It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—at least when it comes to twinkling holiday lights! All across the country, parks, neighborhoods and other public places are installing spectacular holiday light shows where you can stroll or drive through an illuminated winter wonderland.
Because they’re usually held outside and often include Christmas light drive-thru options, holiday light shows are a perfect seasonal treat to enjoy with your dog by your side. This memorably bright night with your furry companion might just become your new favorite holiday tradition.
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Before You Go
As you plan your trip to a holiday light show, keep your pet’s safety in mind. The Center for Pet Safety recommends buckling your pet into the car in a crash-tested safety harness, and avoiding long tethers or zipline-style products, which can cause injury if your pet gets tangled in them. It’s also a bad idea to let your pet hang their head out of an open window, the group advises, because of the risk of injury to your pet’s eyes from debris in the air. And be aware that for most of the Christmas light drive-thru events, you and your pet must remain in your car the entire time.
Read more about keeping your dog safe in the car.
If you plan to leave your car and walk through holiday lights at a pet-friendly area, remember to follow all the rules of the venue, including leash requirements. Keep in mind that many of these events are popular, so well-behaved pets who enjoy the company of other pets and people will be the happiest attending walk-through Christmas light shows. And of course, always follow the CDC’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The Best Holiday Light Shows of 2021
Alabama: Galaxy of Lights
Galaxy of Lights
The annual Galaxy of Lights drive-thru is a fabulous way to see the Huntsville Botanical Garden decked out for the holiday season. Along the route, you’ll spot classic Christmas scenes and twinkling holiday displays, all complemented by the beautiful natural setting of the botanical gardens. Here’s an added bonus for dog parents: Before the attraction opens for drive-thru spectators, Galaxy of Lights will host four special dog walking nights (November 15, 16, 22, and 23) where you can take an immersive stroll together on the specially decorated walking path. Some pups even come dressed up for the occasion!
Arizona: Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Returning for its 71st year, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is a crowd-pleaser that is also pet-friendly. This community-supported holiday light show gives you the opportunity to walk with your dog through a cozy neighborhood to see some next-level decorations. Every year, the home displays are awarded honors like best window, most creative and most interactive. There is even an award for dogs’ favorite houses—"the Pup’s Pick”— ensuring that all attendees have a little something to love. Just keep in mind that this popular event can be busy, so well-behaved dogs who are comfortable around other people and pets are going to be the happiest with this walk-through experience.
California: World of Illumination Reindeer Road
World of Illumination
If you’re looking for a magical storybook adventure, take a drive down Reindeer Road. This dog-friendly holiday show features a one-mile journey filled with hundreds of dazzling light displays that will immerse you in a Christmas fantasyland. Tune in on your radio for synchronized music, and watch the millions of animated lights dance in time with the music. You and your pup can even sing along to the Christmas tunes to really get in the howl-iday spirit.
Colorado: Christmas in Color
Christmas in Color
Get ready to be immersed in lights, music and holiday cheer. The Christmas in Color drive-thru display will take you and your pet’s Christmas light viewing to a whole new holly, jolly level. Tune into the provided FM radio station for a synchronized musical display. As you jam out to the holiday tunes, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute drive past giant candy canes, snowmen and festive holiday light tunnels. And if you aren’t located in Colorado, Christmas in Color also puts on eight other drive-thru displays across the U.S. for some of the best holiday light viewing around the nation.
Georgia: Enchanted Garden of Lights
Enchanted Garden of Lights
Wonder, joy and, of course, Santa Claus—they all await you and your pet at the award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights. Leashed pets are welcome to take a stroll with you through this festive winter wonderland. You can watch the lights twinkle in the ice-themed Arctic Kingdom display, or take a jaunt down the lighted corridor of Yule Town. And don’t miss the chance to swing by the Magic Forest to walk beneath the 43-foot-tall tree of lights. You can enjoy the garden at your own pace, which means you have time to snap all the holiday pet pics, too.
Illinois: Let it Shine Light Show
Let it Shine Light Show
Prepare to be immersed in a symphony of sight and sound at the Let It Shine Light Show at Wintrust Field. Visitors (including furry ones!) are invited to cozy up in the car and experience the magic of lights at this drive-thru holiday light show, all synchronized to fun Christmas classics. You’ll cruise through dazzling tunnels and awe-inspiring displays of over 1 million LED lights.
