Dazzling Holiday Light Displays Throughout the South
- Apryl Thomas
- Nov 23
- 10 min read
Destinations throughout the South understood the assignment, without a doubt. Nothing better defines the holiday season than grand displays of twinkles and shimmers.
Whether they are strung high in the trees or wrapped around ground-level props - white and colored - a special feeling comes over you when you bask in the warmth of brightly lit holiday lights.
Brighten your holidays by visiting one of the many holiday light displays throughout the region.
Missouri
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden, through Jan. 2, 2026, St. Louis: Two million dazzling lights transform the garden into a winter wonderland, ready for exploration.
Powell Garden Festival of Lights, through Jan. 3, 2026, Kansas City: The garden is decorated with lights, and visitors can also enjoy a walk-in snow globe, a magic tree, a light maze and more.
Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park, Nov. 26- Jan. 3, 2026, St. Louis: View over a million dazzling lights from the comfort of your vehicle.
Celebration of Lights, Nov. 28- Dec. 30, O'Fallon: The region's largest holiday light display at Fort Zumwalt Park features lighted scenes designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Opt to drive through or reserve seats on a trolley, tractor-pulled hayride or the city train. On Dec. 7 - 10, take a stroll along the illuminated route.
Arkansas
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, Hot Springs: Over 7 million lights decorate the gardens during the holidays.
Lights of the Ozarks, through Jan. 1, 2026, Fayetteville: Over 500,000 LED lights illuminate the Downtown Square, with seasonal activities taking place on the Historic Square.
Christmas at the Park, Nov. 26 - Dec. 23, Jonesboro: Over a half-mile drive-through of about 65 collections of almost 450 pieces with over 400,000 lights at Joe Mack Campbell Park. Special features include a Snowflake Forest and a 300-foot lighted tunnel, one of the longest in the United States. Check the calendar for special nights.
White River Wonderland, Nov. 26 - Jan. 4, 2026, Batesville: Arkansas' oldest city transforms into the "Christmas Capital of Arkansas" as millions of lights decorate the 35-acre Riverside Park. Drive through, ride the train or take a carriage ride. In addition, Festive Nights includes ice skating, a Ferris Wheel and more.
Texas
Santa's Wonderland, through Jan. 4, 2026, College Station: Hop on the hayride to enjoy the view of over four million lights. Or you can upgrade your ride with a horse-and-carriage tour. For those who would rather walk (or want to do both), a secondary lighted walking trail includes Santa's Lone Star Lane, perfect for photos and the Nativity Scene, with live animals. There are add-ons to enhance your visit, as well as a special night.
Walkway of Lights, through Jan. 3, 2026, Marble Falls: Stroll through the Christmas sculptures on Marble Falls Lake at Lakeside Park.
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, through Jan. 3, 2026, Galveston: Marvel at the over 2 million lights along the mile-long trail. Enjoy hot chocolate, fireside s'mores and more along the way, and then stare in awe at the Dancing Tree of Light. Don't overlook additional activities like taking a trip down the Arctic Slide and more.
Prairie Lights, Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, Grand Prairie: Take in 4 million lights along two miles of path. There's also a Holiday Village, a walk-through forest and more.
Austin Trail of Lights, Dec. 10 -23: The Zilker Park walk-through features over 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. In addition, there are special nights and events.
Louisiana
Christmas on the Hill, Nov. 27- Jan. 1, 2026, Sulphur: Tune in on your radio and watch lighted displays sync up with holiday tunes. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for videos from years past.
Holiday Light Safari, Nov. 28 - Dec. 27, Alexandria: Enjoy lighted animal figures and colorful lights that shimmer and shimmy among the trees.
Make it even more magical with a train ride. Don't forget about the holiday cookies and a craft at Atwood's Merry Creations, and visiting with Santa.
Christmas in Lafreniere Park, Dec. 1 -30, Metairie: The lights shine grandly at this drive-through holiday experience starting at dusk. Among the whimsical displays are the New Orleans Saints with the Lombardi Trophy.
Mississippi
50 Nights of Lights, through Jan. 1, 2026, Cleveland: See over 1 million lights in the displays throughout downtown and delight in the weekly events.
Southern Lights, through Jan. 4, 2026, Pearl: With plenty of festive lights to open-air ice skating and more, Trustmark Park turns into a holiday winter dreamland.
Canton Christmas Festival, Nov. 28 - Dec. 23: Over 100,000 dazzling lights surround Canton's Historic Square. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, see the four-story Christmas tree, walk through an 18-foot gift box and more.
