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Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Boston

See what's merry and bright this season at the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Boston! Naumkeag Winterlights photo courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations
See what's merry and bright this season at the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Boston! Naumkeag Winterlights photo courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations
11/24/23 - By N Ferreira

The best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Boston are here for 2023! While Boston families may favor different holiday traditions, everyone can rejoice in the magic of holiday lights. And boy, has the magic of Christmas lights returned in style. The Festival of Trees at Elm Bank lights up the trees in Wellesley. Winterlights brightens the skies over Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex. Even the animals are taking part in the festivities at Stone Zoo in Stoneham and the Southwick Zoo in Mendon.

Enjoy this season and the magic of lights with your family at one of these holiday light shows (maybe even bring a cup of cocoa for the road). There are more amazing displays with Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Boston. Be sure to check out our guide to 25 Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in New England for Kids. For more holiday and Christmas activities, plan ahead with our Holidays and Christmas Activities Guide for Boston Kids.

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The Stone Zoo's holiday light displays are a Boston treasure. Photo courtesy of the Stone Zoo
The Stone Zoo's holiday light displays are a Boston treasure. Photo courtesy of the Stone Zoo

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows - Around Boston

2024 Trellis Lighting at Christopher Columbus Park

Boston - Monday, November 20, 2023
Free
Witness the wonder of the 21st annual holiday lighting of the signature trellis at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End. The historic waterfront will be transformed into a stunning holiday display when the park’s 260 feet of trellis are illuminated with 50,000 blue lights. READ MORE

ZooLights at Stone Zoo

Stoneham - Daily through Sunday, January 7, 2024
Enter a winter wonderland of tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights. Enjoy a one-way stroll through festively decorated Yukon Creek, home to black bears, bald eagle, Canada lynx, reindeer, and arctic foxes. This year, several illuminated large-scale lantern displays will light up your winter's night. READ MORE

16th Annual Festival of Trees at Elm Bank

Wellesley - Thursdays - Sundays through December 29, 2023
Families are invited to the Garden at Elm Bank this holiday season to experience a festive wonderland! The illuminated walking path leads through lighted gardens, a captivating train display, and enchanting historic trees. READ MORE
Winterlights come to Canton, North Andover, and Stockbridge for Christmas 2023. Winterlights in Canton photo courtesy of World's End Reservation.
Winterlights come to Canton, North Andover, and Stockbridge for Christmas 2023. Winterlights in Canton photo courtesy of World's End Reservation.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows - Greater Boston

Winter Lights on Cape Ann

Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex - Daily through Monday, January 1, 2024
Free
Pack up the car and go enjoy the annual Winter Lights Celebration on Cape Ann. Local businesses throughout Gloucester, Rockport, and Essex are getting into the festive spirit by decorating their establishments with twinkling lights and/or creative window displays. Over 50 lighted locations will help bring joy to all those who visit. READ MORE

Winterlights - Naumkeag

Stockbridge, North Andover and Canton - Wednesdays - Sundays through December 31, 2023
Enjoy a magical outdoor experience and get in the holiday spirit and take a stroll through thousands of shimmering holiday lights. Food and refreshments will also be available. READ MORE

Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland

Mendon - Wednesdays - Sundays through December 31, 2023
This year’s Winter Wonderland guests will enjoy two events in one. Winter Wonderland and the Festival of Illumination will feature a ride through an enchanted forest on Santa's train. Stroll through Santa’s Village and snap photos at a meet and greet with Santa, then catch some performances under the Cirque de Illumination tent. READ MORE

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette

Attleborough - Daily through Sunday, December 31, 2023
Free
Celebrate La Salette Shrine lights 71st year. The lights have been shining brightly each year at Christmastime since 1953. Come one, come all to see angels, snowflakes, the Three Kings, the Peaceable Kingdom, and over 2,000 manger scenes from around the world illuminated by 400,000 lights.  READ MORE
See the spectacular holiday lights at NightWoods this Christmas. NightWoods photo courtesy of edithwharton.org
See the spectacular holiday lights at NightWoods this Christmas. NightWoods photo courtesy of edithwharton.org

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows Worth the Drive

NightWood

Lenox - Wednesdays - Sundays through January 1, 2023
Enjoy the fourth year of an ethereal winter landscape inspired by The Mount’s unique architecture and history. NightWood combines music, lighting, and theatrical elements to create seven unique scenes that evoke feelings of wonder, mystery, and magic. READ MORE

Gift of Lights at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Loudon, NH - Tuesdays - Sundays through December 31, 2023
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is trading in the checkered flags for more than 2.5 million twinkly LED lights for their 10th annual Gift of Lights. Passengers will cruise through 2.5-mile of lights at this drive-thru experience, including the Tunnel of Lights. READ MORE

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