These are America's most unique Christmas traditions
'Fox & Friends' co-hosts Pete Hegseth and Will Cain share with viewers unique Christmas traditions celebrated across the United States on 'Off the Wall.'
There’s something about Christmas lights that makes people smile.
Below, check out 20 light displays across America that may be worth visiting with family and friends.
THE 10 BEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS IN AMERICA
LUMAGICA USA in North Salem, New York
The lights of LUMAGICA USA in North Salem, New York, feature a teddy bear and a lit present at its entrance. (Visit Westchester County)
Expect bright, colorful light displays of animals (like a 20-foot tall reindeer and a giant parrot) which are strung elaborately on various trees and across the ground. During the holidays, this orchard is decorated in over 750,000 lights.
The half-mile trail will weave you through six decorated spaces: Sparkling Light, Into the Wonderland, Magical Trees, A Great Celebration, Treats and Sweets and Beyond the Forest. There are also light tunnels aplenty and a light show set to music.
Cost: $32.99 per adult
Dates: Open now until Dec. 30, 2022
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island
For the first time this year, the Sparkling Lights at The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, will have five new fire pits erected with s’mores kits on offer. Plus, the back terrace will have warming stations and adult beverages including hot chocolate with liqueur, apple cider with bourbon, wine and beer. (Discover Newport)
In Newport, Gilded Age mansions are covered with lights indoors and outdoors complete with Christmas trees, garland wreaths and fresh floral arrangements. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms mansions all participate in this seasonal Newport decking of the halls.
Don’t miss the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree in the Great Hall of The Breakers which is made up of 150 poinsettia plants for a unique spectacle.
For 2022-2023, The Breakers is bringing back its annual Sparkling Lights event, which includes a half-mile-long path with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights, gnomes on display, a light tunnel and music with an interior tour of The Breakers home.
Note: There are no Sparkling Lights on Christmas Eve or Christmas and these timed tickets are available on Thursday through Sunday between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. only.
Cost: $35 per adult
Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2023
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights takes place nightly 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursday and until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. (Visit Chattanooga)
This holiday light display showcases more than 30 holiday scenes and a million LED lights, a tradition now in its 28th year. You’ll also get to marvel at one of the world’s tallest walk-through Christmas trees.
To round out the visual event, guests can have fun with gingerbread cookie decorating, sipping on hot cocoa and hanging out with Mr. Claus during Santa visits.
Cost: $17.95 to $31.95 per adult
Dates: Open now through Jan. 1, 2023 and closed on Christmas Eve
Plaza Lights in Kansas City, Missouri
Each year, on Thanksgiving night, a famous person with a link to The Heart of America turns on the light switch at the Plaza Lights in Kansas City, Missouri. Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis and Kate Spade have all previously done the honors. (Visit KC)
A local tradition that’s been around for more than 90 years, this 15-block holiday experience takes place in Kansas City's Country Club Plaza.
Expect hundreds of thousands of jewel-colored lights that accentuate every dome, tower and window of the Spanish-inspired shopping district.
Cost: Free
Dates: Open now through Jan. 8, 2023
CHRISTMAS TREE DISPLAYS ACROSS AMERICA THAT ARE LARGER THAN LIFE
Untermyer Garden’s Grand Holiday Illumination in Yonkers, NY
Untermyer Garden's Grand Holiday Illumination in Yonkers, NY, features a large menorah and 100,000 lights for viewing. (Visit Westchester County)
A 30-minute train ride on the Metro North from Grand Central Terminal in New York City, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s Grand Holiday Illumination is a winning exhibit of some 100,000 lights on display.
In addition to illuminated Christmas trees, the garden has a larger-than-life menorah and many glimmering pathways.
Cost: Free
Dates: Dec. 10, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
San Antonio SeaWorld Christmas Celebration in San Antonio, Texas
Between checking out dolphin shows and magical lights, there are also visits with Santa at SeaWorld’s Christmas Market for youngsters to enjoy during their time in San Antonio, Texas. (SeaWorld San Antonio)
For something different this holiday season, head to San Antonio SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. It may be at a theme park, but this extravaganza is said to be home to the Lone Star State’s biggest light display.
This season, "O Wondrous Night," a musical and theatrical show debuts for the first time, as does the party zone-themed Snowman Jam.
