How far would you travel to view an out of this world dazzling holiday light display? We can’t all make it to New York for the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. And I would bet there are some of us who won’t be caravanning to Iowa to take in the much buzzed about holiday display there. But, don’t don your scrooge scruffies just yet; hundreds of cities across the nation are decking their halls in time for St. Nick’s visit.
The following are some holiday standouts:
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place December 6th (St. Nick’s Day), at 5 p.m. at the White House Ellipse. The program will include an introduction by President Bush and performances by Hollywood entertainers and several military bands. Note: Tickets are required. If you can’t get tickets for that event consider heading to D.C. the day before. On December 5th at 5 p.m., the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
LOS ANGELES
If you are in Los Angeles this holiday season you must head over to The Grove (L.A.’s premiere shopping center). It hosts one of the most incredible seasonal displays I have ever encountered. From flying reindeer to high-tech light displays—-it is Hollywood magic at its best. Meanwhile, at the state capitol in Sacramento, the annual tree lighting extravaganza takes place the first Tuesday in December. Look for Maria Shriver to join her husband Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in throwing the switch that lights up California’s tallest Christmas tree.
BOSTON
In Boston, not only will you get to see a 45-foot tall white spruce explode with thousands of Christmas lights (the event takes place on November 29th at 6 p.m. at the Boston Common), you’ll also learn that the spruce is a gift from Nova Scotia, which sends a Christmas tree every year as thanks for relief sent from Massachusetts following the Halifax Explosion in 1917.
CHICAGO
Chicago’s 94th annual tree-lighting ceremony takes place November 23rd, starting at 4:30 p.m., in Daley Plaza.
CINCINNATI
Cincinnati’s Norway spruce will be lit at Fountain Square on November 23rd, 6 p.m.
ATLANTA
Atlanta’s tree-lighting tradition takes place at Macy’s in Lenox Square on November 22nd at 7 p.m.
Find out where more holiday light displays will be popping up in my next blog.
Related Articles:
Family Travel—Taking a Trip to View Amazing Holiday Light Displays
New York’s Most Popular Seasonal Activities
Why People Are Traveling To Iowa To View Christmas Lights
Chicago’s Festive Edible Treats (Or Where You Can Get Rudolph On A Bun)
Holiday Decorating Tips: Your Home and Yard