The Lights of Christmas Is Washington’s Biggest, Brightest, And Most Dazzling Drive-Thru Light Display
Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center hosts the largest holiday light display in the Pacific Northwest, offering a drive-through experience with over a million lights.
The Lights of Christmas Is Washington’s Biggest, Brightest, And Most Dazzling Drive-Thru Light Display
Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center hosts the largest holiday light display in the Pacific Northwest, offering a drive-through experience with over a million lights.
Do you have any family holiday traditions? If you're searching for a new one, it may be hiding in plain sight — especially if you live in Western Washington. For over two decades, groups have been gathering at Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center in Stanwood for this dazzling event. What started out as an idea for the slower season in 1996 is now the largest holiday event in the Pacific Northwest, and you won't want to miss it. You'll love this delightful tradition -- it's one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Washington State!
It all started in 1997 when the first Lights of Christmas event kicked off.
One of Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center’s Board members
advertisement
experienced Nashville’s Opryland Theme Park's lighted event called "Christmas in the Park" and decided that Washington deserved something similar. Now, it's one of the best holiday events in Washington!
The event is a drive-through experience with the opportunity to enjoy two activity stops outside your car.
Stay cozy inside your car with cocoa as you enjoy a leisurely drive. You may even want to bake some homemade cookies for the road! Or, stop to stretch your legs with some winter fun activities - it is completely up to you. This jolly event will make you feel merry and bright.
The drive through the dazzling displays takes about 30 minutes, although it might take a bit longer since you won't want to miss a moment.
This event is wildly popular, and for good reason. To purchase your tickets, visit the website for The Lights of Christmas.
Check out the Lights of Christmas drive-thru holiday event in Warm Beach, WA in this video from PNW Explorers:
Have you ever experienced The Lights of Christmas in Washington State? If so, we want to hear all about your experience! Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
advertisement
Where are your favorite places to see Christmas lights in Washington? Need some ideas? Check out our list of the best Washington Christmas towns. Then, pack your bags, rent an RV, and go on a fun family holiday road trip.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
My mom always said that you could never buy presents too early, especially with the holiday season on the horizon. I say, the sooner the better, and buying online, to me, is ideal. I am a busy single mom of two kids, so convenience is key. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can throw the perfect items for your friends, coworkers, and loved ones into a virtual cart, pay with your credit card, and sit back as the boxes, almost like magic, start appearing at your door or in your mailbox within days!
These days, most of us use Amazon for its convenience, deals, and hard-to-find items you most likely won’t find at brick-and-mortar stores. Whether you start your holiday shopping now or wait until somewhat last minute (but not too last minute, or you might not get what you ordered in time!), we are taking a bit of a headache out of the decision-making process and helping you out with some of our favorite travel products that make great holiday gifts. Here are some of the best gifts on Amazon with your favorite traveler in mind:
Best Gifts Under $25
A good gift doesn't have to be expensive, and luckily, there is an endless inventory of unique and useful travel gifts under $25 on Amazon. Whether it's a journal or an item that will make traveling easier, these inexpensive travel gifts are sure to delight the recipients.
If you're anything like me, you document your travels. I can't tell you how many travel journals I have filled over the years — it's a lot! And yes, I am still delighted when someone gives me a brand-new travel journal as a Christmas gift. I revel in the excitement of travels I have not yet been on. Not only is a travel journal a must-have item for any traveler in your life, but it can also be a great source of inspiration to them.
What I like about this particular journal is that it's organized so that you can include 10 trips. There's also a keepsake pocket for each trip, where you can add ticket stubs, photos, and other memorabilia.
Nearly every time I'm at the airport for an early morning flight, I find myself wearily making my way to a coffee shop in the terminal for a caffeine fix. Almost always, I have a rolling carry-on with me. After getting my coffee, I have to hold it in one hand while rolling my luggage behind me. But how's this for convenience — a luggage travel cupholder for a suitcase? To me, this is a game-changer! Not only can this handy item hold a coffee cup but also a water bottle, your phone, and even a tablet. I'll be adding this to my holiday wish list this year. How about you?
If someone you know needs a visual to see how many states they've visited, then a scratch-off map is the perfect gift! Not only that, but it's incredibly satisfying to scratch off a destination after visiting. I have a scratch map and absolutely love seeing how many places I've visited and all the places I have yet to go. This U.S. scratch map by TRAVELISIMO comes with 25 accessories, including stickers and flags, and is conveniently packaged in a tube to prevent the map from getting wrinkled or damaged.
