Undoubtedly, the true meaning of Christmas — or any winter holiday — is about the people you gather around to spend it with. And one excellent way to spend time with these people is by hitting the road to check out the best Christmas lights around! Sparkling Christmas bulbs twinkle and shimmer and make everything they touch seem just a little bit more magical.
While almost every city in the country bedecks itself in holiday lights for the Christmas season, some spots go over the top with their wintery festivities. So in this post, we’ll name a few of the best places to see Christmas lights. We’ll also give you the road trip tips you need to make your adventure a safe, happy, and cozy one.
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Where to See Christmas Lights
While Christmas light displays are traditional in every corner of the U.S., there are some shows that are worth going out of your way for. We’ve listed some of our favorites below.
Famous Christmas Lights in the USA
Ready to take in some cool Christmas lights in some of the most exciting destinations across the U.S.? Here’s where to set your RV GPS this winter.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville may already be on your travel bucket list! With all sorts of outdoorsy opportunities and one of the funkiest, artsiest, beer-drinkingest cities in America, what’s not to love? And the town outdoes itself during the holiday season.
It’s hard not to find an amazing Christmas light display if you’re spending the holidays in Asheville. The city dresses up its downtown in decorations and hosts a variety of other traditions. The famous Biltmore Estate offers an evening time candlelight tour, during which you’ll see more than 50 Christmas trees. The North Carolina Arboretum gets in on the fun, too, adding over 500,000 twinkling lights to its already-stunning landscape.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Asheville, North Carolina.
Chandler, Arizona
The desert might not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking for a winter wonderland. But this Phoenix suburb does its fair share of work to make the season extra special. It’s home to the famous Tumbleweed Tree, a tradition that’s been in place for well over 50 years now. Along with watching the Christmas lights in wonder, visitors can enjoy a lighting ceremony and a cheerful Christmas parade.
Once you’re done with the display, head out to the Sonoran Desert National Monument or Tonto National Forest to see how Jack Frost treats southern Arizona. It’s definitely different than the winter wonderland some of us are used to… but no less full of wonder!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Chandler, Arizona.
Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado
The Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light event is like no other in the nation. It transforms an already-beloved tourist destination into a Technicolor dreamscape — and many parts of the light display are interactive.
Enjoy the dazzle through a pair of HoloSpex glasses, available onsite for purchase, or simply meander around clutching a cup of cider or cocoa. And once you’re through with the display, you’ll find yourself in Denver! Take to those rocky slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and other adventures, or just sit back in your rig and watch as the winter snow makes the whole landscape glow.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Denver, Colorado.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Looking for a coastal Christmas adventure? Head to this southern gem for a warm-weather getaway that’ll leave you dazzled — and not just because daytime temperatures hover around 50 degrees, even in December.
Brookgreen Gardens hosts the annual Nights of a Thousand Candles event, which is even more amazing than it sounds. You’ll see the grounds come to life by the light of over 4,500 hand-lit candles, not to mention hundreds of electric Christmas lights. Meander the gardens with a cup of cider in hand, then head off-site to enjoy the rest of what Myrtle Beach has to offer. It may be too cold for a dip in the ocean, but the beach is still beautiful to look at — and the seafood is amazing all year round!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
New York City, New York
The home of what’s arguably the best Christmas light display in the country, it’s hard to beat a winter trip to New York City. For one thing, there’s that famous tree at Rockefeller Center, whose dazzling lights you can spend all afternoon ice skating under. There are the amazing Radio City Rockettes and their annual holiday Christmas show, along with lots more holiday fun in the Big Apple.
And while it may seem like camping in such an urban environment is impossible, there are some really convenient options for RVers, like Liberty Harbor RV Park just across the harbor in Jersey City. You’ll be able to get to Manhattan within minutes via train, light rail, or ferry… and you’ll have a (relatively) chill place to return once you’ve had your fill of urban adventure.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near New York City, New York.
Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri
There’s more than just lights to Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas event… and that’s saying something, since there are more than 6.5 million light bulbs involved!
When you visit the Ozarks’ favorite theme park in winter, you’ll be treated not only to a dazzling display of lights, but also to a nightly parade, live family entertainment, and delicious homestyle holiday feasts. And, of course, you’ll still be able to enjoy all of the other fun the park has to offer, from rides and roller coasters to 19th-century crafts, goodies, and more.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Branson, Missouri.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Florida’s most famous theme park doesn’t hold back when it comes to holiday celebrations. In fact, many campers count a Disney holiday among their best Christmas vacations.
At Disney, the winter season means more than just an epic display of Christmas lights — though you can certainly count on that. Visitors are also invited to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, where they’ll meet and greet their favorite characters, and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, where you can learn more about how the winter season is celebrated around the world. Disney’s Hollywood Studios shows the magic of movie sets with flurries of falling snow and lots of winter decor. And all the normal rides and attractions are still open — so you can count on a totally epic, adventure-filled holiday trip.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Orlando, Florida.
Christmas Light Shows You Don’t Want to Miss
Here are a few more amazing holiday destinations if you’re looking for epic outdoor Christmas light displays.
Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio
While the Cincinnati Zoo already has a place on many travelers’ bucket lists, if you can swing a visit during the wintertime, you’ll be well-rewarded. The PNC Festival of Lights has been a tradition for over 30 years, and includes a magical display of over 3 million multicolored LED lights as well as a puppet show, train ride, and lots of other fun holiday diversions.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Cincinnati, Ohio.
Helen, Georgia
Winter may seem like a mismatch along the banks of the warm Chattahoochee, but Georgia’s home to a village that looks plucked directly from the alpine heights. Come Christmas time, the town celebrates by doubling down on lights, decorations, and tons of fun holiday to-dos.
You might win big at the annual holiday auction, where you can bid on handmade wreaths and artist-decorated trees. There’s also a Kinderfest, a Christkindlmarkt, and a tree lighting ceremony. You’ll also find tons of delicious cafes where you can grab all your favorite holiday treats: hot cocoa, cider, and a big ol’ soft pretzel since we’re in a Bavarian-style village.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Helen, Georgia.
Jackson, Wyoming
Everything is bigger out West. And Christmas displays are no exception.
This famous gateway town to the Grand Tetons puts on a display of Christmas lights worthy of its life-changing views. Every inch of the already-beautiful town square is wrapped in lights and decorations. If you stay until New Year’s Eve, you’ll witness a singular spectacle: a string of ski instructors making their way down the mountain from the town’s two ski resorts by torchlight.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Jackson, Wyoming.
Leavenworth, Washington
This town might sound familiar if you’ve been reading a lot of Christmas travel lists. Given that it’s built to resemble a Bavarian ski village, it gives off a holiday vibe all year round. But is shines during the actual holiday season, when it’s decked in Christmas lights!
Both homes and businesses get in on the action, presenting visitors with over 21 miles of bedazzled city streets to meander. You can attend handbell concerts, listen to carolers, and check some gifts off your list at the Christkindlmarkt.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Leavenworth, Washington.
Omaha, Nebraska
An annual Christmas tradition you can feel good about, Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival is more than just a dazzling display of decorations. It’s also host to the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign, which collects food and money to feed local hungry and unhoused people.
After you drop off your canned goods, venture into downtown Omaha to enjoy the show, which features more than 40 blocks of world-class light displays along with an ice skating rink, holiday concerts, and more.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Omaha, Nebraska.
Saint Augustine, Florida
Already a beautiful town by any stretch, winter transforms the nation’s oldest city into a spectacle of lights. The stunning Spanish architecture gets a touch of Christmas whimsy from over 3 million individual bulbs. Tour the lights on foot, by tourist trolley, or by horse-drawn carriage. The event’s called Nights of Lights, and it draws visitors from across the country, and even internationally.
