8 best streets for Christmas Light Displays in the US
One of my favorite things during the holiday season is all the bright Christmas lights. Living in the gray and rainy PNW, I love how they illuminate the darkest, coldest nights of the year.
Over the years, Iâve seen some spectacular Christmas light displays in Oregon. But I wanted to know how Christmas light displays look across the rest of the States.
So I reached out to some fellow travel bloggers to see what they had to say. And together weâre bringing you the best streets for Christmas light displays in the US, from the PNW all the way down to Florida!
1. Peacock Lane, Portland, Oregon
Recommended by Clarice from The Clever West Wind
One of the best streets for Christmas lights in the US is Peacock Lane. This quaint residential street is located in Southeast Portland, Oregon, lined with English style cottages and Tudors.
And every holiday season it transforms into a spectacular holiday light show, full of cheer and joy. Each home has its own unique theme, from The Grinch and The Peanuts, to Home Alone and Christmas Vacation.
But one of the things that makes this street particularly remarkable is that the residents of Peacock Lane have carried this tradition on for over 100 years now. The only two exceptions were World War II during electricity rationing, and the Covid Pandemic.
The entire event is free, organized by the residents of Peacock Lane. Thereâs fun photo ops along the way, and even a free hot coca booth up through Christmas Eve.
Peacock Lane has become a beloved holiday staple in the Portland area. And with such brilliant lights, class, and history, Peacock Lane is easily one of the best places to see Christmas light displays in the US.
2. Jeater Bend, Celebration Avenue, Florida
Recommended by Christine from Live Love Run Travel
Celebration Avenue, Jeater Bend, and the whole neighborhood of Celebration, Florida, go over the top when it comes to Christmas decorations. From massive inflatables to homes covered in lights and even light shows timed to music, Celebration has some of the best Christmas lights in Orlando, Florida.
Jeater Bend was one of the first streets in Celebration to be known for their Christmas display. The homes along the street used to do a coordinated light show and even have Santa come visit a couple of nights each year. While several of the houses still put up the decorations, they are no longer doing the coordinated light show.
Celebration Avenue does have a couple of houses that do a light show with Christmas music. The best displays along this road are from 1100 to 1108 Celebration Avenue. You can park in the parallel parking along the road to get out and enjoy the homes along this stretch of the road.
While you are in the area, drive around the neighborhood. While the displays change each year, youâll find many of the homes here have a display worth seeing. Spring Park Loop, Maiden Terrace, and Golfpark Drive often are good options for additional displays.
3. Dyker Heights, New York
Recommended by Dani from Scratch Your Mapa
Dyker Heights has some of the most extroadinary Christmas light displays in all of New York. Each year the houses in this neighborhood of Brooklyn make incredible holiday setups, with some of the most elaborate decorations.
You can find the houses that participate this from 83rd to 86th street between 11th avenue and 13th avenue. Expect to see everything from massive inflatable Christmas characters to flashing lights of every color of the rainbow. While there isnât necessarily a competition here, the homeowners in this area go all out, attracting 100,000 visitors each year.
The tradition is said to have started with a woman named Lucy Spata back in 1986. She started to decorate her home when she first moved to Brooklyn in honor of her mother, and ever since the tradition has spread amongst all of the neighbors.
Roaming the area is completely free of charge, and you can start to see the lights typically the weekend after Thanksgiving until early January. Most houses turn their light on right after the sun sets, and will leave them on until around 9:00 pm. Some leave them on later, but weâd suggest heading there anytime between dusk and 9:00 to be able to appreciate the show in its full force.
4. Front Street, Leavenworth, Washington
Recommended by Jess from Uprooted Traveler
Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-themed village, tucked away in the Northern Cascades of Washington. While visitors flock here from all over the world year round, Christmas in Leavenworth is next level, with over half a million Christmas lights festooning the trees and rafters of the Bavarian facades on Front Street, its main drag with dozens of restaurants, shops, and cafes.
Its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony happens every Black Friday, with plenty of events to celebrate the holiday season, like carols being sung by local choirs and visits from Santa himself. The decorations in Leavenworth actually stay up all the way through Valentineâs Day, so if you want to miss the crowds during December (over 200,000 visitors come to Leavenworth in December alone!), you can actually enjoy the display all the way through mid-February.
Thereâs plenty of other Christmas-themed activities to enjoy on Front Street as you wander around to admire the lights, like the Nutcracker Museum, which is home to over 7,000 nutcrackers from all over the world or cozy wineries serving up mugs of gluhwein. If youâre coming with kiddos, consider bringing along a sled, as thereâs a small hill in the Leavenworth City Park on Front Street. You can actually zoom down a hill as Christmas lights twinkle in trees directly overhead!
5. King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
Recommended by Deb from Introvert With Itchy Feet
When Christmas comes to Oahu, King Street in Honolulu is the place to be. Particularly in front of Honolulu Hale, our city hall, youâll find a magical mix of holiday traditions and Hawaiian spirit, all with a tropical twist.