Cost: From $49.99 per adult
Dates: Now through Jan. 2, 2023
Nature Nights in San Luis Obispo, California
THe Nature Nights in San Luis Obispo, California, features light projections by Bryan Forbes, sculptures by Michael Reddell and creative installations by Kody Cava with a lit-up canvas on a segment of eight acres on the grounds. (San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden)
The not-to-be-missed display at Nature Nights at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens shows digital imagery projected on hillsides and there are plenty of open spaces for wandering and enjoying the "SLO" life in San Luis Obispo.
If you’re hungry, Paradise Kitchen is on-site with fare running the gamut from a pretzel filled with mild jalapeño cheese to a garlic shrimp and veggie bowl, along with hot chocolate, vanilla chai tea lattes, homemade apple cider, soda, wine, beer and other beverages.
Cost: $24.75 per adult
Dates: Open now on Thursday-Sunday through Jan. 8, 2023
Holly Jolly Jekyll on Jekyll Island, Georgia
For this bonanza, a team of elves (Jekyll Island employees) devote many hours throughout the year to creating these over-the-top displays at Holly Jolly Jekyll on Jekyll Island, Georgia. (Jekyll Island Authority)
Holly Jolly Jekyll features one million total light bulbs, more than 350 light displays and 45,000-plus lights on the Great Tree in Jekyll Island.
If you swing by the island, hop on an open-air trolley tour on select nights throughout the season to take in sparkling lights and some historic homes on the island that are outfitted in holiday cheer.
Also worth noting: This year commemorates 75 years since Jekyll Island was purchased by the state of Georgia, so the entrance to the island will have the towers lit with a grand light display marking the anniversary.
Cost: $8 per car to enter the island
Holly Jolly Light Tours are $25 per adult and the Holiday History Tour is $20 per adult
Dates: Open now through Jan. 8 2023
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Light Up the D in Detroit, Michigan
Light Up the D in Detroit, Michigan, covers six downtown parks which will feature light displays through the first half of January. (DOWNTOWN DETROIT PARTNERSHIP )
This holiday display covers six downtown parks, including Campus Martius Park that is home to the annual holiday tree and will host the Menorah in the D starting on December 18 and the 30-foot tall Kwanzaa Kinara on December 26 – along with lights in Beacon Park, Cadillac Square, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park and the Woodward Esplanade.
At Campus Martius Park, the 65-foot Norway spruce will glow with 20,000 multicolored LE lights and plenty of ornaments. Visitors can ice skate at the rink ($12 per adult) that this special tree reigns over with its many lights.
At Beacon Park, children will swoon for "Toyland" at with giant custom-made light installations of a three-dimensional 20-foot starburst that stands 25-feet tall, a teddy bear and a choo-choo train.
Cost: Free
Dates: Now through Jan. 16, 2023
A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana
A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana, takes you back to the traditions of the 1800s, with a modern-day light display. (Hamilton County Tourism)
Hop on Kringle’s Carousel and tour "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas" in a 3D projection mapping show. Also, ice skate and spend some time with Santa Claus. A rotating list of local musicians bring cheer with live tunes in Blitzen’s Bandstand.
For thrill-seekers, try tubing down the 150-foot Polar Bear Plunge hill.
Cost: $22 per guest
Dates: Now through Dec. 31, 2022
Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama
Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama, features Christmas lights across 112 acres. (Huntsville / Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Kadie Pangburn)
This galaxy of colorful lights was started in Huntsville 25 years ago. Situated on the 112 acres of the Huntsville Botanical Garden, guests can take in the lights via walking or driving.
Cost: From $13 per adult for walking; from $30 per vehicle for driving
Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2023; closed Christmas Day
Peace, Love & Lights in Bethel, New York
The Peace, Love & Lights in Bethel, New York, is also the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. (Kevin Ferguson c/o Bethel Woods)
This year in Bethel, visitors will be treated to an extended 1.7-mile route and new themed displays highlighting New York and holidays around the world. Scenes like Snowflake Alley, Candy Cane Lane, Groovy Way and the Enchanted Forest will also be on display.
On Mondays, the drive-thru option will be closed to make way for pedestrians who would like to walk through the experience.
Cost: From $30 per car
Dates: Dec. 15, 2022 through Jan. 1, 2023
Christmastime at Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire
Christmastime at Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire, features nearly one million lights. (White Mountains New Hampshire)
This annual holiday event at the Santa’s Village theme park shows an array of lights around the buildings, Christmas trees and at the various rides.
FYI: Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Cost: From $38 per person ages 4 and up
Dates: Open Saturday and Sundays now through Dec. 31, 2022
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Redding Garden of Lights in Redding, California
Redding Garden of Lights in Redding, California, was designed by light artist Tres Fromme and features more than one million twinkling lights. (Seth McGaha)
At Redding Garden of Lights, wander along winding paths through ten acres of captivating bulbs and be sure to check out the wildlife and plant themed exhibits, too. There are also nearly 200 feet of light tunnels and the Polar Pathway with a 30-foot wide illuminated igloo and snowy pathway.