Along with this award-winning light show, Saint Augustine has a lot to offer curious visitors any time of year. Check out the kid-friendly Pirate Museum, the historic Castillo de San Marcos, and, of course, the Fountain of Youth. Top off a day of exploring with a date night at one of the city’s many fine restaurants. Local favorites include The Ice Plant, Michael’s Tasting Room, and The Floridian.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Saint Augustine, Florida.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is already a breathtaking destination at any time of year — not to mention an educational one. Plus, many of its famous museums and cultural exhibits are totally free to enter.
But our nation’s capital is even more beautiful during Christmas time when strands of lights illuminate everything from the sidewalks to the White House. One particular Washington spectacle to add to your list: ZooLights, put on annually by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Along with a dazzling array of colored lights, you’ll also find live entertainment, tasty winter treats, and lots of opportunities to check folks off your holiday shopping list.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Washington, D.C.
Taking a Christmas Road Trip
If these destinations have inspired you to hit the road on a holiday road trip, consider traveling by RV. You won’t have to worry about packing and unpacking your suitcase in a series of bland hotel rooms, or having to book and pay for those rooms, either. You’ll be able to bring along all your favorite clothing, adventure gear, and decorations and comfy home touches. Just pack up the rig and head out on your big adventure.
Renting through the peer-to-peer market at RVshare makes it easy to enjoy the RV vacation of your dreams without the stress of a traditional rental dealership. You’ll save by renting directly from a private RV owner — and you’ll get a much more comfortable, well-loved vehicle in the bargain. Plus, every RVshare rental is covered by a comprehensive insurance policy as well as 24/7 roadside assistance, so all you have to do is find the vehicle for you, get the keys, and go.
Christmas Camping: How to Do it Right
Camping for the holidays can be one of the best Christmas experiences out there, especially when you’re doing it with your very favorite people.
But there are a few preparations you’ll want to make ahead of time in order to have the best vacation possible — especially if you’re used to celebrating the season at home.
Be ready to celebrate.
Just because you’re in a travel trailer or motorhome doesn’t mean you can’t get into the Christmas spirit, including all the cozy touches that make it feel so warm and welcoming when you’re at home.
You can even cook that amazing Christmas feast you’re so famous for, regardless of the size of your camper kitchen!
It takes a little bit of ingenuity and creativity, but entertaining a large crowd in a small space is totally doable.
And finding the space you need to make a big meal in a small kitchen is all about getting the best accessories. Click here to see some of our suggestions.
Although food’s a big part of the holiday, don’t forget about the decorations. Luckily, RVs have ample space to get creative and festive, from simple strands of LED Christmas lights to tabletop Christmas trees.
For even more information on how to celebrate the holidays in a travel trailer or motorhome, check out our ultimate holiday RVing guide. We’ve also written about fun holiday crafts to keep the kids busy if foul weather has you cooped up inside all day. Finally, check out our advice on common winter RVing problems and how to fix them.
Stay warm!
Cold-weather camping can be a whole lot of fun. It’s bound to be less crowded, and there are winter activities you just can’t tackle without that dusting of fresh-fallen snow.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to make some preparations to enjoy the season safely! Even all-weather RVs don’t have the same insulation you’re used to in a traditional house, so you’ll want to take extra steps to stay warm and ensure your RV’s sensitive systems stay safe.
You’ll need to winterize your RV by adding RV antifreeze into your plumbing system. You can do it yourself or hire a professional. Read more about how to winterize your RV here.
Even with a powerful heat pump and furnace on board, you may find need additional heating sources, especially underneath the coach where all the sensitive equipment is. Investing in a small ceramic heater can be a game changer if you’re camping in sub-freezing temperatures. If you pair it with a nice insulated RV skirt, or even just a layer of packed snow, you can double down on the warmth factor.
Finally, be sure to keep lots of warm, cozy blankets on board. Be sure your wardrobe is filled with moisture-wicking layers, sweaters, snow-proof boots, and wind-proof jackets.
