The holidays are all about coming together and making memories, but the chaos of getting everyone under one roof can quickly spiral out of control. A great way to channel your joy is to get everyone out of the house to see a light show (bonus: it can soothe even the most serious cases of cabin fever!)

Holiday light shows around the United States level up every year. Many light shows have drive-through options, letting you and your family stay warm in your car. Willing to bundle up and feel that cold nip at your nose? There are walk-through light shows in some truly amazing places from botanical parks to zoos. Walk-through light shows offer an immersive experience, giving people an all-encompassing dose of holiday cheer. Go ahead and pour yourself some hot cocoa and learn about some of the best holiday light shows throughout the US.

Hershey Sweet Lights

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Make extra sweet holiday memories at the iconic Hersheypark. Hershey Sweet Lights is a two-mile illuminated drive with over 600 animated displays. The displays include a light tunnel, a Victorian Village, and so much more — all synced to music that visitors can download ahead of time on the Hersheypark app and play over their car speakers. Visitors can also avoid wait time and add to the Christmas magic by taking the Hersheypark trolley. 

Of course, you can’t go to Hersheypark without paying homage to chocolate. While some visitors stop for hot cocoa at Chocolate World before lining up to drive through, there are also sweet snacking options you can add on while purchasing tickets to tour Sweet Lights. Tickets start at $29.99 per car, and may be purchased ahead of time or on sight with a card. Holiday revelers have been traveling from hours away to see the sights for two decades, fully cementing this colorful light show into Pennsylvanian seasonal tradition!

Glow Hartford

Hartford, Connecticut

How about some indoor fun? Glow Hartford is an indoor light festival and holiday market that runs from the end of November until the end of December. Featuring grand illuminated sculptures representing architectural wonders from around the world, plus LED swings and a multitude of magically lit photo ops, Hartford Glow Gardens will be memorable for every member of the family. 

For the kids who need to touch everything they see, the Northern Lights section is made of flexible LED beams that swing from the ceiling, allowing passers-by to immerse themselves in the glow. The light-up indoor train is a hit with the younger set. Finally, the most energetic holiday revelers can vent some of that hot-chocolate powered energy by playing at the indoor playground and glowing hopscotch field. 

Tickets are sold per person and the price depends on age, however, kids under four get in free. It’s best to get tickets online to ensure you can get in on the date you’re available.

Lights Under Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

Who would have thought you could find holiday magic in the depths of an old mine? Running from early November until the beginning of January, Lights Under Louisville is a 1.3 mile drive-through light show that allows you to take your car underground. The illuminated attractions include a laser show and animated lighting displays that are synced to Christmas music. 

Standard vehicle passes start at $42.99 but add-ons such as fast passes are available. The Louisville Mega Cavern also offers visitors a chance to have the holiday adventure of a lifetime when they take a trip on the zipline. For a fee of $100 per person, guests can soar through the caverns and experience the lights and music from Rudolph’s perspective, that is, if he led Santa’s sleigh through an underground tunnel system.

Lightscape San Diego

San Diego, California

Since the weather outside isn’t so frightful, taking a stroll through the artfully lit San Diego Botanical Garden is quite delightful. Starting in mid November and running through January 1st, Lightscape San Diego invites visitors to explore a winding path through illuminated wonders. 

Playing on the botanical theme, the various lighting displays are different every year, designed by artists around the world. Visitors might enjoy seeing laser shows set to jazzy music or unusual light sculptures inspired by the birds that naturally reside in the surrounding trees. An interactive and Insta-worthy experience, visitors to Lightscape have suggested booking a tour time closer to closing in order to take more time without the crowds. Tickets for this event are sold per person and start at 26 dollars for non-member adults.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Bronx, New York

Lanterns and light shows bring a whole new kind of wonder to a wild place during the Holiday Lights Bronx Zoo exhibition. This outdoor holiday light walk features colorful animal lanterns. Lit from the interior, these glowing beasts from around the world transform the zoo into an otherworldly place. Visitors can also enjoy the animated, animal-themed tunnel of lights. A towering Christmas tree display offers a musical light show that will stop passers-by in their tracks.  

Running from late November until early January, tickets for this event are sold per person. Prices for non-member adults start at 42 dollars. While the trip may be worth it for the light show alone, visitors will also have a chance to see performers in illuminated animal costumes and live ice carving, making this trip to The Bronx Zoo one that no one will forget.

An Old Time Christmas

Branson, Missouri

Set in Silver Dollar City, An Old Time Christmas will take you back in time and illuminate some core Christmas memories. The display features over 6.5 million lights strung over every structure from top to bottom. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Main Square occurs every night at 5:30. When the eight story tree lights up, stunning animations are unleashed — all synced with holiday music.

The spirited spectacle draws large crowds every night Silver Dollar City is open and is followed by an illuminated Christmas parade. Sparkle seeking visitors will also enjoy the three tunnels of lights and two illuminated trains. Those who want to experience An Old Time Christmas can buy one, two, and three day passes and gain access to the whole Silver Dollar City theme park including performances, rides, and a visit with Santa Claus. The Old Time Christmas experience starts in late November and runs through December.

Denver Blossoms of Light

Denver, Colorado

A cherished tradition for almost forty years, the holiday light show at The Denver Botanical Gardens, is truly a sight to behold. Visitors should bundle up for the mile-long walk among illuminated trees and glowing sculptures but the memories will be worth the shivers. 

Animated light tunnels, glowing structures hovering over open water, and a field of dancing lights will spark the spirit of the season in any onlooker, no matter how hum-bug they might feel about the weather. The exhibition starts in mid November and lasts through mid January. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and start at 22 dollars a person for non-members. 

Glittering Lights

Las Vegas, Nevada

While the race track itself might be closed to motorists, you can experience the Las Vegas Motor Speedway like never before when you drive through their Glittering Lights attraction. The 2.5 mile drive through light show attracts people from all around, displaying over 400 animated attractions under the stadium stands.

Displays include a Christmas tree lane that features over 80 lit up Christmas trees, light tunnels, and themed arches. Combining lights and racing, this glittering attraction is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in Vegas.

Is there a light show in your hometown that's worth checking out? Share it in the comments below!

 Main photo credit: Getty/Aneese