Dazzling Christmas Trees Around the Country
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Bellagio Conservatory: Las Vegas, Nevada
The magnificent Bellagio atrium is one of the top free sights to check out on your Vegas vacation. The incredible display is open to both resort guests and visitors. The theme of the 14,000 square foot garden changes throughout the year, although it’s gorgeous any season. I’ve visited this garden through all the seasons but nothing beats a December visit. The space is decked out with fabulous trees, poinsettias, and even polars bear made of carnations. This is one of those displays that really wows you – I can’t imagine how long it took!
What to do nearby: I love visiting Vegas during Christmas break. There is just so much holiday spirit in the air. Special shows, holiday buffets, and gorgeous decor everywhere easily make it my favorite time to plan a visit. Read my Vegas holiday guide for more details.
The Riverwalk: Tampa, Florida
While Tampa may not seem like the ideal holiday destination due to the absence of snow, white sand beaches, and sunny skies, the city puts on a number of festive events. Among these is the annual tree lighting at Curtis Hixon Park. The park is located along the Riverwalk, a beautiful 2.5 mile urban path downtown which connects many tourist attractions like The Florida Aquarium and Museum of Art.
The annual festival includes a parade and Santa Fest (featuring live entertainment) prior to the lighting. There is also a synchronized light show and a real ice skating rink. I lived in the Bay for a few years and skating at this rink, followed by dinner at the beautiful Columbia restaurant (a wonderful elegant Cuban restaurant) was one of my favorite holiday memories.
What to do nearby: Take a stroll on the Riverfront and check out the unique floating tree! Also check out my full guide to holiday fun in the Tampa. There is a surprising diversity of activities including light shows, parades, and even “snow” events at the mall.
Longwood Gardens: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens is one of the country’s most stunning botanical gardens. The massive space includes over 1000 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens including the most beautiful conservatory. Each year, they host “A Longwood Christmas” featuring both indoor and outdoor holiday light displays, thousands of colorful poinsettias, plus holiday fountain shows and live entertainment.
This was one of my favorite events I attended while living in Philly. It’s a bit of a drive outside of the city but worth it in my opinion. I really loved the fountain shows, the regular gardens, and the gorgeous variety of poinsettias throughout the conservatory. I loved the unique Poinsettia tree and the beautiful tree surrounded by ribbons and ornaments. It was so crowded, but I didn’t really care because the display was so enchanting.
Check out my guide to attending this event. It truly is a paradise anytime of the year, especially over the frosty winter months! I love entering an 80 degree tropical conservatory after a brisk walk in the 30-40 degree air.
Sponge docks: Tarpon Springs, Florida
Tarpon Springs is a quaint Florida Gulf Coast community, most known for its’ strong Greek culture. The annual Sponge docks festival features live entertainment, festive treats, and the annual tree lighting. It’s not a huge tree but I really loved the low-key setting on the water. Plus, I love shopping at the local stores (lots of natural sponges for sale). Also, on Main St., you will find a number of great attractions including a retro toy/antique shop (Bear Haven), one of my favorite local coffeehouses in the Bay (Urban Grounds), and a pinball arcade.
After checking out the tree, there are plenty of authentic Greek restaurants to check out in the “Greek capital of the US.” Hellas is most famous with tourists due to their extravagant bakery which features everything from baklava cheesecake to chocolate flogeres.
Edgewater Park: Dunedin, Florida
One of the most unique looking trees in the Tampa metro area is found in Dunedin, a beautiful coastal city which is home to one of the Bay’s more charming Main Streets. To kick off the holiday season, a festive boat parade accompanies the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Lighted boat parades are quite a fun holiday tradition on the Gulf coast. I was super impressed with the first one I attended as I never really saw a light show like this growing up in Chicago. I prefer walk through displays, but it was definitely an interesting time. Do make sure to check at least one off your bucket list while you are in the area (there are plenty to choose amongst!).
