Start a tradition and admire Christmas lights. Ride along a street and find your favorite house display. Bring thermos’ of hot cocoa (with marsh mallows) and sip in the season. Locals got together to create a map for us to have some fun Christmas light excursions.
La Salette. I have warm memories of hot chocolate and an amazing array of lights. Located right off 4a, you can’t miss it (I promise). There are services in the chapel as well and a lovely gift shop. I highly recommend this. The lights are on from 5 – 9 pm all December.
Joseph Smith Memorial in S. Royalton. Wow. I think this is definitely worth the drive. What a beautiful display. Lights will be on from 4:30 – 10 pm all December. There is also a visitor’s center to learn about the history of Joseph Smith.
Nelmar Heights in Claremont. Nelmar Heights always has a wonderful Christmas display on their street. Drive or walk this lovely community.
Lebanon and Dartmouth Greens. We’re so lucky to have such massive trees to decorate and be a focal point of the festive season in both Lebanon and Hanover.
DB Lights. Our own local philanthropist, Devon Blanchard, works with the Lebanon Park and Rec to put lights on for the community. It is back on the green at the pedestrian mall after being at the Kilton Library the last few years. He does a wonderful job. My kids love this display.
Spirit of Christmas on Jackson Road in Cornish. People love to bring their kids to this gigantic light display from 5-8 pm.
For other drives try the Woodstock green for fantastic light displays. Lyme town green also has lighted displays.
Route 5 South in Hartland has a beautiful display on the right.
Colonial Drive and Chandler Drive in Wilder has some lighted houses.
Kriskarli Drive in White River Junction.
Try Ball Park Rd. in Canaan too.
This local public Facebook group has photos where people share Christmas light displays as well.
For a drive and to go all out, try Bright Nights at Forest Park in Springfield, MA. This looks amazing to try at least once (since you have to pay). New Hampshire Motor Speedway Gift of Lights also does a drive through tunnel light experience kids will like. You can also see these or these for a fun evening trip with photo inspiration. I think I’d add Anheuser-Bush Merrimack Brewery, Strawberry Banke and Windam displays too.
Mitchell’s Magic Christmas Lights in Claremont. Admire the lights and music as you wander through the yard to the North Pole. Santa visits as well. House will be lit every night after Black Friday until Christmas 4:30 to 9:30 pm on Francis St. Donations will go to David’s House. While you’re in Claremont, Nel Mar Heights is a street that goes all out each year. Most of the houses on the street are lit and it’s a local favorite holiday attraction. 2020 was their last season.
Want to see a map of lighted displays in New England? Try this.
