Spellbinding spectacles and family-friendly festivities are lighting up the East Coast. From New Hampshire to Pennsylvania, we’ve rounded up some of the season’s most dazzling destinations for holiday light displays. Many can even be enjoyed from the warmth and safety of your car!
Before you go: check your destination’s official website for COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
New Hampshire
- Santa’s Village – Jefferson: While this Christmas-themed amusement park is open year round, it truly shines during the holiday season with nearly a million brilliant lights. Highlights include Santa’s Home, Elf University, Reindeer Rendezvous, plus fun rides for the whole family.
- Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum – Portsmouth: Candle lanterns and decked-out historic homes line the museum grounds’ winding paths in this historic seacoast city. Here you’ll be greeted along the way by costumed performers recreating traditions from holidays past.
Massachusetts
- Zoolights at Stone Zoo – Stoneham: Stroll through the zoo’s 26-acre winter wonderland, along twinkling tree-lined paths. The sparkling Yukon Creek features arctic foxes, black bears, a Canada lynx, a bald eagle — and even reindeer! Be sure to pre-register for Holiday Hot Chocolate with the Reindeer.
- The Bright Nights at Forest Park – Springfield: Add the Northeast’s premier holiday lighting experience to your yuletide bucket list. Themed displays like Jurassic World, Never Never Land, Toy Land and Springfield’s very own Dr. Seuss are sure to make your spirits bright.
Connecticut
- Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater’s Holiday Lights Spectacular – Bridgeport: Debuting this year, the 5,700-seat venue will transform into a brilliant circuit of holiday lights and music. Watch your favorite characters and holiday themes come to life at every turn from the cozy comfort of your car.
- Reindeer on the Rails – Essex: The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat presents a safe and socially distanced hour-long train ride through the lower Connecticut River Valley. On board, kids will receive a gift from Rudolph, make their own ornament and write a letter to Santa! Choose from a breakfast or lunch excursion.
New York
- Holidays at Rockefeller Center – New York City: Everyone should visit one of the world’s most iconic holiday destinations at least once in their lifetime. While you’re there, walk past wondrous window displays, explore the city’s endless attractions and marvel at the magnificent Christmas tree.
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – Brooklyn: Take a bus tour through this over-the-top, jaw-dropping wonderland that spans multiple blocks of outrageously embellished houses. Highlights include oversized inflatables, a 15-foot-tall Santa and a special house described as “Christmas meets Las Vegas.”
New Jersey
- Six Flags Great Adventure’s Holiday in the Park – Jackson Township: Featuring festive lights, seasonal foods, awesome rides and entertainment, this beloved holiday event is back and bigger than ever. There’s even a Drive-Thru Experience for those who are feeling a little less adventurous.
- Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights – Egg Harbor Township: Mr. and Mrs. Claus spread holiday sparkle as the park illuminates with over a million lights. Kids and kids at heart can enjoy rides and attractions as they stroll through the settings of their favorite storybooks and nursery rhymes.
Pennsylvania
- Hersheypark’s Candy Lane – Hershey: Get into the holiday spirit with more than five million lights, your favorite rides and roller coasters, photos with Hershey characters and a visit from Santa. Hershey’s Chocolatetown® and TREEville at The Boardwalk are not to be missed.
- Koziar’s Christmas Village – Bernville: What began over 70 years ago as one man’s love of decorating his farm for the holidays expanded into a beloved seasonal destination. Santa’s Toy Shoppe, the country kitchen and elaborate glass building displays will delight guests of all ages.
Gather the family and start your holiday road trip tradition this weekend!
