Pigeon Forge Winterfest puts the illuminated town on display from mid-November all the way through mid-February. This special event also features train rides, unique shopping experiences, and parades.

The highly popular Dollywood gets special mention for its dazzling Christmas light display and many family-friendly holiday shows offered. If you’re looking to view holiday lights from the comfort of your vehicle, be sure to take a drive along the Pigeon Forge Parkway or head a little north to Smokies Stadium for Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland.

Where to stay: Sunrise Ridge Resort

Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Strip is another spot that is already known for its dazzling lights year-round. However, it is definitely worth the visit to see the festive lights and shows that take over come December. Each casino has its own unique decorating style, but all go all out with lights, Christmas trees, and festive decor.

Off the Strip, we recommend checking out the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with more than 5 million lights for the holiday season. They offer a drive-thru event called Glittering Lights where you can slowly cruise along the track to take in the sights and take plenty of pictures. This event lasts through the first week in January, for those who might want to check it out after the holiday!

Where to stay: Grandview Las Vegas

See Christmas Lights 2022 with a Timeshare Rental

No matter where you travel this season, be sure to save thousands on accommodations with a timeshare rental. Shop our inventory of last minute rentals to score an extra good deal on accommodations for the month of December!