‘Tis the season to bundle up, sip hot cocoa and soak in the sparkle of over-the-top holiday light displays.
Whether you embrace the dropping temperatures or prefer to escape them, there are can't-miss light displays across the United States to add holiday cheer to your winter getaway. With Hilton Grand Vacations membership, you can access spacious accommodations in popular vacation destinations worldwide.
Here are just a few holiday-light displays to add a little cheer to your winter season.
1. Denver, Colorado
Visit the Blossoms of Light®, an annual holiday lights extravaganza at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Watch York Street transform into a twinkling winter wonderland. This family-friendly event has been a holiday tradition for locals and visitors for over three decades. Enjoy seasonal carolers, holiday treats and warm drinks while you wander through the interactive light display.
Where to stay in Denver: Drive into Denver from the Valdoro Mountain Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Breckenridge in between ski runs, or convert HGV ClubPoints to Hilton Honors Points and enjoy the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center.
2. Las Vegas
For more than 20 years, Glittering Lights Las Vegas at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has put together an incredible drive-thru light park with millions of twinkling lights outside the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip. If you’re traveling to Vegas without a car, don’t worry — you can hop aboard the Santa Tram, one of the Speedway’s driving tours.
Where to stay in Las Vegas: Choose from nine merry Hilton Grand Vacation properties in Las Vegas.
3. Washington, D.C.
Add a visit to Washington D.C.’s ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo to your travel bucket list. More than 500,000 lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. The free event includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. While you're there, climb aboard the Zoo Choo-Choo, which whisks guests around the Great Cats exhibit and features gorgeous views of the holiday light displays.
Where to stay in Washington, D.C.: Settle in at The District, a Hilton Club, conveniently located between the Smithsonian National Zoo and the National Mall’s monuments and museums.
4. Branson, Missouri
Travel to Branson, Missouri, to see an awe-inspiring display of more than 300 displays through a 1.25-mile drive at Lights of Joy. The entrance to Lights of Joy is by Sight & Sound Theatres and other Branson attractions.
Where to stay in Branson: Enjoy quiet, lakeside leisure at The Suites at Fall Creek, just a few miles from the Live Entertainment Capital of the World.
5. New York City
New York City is well-known for its holiday light displays. Besides the lights of Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, plan an evening of display window watching and see luxury retailers along Madison and 5th Avenues — think Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Henri Bendel, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue — go all out for an evening of holiday eye candy. Or visit Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights to see custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows throughout the zoo.
Where to stay in New York City: Choose from five Hilton Grand Vacations properties in Midtown Manhattan, each equipped to make your city escape unforgettable.
6. Oahu, Hawaii
Kick off the holiday season under palm trees and watch in awe as the city becomes aglow with the annual Honolulu City Lights event. This family-friendly event features Honolulu’s official tree-lighting ceremony and a downtown parade. Join in the opening night festivities or stop by during the month of December for additional events.
Where to stay in Honolulu: Experience one of Hilton Grand Vacations’ six Oahu properties, each featuring spacious accommodations and resort-like amenities.
7. San Antonio, Texas
The day after Thanksgiving, San Antonio shines a little brighter thanks to the famous Holiday Lights On The San Antonio River Walk. Locals and visitors can enjoy the spectacular display of stringed lights draped over the towering bald cypress trees from dusk until dawn daily through the New Year. Explore the San Antonio River Walk’s shops and restaurants with this magical backdrop.
Where to stay in San Antonio: With vacation membership, Members can stay anywhere within the Hilton portfolio, including the riverside Hilton Palacio del Rio.
8. San Diego, California
The famous Hotel del Coronado put San Diego on the map in 1904 with the first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree. Now, the hotel’s holiday show features 100,000-plus twinkling lights and many more holiday festivities, like seaside ice skating. Make your holidays unforgettable with this truly magical experience.
Where to stay in San Diego: Spend your holiday at The Hotel Del Coronado, of course. It’s part of the Hilton portfolio.
Whatever the time of year, Hilton Grand Vacations is here to help make your next vacation magical. Discover vacation ideas to inspire your next getaway.