Cheers!

When things are looking down all around, turn on the holiday cheer.

If your tree trimming has edged over the top and home decorating has reached a fever pitch, it’s time to plan a holiday outing.

Maryland’s National Harbor’ shops, the tree and the Ferris Wheel are lit for the holidays. Photo c. Ron Bozman

Public holiday light shows used to be seasonal events. Now, they’ve become a ritual for many families during the Halloween to Valentine’s Day indulgence period.

And why not? They’re fun, affordable and great photo ops. Join a holiday tree lighting in your town, a religious pageant at your church or any one of the multicultural celebrations that light up cities and towns everywhere. Read on for some ideas:

H ERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA

Tree at Hershey’s Waterpark. Photo c. Hershey Parks

Drive, or hop on the Sweet Lights Trolley to cruise two miles past hundreds of animated displays along forested trails. Hershey Park Christmas Candylane features chocolate, of course, plus dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music, theme park rides, a fabulous collection of trees and all of Santa’s reindeer. Select dates Nov. 15-Jan. 4, 2026.

O RLANDO, FLORIDA

Winter Park, Florida’s Holiday Parade. Photo c. VisitOrlando.com

Orlando, voted one of the country’s top New Year’s destinations for its affordability and variety of entertainment, shines at the holidays. There’s much more to enjoy than the crazy theming at Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, or Universal Orlando Resort’s new EPIC Universe and other parks. Check out VisitOrlando.com’s free holiday celebrations and save those $ for souvenirs. Select dates Nov. 6-Jan.31, 2026.

L AS VEGAS, NEVADA

The Las Vegas Strip celebrates all year long. Photo c. VisitLasVegas.com

Even as it celebrates its founding 120 years ago, Las Vegas remains a powerhouse of seasonal cheer, non-stop entertainment and attractions. Pick from holiday lights along Fremont Street, by the Bellagio (fountains and greenhouse), or in hotel lobbies -- most of it is free and all of it is fabulous. Give back at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village which raises money for the disabled. Here’s the Vegas.com calendar of holiday shows and events. Nov. 18-Jan. 6, 2026.

I DAHO

The lakefront Coeur d’Alene Resort runs several nightly “Journey to the North Pole” cruises for a spectacular view of its floating holiday celebration. Trust us -- it’s the biggest on-the-water display in the US! Coupled with a cozy hotel room, dinner in one of their festively decorated igloos, the prancing reindeer on the lawn, and the carolers in the lobby, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Nov. 28, - Jan. 1, 2026.

D ENVER, COLORADO

Blossoms of Light Show in Denver.

Bundle up and go all out for the holidays by the Mile High Tree, among the cirtters at Denver Zoo, the Elitch Gardens theme park or at the Civic Center’s Christkindl Market. Catch a 110 foot-tall immersive art installation -- made from sustainable LED lights -- at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light. If the music is too much, check their calendar for sensory-friendly performances. Nov. 21-Jan. 11, 2026.

A USTIN, TEXAS

Tiny Kingsland, Texas is illuminated over the holidays. Photo c. Ron Bozman/RKR Media

For more than six decades, Trail of Lights has illuminated Zilker Park. It was voted a USA Today “Top 10 Holiday Celebration” for its 2,000,000 lights, 90 lighted trees and more than 70 other holiday displays. Possibly weird but very impressive. Dec. 10-23, 2025.

Y ORKTOWN, VIRGINIA

If you’re in time for the annual Boat Parade Dec. 6, enjoy local vessels -- all decked out -- along the York River. Throughout December, the fascinating historic triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown celebrates the holidays, culminating in O.G. live performances and 17th-century holiday traditions at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Dec. 6-31, 2025

S AN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Redding, California’s Garden of Lights. Photo c. Seth McGaha

If you travel pre-holidays (the best value time in terms of flights and hotels), enjoy the annual “Mission Bay Parade of Lights” Dec. 13. Over at the Port of San Diego, catch the parades of 80 lavishly decorated boats Dec. 14 and 21. Choose from the Botanic Garden’s million-bulb “Lightscape” with tunnels, fire, sculpture and sound installations; Liberty Stations’ Public Market, and the Whoville decorations in Balboa Park, among many other events. See the San Diego holiday calendar. Select dates Nov.12-Jan. 4, 2026.

Sound good? Please tag your finds and photos with #starrylights when you post to social media so we can join you in the fun. Cheers!