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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas is synonymous with decorating pine trees, baking gingerbread, and eating Yule log cake. The season is also about having fun with snow and admiring Christmas lights.
This tradition has its roots in pagan rituals from Northern Europe. Hanging light bulbs symbolize hope for the warmth of the sun amid the winter darkness.
Looking to spice up the season with some winter illumination? Here are 10 recommended destinations for the best Christmas lights in the U.S. to feast your eyes on, as highlighted by US News, Travel + Leisure, and Timeout Travel.
1. Magic Christmas in Lights, Alabama
If you are in Alabama, don’t miss the Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens. The place has been displaying holiday illumination since 1995 and is reputable for its more than 1,100 sets and three million lights.
2. Glow Hartford, Connecticut
Held at the Connecticut Convention Center, Glow Hartford features over 1 million lights and an array of displays, including illuminated structures depicting iconic landmarks from around the world, such as the Taj Mahal and the Elizabeth Tower.
Aside from marveling at the holiday twinkling displays, explore the tunnel of lights or relax on the LED Swing. The Glow Hartford is available until the end of December.
3. Callaway Gardens, Georgia
The Callaway Resort & Gardens Fantasy in Lights offers a truly exceptional experience with an impressive 10 million lights. Guests are invited to stroll through the illuminated landscape and admire the stunning displays in Firefly Cove and Enchanted Rainbow Forest.
4. The Tumbleweed Tree, Arizona
Christmas has always been about pines and spruces. But, the city of Chandler in Arizona showcases something different: a tumbleweed tree. Made up of about 1,000 white paint-sprayed tumbleweeds, the “tree” is lit up with about 1,200 lights during the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights.
5. The Ski Tree, Colorado
What makes the Ski Tree in Colorado become one of the best Christmas lights in the U.S.? Citing Travel + Leisure, the “tree” describes stacked skis as the name suggests, towering up to 17 feet high. It is unique since it is not made out of conventional materials.
At the top of the Ski Tree is a glowing star crafted from ski poles. Don’t miss out on the non-mainstream display at the annual Blossoms of Light!
6. Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, Louisiana
As winter approaches, Louisiana hosts a plethora of holiday light displays, such as in Monroe and West Monroe, Alexandria and Pineville, and many more. Each city offers an abundance of unique experiences, from weekly fireworks shows to Christmas festivals. In Natchitoches, you can enjoy the twinkling displays for free!
7. Dyker Heights, New York
Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights always glows as soon as December comes. The neighborhood turns into a winter wonderland, displaying Christmas toys coupled with millions of lights.
8. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, New York
Don’t leave New York just yet, because a fantastic light show awaits you at the Bronx Zoo! Running from around November 22 to January 5, the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights features a whopping 400 animal-shaped lanterns, from bears to kangaroos.
It is even more exciting because this year, visitors will be greeted by the arrival of new displays, such as glowing walls, lit flowers, and 12-foot trees.
9. Gardens Aglow, Maine
It is an annual event for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to run a Christmas light show. The so-called Gardens Aglow offers you the opportunity to stroll amidst a glowing forest adorned with string lights. Explore the 14 acres of gardens and immerse yourself in the holiday lights.
10. Austin Trail of Lights
Rounding off the list of the best Christmas lights in the U.S. is the Austin Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. Visitors will get to see a plethora of light displays and illuminated tunnels. As you walk through the park, more than 2 million bulbs illuminate the trees.
Aside from feasting on these Christmas lights, this holiday season is the perfect time to plan an overseas trip. Consider heading to Hakodate, Japan, for the ultimate snowy experience. Our article on things to do in Hakodate during winter can be your guide.
Editor's Choice: Top 10 Christmas Dishes Around the World
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