Which States Have the Most Spectacular Christmas Light Displays?
Light bulbs that flash red and green or traditional white have become an integral part of our culture, serving as a symbol of financial success, festive spirit, and joy as the year comes to a close.
In point of fact, the origin of Christmas lights may be traced all the way back to the ancient ceremonies that were practiced in northern Europe. The tradition of lighting a Yule Log, which is similar to a bonfire, was first documented in the 12th century. It is believed that the Yule Log functioned as a representation of optimism that the month of December would eventually come to drift hunters an end and the sun would shine brightly once more. From early Yule Logs to candles on the German Christmas tree – possibly the most combustible Christmas light version — to the LED displays we have today, the customs of winter lighting have come a long way since the 12th century.
Even though tourists fly more than half way around the world to witness the Christmas lights that illuminate holiday markets in Europe, we have some stunning displays right here in the United States. Here is a rundown of the top Christmas light displays in every state, whether you're looking for a drive-through LED extravaganza or a classy spectacular laced with tea lights. Bellingrath Gardens and Home has been the place to go in Alabama to see holiday lights for more than two decades, and their display lives up to the name with more than 1,100 set pieces and 3 million lights spread out around the 65-acre estate. The Magic Christmas in Lights show at Bellingrath Gardens is a tradition that has been going strong for the past 26 years. The display is open from the day after Thanksgiving through January 5; however, it is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
It is customary for residents of North Pole to go all out while decorating their homes for Christmas. Visit the Santa Claus House, where "It's Christmas every day!", to take pictures with the world's largest Santa Claus, his entire team of reindeer, and the big man himself. Your state doesn't have any pines or spruces, does it? In the spirit of Arizona's Tumbleweed Tree, you should just make do with what you have. The community centerpiece in Chandler, Arizona is a tradition that dates back more than 50 years. It is, quite literally, a pile of roughly 1,000 tumbleweeds molded into the shape of a tree, sprayed with white paint, dusted with 65 pounds of glitter, and decorated with 1,200 lights. It is something that needs to be seen to be believed.
The fact that the Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas are associated with the School of Architecture + Design at the University of Arkansas makes them both an architectural and botanical marvel. The annual Wonderland event in the garden is held daily from the middle of November to the night before New Year's Eve. It features art pieces with a winter holiday theme, an abundance of lights, and nine imaginatively themed "worlds" within the garden.
A boat parade of lights is one of the most enjoyable things that may happen when you're out on the lake. The boat (or, let's be serious here, yacht) displays in Southern California are truly remarkable. The King Harbor Yacht Club procession in Redondo Beach and the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights are two of the most well-known and popular parades in Southern California.
A boat parade of lights is one of the most enjoyable things that may happen when you're out on the lake. The boat (or, let's be serious here, yacht) displays in Southern California are truly remarkable. The King Harbor Yacht Club procession in Redondo Beach and the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights are two of the most well-known and popular parades in Southern California.
Holiday Light Fantasia in Hartford, Connecticut is a full-fledged winter festival including larger-than-life sceneries symbolizing Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's Eve. The festival runs from November 24 to January 1. As you make your way through the interactive displays at Goodwin Park, keep a look out for Flurry, a canine who is wearing a Santa hat. He is tucked away somewhere in the midst of the lights.
The name DuPont carries a significant amount of weight in Delaware, and this weight is multiplied when it comes to the topic of Christmas decorations. The homes owned by the DuPont family are home to several of the state's most impressive art exhibits. One of the most impressive is Yuletide at Winterthur, which features a Christmas tree that is decked out with more than sixty different kinds of dried flowers.
While Walt Disney World may be referred to as "The Most Magical Place On Earth" at any time of the year, the holiday season is when the park truly lives up to its moniker. At this most delightful time of the year, hotels and theme parks are decked up in holiday decor, and guests will find delectable seasonal refreshments and festive entertainment that can only be enjoyed during this period.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden has, without a doubt, the most impressive display of Christmas lights of any location in the state of Georgia. Their Garden Lights, Holiday Nights show will run for two months and will brighten the outside space that is packed with plants and flowers. It is highly recommended that you pay a visit to the Skylights Lounge located in the Skyline Garden.
The month of December in Honolulu is when you'll find the most spectacular light show if you're vacationing on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Honolulu City Lights is an annual event that takes place in downtown Honolulu and features beautiful lights and Hawaii-themed holiday displays. This event is sure to pull even the most jaded Christmas grinch into the spirit of the season's most joyous occasion.
