#holiday-lights

#holiday-lights

There's something about the holiday season that makes us all feel like kids again. Maybe it's the crisp air, the smell of pine, or the anticipation of gathering with loved ones. For me, though, it's the lights. Those twinkling, shimmering displays that transform ordinary streets into something magical. Across America, entire towns take this tradition seriously, turning themselves into winter wonderlands that draw visitors from all over the world.

New York runs on tight schedules that even the city's most iconic tree isn't immune to. If you've been telling yourself you'll swing by Rockefeller Center one day soon, here's your final nudge: the famous Christmas tree comes down tomorrow, which makes today the very last day to catch it in all its twinkly glory. After anchoring Midtown's holiday season since early December, the Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, is officially clocking out.

Sandy Claus and Scott the Elf | Screenshot NBC Palm Springs A "bah humbug Grinch" in the Palm Springs area is getting coal in his stocking after raising a stink about a "gay elf." An NBC Palm Springs viewer recently lodged his displeasure in a letter to the station over the elf's on-air appearance and on-lawns presence in the Coachella Valley for the outlet's "Holiday Lights" special. Together with drag queen Sandy Claus, the Christmas duo led viewers to some of the most spectacular holiday house displays in the gay-friendly desert community.

San Jose welcomes back a beloved holiday staple with Blinky's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show at Christmas in the Park, transforming the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds into a wonderland of festive illuminations. This drive-thru experience invites families and friends to cruise through elaborate light displays from the comfort of their vehicles, creating memorable evenings under twinkling arches and animated scenes. Open through December 31, the event runs on weeknights from 6 to 10 p.m. and weekends from 5 to 11 p.m.,

Every year, the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa dazzles visitors with a mesmerizing display of enormous ornaments, enchanting animatronics, carnival rides, food vendors, and towering Christmas trees decked out in over 10 million lights. The extravagant Mission Inn Festival of Lights is now in its 33rd year of illuminating Riverside, a city about 60 miles east of Los Angeles.

"During the holidays, Dana Point feels especially magical with harbor lights, festive events, and perfect weather for exploring," Vickie McMurchie, president of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, tells Travel + Leisure. "And no matter the season, our location between Los Angeles and San Diego makes Dana Point an ideal home base. It's one of those rare places where you truly get the best of both worlds-a relaxing, small-town coastal vibe with big opportunities for adventure."

For 11 months of the year, Vasona Lake County Park is a perfectly beautiful spot in Los Gatos where you can enjoy a picnic, walk the creek trail or just chill out by the lake. But every December, it's transformed into something so wildly different, it's easy to forget you're in the same park. I'm talking about "Fantasy of Lights," the annual light display that is equal parts sentiment and silliness. It's truly spectacular for the very young,

Join us this Monday, December 1st at 6pm at the Bank of America Plaza as we kick off the holiday season in true Castro style, the Castro Merchants Association says in an Instagram post. The evening will be emceed by the fabulous Donna Sachet, the tree will receive a special blessing from Sister Roma, and, of course, we'll have a visit from Santa!

With the new Festivitas app for iPhone and iPad, you can add and customize a string of holiday lights on your device's Home Screen using iOS widgets. The lights can frame your favorite personal photo (or perhaps a holiday image you dig up on Pinterest), and you can opt to make the widget transparent so it blends in with your background.

Portlanders tend to hibernate when the rainy season begins. Things get colder, and a book near the fireplace beckons. But consider hopping in the car for a chilly seasonal excursion -perhaps to catch an illuminated Elsa in Southern Oregon, or to sample sausages in a Bavarian-style village, or to watch a bald eagle dive into the Columbia. Below, an illustrated sampler platter of options. Nov 23-Jan 1 Roll through Roseburg's River Forks Park for a drive-in holiday light extravaganza-think glimmering scenes of Santa stomping wine grapes or Frozen 's Elsa kiki-ing with Olaf.

I'm heading into this holiday season on the budget of all budgets, and it's not easy. There's so much to do during the holidays, especially in New York, and, it's tough when you see parents taking their kids somewhere enthralling every week of December when you can barely afford to snap a photo with a mall Santa. If you're on an extremely tight budget this year, try not to lose hope.

For many years, Tony Tran's daughters begged him to hang Christmas lights outside their San Jose home. He kept saying, "Next year." Tran finally relented in 2018 and strung a few light strings. But his decorative ambitions really shot up to a whole new level when he, his wife and his then-teenaged daughters needed a family project during the COVID-19 lockdown. "My daughters said, 'We can't go out of the house, and we could put on a really nice display for the neighborhood,'" Tran said.

We came up with one simple question: how can we bring stories, art and families together to have an immersive experience? And here we are,

The walk begins at Bond Street Station. Step out onto Davies Street and you're immediately in the heart of Mayfair, where the first festive showstoppers appear: Claridge's and Annabel's. Claridge's is known for its classic, glamorous Christmas tree and elegant facade, while just down the road Annabel's delivers one of the most extravagant decorations in London each year. Both are unmissable and set the tone for the festive journey ahead.

SAT 11/8 from 5-7pmDazzling Holiday Light Celebration, FREE Invite family and friends to stroll the street and enjoy 3 blocks of sparkling lights plus complimentary hot beverages, cookies and entertainment! This event marks the beginning of the holiday season on Fourth Street so come and mark the year with pictures together under the lights. Free Activities include: -Live, jazzy funk music by The 3 Elements -Night Magic Shows with Brian Scott (5:45pm & 6:30pm)

Expect a dazzling state-of-the-art show where "the lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound," Saks announced today. Though the lights dimmed last year amid financial uncertainty, the show is back this year as of November 24. It will run through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, lighting up each night for all to enjoy for free.