'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - Stay Cozy in Your Car at These Twinkling Light Shows

After a long year, there's nothing that can lift your holiday spirits quite like the magic of dazzling Christmas light displays. But with the chill in the air, the thought of bundling up and strolling seems less appealing. The good news is you can take in the merriment from the comfort of your car! Drive-through light shows allow you to stay cozy with the heat blasting as you wind through spectacular illuminated designs.

Make an evening of it by loading up on festive snacks and drinks to enjoy during your drive. Bring blankets and pillows to create a snuggly environment. Many shows even have synced music you can tune into on your radio! Take the whole family for quality time singing along to holiday classics as you check out larger-than-life light installations. With kids, these drive-through experiences are a great way to share the excitement of the season without the late night.

Beyond just enjoying the lights yourself, visiting a drive-through display is a meaningful new tradition to start. Emily L. shares, "When the kids were young, it was the highlight of the season to bundle them up in their pjs and drive through the local garden's light show. Hearty Christmas music, hot cocoa, happy children - it filled us up with the spirit of the holidays!"

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - Map Out a Route to See the Most Magical Displays Near You

The joy of drive-through Christmas lights is that you can see multiple stunning exhibits all in one night if you plan it right. Mapping out a route ahead of time allows you to maximize all the seasonal magic your area has to offer. Plus you avoid getting lost along the way or stuck in traffic by strategically timing when you hit popular attractions.

Research shows that seeing Christmas lights evokes nostalgia, spreads cheer, and brings families together. So make the most of this beloved tradition by touring the very best shows near you.

Local parks, gardens, zoos, and even racetracks often host elaborate holiday light displays. Search for lists of the top events in your region online or check with your chamber of commerce. Look at the hours, dates of operation, cost, and featured attractions at each venue. Then map out an efficient course to cover your must-see spots.

Be sure to account for drive time in between. While tempting to cram as much in as possible, leave enough time to leisurely enjoy each display without feeling rushed. Build in 15-30 minutes to walk off a hot cocoa or let the kids run around if a stop has Santa visits or playgrounds too.

Leave the most spectacular grand finale for last when you’ll appreciate it most. Ending on a high note makes the evening feel special. For example, if a botanical garden has particularly stunning floral designs, hit this after simpler neighborhood displays.

Mary K of Columbus, Ohio shares, “With military discounts, we can visit 3-4 displays for under $20 total! The kids love picking treats at each stop. We see so many more amazing lights by driving just 20-30 minutes between events.”

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - Experience the Magic of the Season with the Kids from the Comfort of Your Vehicle

The holiday season is a magical time for kids. Their eyes light up at the sight of twinkling lights, festive displays, and jolly ol' Saint Nick. As parents, we want to nurture that wide-eyed wonder. But braving the cold to see Christmas spectacles on foot can be daunting with little ones in tow. That's where drive-through light displays come in – they allow you to experience the magic from the comfort of a climate-controlled car.

Bundling up tiny tots in snowsuits and mittens to trod through sub-freezing temps quickly loses its charm. In the vehicle, the whole family stays cozy while cruising the colorful holiday lights. No risk of anyone's fingers or toes going numb! Kids can snuggle under blankets in their jammies with cups of hot cocoa – the perfect recipe for a family memory.

Drive-through shows also keep the experience moving for antsy kids. You control the pace instead of having to stop frequently to let kids rest or warm up. Wind through stunning illuminations while singing along to Christmas classics on the radio. Before little ones get restless, you're on to the next magical display.

The car also provides a great vantage point for awe-struck kids to take it all in without obstructions. They can plaster their faces to the windows to see every inch of towering light structures. Plus you avoid losing small children in crowded spaces.abeth V. reminisces about taking her son when he was 5: "He talked the whole ride through, shouting 'Look at that one!' He'd fall asleep on the way home, still mumbling about all the 'pretty Christmas trees' he saw out the window."

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - Drive by Dancing Santas, Singing Trees, and Miles of Sparkling Lights

Among the most delightful experiences of the holiday season are drive-through light displays that bring Christmas fantasies to life right before your eyes. As you cruise through with the family, keep an eye out for joyful characters, imaginative designs, and dazzling LED light effects that will fill you with festive cheer.

One of the highlights kids love are the giant animatronic Santas. They may be waving merrily, dancing to music, conducting light shows, or going for sleigh rides. Glimpse Santa checking his list, feeding live reindeer, working in his toy workshop, or belting out Jingle Bells. Seeing the big man in living motion helps build the magic for little ones.

