7 Best Holiday Light Displays in the West

Meander down a candy cane lane while a red panda slumbers nearby, stand beneath towering flowers that turn a botanical garden into Wonderland, or watch as 8,000 luminaria flicker and dance beneath a 30-foot-tall cactus at one of these immersive holiday light displays in the West that you don’t want to miss.

Lightscape in San Francisco, California

Nov. 20, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027

Enter an incandescent dreamscape in this imaginative event that unfolds over a snaking one-mile path through the iconic San Francisco Botanical Garden. You’ll walk through a cathedral arch dripping with lights into rhythmic and immersive light displays that only enhance the stunning plant collection.

The 1 million lights dance to a perfectly timed sound track. Marvel at the California poppies dripping from above as you walk over light projections of California’s cheerful state flower. Lightscape offers a chance to see one of San Francisco’s top attractions in a whole new light. Tickets start at $17 for kids ages 5 to 17 and $27 for adults.

Las Noches de las Luminarias in Phoenix, Arizona

Select nights Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027

Hundreds of years ago, villagers across the Southwest lit small piñon branch bonfires to welcome the Holy Family on Christmas Eve. That custom inspired the glowing luminaria that are central to Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. Against a backdrop of rare Sonoran desert blooms, 8,000 luminaria made of candles inside sand-filled waxed paper bags flicker as the sounds of mariachi and other music from more than 10 live acts envelop visitors. 

“Every night the garden staff and volunteers hand light all 8,000 bags,” says Dana Terrazas, senior director of marketing communications. “And once everyone leaves, we blow them out. It’s like our gift to the community.”

Several hundred thousand twinkle lights are wrapped around palo verde trees and colorful lights wash over the iconic desert cacti including saguaros and cardons. This year, Graphic Rewilding, a duo specializing in public art installations, will create giant, brightly colored blossom displays and glass houses lined with floor-to-ceiling flowers. Tickets start at $16.95 for kids and $37.95 for adults.

Enchant Christmas in Summerlin, Nevada

Nov. 20–Dec. 27, 2026

Weave through a maze of millions of twinkling lights to unfold a magical story at Enchant Christmas. As you wander along curving paths, search for Santa’s missing reindeer hidden among shimmering trees, towering icicles, and captivating archways. Just 12 miles from the Strip, the lights here are even more dazzling.

Once you have found Vixen, Comet, and Cupid, hop onto the giant dog sled for a photo with the lighted husky team, laugh your way down the giant snow slide, or skate along meandering ribbons of ice beneath the lights. Tickets start at $20 for kids ages 3 to 17 and $28 for adults.

Campbell County Festival of Lights in Gillette, Wyoming 

Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027

Imagine driving through the vast CAM-PLEX Park when the darkness is pierced by a 16-foot tall little drummer boy crafted from lights. And wouldn’t it just be the icing on the cake if music started playing right on cue?

That’s the kind of synchronized delight awaiting at the Campbell County Festival of Lights. The festival, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, started with a handful of displays organized by then-city employee Wes Johnson. This year, get ready for more than 70 displays and 1 million lights spread through the park.

“I’m the Clark Griswold of the community,” says Johnson, who wanted to bring people to CAM-PLEX Park in the offseason. “I love the lights and I love seeing the families out there and the kids when their eyes light up. I get emotional every year.” Free.

Brighter Winter Nights in Anchorage, Alaska

Select nights Dec. 3, 2026–Jan. 31, 2027

With Anchorage shrouded in 18 hours of darkness each day by December, the vibrant lighted displays at the Alaska Botanical Garden are especially captivating. Surrounded by dark forest filled with hibernating black bears and scampering red squirrels, the cultivated garden is an oasis of light.

Meander along a half-mile of pathways decorated with gleaming colored ice sculptures and more than 30,000 lights. In between admiring the displays, warm your hands at one of the crackling firepits or slip inside the steamy greenhouse to admire the toy size model trains while sipping hot chocolate. 

If you’re feeling like a nighttime trek into the boreal forest, hop on a kick-sled and hit the trail flanked by majestic spruce trees that are often shrouded in snow. Arctic hares and porcupines dwelling in the forest will probably hide, but moose sometimes stride into town, so stay alert. Free for members and kids under 6; tickets start at $12 for non-members.

Holiday Nights at ZooMontana in Billings, Montana

Nov. 27–Dec. 31, 2026

When the conditions are right, a frosty blanket of powder transforms ZooMontana into a winter wonderland that’s a perfect backdrop for Holiday Nights. More than 15 million lights, massive 3-D lighted arches and soaring Christmas trees sparkle in the snow. 

Enjoy holiday music while taking a nocturnal stroll down a candy-cane walkway and onto paths framed by lighted garlands. Santa sightings and perhaps a visit from that green guy who tried to steal Christmas will keep the excitement high.

For a more intimate experience, rent a festive tent and toast marshmallows over a private bonfire for melty s’mores. The chic beige tents include tiny Christmas trees, hot chocolate service, and everything you need to make 10 s’mores. Tickets start at $13 for kids and $18 for adults.

Aquarium Lantern Festival in Draper, Utah

Nov. 6, 2026–Jan. 9, 2027

Wade into a family-friendly seascape brought to life with luminous schools of striped angelfish and branching coral as you discover ocean and land animals from diverse ecosystems. Many of the radiant displays feature the aquarium’s residents. Your adventure will bring you face to face with a vivid giant octopus’s curling tentacles, a glowing colossal jellyfish, and iridescent creatures from the deep at the Aquarium Lantern Festival at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Strolling past all the outdoor displays takes about two hours. And consider arriving early to visit the feisty Macaroni penguins and the Deep Sea Lab indoors. Tickets start at $22.95 for youths 3 and up and $27.95 for adults.