Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in the US

Christmas lights display
Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels

Sometimes it seems as if hustle culture has taken over the world, and this makes us feel guilty about allowing ourselves to take time to enjoy simple pleasures. While there’s nothing wrong with working hard, it’s also important to take breaks and have fun.

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are enjoying annual traditions like looking at Christmas lights. Exactly what these traditions look like will vary from family to family and city to city, but it is safe to say that there’s no shortage of spectacular Christmas light displays around the United States. Here are some of the best.

East Coast – Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

The Bronx Zoo is one of the best zoos in the entire US, and its annual light show does not disappoint. The show features lanterns made to look like popular animals as well as traditional light displays and entertainers who roam throughout the park. This year, Holiday Lights will run through January 8.

West Coast – Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light

Just outside of Los Angeles, the Descanso botanical garden puts on a holiday light show that can only be described as a magical experience. The show utilizes the natural features of the forest alongside specialty lights to create an “enchanted” experience for all. Forest of Light also runs through January 8 this year.

Central – Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light

Denver Botanic Gardens actually has two light displays—one at its downtown Denver location on York Street and one outside the city. They’re both worth a visit, but if you can only make one, we recommend checking out Blossoms of Light on York Street. Its twinkling bright colors create a fun, romantic environment perfect for a date night. ‘Blossoms’ runs through January 7.