Then, there’s the Candy Cane Causeway, with a 40-foot diameter ring of larger-than-life columns wrapped in red, green and white lights (as if that’s not enough, machines perfume the air with the scent of peppermint).
For overnight stays, consider booking the Sheraton Redding at Sundial Bridge’s The Garden of Light package, which includes a night at the hotel and two adult tickets to the light show.
Cost: $22 per adult
Dates: Now through Jan. 8, 2023
Speedway Christmas in Concord, North Carolina
Speedway Christmas in Concord, North Carolina, is one of the southeast’s largest drive-through holiday light displays, with four million LED lights along a 3.75-mile course and more than 800 individual displays. (Courtesy of Visit Cabarrus)
Some displays at Speedway Christmas are 80-feet tall (that’s a whopping eight-stories high).
If you'd like to visit Santa, on Thursdays through Sundays Ole Saint Nick has a residency in the infield Christmas Village to get photos. There, you can also shop for gifts and make s’mores by the fire.
For a night out, you can book a reservation to dine at The Speedway Club above the lights. There are also several drive-in holiday movie nights, in which flicks like "Home Alone 2" and "A Christmas Story" are played on a 16,000-square-foot screen.
Cost: from $30 per car
Dates: Now through Jan. 8, 2023
Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens in Old Wesbury, New York
For a unique experience in Long Island, don’t miss Lightswitch (a collective of internationally recognized lighting, medi, and visual designers) presenting Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens in Old Wesbury, New York, for the first time ever. (Marisa Losciale/Discover Long Island)
While at Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens, shining wonder awaits on illuminated paths to the property’s famed gardens (The Walled Garden, Rose Garden, South Lawn and Allée).
Bonus: The event plays host to a winter festival with a wide array of food and drinks on offer.
Cost: $34.95 per adult
Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2023
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lluminations at Botanica Wichita in Wichita, Kansas
lluminations at Botanica Wichita in Wichita, Kansas, includes more than two million lights along a mile-long walkable path. (Visit Wichita)
lluminations at Botanica Wichita has three different light displays choreographed to music, a 240-foot-long tunnel of lights you can walk through, Candy Cane Lane and Tree Top Forest in the Butterfly House. There's also an eye-catching tree with light sculptures that takes staffers upwards of 80 hours to create, an underwater scene in the Shakespeare Garden and more.
Don’t leave without visiting Santa’s Village.
Cost: $13 for adults, $9 for members and children younger than 12, free for ages 2 and younger
Dates: Now through Dec. 31, 2022
The exhibit is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
"Smoky Mountain Christmas" at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The "Smoky Mountain Christmas" is located at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (Dollywood)
Dolly Parton’s theme park, located in the storied Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee, boasts six million lights in its walk-through displays. To get a dose of the most wonderful time of the year, there are also plenty of holiday shows, seasonal foods and the "Merry and Bright!" fireworks bonanza.
Note: You need to pay park admission to get into the park and thus see the lights.
Cost: $89 for a one-day adult theme park ticket. Child and senior pricing are also available.
Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2023
Deck the Chairs at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Deck the Chairs at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, features a holiday lights display of decorated lifeguard chairs. (Visit Jacksonville)
The Sunshine State gets glowing with Jacksonville Beach’s one-of-a-kind holiday lights display of decorated lifeguard chairs in an experience that is both wheelchair accessible and pet friendly.
The nonprofit is run by more than 600 volunteers (proceeds from concessions and more are donated to the arts and arts education) and along with 40 decorated chairs, there are nightly light shows, weekend stage programming and several art installations including Beaches Go Green Octopus Garden.
Cost: Free
Dates: Now through Jan. 1, 2023
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut
Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, has roughly 500,000 lights on display this holiday season. (Lake Compounce)
What’s billed as America’s oldest amusement park will have roughly 500,000 lights and Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree at the main gate which stands 100-feet tall and has more than 175,000 lights on it.
On opening night, Friday, Nov. 26, Lake Compounce aimed to break the single-location ugly sweater record of 3,473 while also joining its sister parks Kennywood, Dutch Wonderland and Castle Park to create a cross-country celebration and add a multi-location record for ugly sweater celebrations.
Cost: From $19.99 per person when you buy online
Dates: Now through December 31, 2022
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