When it comes to holiday home décor, many people go all out for various reasons. It could be a cherished holiday tradition, a means of embracing the festive spirit, or simply an activity within the neighborhood. For many, the holiday season isn’t complete without at least one night dedicated to driving around and admiring the vibrant and colorful light displays.
To find the most festive displays, USA TODAY 10Best editors and experts combed the nation for the brightest and most beautiful holiday light shows. From neighborhoods and cities to parks, they identified the brightest and most captivating displays, putting the choices to a vote among readers.
Florida cities dominate light displays.
Earning spots on their list are four Florida locations celebrated for their exceptional light displays. Claiming the fourth spot is Holiday in Paradise in West Palm Beach. The attraction has a light display and features Sandi, a 35-foot-tall, 700-ton holiday tree sculpted entirely from sand, as highlighted by the ranking.
Securing the sixth spot is Johannessen Lights in Winter Park. This ranking shines a spotlight on Eric Johannessen, the owner of Johannessen Lights, whose passion for his family, creating enduring memories for his children, and Christmas itself is manifested in a magical display of festive lights adorning his home.
Cranes Roost Park clinches the eighth spot as the venue for Altamonte Springs' Light Up the Holidays. This annual Christmas event is a spectacle complete with a choreographed fireworks display, a towering 60-foot Christmas tree, and an impressive 200,000 dazzling lights.
Rounding up the Florida cities in the rankings at number nine is Holiday Spectacular, presented by Mosaic in Tampa. This event kicks off with the illumination of a 35-foot-tall Christmas tree floating in the harbor. The Riverwalk transforms into a display of festive lights and decorations, while Water Works Park sees oak trees adorned with strings of lights and unique floating displays such as gingerbread houses or toy trains set in the adjacent river.
See which other cities secured a place on the list by checking out the complete rankings here.
Florida Has One of Most Iconic Christmas Trees in America
Christmas is a special time of year, filled with fun, friends and family. The holidays are also a great time to travel. Also, if you're really in the festive spirit, why not travel to see one of the most iconic Christmas trees in America? Here are some of the most iconic Christmas trees that always draw a crowd, and for good reason. They're simply spectacular. Oh, and one Florida tree is on this list, because it's really that awesome.
Before we get into some of the smaller, yet still fantastic, Christmas trees across America, let's look at the big two. The White House Christmas Tree, Washington, D.C. is really the quintessential Christmas tree for America. The White House Christmas Tree is simply iconic. It's a representation of the holidays in the U.S. Each year, the White House staff displays the tree in the Blue Room. Lots of decorating goes into it, too. What's more, as for this year's tree, a press release explains, "Christmas tree growers Amber Scott and Alex Church, Cline Church Nursery, Fleetwood, NC waited for the arrival of special guests from our nation's capital who were sent to select the 2023 White House Christmas tree."
Also, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City is iconic. Next to the White House Christmas Tree, the Rockefeller Center in New York City is the next most iconic Christmas tree in America. Each year, the selected tree towers over New York City, placed right in the Rockefeller Center. Furthermore, it's definitely one of the most iconic Christmas trees in America.
So, what are some of the other most iconic Christmas trees in America? Read on for the list. What's your favorite holiday display and Christmas tree? Reach out to us on social media with your picks for all things Christmas. Happy holidays.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
Boston is a major city, and it needs some major holiday spirit in December. Also, the Christmas tree at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is simply dazzling. While you're there, shop, eat and enjoy other activities. Find more information via this link.
Perkasie Borough, Pennsylvania
If you're looking for a beautiful, old-fashioned Christmas tree, look no further than Perkasie Borough, Pennsylvania. What's more, the spot says they host America's oldest community tree lighting ceremony, and it draws a huge crowd every year. For more information, go here.
Christmas Tree at the Atlanta Airport, Georgia
The Atlanta airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. After all, it's a Delta hub. Each holiday season, travelers come through this airport, so they also deck it out with a great, festive Christmas tree.
Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan
The Christmas season in Detroit always starts with the Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park, presented by Downtown Detroit Partnership and DTE Energy Foundation. The ceremony always takes place the Friday before thanksgiving. Find more information here.
The Delray Beach Christmas Tree, Florida
The 100 foot Christmas Tree on Delray Beach is always exciting. Moreover, Santa helps light the tree every season. What's more, it's been going on for 30 years. Find more information here.