These 7 Christmas Light Displays in North Dakota Are Pure Holiday Magic

North Dakota is a winter lover's paradise. There are countless charming Christmas towns, all worthy of one's holiday bucket list. From elaborate light displays to cozy community gatherings, there's something for families, first dates, and even solo outings. Here are seven reasons why you should book a trip to enjoy North Dakota's holiday festivities.

1. Holiday Lights at the Red River Zoo - Fargo

The annual Holiday Lights at the Red River Zoo attracts throngs of folks to North Dakota every year. With amazing lights all over the place, an elf scavenger hunt, sledding, s'mores, animal encounters, and more, this is even you don't want to miss. For less than $10 per person, it's sure to become your new favorite tradition!

2. HollyDazzle Festival of Lights - Grand Forks

The jaw-droppingly magical HollyDazzle Festival of Lights typically goes on in mid-November. It offers a day of awesome holiday fun for the whole family with free hot cocoa and plenty of photo ops. This is probably one of my favorite holiday traditions in North Dakota, and I suspect it'll become one of yours, too!

3. Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds - West Fargo

This wonderful Christmas lights display in West Fargo, ND is everything that's wonderful about the holiday season. It's a popular, much-loved drive-thru with tunnels, animated displays, and so much more. Tune in to 101.9 or 97.9 to listen to synched-up holiday music, too!

4. Mandan Holiday Lights on Main - Mandan

This brand-new Christmas lights display in Mandan, ND is a must-do for everyone this year. Participating places in town include Dykshoorn Park along with Heritage Park, the Mandan Depot, Beanery, and Mandan/Morton Public Library. All locations will be decorated to the nines in celebration of the season, and this year's festivities include 15 amazing lights displays. Best of all, it's free!

5. Chmielewski's Christmas Corner - Bismarck

This ridiculously charming neighborhood Christmas lights display is a labor of love put on by the Chmielewski family every year. The display runs from Thanksgiving until one week after Christmas, leaving plenty of time to return again and again! Personally, I'm not even sure which is more magical: the whole town all decked out for the holidays, or the individual families that go to tremendous lengths to bring us joy every year.

6. Just A Light Walk - Buxton

Just A Light Walk isn't only fun for everyone and immensely charming, it's also got a delightful pun for a name, so I'm automatically in. With cocoa, Christmas lights, and all the cookies your little heart could ever long for, this is one annual tradition that doesn't seem to get the love it so rightfully deserves. Come out to the little town of Buxton and experience this one for yourself!

7. Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive - Williston

This underrated holiday lights display in North Dakota is a must-do for families. With thousands of lights, take-and-go crafts little ones, Elf on the Shelf bingo, and more, you won't run out of things to do. Visit the official Visit Williston website for the most up-to-date hours and dates.

So, there you have them. Seven stunning Christmas lights displays in North Dakota that you can't miss this season. Need to know what to pack for your winter trip to the Peace Garden State? Check out our ultimate winter packing list! Need more activity ideas? Check out all the best Christmas towns and things to do in North Dakota during the winter. Add these stops to your holiday trip wishlist using the Only in Your State Itinerary Planner.