Make Touring Christmas Lights Your New Family Tradition
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
If you’re looking for a magical new way to celebrate the holidays with your family, why not start a tradition of touring Christmas lights?
Whether you pile into the car with cocoa and blankets or bundle up for a neighborhood walk, seeing twinkling displays of outdoor Christmas lights is one of those holiday traditions that works for every age.
It’s simple, affordable, and absolutely magical for Christmas kids (and let’s be honest—for parents, too!).
Why Christmas Lights Are Perfect for Families
The beauty of Christmas lights is that they appeal to everyone. Toddlers gaze in awe at glowing reindeer, while older kids love the thrill of spotting the biggest and brightest Christmas house lights on the block.
Even adults can’t help but smile at dazzling holiday lights that transform ordinary streets into sparkling wonderlands.
This one is a favorite for me and my oldest son. We can’t drive anywhere after dark without checking out some lights!
This is one of those timeless Christmas traditions kids will look forward to year after year. No matter your budget or schedule, making time to tour Christmas lights outside helps your family slow down and enjoy the true magic of the season together.
How to Start Your Own Christmas Lights Tradition
Creating a tradition around Christmas lights is easier than you think. We don’t really do much, other than pile into the car and wander around looking for cool displays.
But if you’d like more of a plan or to make it more special, here are some fun, family-friendly ways to do that:
- Plan a route. Map out neighborhoods or parks known for spectacular Christmas house lights. Many cities even have light festivals or drive-through displays.
- Make it cozy. If you’re driving, bring blankets and thermoses of hot chocolate. For walking tours, bundle up in hats and mittens for extra festive fun.
- Add music. Play holiday songs while you admire the twinkling Christmas tree lights and glowing displays. Singing along makes it even more magical.
- Vote for favorites. Let each child pick their favorite house or display. You could even keep a yearly list to compare from one season to the next.
Turning this into one of your holiday traditions is about more than sightseeing—it’s about creating memories and laughter as a family.
Why Kids Love It
Kids naturally adore the sparkle and color of Christmas lights. For young kids, the glowing displays get their imagination going—suddenly, Santa might be right around the corner!
Older children enjoy spotting creative decorations and comparing their favorite designs.
This is also a great way to show your children the joy of community, as neighbors share their love for the season through their outdoor Christmas lights.
Touring displays becomes more than just an outing—it becomes a Christmas tradition with kids that highlights generosity and creativity.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
With so many holiday traditions competing for attention, it’s refreshing to have one that requires little planning but delivers so much joy.
Touring Christmas lights is fun, flexible, and family-friendly. Whether you spend one evening exploring a local festival of lights or make it a weekly December ritual, it’s a tradition that grows with your family.
So this year, load up the car, grab some cocoa, and let the magic of glowing Christmas lights outside brighten your season. After all, the best Christmas traditions are the ones that bring your family closer together—and nothing shines quite like holiday magic under twinkling lights.
