There are some places you can experience holiday Christmas lighting throughout the world. These include Bozeman, Montana, Gardens Aglow in Browns Mills, and Saks Holiday Windows in Rockefeller Center. However, if you’re looking for a more intimate display, you should consider one of the many small towns in New York City.
Bozeman, Montana
For nearly 50 years, Bozeman, Montana has celebrated the holidays with holiday lights and decorations. The town is known for its ‘Christmas Spiders,’ strands of tinsel that drape across street intersections and connect to a tree suspended in the air. Each strand is different, and the main street is decorated with a variety of colors. The Bozeman Fire Department has been responsible for this project, and one firefighter has traditionally been assigned to supervise the project. The fire department has also made it easier to install decorations with the use of cranes and boom trucks.
The Emerson Center has a massive tree decorated in gold and red lights. It’s easy to spot from a distance, and its lights are especially beautiful. The lights on this historic building are also beautiful. On Willson Street, some homes are decorated with beautiful holiday lights. The street’s lamps are also decked out with garland and bows.
Gardens Aglow in Browns Mills
The Gardens Aglow holiday light display is a favorite for those who enjoy the holiday season. The display features more than half a million colorful lights, and never fails to amaze its visitors. This event typically begins the week before Thanksgiving and runs through the first day of the New Year. Visitors are welcome to purchase tickets for $40 per carload or $30 for members.
This annual holiday light display has been voted as one of the top 10 holiday light displays by USA Today. It was up against 19 other botanical gardens to earn this honor, and the popular vote won out. Visitors have the opportunity to wander through the entire property and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Saks Holiday Windows in 2021
Holiday windows are coming back to New York City, and Saks Fifth Avenue is no exception. The holiday display windows feature stunning seasonal themes. They’ll also be accompanied by an enchanting light show featuring the tune of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. You can watch the show daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The lights will change every 10 minutes to give you the chance to catch it at least a few times.
The holiday windows at Saks Fifth Avenue are themed around reconnecting with loved ones during the holiday season. These windows use over 700,000 LED lights to evoke scenes from the holiday season. The lights will be on display through January 4, 2022.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a huge complex located in Midtown Manhattan. It is made up of 19 commercial buildings that cover 22 acres. It is also the site of many major events. During the holiday season, the complex is lit up with festive Christmas lights. It is a beautiful sight to see.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit daily from 6 a.m. until midnight, except on Christmas Day. In recent years, “Joy to the World” has been sung after the tree has been lit. In addition to live broadcasts on NBC, the ceremony is also simulcast on streaming services that carry NBC. The ceremony features a variety of performers including Alessi Cara, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood. The tree was brought from Elkton, Maryland, and arrived in Rockefeller Center on November 13. It is approximately 85 years old.
New York City’s Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. Designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, it was constructed between 1930 and 1931. Its name, “Empire State Building,” derives from the nickname of the state of New York.
This year, the Empire State Building will showcase its holiday lights in conjunction with music. The music-to-light show will premiere on Saturday, December 19th, at 8 PM. The show will continue each evening through Christmas Day.
Fortis Family Lights for a Cause
If you’re looking for a holiday bucket list item, you should visit the Fortis family lights for a cause holiday Christmas lighting display. The event will take place in Fishkill and will include a holiday light display that includes over 200,000 lights. The lights will be switched on each night from 5:30 p.m. until Jan. 6. Fortis will also hand out candy canes to visitors.
In 2018, the Fortis Family Lights for a Cause Christmas lighting display won best holiday lighting display. The display has attracted many visitors from near and far. It supports the Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation, which was established by Dawn Fortis after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Fortis family hopes that the light display will give people hope during this holiday season.
