How to Plan the Best Christmas Lights Drive This Holiday Season!
I’m so excited to experience the American tradition of driving around to see Christmas lights—a uniquely American custom that’s done so beautifully here! Bundling up, sipping warm drinks, and cruising through streets aglow with holiday cheer can make for a magical winter night out.
Here’s your guide to creating the perfect Christmas lights viewing night, complete with cozy essentials, tasty treats, and the best ways to soak up the festive spirit. So, gather your favorite holiday snacks, wrap up warm, and get ready for an enchanting holiday evening!
1. Bundle Up for Comfort and Warmth
To fully enjoy the lights, be sure to bundle up! Even though you’ll be in the car, you’ll want to jump out at times to take in the twinkling scenes up close or walk along streets where lights are extra impressive. Prepare with a warm, cozy outfit that layers well, so you’re comfortable whether you’re inside the car or stepping out. Think insulated jackets, knitted scarves, warm hats, and sturdy leather boots for both style and warmth.
Investing in high-quality, versatile winter accessories adds both style and comfort to your outing, making this a tradition you can look forward to each season.
Things to Remember:
- Insulated Winter Jacket – Keeps you warm on those chilly stops.
- Leather Boots – Comfortable for stepping out to explore festive neighborhoods.
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2. Bring Hot Drinks to Keep You Cozy
Nothing makes a Christmas lights drive cozier than sipping a warm drink as you cruise through festive neighborhoods. Fill up your Stanley cups with hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a holiday coffee, and you’ll feel as snug as can be. For kids, whipped cream-topped hot cocoa is a crowd-pleaser, while adults may enjoy a dash of peppermint or eggnog in their coffee for a seasonal twist.
Stanley cups are perfect for this since they keep your drink hot for hours, so you can take your time without worrying about it cooling down. Plus, they’re leak-proof, making them a smart choice for the car!
Things to Remember:
- Stanley Insulated Cup – Keeps your hot drinks warm throughout the night.
- Hot Chocolate Mix – Classic, rich cocoa to add to your cup.
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3. Add a Festive Playlist to Set the Mood
The right music can make your Christmas lights tour feel like a magical adventure. Create a festive playlist filled with classic holiday songs, from Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Having a playlist ready means no fumbling around with the radio, so you can focus on the lights and fully enjoy the experience.
If you have family favorites or holiday tunes that bring back memories, be sure to include those. Singing along as you drive adds to the festive atmosphere and makes it a fun, bonding experience for everyone.
Things to Remember:
- Bluetooth Speaker – Enhance your music experience while out of the car.
- Holiday Music Playlist – Preload your favorite festive songs to make the night extra special.
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4. Don’t Forget the Snacks: Festive Treats for the Drive
Bring along festive snacks to make the experience even sweeter! Pack a tin of gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or holiday treats like peppermint bark to nibble on as you drive. Classic Christmas cookies add that extra festive touch to the evening, and they’re great for kids and adults alike.
If you’re feeling creative, you can bake the treats at home with family beforehand. Not only will it add a holiday aroma to your home, but it also makes for a fun, pre-drive activity to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Things to Remember:
- Holiday Cookie Tin – Perfect for storing your Christmas treats on the go.
- Gingerbread Cookie Mix – Quick and easy for a festive snack.
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5. Deck Out Your Pet in Holiday Gear
If your furry friend is tagging along, make it even more festive by dressing them in a cute holiday outfit! From cozy dog sweaters to reindeer antlers, pet-friendly holiday gear can add a touch of cheer to the evening. Not only does it make for adorable photos, but it also keeps your pet comfortable on the ride.
Make sure any outfit you choose is safe and comfortable for your pet, so they’re happy while they join in on the holiday fun. And remember, many neighborhoods with holiday lights are dog-friendly, so feel free to take them for a stroll if you’re stepping out.
Things to Remember:
- Holiday Dog Sweater – Keep your pet warm and stylish for the Christmas lights tour.
- Pet-Friendly Antlers – For a festive, photo-ready look.