Kentucky: Lights Under Louisville
Lights Under Louisville
South Dakota: Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland
For a nature-infused holiday light display, take a walk through the Falls Park Winter Wonderland. Every year the park is lit up by thousands of lights for a beautiful scene. The park’s namesake ice-encrusted waterfalls along the Big Sioux River, lit up by red and green lights, are their own unique display. The 128-acre park is made even more magical with the trees and walkways strung with lights and the colorful frozen waterfalls. You’ll surely be enchanted by this festive winter wonderland—and your pet will love an outing to stretch their legs and enjoy the crisp winter air.
Texas: Gift of Lights
Gift of Lights
Take a driving tour of the Texas Motor Speedway to see the dazzling displays of the Gift of Lights. This pet-friendly holiday drive-thru display loves hosting four-legged friends, and you can cruise through the lighted tunnels with your pet cozied up in your car. On November 29, Gift of Lights even hosts a special “dress up your pet” night when you can outfit your dapper pet in their best holiday duds to save $5 at the gate. Pets are also welcome to walk around Santa's Village at the end of the drive-thru show, where you’ll find lots of Christmas card-worthy photo ops!
Washington: Fantasy Lights
Pierce County Parks
Get ready to have your fuzzy Christmas socks knocked off at the largest holiday drive-thru display in the Northwest. Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park features nearly 300 elaborate displays and thousands of sparkling lights. The two-mile, pet-friendly drive winds along the shore of Spanaway Lake, which makes a beautiful backdrop to the festive atmosphere. Tune in your radio station to listen to a special selection of holiday music—feel free to carol along with your favorite tunes!
The Best Holiday Lights Near You
Wondering where to find dog-friendly holiday lights near you? We’ve compiled a list of the best options in each state. Check the event website for tickets and more information. Or plan your own route to find drive-thru Christmas lights near you with the Tacky Light Tour, a listing of the most elaborate (and, yes, some might say tacky) home decorations in cities around the country.
Alabama
Huntsville
December 2, 2021 - January 1, 2022 | Dog Walking Nights: November 15, 16, 22, and 23 (Closed Christmas Day)
Alabama
Rocket City
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Arizona
Tucson
December 11, 2021 - December 26, 2021
Arizona
Glendale
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Arizona
Tempe
November 17, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Arkansas
Pine Bluff
November 16, 2021 - December 31, 2021
California
Los Angeles
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
California
San Jose
November 26, 2021 - January 9, 2022
California
Dana Point
December 6, 7, 13, & 14, 2021 | Santa Paws event December 8, 2021
California
Anaheim
November 19, 2021 - December 26, 2021
California
Watsonville
November 19, 2021 - December 26, 2021
California
Arcadia
November 17, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Colorado
Morrison
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Colorado
Federal Heights
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022 (Closed on Christmas)
Colorado
Denver
November 18, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Connecticut
Meriden
November 24, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Connecticut
East Hartford
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Delaware
Lewes
December 3, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Delaware
Odessa
December 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Florida
St. Augustine
November 20, 2021 - January 31, 2022
Florida
Kissimmee
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Florida
Daytona Beach
November 19, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Florida
Homestead
November 19, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Florida
Melbourne
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022 | Stroll Among the Lights, December 3, 4, and 5, 2021
Florida
Coconut Creek
November 19, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Georgia
Lookout Mountain
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Georgia
Pine Mountain
November 19, 2021 - January 3, 2022
Georgia
Hampton
November 17, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Georgia
Marietta
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Idaho
Garden City
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Idaho
Coeur d’Alene
November 26, 2021- January 2, 2022
Illinois
East Peoria
November 25, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Illinois
Aurora
November 12, 2021 - January 9, 2022
Illinois
Northbrook
November 5, 2021 - January 9, 2022
Illinois
Schaumburg
November 12, 2021 - January 9, 2022
Indiana
Indianapolis
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Indiana
Santa Claus
December 11, 2021 - December 18, 2021
Indiana
LaPorte
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Indiana
Noblesville
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Iowa
Mt. Pleasant
November 24-28, 2021 & December 1-31, 2021
Iowa
Altoona
Drive-Thru November 26, 2021 - January 2, 2022 | Launch the Lights, November 20, 2021
Kentucky
Owensboro
November 26, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Kentucky
Lexington