Light Garden, Nov. 28 through Jan. 1, 2026, Olive Branch: Enjoy an immersive light show, live entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Lights of the Wild, Dec. 5- 7, 12 - 14, 19 -23, Hattiesburg: The light display features super-sized animals, larger-than-life flowers and plants, and festive holiday décor. There are also photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus and more.
Alabama
Oxford Festival of Lights, through Jan. 4, 2026: Chocolocco Park shines through the evening and night with the drive-through holiday lights show. Also, don't forget to visit Santa's Village, and/or go snow mountain tubing.
Magic Christmas in Lights, through Jan. 6, 2025, Theodore: Be dazzled walking through the 65-acre Bellingrath Gardens and Home to take in over 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes.
Christmas in the Park, Nov. 28- Dec. 31, Arab: City Park is all aglow with two million lights. Enjoy walking through the festive wonderland.
Jingle Bell Trail, Nov. 28 - Jan. 1, 2026, Scottsboro: Surround yourself with twinkling lights, festive displays and more.
Tennessee
Pinnacle Speedway In Lights, through Jan. 3, 2026, Bristol: Bristol Motor Speedway is a four-mile trip through 3 million lights, powered by TVA, and the chance to take a lap around "The World's Fastest Half-Mile." End the experience at the Christmas Village, on the infield.
Dancing Lights of Christmas, through Jan. 4, 2026, Lebanon: Considered the state's largest drive-thru holiday light and music show, enjoy over 2 million lights synchronized to music along a 2.5-mile route. There is also Santa's Village, complete with the man himself, carnival rides, and sweets.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens' Holiday LIGHTS, through Jan. 4, 2026, Nashville: The one-mile path is illuminated by more than a million lights. There's also a Holiday Marketplace and more.
Holly Jolly Festival of Lights, Nov. 28 -Dec. 23, Eagleville: Stroll down the mile-long trail of lights, complete with holiday scenes, all set to festive tunes, at Lucky Ladd Farms.
Meet ambassador animal friends in Habitat Hall, enjoy eats and treats, and more.
Candy Land Christmas, Nov. 30 - Jan. 4, 2026, Johnson City: Wrap yourself in the magic of the holidays at Candy Land Christmas in downtown Johnson City, named "Top Christmas Tree Display in America" by Fox News. Take in festive scenes with more than one million lights and over 180 decorated trees.
Georgia
Lights of the South, through Dec. 30, Grovetown: Lights, lights and even more lights - over 5 million through a 100-acre forest- await your visit. Walk or take a hayride to view the many displays. End the visit by roasting marshmallows over the open fire or exploring the lighted Christmas Tree Maze.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens, through Jan. 4, 2026, Pine Mountain: Recognized as one of the world's "Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights" by National Geographic Traveler, it has 10 million lights, 17 Christmas scenes and more. Drive or take the Jolly Trolley.
Noel Magic Lights, through Jan. 4, 2026, Hampton: The Atlanta Motor Speedway turns into a drive-thru holiday lights experience.
Holiday Lights of Ellijay, Nov. 24 -Dec. 31: Wrap yourself in pure holiday joy as you walk through the bright glow of over 2 million lights, as holiday music is playing.
Check out Santa's village and take a photo with the Big Guy, and more.
Lights of Life, Nov. 27 -Dec. 31, Marietta: Life University campus dazzles with more than one million lights, displays, and the always-popular tunnels. And to add to the overall experience, there are also carnival rides, train rides, a petting zoo and more.
Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza, Nov. 28 - Jan. 4, 2026: Illuminating four blocks in downtown Macon glows with over 500,000 lights. The 45-minute shows at the top of 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. feature bright lights synchronized to music arranged and performed by the Macon Pops.
Holiday Garden Lights, Nov. 29 - Jan. 1, 2026, Adairsville: Enjoy the holiday lights and festive décor on a self-guided walking tour of Barnsley Resort's historic boxwood parterre and Manor House.
Florida
Sowell's North Pole, through Dec. 25, Milton: Drive through and marvel at over 1 million holiday lights on display. Also, enjoy a train ride, concessions and more.
Magic of Lights, through Jan. 3, 2026, Daytona Beach: The drive-through holiday-themed light display features dozens of displays and digital animation, along with the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights and more.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights, through Jan. 3, 2026, Coconut Creek: Take in 65 larger-than-life displays, multiple animation techniques, 3-D experiences and more along the 3.5-mile stretch in Tradewinds Park - North Entrance.
Deck the Chairs, Nov. 26 - Jan. 1, 2026, Jacksonville: More than 40 American Red Cross lifeguard chairs displayed in Jacksonville Beach are decorated in coastal-themed designs and lights.
