Covid-19 has put many holiday traditions on hold, but decorating the yard and going on a drive to observe glittering displays of holiday lights erupted with a gusto greater than ever before. It seemed a way to bring some end of the year holiday cheer. According to 1010data’s holiday report, sales of string lights were up 194 percent in October 2020 from the year previous! Many neighborhoods were decorated with lights, but some outshined the rest! Here’s a rundown of my top three favorites!

Timberlane’s Own: Festival of Lights

Timberlane’s Student Council hosted a Holiday Lights Festival this past December 11th! For a cost of $10 per car, you could drive through around ten lit up stops, see Santa, find hidden clues, and win small prizes! Timberlane Senior, Jacy LeCain, who was involved in running the event, noted that “the atmosphere was so fun and genuinely happy! Everyone was in the holiday spirit, groups were even dancing and singing!” This event seemed to have brought the community together; she noted that “The kids looked so excited to see the lights and Santa, and everyone was exclaiming ‘Happy Holidays!’” Music was playing, and in a socially distanced event, kids were able to see “some of their favorite and well-known holiday characters and scenes”. The Large Olaf inflatable served as a popular favorite. Much more interactive than a normal drive to see Christmas lights, it was a huge success that completely sold out.

Nubble Light House

The lighting of Nubble Light House in York, Maine is a tradition that has been going on since 1987! White lights line the contours of the buildings, and as the sky gets dark every night the lights flick on, their beautiful reflection shining in the water below. Parking is free and close by, and the foot-traffic flows quickly. Though you can’t reach the lighthouse by land, it feels close enough to touch a mere 300 feet from the mainland. This location is a popular destination all-year-round, but the holidays give it a special glow! 

The Daly Family’s Festival of Lights

In Fremont, NH one family outdoes all the neighborhood competition. 2020 was their 30th anniversary of hosting the show, and it turned out to be their busiest year ever! With shows every night up until New Year’s Eve, the family not only brings holiday cheer to their visitors but also local food pantries and children’s hospitals with collections from their donation boxes! This year their fundraiser page raised over $6,000 for Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital! The bright yard hosted all kinds and colors of lights, including a new LED display system that could showcase images that fit the music! Visiting has become a family tradition for many.