We are always talking about Christmas at Disney, or those very well known holiday events around the country. So we thought it would be nice to let our readers weigh in on their favorite local events. Enjoy taking a look at the states we received feedback on and their local festivities. Maybe you will get a chance to visit one of them!
Alabama
Andalusia, AL
Candy Land in Andalusia, AL – Shelly Barbour-Wagoner
Cullman, AL
Christmas Pyramid in Cullman, AL (seen in the picture to the left)
We are a German town. We just got a new Christmas display that is the largest in the country. It was made in Germany. We aren’t really much of a tourist town, but this is a really neat place to live. – Danielle Thompson
Florida
Defuniak Springs, FL
They set up a huge light display around the lake, which is a perfectly circular natural spring fed lake. They charge a few dollars donation to drive the 1 mile loop… but the real fun is that every year we get permission to go ride our horses through and see the lights from horseback. – Melissa Molaison
Georgia
Atlanta, GA
Macy’s Pink Pink at Lenox Mall has been a holiday staple for years! – Melanie McDonald
Illinois
East Peoria, IL
Festival of Lights Parade and Folepi’s Winter Wonderland
Since 1984 we have had an annual parade and festival of lights display. It has become a tradition for families here to drive through the Wonderland at some point over the holidays. People travel quite a way to come see the pretty lights. – Jennifer Hall
Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Winterlights at Newfields The outdoor grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, is an outdoor festival of lights, complete with cider, hot chocolate, s’mores , and adult beverages. The 1.5 million lights, holiday music, beautiful Lilly mansion, and fun atmosphere make for a great time. – Beth Frank
Kentucky
Grand Rivers, KY
The Grand Rivers Festival of Lights takes place each year at 1858 JH O’Bryan Avenue, Patty’s 1880’s Settlement. There are over 700,000 twinkling lights to brighten up the holidays and caroling is provided by the Eternal Vision Gospel Group.
Louisiana
Lafayette, LA
There is a replica of an Acadian Village and during the holiday season it is lit with half a million lights and shares the traditions that Louisiana is known for. Noel Acadian au Villiage brings visitors from all over the world to experience a cultural gem.
New Orleans, LA
Natchitoches Christmas Festival – it’s the Festival that can be seen in the movie Steel Magnolias
New Orleans City Park Christmas lights are a site to behold. The city is magical at Christmas time, but Celebration in the Oaks is the shining light.
One of the most unique Christmas traditions is the lighting of the bonfires on the levy in in St. James Parish. People build gigantic creations and then light them on fire. It has to be seen to be believed.
Massachusetts
Boston, MA
On Christmas Eve from 8-9 PM at 3 Louisburg Square in Beacon Hill, we have the annual Beacon Hill Handbell Ringers performing with hundreds of people singing along. It is a tradition that was started in 1924 and has grown. It is absolutely beautiful – you feel like you’re in a Dickens novel. It is a free event, and they hand out lyrics so everyone can participate. It’s tough because in Boston we seem to like to hide things, and make it difficult for people to find – you need a local to tell you. – Jillian Conway
Michigan
Greenfield Village has the Holiday Nights. It is awesome and so much fun! – Kelly Thompson
Muskegon, MI
Mona Shores singing Christmas tree is amazing. It is very hard to get tickets to bc it sells out so quickly – Jamie Swanker
Minnesota
Duluth, MN
Bentleyville in Duluth, MN 🎄🎁❄️☃️ Duluth is just a super cool town in general, and Bentleyville is a holiday perk. https://www.bentleyvilleusa.org/ – Leigh Bakke and Lauren Ashleigh Clark
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis has Holidazzle. – Courtney Carry
Ohio
Cincinnati OH
Winterfest at Kings Island! Some rides are open, mostly in the kid area. Ice Skating, hot chocolate, shows, crafts, Santa! So much to do and see! Lots of light displays! – Megan Held
Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN
SEE ROCK CITY – the slogan often displayed on the sides of barns and billboards across the state. But don’t miss this attractions Holiday setup, a truly magical walk through a holiday wonderland!
Pigeon Forge, TN
Head up to the Smoky Mountains for a holiday celebration you’re unlikely to forget! From local amusement park Dollywood to the year-round Christmas Place store, this mountain getaway holds so many things to discover on your holiday road trip!
Nashville, TN
Holiday lights abound at Opryland (pictured above). The Opryland hotel is decorated both indoors and out with activities ranging from carriage rides to a walkthrough themed carved ice display with a giant ice slide. Stay for the day or spend an entire weekend experiencing a country Christmas!
Texas
Houston, TX
Right outside of Houston is Santa’s Wonderland. It’s one of the most amazing Christmas events we have. So much to do and really immerse yourself in Christmas and lights. – Lindsey Griffith
San Antonio, TX
We love Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo. – Jill Robbins
Virginia
Coastal Virginia
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Million Bulb March at Norfolk Botanical Garden – Rebekah Eastep
Washington
Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth, Washington isn’t far from me. It is a mock Bavarian village in a gorgeous area. This time of year they have gorgeous Christmas Light displays. – Alexis Johnson
