The 7 Most Insta-Worthy Christmas Light Displays in America
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It's hard walking down a street in early December without seeing at least one house decked out with lights, wreaths and inflatable characters for the holidays—but there certain neighborhoods and towns in America that take holiday decorations to another level.
If you're looking to line your Instagram feed with holiday-themed snapshots you won't see everywhere else, then scroll down and check out our list of the seven most Insta-worthy Christmas light displays in America.
The Dyker Heights Holiday Display
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Each year since about 1980, the residential community of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, has transformed their neighborhood into the ultimate holiday decoration hotspot. The multi-block stretch of festive cheer contains a myriad of Santas, snowmen, reindeer and just about every other holiday decoration you can think of, and onlookers are strongly encouraged to take photos of the elaborate displays. In years past there have even cameos from some non-traditional figures, including Star Wars characters and Marvel superheroes.
Lights of the Ozarks
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Every year from mid-November to New Year's Eve, the town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, gets in the holiday spirit with help from thousands of lights. This year, the display in Downtown Square took Fayetteville parks and recreation workers an estimated 3,300 hours to create, and over 400,000 lights were used. In addition to the resplendent lights, visitors can also enjoy some face time with Santa and his reindeer, pony rides and fresh hot chocolate.
Christmas Elk Antler Arches
Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Santa's sleigh may get a little help from a gaggle of reindeer, but in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, it's all about the elk. In fact, four elk antler arches guard each corner of the town's George Washington Memorial Park, and come holiday time, the intricate antlers undergo a festive makeover worth seeing. The mosaic of 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of antlers are interwoven and lit in such a way that makes not snapping a photo (or two) basically impossible. Plus, the nearby trees are given lights of their own, so you'll really feel like you stepped into a winter wonderland.
Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival
Location: Leavenworth, Washington
When a town hosts an entire Christmas lighting festival, you know you're in for a treat. This Bavarian-inspired locale boasts over half a million Christmas lights come December, and there's plenty to do aside from look around and be amazed. Revelers can go sledding, take in a holiday concert, participate in a cider tasting and, of course, get a glimpse of old Saint Nick.
Koziar's Christmas Village
Location: Bernville, Pennsylvania
Koziar's Christmas Village is probably the closest you're going to get to the North Pole without actually, you know, setting foot in it. The illuminated town, which has been going all out for Christmas for 71 years, boasts millions of twinkle lights that add plenty of holiday cheer to the surrounding buildings and valleys. The town is made even more beautiful thanks to a reflective lake, which is a photo-op waiting to happen. The whole locale is truly a sight you have to see to believe.
The Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Believe it or not, Natchitoches, Louisiana, is home one of the most famous Christmas festivals in the world, meaning the town's holiday light game is strong. The festival takes place from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6 this year, and features plenty of charmingly decorated shops and restaurants worthy of a spot on your Instagram feed. To prolong the Christmas cheer, the festival also features historical holiday-themed tours and plenty of live music. Oh, and the frequent firework displays are must-see viewing, too.
Branson Christmas Lights
Location: Branson, Missouri
Though Branson, Missouri, might not seem like an ideal Christmas destination, the midwestern locale has had a strong holiday showing for nearly three decades, especially when it comes to stunning light displays. And since the Insta-worthy decorations are located all over the city, Branson even offers driving tours such as Let There Be Lights! and Trail of Lights so you can enjoy the illuminated splendor from the comfort of your own car.
For more festive fun, click HERE to see a list of the eight most Insta-worthy gingerbread house displays in the United States!