Glowing Christmas trees also abound, sometimes decked out in glitzy garlands and ornaments. Kids will squeal if they spot trees adorned with giant candy canes or gifts at the base. Some displays even feature clusters of coordinated trees "dancing" in sync to holiday tunes.

Tunnels and arches wrapped in lights are also highlights, especially if they are timed to music. Pass through cascading showers of multicolored lights twinkling in patterns. Watch light strands swirl and change colors – it's mesmerizing!

Seeing familiar structures lit up is also a treat. Kids love identifying glowing gingerbread houses, nutcrackers, sleighs, snowflakes, toy soldiers, and more. Search for illuminated sculptures of the Abominable Snowman, Frosty, Rudolph and other icons. Spotting them delights young and old alike.

When you've had your fill of the dancing lights, don't miss stepping out into old fashioned still displays. Wander among tranquil trees draped in white that set a peaceful mood. Snap selfies in front of an Instagram-worthy giant wreath, luminous reindeer, or larger-than-life greeting card scene.

Jason T. recounts, "Our preschooler couldn't stop staring at the 20-foot tall illuminated snowman! She talked about it for weeks. The magic of Christmas truly comes alive at these lights shows."

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - See LED Masterpieces and Old School Incandescent Displays on One Tour

Mixing old and new is part of the charm of Christmas. Drive-through light displays let you take in the best of both worlds when LED masterpieces meet nostalgic incandescent bulbs, all on one magical tour.

While dazzling LED fixtures represent the pinnacle of modern holiday lighting with their brilliant hues, fluid motions, and energy-efficiency, traditional incandescent bulbs evoke cozy vintage feels. By experiencing both types of displays on your drive, you and your family can fully immerse yourselves in the Christmas spirit from past to present.

Newer LED light shows wow with technological innovations and splashes of color. Watch lights dance in time to music, change color in patterns, or cover structures in a pixelated glow. LEDs allow for amazing custom designs and intricate details that would never be possible with standard bulbs. Kids who are fascinated by electronics will appreciate seeing LEDs in action during an elaborate animated sequence.

But the simple glow emitted by incandescent bulbs also has its virtues. These displays with modest strands of lights gently twinkling on trees and structures have an understated elegance. They evoke cozier family gatherings of the past around the tree or singing carols by candlelight on a snowy evening.

Incandescent displays also get extra sparkle when reflected off water or frosted grass and trees. Their warm white light sets a serene mood, in contrast to the razzle dazzle of LEDs in every shade. The nostalgic beauty of these subtle lightscapes is just as moving, if not more so.

By touring LED sensations as well as old fashioned incandescent displays, you get the full spectrum of Christmas magic. As Lora K. described, "I loved the high tech LED shows that felt like the Christmas of the future. But incandescents brought that cozy feeling of Christmas past. Experiencing both made our family tradition complete."

So seek out drive-through events that incorporate both lighting technologies into the experience. A botanical garden may have futuristic LED gardens alongside nostalgic tree groves with standard mini lights. Or a city's Celebration of Lights could feature new LED designs downtown while historic neighborhoods glitter with modest incandescent scenes.

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - Find Epic Tunnels, Arches, and Structures Lit Up for the Holidays

One of the most magical parts of drive-through light displays are the dazzling tunnels, arches, and structures that get transformed into holiday wonderlands. Cruising through these giant light spectacles with the family creates awe-inspiring memories. Massive installations decorated top-to-bottom in lights are the hallmark of these events.

Elaborate arches draped in lights are a highlight, setting the festive tone from the moment you enter. Drive under arches glowing with strobe-style chases or icicle lights cascading down. Watch lights change color in patterns timed to music as you pass through. Arches lined with huge hanging ornaments or swags of faux evergreens also impress.

Tunnels offer an immersive experience driving through a corridor of shimmering color. Some tunnels are hundreds of feet long, engulfing you in a world of dancing lights and Christmas music. Weave through futuristic ribbons of lights that change colors and patterns. Watch snowflakes or ornaments appear to fall around you inside the tunnel. Tunnels with added visual effects like "snow" and fog create even more magic!

Seeing familiar structures and scenes transformed into beacons of light is also part of the fun. Drive by glowing gazebos and cabins decked out like gingerbread houses. Admire a dazzling covered bridge or lighthouse wrapped in multicolored strands. Snap pics next to a larger-than-life 15-foot decorated tree or gigantic wreath.

Blow-up characters illuminated from within bring delight. Cruise by glowing snowmen, Santas, soldiers, sleighs and other Christmas icons. Spot giant crosses, angels, candles, and poinsettias lit up to spread the holiday spirit.

