Jaunted

· Fantasy of Lights - New Haven, Connecticut
It’s a little far for those located in New York City, but for Christmas fans in the suburbs the light display at Lighthouse Point Park can’t be beat. We have fond memories spilling hot chocolate all over the back of our parents' minivan while listening to holiday music. Things run evenings through December 31 and feature lots of lights and loads of animated displays as well. It’s only $10 per car and the proceeds benefit Easter Seals Goodwill Industries.

· Santa’s Ranch - North New Braunfels, TX
If you get carried away with all that holiday shopping and find yourself between San Antonio and Austin, there’s a great light display to help get your focus back on the magic of the holiday season. Things here run through January 2 and costs $20 per car. There’s a mile of driving filled with oohs and ahhs as you take in over a million lights. Just make sure not to bring your big rig to this display as vehicles over 8-feet tall are too big and will likely ruin Christmas. That warning is probably exclusive to Texas, no?

· Griffith Park Light Festival - Los Angeles, CA
Those in California love their cars, so you know any drive-thru light display is likely going to be outstanding. For 14 years the Department of Water and Power has been packing Griffith Park with lights, decorations, and Ho Ho Ho. Through December 17 no cars are allowed so you can check out the holiday celebration on foot. After that cars will be putting the air conditioning on low in attempts to create a white Christmas through December 30. The Tunnel of Lights—it’s exactly what it sounds like—and the display honoring the Griffith Observatory are our not-to-miss picks. This place is totally free, so there’s pretty much no reason not to go.

· Holiday Lights in the Park - St. Paul, MN
It’s cold in the Twin Cities, so warm up the heat in the SUV and swing by the gas station for some of those pre-fab cappuccinos from the vending machine. For just $10 you’ll be enjoying a holiday display in Phalen Park. Ice skating penguins and plenty of Santas will greet you and your pals as you navigate this display from the comfort of your automobile. All the proceeds here go to charity so you probably should go a couple times—it is a time for giving after all.

Related Stories:
· Winter Lights Festival - Gaithersburg [Official Site]
· Fantasy of Lights - New Haven [Official Site]
· Santa's Ranch - North New Braunfels [Official Site]
· Holiday Light Festival - Los Angeles [Official Site]
· Holiday Lights In The Park - St. Paul [Official Site]
· How To Get Tickets To Witness The National Christmas Tree Lighting [Jaunted]

[Photo: almassengale]