As you stroll down King Street youâll see the giant Christmas tree lit with colours, and holiday wishes spelled out in enormous toy blocks. But itâs not just the usual decorations. Keep an eye out for Shaka Santa, TĆ«tĆ« Mele (our very own Mrs. Claus), spreading smiles and aloha to the crowds.
The festivities begin in early December when the mayor of Honolulu County lights up the cityâs impressive 50-foot holiday tree. The lights around the Civic Center grounds sparkle, too, creating a beautiful glow that youâll feel in your heart.
On opening night you can even get a free photo with Santa. Itâs a perfect time to capture some holiday memories â the perfect souvenirs. And donât forget to visit Santaâs Village in the Mission Memorial Auditorium!
Throughout the season, King Street hosts unique outdoor markets where you can browse handmade gifts and enjoy tasty seasonal treats. Music and a variety of local food vendors will have you arriving early and staying late.
King Streetâs Christmas celebrations are all about celebrating our culture and community. Whether you visit for the unique decorations, the festive events, or just to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, youâll find something special throughout the season.
6. Main Street, Grapevine, Texas
Recommended by Haley from Adventure Evermore
Main Street, in the small Dallas suburb town of Grapevine, is one of the most decorated and festive Christmas streets in the entire metropolitan area. In fact, the town actually claims the title, âThe Christmas Capital of Texasâ.
Besides all the cars and visitors swarming to this popular Christmas destination, taking a stroll down Main Street feels a bit like wandering around a small Texas country town.
Shops and restaurants line the streets, while the Christmas season also brings special events and experiences like ice skating, drone shows, performances, kids activities, Santaâs North Pole Express, classic Christmas movies in a historic theater, and a Christmas Market.
The Christmas festivities in Grapevine begin more than a month in advance from the actual date of Christmas, and there are more than 1,400 festive events and millions of Christmas lights to enjoy throughout the season.
Certain events and activities do require tickets, but you can also just explore Main Street and enjoy the festive Christmas decorations for free. Parking can get fairly hectic, especially the closer you get to Christmas, but there is free parking on Main Street (if you can find any), free parking lots nearby, free shuttles for further away lots, and even the option to ride the TEXRAIL at a discounted rate.
7. Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, California
Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise
In Santa Monica, California, the Third Street Promenade is the place to get into the Christmas spirit. The best part, since itâs a pedestrian zone, you can take your sweet time strolling along without worrying about anyone honking at you. Located on the stretch of Third Street between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard, this half mile is one of the most festive places in greater Los Angeles.
The stunning Christmas tree holds a spot between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue. Catch the annual tree lighting ceremony and sing carols with the locals. Lights are strewn above with snowflakes and ornaments adding extra decorative touches. Each store front goes all out with their idea of the perfect Christmas design that will beckon you in to shop. The Promenade is also lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants. Stop in for a taste of delicious California cuisine and fuel up. You can literally spend hours here.
Walking the promenade is a great way to join in the festivities and get some holiday shopping done at the same time. And if you canât find what you need there, the Broadway end of the promenade lets out at Santa Monica Place, an outdoor mall filled with designer labels. In addition to eating and shopping, youâll want to stop and watch a few street performers. Singers, dancers, and musicians will entertain day and night.
8. Savannah Christmas Market on River Street
Recommended by Jana from Itâs Jana Soli
If there is a southern city that understands the magic of Christmas, it is Savannah, Georgia. Each year, the historic Plant Riverfront District along Savannahâs River Street is transformed into a vibrant european-style Christmas market and holiday light experience.
The Christmas market and festivities along River Street commence on November 21st and continue until December 31st. The live Christmas events really kick off on November 29th with the annual Christmas Lighting Experience, complete with tree lighting ceremony and live reading of âTwas the Night Before Christmas.
White tent stalls brimming with fresh foods, handmade gifts, and local goods line each side of the cobblestone streets. Just like a European market, you can sip mulled wine while you stroll through festive booths and pick up one of a kind Christmas gifts and delicious foods. Slot time to visit The Power Plant Lobby Festival of Trees inside the JW Marriott, and dine at one of the Riverfrontâs many lively restaurants and bars overlooking the Savannah River.
When you arrive at the Plant Riverfront District, youâll spot the busy market and the towering Christmas tree beside the stage overlooking the water. From the stage, you can walk along the rows of booths lining the waterfront, and take photos in front of Savannahâs historic white and red river boats. The boats put on a show of their own during the Savannah Boat Parade of Lights at the end of November.
Final thoughts on the best streets for Christmas light displays in the U.S.
If youâre looking for a little extra holiday cheer this year, these streets across the US are sure to deliver. Youâll find Christmas tree lightings and meet and greets with Santa, ice skating, and so much more.
From Christmas markets in Georgia and Texas or holiday shopping in California, to a tropical Christmas in Hawaii or a Bavarian village nestled in the forested mountains of Washington, these towns have the best Christmas light displays in the US.
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