The Best Places To See Holiday Lights in the Pikes Peak Region and North America
Brian Slivka
I love Colorado. We're talking serious love here...It's my home. Has been since 1986...
I love Colorado. We're talking serious love here...It's my home. Has been since 1986...
The holidays have arrived!
I love this time of year, and I especially love seeing the gorgeous lights and decorations all around the Pikes Peak Region and North America. Check out some options below and take a trip to find your favorite holiday lights display!
The BEST light displays in the Pikes Peak Region:
You'll enjoy driving around town (or taking a helicopter tour!) to visit the top light displays in the region - one of the best displays in Colorado Springs happens to be the work of a friend of mine! Check 'em out!
1. Take a heloctopter tour around the region to see ALL of the lights!!
Feeling adventurous and looking to see a TON of lights from the skies above?Look no further - take a helicopter tour of the regions BEST light displays. I've done this and it is SO worth it. So much fun!!
2. Check out these festive Colorado Springs attractions and businesses
Several businesses and attractions take the holiday lighting game seriously - take a look at some of these and plan an evening at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or hit the outdoor skating rink in Downtown Colorado Springs for a fun and romantic evening.
3. Visit some of the VERY BEST residential light displays you'll ever see!
Clark W. Griswold has NOTHING on these homeowners - lighting displays created with such love and care, you'd be remiss to NOT visit these homes in different areas of the city. Timberline landscaping has even included an interactive map and playlist to help you on your journey.
Want to travel a bit further to see the lights?
Maybe you'll be out of town for the Holidays or maybe you'd like to get away! Here are some of the most amazing light displays around North America:
1. Hershey Sweetlights | Hershey Park, Pennsylvania
Experience the magic of nearly 600 illuminated displays from the comfort of your heated car! Hershey Sweetlights, is located inside of Hershey Park and is a part of Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, a seasonal festival held every year at the park that includes over 4 million lights, rides and roller coasters and more.
2. Winter Festival of Lights | Niagara Falls, Ontario
This spectacular celebration dates back to 1982 and is Canada's largest illumination festival. Over 1.8 million people flock to Niagara Falls every year to enjoy 15 Canadian Wildlife displays, over fifty trees wrapped in lights, the world’s largest Canadian-American Flag, a light show on the Toronto Power Generating Station, the two-storey tall Zimmerman Fountain, and a visitor favourite, Noah’s Ark!
3. Illumination at Morton Arboretum | Lisle, Illinois
This award-winning light show is a mile long walking tour through the 50 acre arboretum with stunning lights, music, and projections. You can even warm up by the crackling fire while roasting marshmallows!
4. Austin Trail of Lights | Austin, Texas
See Zilker Park transform into the walk-through Trail of Lights that attracts thousands of locals and tourists every year. The celebration includes two million lights, 90 holiday trees, over 70 displays, and nightly entertainment. This year marks the 55th annual celebration!
5. Busch Garden's Christmas Town | Williamsburg, Virginia
Busch Gardens goes all out for their holiday celebration, including over 10 million lights, a tree maze, rides and coasters, festive food and drinks, holiday shopping, and heart-warming shows. Even Rudolph stops to make an appearance at the celebration!
6. Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado
Celebrate the holiday season at the Blossoms of Light at the Denver Botanic Gardens! This event has been a local favorite for over three decades and transforms York Street into a winter wonderland. You won't want to miss the spectacular 360-degree immersive light experience!
7. Disneyland | Anaheim, California
Who wouldn't want to celebrate one of the most magical times of the year at one of the most magical places in the world? As expected, Disneyland goes all out for their seasonal celebration with festive decor, classic park attractions turned into a winter wonderland, and the Season of Lights evening shows.
8. Festival of Lights | Vancouver, Canada
Hosted in the VanDusen Botanical Garden, the Festival of Lights is a yearly celebration that includes a carousel, mesmerizing dancing lights on Livingstone Lake, Santa's Lodge for free photos with Santa, and tons of selfie spots and photo opps for the whole family!