let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
Experiences

5 Christmas Lights Displays In New York That The Whole Family Can Enjoy

Discover seven of the best Christmas light displays in New York State, perfect for brightening up the holiday season.

Updated Oct 25, 2022

Written by 

Witt Wells

New York at Christmas is always amazing! It's the best time of the year to have fun with friends and family. Light shows are a New York mainstay when Christmastime rolls around, and luckily, most of them can be experienced from the warmth and safety of your car. Here are a few of the best Christmas lights displays in New York to check out this year, including a few that don't even require you to leave your vehicle.

1. Peace, Love, and Lights - Bethel

A vintage car adorned with colorful lights, surrounded by illuminated trees in a festive nighttime setting.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts FB Page

Peace, Love, and Lights is a drive-thru light show in Bethel, NY, is a great festive and safe activity for the whole family.

A glowing snowflake decoration hangs from a tree branch, illuminated against a dark night sky with a full moon.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts FB Page

Enjoy a whole mile of beautiful illuminations, a 120-foot "Twinkle Tunnel, an Enchanted Forest and more, all in the heart of the breathtaking Sullivan Catskills.

2. Smith Point Light Show - Shirley

A brightly lit castle made of colorful holiday lights, featuring towers with pointed roofs against a dark night sky.
Smith Point Light Show FB Page

Smith Point Light Show is one of the best Christmas light shows on Long Island, so head down this 1.5-mile trail through Smith Point County Park for a stellar exhibition that makes for a great night out!

3. Dyker Heights - Brooklyn

A festive house decorated with lights, snowflakes, and nutcracker figures on the steps, creating a cheerful holiday scene.
Tripadvisor menick72

The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are a heartwarming tradition in Brooklyn during the holidays, when a number of houses in the neighborhood are decked out with some of the best decorations you've ever seen. You'll really feel like it's Christmas in New York when you're here. After strolling just a few blocks, it's easy to be in the Christmas Spirit in Dyker Heights.

4. Westchester's Winter Wonderland - Valhalla

Colorful holiday lights form an arch over a road, with cars passing underneath at night.
Westchester's Winter Wonderland FB Page

The "drive-thru holiday light extravaganza" of Westchester's Winter Wonderland will have you in a trance for all 1.2 miles of this magical journey through Kensico Dam Plaza.

Colorful holiday lights illuminate trees and decorations, featuring the phrase "Peace on Earth" in a festive display.
Westchester's Winter Wonderland FB Page

Experience a beautiful light tunnel, waving to Santa and Christmas music over the airwaves in one of the most exciting drive-through holiday lights in New York state.

5. Magic of Lights - Point Lookout

A dark road lined with illuminated candy cane decorations in red and white lights.
Magic of Lights - Jones Beach FB Page

If you live in or around New York City but want to get out of the city for a relaxing holiday celebration, head to Jones Beach State Park for one of the most fun holiday light shows in the area, the Magic of Lights. Enter through Candy Cane Lane to experience this magical world.

Many of the best Christmas lights displays in New York require guests to buy tickets to shows in advance, so make sure to book a reservation before planning your trip.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Florida Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

A small-town state park in Florida unlike any other, Honeymoon Island State Park will take you off the mainland into a peaceful, romantic haven.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 3
A pair of deck chairs overlooking the water at Honeymoon Beach State Park in Florida.
Stays
Camping

This Secluded Campground Near Mogollon Rim Is One of Arizona’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Mogollon Rim is one of Arizona’s best kept secrets.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jun 3
a small camp building and sign at the entrance for the knoll lake campground in payson arizona
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Kansas’ Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

From an Oz Museum filled with movie history to a quiet park anchored by a historic windmill, Wamego blends small-town Kansas life with whimsical storytelling in a way that feels both unexpected and authentic.

by Kate Orlando
on Jun 3
A fiery sunrise over wheat in Kansas.
Stays
Camping

This Secluded Campground Near Hunting Island Is One of South Carolina’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Hunting Island State Park is one of South Carolina’s best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jun 3
entrance sign to Tuck In The Wood Campground in saint helena island south carolina
Trips & Routes

You Can Explore This Coastal Georgia City Entirely on Foot—and It’s Stunning

Savannah, Georgia is one of the most historic cities in the state, but it's also one of the most walkable. Here's how to spend a weekend on foot.

by Molly Harris
on Jun 3
Forsyth Fountain in Savannah, Georgia