November 26, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Louisiana
New Orleans
November 25, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Maine
Freeport
December 3, 2021 - December 23, 2021
Maryland
Annapolis
Drive-Thru November 21, 2021 - January 2, 2022, Lights & Leashes Special Dog Walking Nigh, November 18 &19, 2021
Maryland
Gaithersburg
Drive-Thru November 26, 2021 - December 31, 2021, Walk Under the Lights November 19& 21, 2021
Maryland
Upper Marlboro
November 26, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Massachusetts
Springfield
November 24, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Massachusetts
Foxborough
November 19, 2021 - December 24, 2021
Michigan
Clarkston
November 19, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Michigan
Rochester
November 22, 2021 - January 3, 2022
Minnesota
Minneapolis
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2021
Mississippi
Tylertown
November 26, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Missouri
Fairmont City
November 12, 2021 - January 9, 2022
Montana
Missoula
November 28, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Nebraska
Omaha
November 22, 2021 - January 3, 2022
Nebraska
Minden
November 27, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Nevada
Las Vegas
November 11, 2021 - January 9, 2022
New Hampshire
Loudon
November 25, 2021 - January 2, 2022
New Jersey
Holmdel
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
New Jersey
East Brunswick
November 26, 2021 - January 2, 2022
New York
Corfu
November 18, 2021 - January 2, 2022
New York
Jones Beach
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
New York
Bethel
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
New York
Lockport
November 19, 2021 - December 30, 2021
North Carolina
Raleigh
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
North Carolina
McAdenville
December 1, 2021 - December 26, 2021
North Carolina
Clemmons
Drive-Thru November 12, 2021 - January 1, 2022 | Paws in the Park walk-thru November 8 & 9 2021
North Dakota
Williston
November 27, 2021 - December 31, 2021
North Dakota
Fargo
November 25, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Ohio
Cincinnati
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Ohio
Middleburg Heights
November 24, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Ohio
Columbus
November 12, 2021 - January 9, 2022
Oregon
Portland
November 26, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Oregon
Columbia & Willamette
December 3, 2021 - December 21, 2021
Pennslyvania
Allentown
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Pennslyvania
Pittsburgh
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Rhode Island
Hope
November 19, 2021 - December 30, 2021
Rhode Island
Newport
December 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
South Carolina
Charleston
November 12, 2021 - December 31, 2021
South Carolina
North Myrtle Beach
November 22, 2021 - December 30, 2021
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
November 2021 - December 2021 (start/end dates vary by location)
South Dakota
Rapid City
November 26, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Tennessee
Lebanon
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Tennessee
Jackson
November 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Tennessee
Sevierville
November 5, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Tennessee
Johnson City
November 24, 2021 - January 2, 2022.
Texas
Austin
November 27, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Texas
Little Elm
November 20, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Texas
San Antonio
November 12, 2021 - January 10, 2022
Texas
Athens
November 10, 2021 - January 3, 2022
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
November 24, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
November 18, 2021 - January 1, 2021
Utah
South Jordan
November 19, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Utah
Spanish Fork
November 25, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Vermont
Burlington
November 26, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Vermont
Rutland
November 27, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Virginia
Newport News
November 25, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Virginia
Richmond
November 19, 2021 - December 30, 2021
Washington
Stanwood
November 26, 2021 - January 8, 2022
Washington
Federal Way
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
West Virginia
Fairmont
November 26, 2021 - December 28, 2021
Wyoming
Laramie
November 27, 2021 - December 31, 2021
The holidays are one of the most wonderful times of the year, and you can make the season even more festive with a pet-friendly holiday light show. Even if you don’t have a Christmas light display close to home, just remember you can always grab a leash and take your pet on a stroll out your front door to enjoy your neighbors’ decorations. Or consider putting up your own holiday décor! Either way, you can make the holidays a bit more merry and bright, both for you and your pet.
Read More
- Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrating the Holidays With Pets
- Holiday Bingefest Alert! Here Are the Best Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Pets
- Deck the Halls (and Stalls)! Here’s How to Decorate Your Pet’s Space for Christmas
- 12 Ways to Celebrate Christmas With Your Pets
- Our Editors’ Picks for the Best Pet Gifts and Gear This Holiday Season
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