I've been looking all over for a compact mirror with lights that I can travel with, and I finally found it! This Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror is only 4x4.9 inches, so it can easily be stowed in a handbag or a makeup bag. It can also be magnified up to 10 times, has LED lights, and can be recharged with the included charger. How convenient!
The next few items are among the best travel gifts from Amazon under $50. These gifts are still quite affordable for a nice present that's both useful and takes a bit of the headache and discomfort out of traveling.
Whether you're on a short or a long-haul flight, organization is the key to comfort. I often find myself getting up to search my stowed carry-on for something I need, but I wouldn't need to do that if I had this Airplane Pocket Organizer. Just slip it over your seat's tray table and organize everything you need for your flight (i.e. phone, chapstick, earbuds, tablet, water bottle, etc.). It's also water-resistant and machine washable, so you can clean it between flights. Speaking of clean, this convenient item provides a clean space for working and eating since it slips easily over the tray table. This may be my new favorite travel item from Amazon.
Of all the travel accessories I own, this Wayfarer Travel Wrap by Happyluxe, a small business that happens to sell on Amazon, is among my favorites. Made of TENCEL™ fabric, it's super soft and great for taking a nap on a plane or in a car on a long road trip. This 68-inch-by-35-inch wrap can be used as a shawl, a blanket, a poncho, or a scarf and comes in a variety of colors. Not only do I love its super soft feel, but its multiple functions. This is a must for any traveler!
The Odyssey Travel Pillow, also by Happyluxe, is soft, machine-washable, and perfect for any avid traveler. It can be used as a neck or head pillow for comfort. At 17-by-13 inches, it can be compressed for easy packing.
I never knew I had water bottle envy until a friend of mine pulled out this water bottle. I was amazed! Like a scratch map, this National Parks of the USA Bucket List Water Bottle allows you to track the national parks you've visited. But instead of scratching them off, you'll add one of the included waterproof stickers. Pretty awesome, right? This water bottle is made by Wondery Outdoors, a small business led by women.
If your gift-giving budget is a little higher, let's say for a child, a parent, or your favorite aunt or uncle, here are a few of the best travel gifts from Amazon that are under $100:
Packing cubes are another essential for any traveler in your life, and this set comes in a variety of colors and designs including U.S. National Parks. With seven compression cubes in the set, your favorite traveler's luggage will be well-organized.
Tech is always a good gift to give during the holidays, especially something like new earbuds. Not as pricey as Apple AirPods but working just as well are these Soundcore Sport X20 Earbuds by Anker that cost under $100. Not only are they noise-canceling, waterproof, and sweatproof, but they can rotate and hook around the ear which prevents them from falling out. Any frequent flier would love these on a plane!
Enjoy both style and function with this roomy WITZMAN Carryon Travel Backpack. This great gift item is made with nylon fabric on the outside and has a black polyester lining along with decompression foam to keep electronics safe. With several pockets, you can pack your laptop, a tablet, and many other items for traveling. With a removable strap, it can even be converted into a duffle bag. Best of all, it has an external USB charger port and an internal charging cable to attach your own power bank for keeping your electronics charged at all times.
One of my favorite parts about Christmas morning is seeing what I got in my stocking. I love finding all sorts of wonderfully small gifts, don't you? If you're on the hunt for fun and functional travel-related stocking stuffers for family and friends, take a look at these:
If you know someone who travels internationally, this International Travel Adapter is a must-have. I used to carry around a bag of adapters and plugs in my luggage, but this is really all you need when traveling overseas. This is the only adapter I brought with me during my last trip to Europe, and my only regret is that I hadn't purchased it sooner. This adapter covers 160 countries, has four USB slots, a power range between 100V and 250V, and can charge up to five devices at once.
If you know someone who owns Apple products like an iPhone, an iWatch, or AirPods, this 3-in-1 charging device is the perfect stocking stuffer. It's foldable, portable, lightweight, and compact, making it ideal for travel.
Do you know someone who loves visiting U.S. National Parks? Well, maybe they'd like a set of field notes in their stocking! Measuring 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches, they can easily be carried in a backpack or even a pocket. Each one has 48 pages and is covered in leather. There are also several national park field notes 3-packs to choose from, or you can order the entire collection!
This highly-rated toiletry bottle set is TSA-approved, BPA-free, and leakproof. The squeezable bottles are made of silicone and come in a clear bag for easy packing. There's also a wide variety of colors to choose from for the perfect stocking stuffer.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