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6. Decorate the Car for Extra Festive Fun
Why not take the holiday spirit up a notch and decorate your car for the evening? Small car decorations like snowflake window decals, reindeer antlers for the windows, or even a Santa hat on the antenna add a touch of festive cheer. For families, decorating the car can be a fun way to kick off the night, and it’s sure to bring smiles to others who are out viewing lights.
Keep it simple and car-safe with temporary decorations that are easy to remove afterward. A few little additions can make the drive feel extra special and make for adorable photos along the way!
Things to Remember:
- Snowflake Window Decals – Easily removable and great for adding a wintery feel to your car.
- Car Reindeer Antlers – Fun for a reindeer-inspired vehicle look.
- Santa Hat Car Topper – Perfect for a little extra holiday cheer on the go.
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7. Map Out Your Route for Neighborhood Lights
To get the most out of your Christmas lights drive, plan out your route in advance. Many neighborhoods are known for their elaborate decorations and can be found listed online or recommended by locals. Check community boards or neighborhood social media groups for the best lights in your area—you’ll often find suggested driving routes, with tips on where to park and walk around.
Driving slowly through beautifully decorated neighborhoods is a lovely way to take in the details, and mapping your route ensures you don’t miss any must-see displays!
Things to Remember:
- Navigation App – Essential for following your lights-viewing route.
- Local Map – Great for marking out neighborhood holiday hot spots.
8. Pack a Warm Blanket for the Perfect Coziness
Even if you’re staying in the car, packing a warm blanket can add an extra level of comfort, especially on a colder night. Snuggling under a cozy blanket makes the evening feel more intimate and festive. Plus, if you decide to step out, a travel blanket is perfect for wrapping around your shoulders or laying on a park bench to sit and enjoy the lights.
A thick, insulated blanket is ideal for warmth, and it can double as a picnic blanket for any snacks or hot drinks you bring along.
Things to Remember:
- Travel Blanket – Keep everyone cozy during the holiday lights drive.
- Thermal Socks – Perfect for staying warm, especially if you step outside to explore.
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9. Snap Photos for Holiday Memories
Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone along to capture the memories! Christmas light displays make for beautiful photos, so be sure to capture the best moments, whether it’s the twinkling lights, festive outfits, or that first sip of hot chocolate. To add an extra special touch, consider bringing a Polaroid or thermal photo printer for instant prints.
Taking instant photos adds an old-school charm, and they make fun keepsakes for scrapbooks or holiday cards. For families, it can be a great way for kids to document the night with their own snapshots of the lights!
Things to Remember:
- Phone Mount – Keep your phone steady for in-car snapshots.
- Portable Tripod – Perfect for capturing the lights when you step out.
- Polaroid Camera – Instant prints for a fun, nostalgic touch.
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10. A Tip for Military Families
As a military family, we’ve discovered the joy of holiday events organized by the local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) office. Many military bases host their own Christmas light displays, parades, and festive activities designed especially for military families, offering a safe and cheerful environment close to home. These events often include music, kids’ activities, and beautiful light displays, making for memorable holiday moments.
In addition to MWR, the USO frequently organizes special holiday events for military families, bringing even more festive cheer and opportunities for community connection. To plan our holiday outings, we always check these resources for details, schedules, and access information:
Where to Find Information:
- MWR: For holiday events, light displays, and parades on base check out the MWR Website
- USO: Find festive events tailored to military families and more holiday support services on the USO Website
- Military Neighborhood Facebook Groups: Great for local holiday updates, schedules, and events in the area.
The Takeaway
With cozy blankets, festive drinks, warm clothes, and a dash of car decoration, your Christmas lights viewing night is sure to be filled with holiday magic. It’s a tradition that combines all the best parts of the season—comfort, togetherness, and the joy of seeing the world lit up with holiday spirit.
So gather your loved ones, pack your snacks, get your playlist ready, and head out for an enchanting holiday evening that’ll leave you with beautiful memories to cherish all season long.
What to Read Next
If you enjoyed this guide, HERE is another article with more ideas for festive family activities this Christmas season:
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As always, I’d love to hear from you! Have any tips for a perfect Christmas lights drive? Share your favorite holiday traditions or car decorating ideas in the comments below!
Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