Christmas Reflections, Nov. 28 - Dec. 31, DeFuniak Springs: Take in over 10 million lights on displays decorating Chipley Park. In addition, the event also hosts special holiday activities, markets and the Festival of Trees.
South Carolina
Santa's Southern Lights at Sara's, through Jan. 3, 2026, Trenton: Walk through the lighted trail, check out the farm attractions and more.
Holiday Festival of Lights, through Dec. 31, Charleston: Enjoy a three-mile display of multicolored lights throughout the park, featuring over 750 light displays and other activities.
Fireflies Holiday Lights, through Jan. 3, 2026, Columbia: Take in lots and lots of lights and events at Segra Park for the entire family.
Wild Lights, through Jan. 11, 2026, Columbia. Riverbanks Zoo shines brightly with over 60 larger-than-life handcrafted wildlife lantern displays. There's also a snowfall, photo ops and visits with Santa (through Dec. 23).
North Carolina
Meadow Lights, through Dec. 31, Benson. Said to be the "largest and oldest Christmas attraction in eastern North Carolina," it features 30 acres of sparkling lights and various displays. In addition, there are train rides for children of all ages, a carousel, and the Old Country Store, which features over 300 varieties of old-fashioned candy.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights, through Jan. 1, 2026, Clemmons: The nearly five-mile drive-thru route offers 80 displays and more than a million total lights. There is also a gift shop and S'moreville.
Speedway Christmas, through Jan. 4, 2026, Concord: 4 million sparkling lights illuminate Charlotte Motor Speedway's 3.75-mile track. The country's largest drive-through synchronized light show also features a 16,000-square-foot TV showing holiday movie classics, plus an infield Christmas Village, open on select days, featuring an ice maze, a lighted tree pathway, and more.
Winter Wonderlights, through Jan. 4, 2026, Greensboro: The holiday light show, with its millions of lights, glowing tunnels and snow machines, transforms the Greensboro Science Center into a holiday delight.
Kersey Valley Christmas, Nov. 28 - Dec. 23, Archdale: Experience the glow of two million LED lights and enjoy unlimited rides and activities as nearly 100 acres of Donna and Tony Wohlgemuth's family farm turns into a festive playground.
Kentucky
Burnside Christmas Island, through Dec. 31: Enjoy over 80 lighted scenes, photo ops, visits with Santa and more.
Christmas in the Park, Nov. 26- Dec. 31, Paducah: Drive through or walk through the thousands of lights throughout Bob Noble Park.
Southern Lights Holiday Festival, Nov. 28- Dec. 31, Lexington: View over a million twinkling lights as you drive through the Kentucky Horse Park. At the trail's end, enjoy Holiday Village, which includes Animal Land, model trains and more.
Patti's Festival of Lights, through Jan. 31, 2026, Grand Rivers: See over 1.5 million sparkling lights, including the decorated and illuminated Patti's 1880s Settlement.
Virginia
WinterFest on the Wisconsin, through Dec. 31, Norfolk: Experience over 1 million lights in themed light zones. Other festivities include Mistletoe Marina, Elf Door Discovery and more.
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, through Dec. 31, Virginia Beach. Drive along the boardwalk to take in various colorful light displays, including a 40-foot-tall dancing light Christmas, a Surfing Santa and the largest and longest curved LED Light Tunnel in the world.
Illuminate Light Show, through Jan. 3, 2026, Doswell: Recognized as the state's largest synchronized Christmas light and music show, the over 2-mile route features more than three million Christmas lights.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, through Jan. 4, 2026, Richmond: In addition to millions of lights throughout the gardens, enjoy model trains, The Fairy Village and more.
High Country Lights, Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2026, Galax: Felts Park hosts a musical light show featuring over 200,000 Christmas lights choreographed to seasonal music. Additional activities include carriage rides, food trucks, selfie areas and more.
West Virginia
St. Albans Festival of Lights, Nov. 25 - Dec. 26: The longest-running drive-through Christmas lights display in the area, with Santa visits Nov. 28 - Dec. 23.
Celebration of Lights, Nov. 28 -Dec. 29, Fairmont: Drive through 1.3 miles of light displays in Morris Park. On Wednesday nights in December, safely walk the route to enjoy the lights.
Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort, through Jan. 4, 2026, Wheeling: Enjoy a holiday celebration like no other with 300 acres of light and over 100 lighted displays on a six-mile drive. Be sure to tune in for festive music to complement the experience. Not in the mood to drive? Reserve a spot for a guided trolley tour. Don't forget about the other attractions, like a 70-foot-tall Welcome Tree and Ogleby's Good Zoo.