Christmas is a welcome celebration for any town in the United States, but some towns really outdo themselves during this festive season. From coast to coast, these towns each go to great lengths to make Christmas as bright as possible; they line the streets with bright lights by the thousands, or even millions and our Group Travel Service was on a mission this year to find out which are the most spectacular Light Displays in the United States and this is what we found out.
McAdenville, North Carolina
McAdenville is a small town in North Carolina, just a few miles from Charlotte, but when it’s the Christmas Season, the town seizes to be McAdenville and becomes ‘Christmas Town’. Due to its vibrant Christmas spirit, Christmas Town attracts over 600,000 people from around the world. During the holiday season, over 450,000 Christmas Lights adorn this little town lighting it up day and night. There are also over 350 brightly decorated Christmas trees along a route right through the town, but don’t worry; the route is easily navigable even during winter season. Our favorite spot however is the lake, where over 30 twinkling Christmas trees line the shore, reflecting peacefully and calmly in the water.
Charleston, South Carolina
The highlight of this small town is the Holiday Festival of Lights that is held annually. The Holiday Festival of Lights in Charleston is a 3-mile driving tour and lights display that features over 2 million twinkling Christmas lights that are just breathtaking. After your drive through the lights, enjoy roasting marshmallows, interactive Christmas lights along the lake, train rides, and many more family-friendly activities.
Manhattan, New York
Head over to the Rockefeller Center in New York City during Christmas time where you will get to witness some of the most beautifully lit surroundings all across the city. The main attraction, however, is the beautifully decorated, 70-foot-tall Christmas tree inside Rockefeller Center; a tree adorned with tens of thousands of lights. Attend the first lighting at 5pm on 29th November and if the sight doesn’t jolt you into a holiday mood, then nothing will.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is known as the ‘Ozark Mountain Christmas Town’ and true to its moniker, the town doesn’t play around when it comes to celebrating the holidays; this town is just too full of spirit. Branson transforms from an ordinary unassuming town overnight into one of the brightest symbols of the Christmas season in the country. Historic downtown shopping centers, main streets, and street lights are wrapped in thousands of twinkling Christmas lights like you’ve never seen before. It’s truly an experience to behold.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Try also the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights in Ohio where a bright tradition that has lasted over 35 years lights up Cincinnati every holiday season. Apart from the millions of colorful LED lights that adorn the premises, you will also have the opportunity to watch the Light Show on Swan Lake and take a ride on the Toyland Express.