Beyond the lights, some displays incorporate interactive elements. Honk at the singing Christmas trees or animated characters to trigger a response. Tune your radio to a special station to hear music synced to the dancing lights you're seeing.

Mitch of Denver describes driving through “a 200-foot long tunnel where the lights flashed and changed colors to Jingle Bell Rock playing on the radio. The full sensory experience delighted our 2 year old!”

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - Check Local Listings for the Hot Cocoa and Cookies Stops Along the Way

After miles of magical lights, nothing caps off a drive-through holiday display like parking and getting out to enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and other treats. Luckily, many events offer food, drinks and activities so you can make an evening of it. Checking local listings will clue you in on the best places to stop for sweet indulgences and family fun along your route.

You just never know what festive finds you may uncover at each stop. Part of the adventure is discovering spots with hot chocolate and cider stands, visits with Santa, s'mores bonfires, train rides, carolers, petting zoos, kettle corn vendors, photo booths, crafts for kids, holiday shops, and more! Always have small bills ready so kids can get hot chocolate or candy canes at stops. Emily S. suggests, "We created little gift bags for each child to stash the souvenirs and treats they collected throughout our tour."

If an event has multiple locations with different offerings, plan where to park and explore. A website may list activities at Garden Glow's North Pole Village or Christmas Town's Jingle Junction so you can coordinate your priorities. Some stops even become winter wonderlands with snow tubing, ice skating, live music, etc. that families revel in.

It's also worth Googling reviews of light displays to get tips on "must-stop" food vendors. You'll discover for instance that the hot chocolate at Meadowlark's German Christmas Market is the stuff of local legend. Or that attendance is worth it at Deerfield's Enchanting Evenings just for the fresh apple cider donuts.

Having a list of potential places for cocoa and cookies breaks along your route takes the guesswork out. You won't have to frantically Yelp for options if kids need to get their wiggles out. And you can save special stops like Santa visits for last to motivate good behavior all evening.

Pro tip: If you plan to eat dinner before your light tour, don't fill up too much! Part of the experience is sampling holiday nibbles and goodies at stops. Delicious smells wafting from food trucks and concession stands will entice you. Enjoying hot chocolate and cherry cobblers underneath twinkling lights enhances the magical ambiance. Build in room for a special holiday treat.

'Tis the Season for Road Trips: 21 Drive-Through Christmas Lights Displays that Bring Extra Cheer - Bundle Up with Blankets and Thermos for These Nighttime Extravaganzas

Visiting a drive-through Christmas light display is about more than just seeing the dazzling decorations. It's about creating a cozy, festive ambiance that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the holiday magic. An essential element for enhancing the experience is bundling up with blankets, slipping on comfy pajamas, and sipping hot drinks from a thermos.

Transforming your car into a cozy holiday haven will take the light show to the next level. As Torsten has discovered in his family's travels across the Midwest, "Having fuzzy blankets and pillows turns the drive into a snuggly adventure. The kids love curling up with their stuffed animals, warm jammies, and hot chocolate while Christmas tunes play."

If it's chilly enough for jackets, go ahead and put kids in their pajamas underneath! Let them cuddle up with beloved dolls and stuffies too. Pack cozy blankets and even battery powered string lights to drape around the car. Turn the heat on high and your vehicle becomes a winter sleigh perfect for cruising through sparkling light displays.

A thermos of hot chocolate, apple cider, or another warming beverage adds to the hygge. Let each family member pick their drink of choice to sip while seeing the lights. Thermos lids with built-in cups make it easy for everyone to have hot cocoa access. Add festive red and green straws or candy cane sticks for stirring.

Beyond drinks, pack holiday munchies to pass around. Peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and other tasty treats make the experience more immersive. Sing along to the radio with mouths full of sweets for extra fun. As Katie from Iowa City shares, "We brought a big thermos of hot chocolate and Christmas music CDs. The kids stayed warm and happy even though it was freezing outside."

With the right gear, you can comfortably enjoy even lengthy light tours on frigid evenings. Hand warmers tucked into mittens help little fingers stay toasty. Use cushy seat covers and pads to make hard car seats more relaxing. Neck pillows allow kids to sleep if late shows go past bedtimes.

Embrace the darkness! Drive-through light displays are meant to be enjoyed after sunset when they have the most dazzling visual impact. Don't let winter nights deter you from making merry memories. Companies like Light the Way sell handy accessories like plush backseat organizers, hanging storage bags, and light-up sippy cups that make driving at night easier.