There is no better way to spread holiday cheer than to gather with family and friends under spectacular Christmas lights.
Of course, many people fashion their own backyard holiday light displays, and have caught the attention of entire neighborhoods to join in on their festive spirit.
In the past, a U.S. Army Marine even decked out his rooftops with an awe-inspiring, patriotic light display, captivating our eyes and hearts.
In our guide below, we introduce eight of the country's most astounding Christmas light displays, for those who want to travel a little farther from home this holiday season.
Most of these amazing celebrations have originated from tiny, quaint villages, and they are scattered all across the nation, and feature unbelievable man-made sights.
Scroll on down to find out which places in America have the most famous Christmas displays. Let us know how you will be celebrating the holiday festivities this year in the comments below!
1. McAdenville, NC
Just 20 minutes outside of Charlotte, McAdvenville is home to one of the country's most spectacular holiday scenes.
Every December, the small town puts on an extravagantly bright light display throughout its streets and rows of houses — in fact, it has become so popular that the place is renamed "Christmas Town USA" each holiday season.
More than 600,000 walk through avenues and buildings strung with more than 450,000 different lights. Over 375 trees are lit downtown, circling the great lake and fountain, making for a quite remarkable sight.
2. New Orleans, LA
Celebrated as one of the most charming cities in the country, and famed for its boisterous revelry, New Orleans also boasts one of the top Christmas displays.
Introducing Celebration in the Oaks — one of the most well-known holiday light festivals. It spans 13 acres in New Orleans' City Park, and is attended by more than 165,000 visitors every year.
The lights sprawl across the park's stunning natural landscape, passing through its oak groves, lagoons, and mossy cypress trees. Visitors love to ride the train and carousel at the fair, and to take strolls along the glittery Christmas-tree-lined walkways.
3. Louisville, KY
One of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains, Louisville is famous for many things — the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the Louisville Cardinals.
But nothing can beat its vibrant, larger-than-life Christmas decorations. Named "Lights Under Louisville," the city's man-made MEGA cavern spans 17 miles' worth of festive decorations beneath the city.
Glowing with a million lights, the "world's only underground holiday light show" is as impressive as it is historic.
4. Bernville, PA
Settled by a group of German minorities in the early 18th century, the borough of Bernville has since taken shape as a quaint locale that became most famous for one thing: its Christmas celebrations.
A tradition since 1948, Koziar's Christmas Village has been a prime destination for families on vacation and crowds who love to see awe-inspiring holiday lights.
Visit the village's homes, cottages, streets, and shops, which feature more than a million light displays combined.
5. Austin, TX
Since 1965, the Trail of Lights has become one of the three largest annual events in Austin.
The yule log was first lit in Zilker Park, sparking a succession of incredible displays, community performances, and even a festively lit tunnel through which event-goers can marvel at the spectacle.
Visitors can lay their eyes upon the World's Tallest Man-Made Christmas Tree, which stands at 155 feet, and lift their heads up to gaze at the rainbow-hued sparkles hanging from above.
6. Branson, MO
Known perhaps as having the most decadent Christmas displays in the midwest, Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas festivities consists of a "magical mile" drive-through, rides on the North Pole Express train, and a decked-out historic downtown shopping center.
Branson also happens to be the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," and it continues to dazzle visitors with its yearly, life-size Nativity display.
This year, musicians and bands have kicked off the occasion with the Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular, and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, a dinner-and-a-show experience in a giant arena featuring everything from horses and buffalo to romantic pageantry.
7. Nevada City, CA
First settled during the California Gold Rush, Nevada City houses a population of just over 3,000, but takes immense pride in its glorious Christmas celebrations.
Dubbed "Victorian Christmas," the village's picturesque downtown area teems with authentic, bygone treasures — vendors along the gas-lamp-lit street sell handmade jewelry, candy, pottery, dolls, perfume, crafts, and over 100 other different collectibles.
Carolers and minstrels dressed from head to toe in Victorian attire spread their holiday cheer to visitors from all over amidst carriage rides and live entertainment, and against the backdrop of twinkling, snowy hills.
8. Walt Disney World, FL
Each year, thousands of excited visitors make the trip to Walt Disney World to witness the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
The celebration had rather humble beginnings. A long time ago, a man from Arkansas wanted to create the most fantastical, memorable Christmas display for his daughter. After installing four million lights, his display unfortunately became unsustainable. Pilots complained about its size and height, and locals sued him for its extravagance.
After being banned from town, the display was eventually adopted by Disney's Hollywood Studios. Today, it has become a larger-than-life annual holiday extravaganza, attracting eager families from all over the world.
Please SHARE if you would love to witness extraordinary festival lights this Christmas!
