Arkansas: Wonderland at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is both an architectural and botanical masterpiece, seeing as the gardens in Hot Springs are affiliated with the University of Arkansas' School of Architecture and Design. Its annual Wonderland event takes place nightly from mid-November to New Year's Eve and features holiday-themed art installations, plenty of lights, and nine creatively themed worlds within the garden. Note that all tickets must be purchased online ahead of time, and everyone in your party must have one to enter.
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California: Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Yacht-watching can be a fun way to spend time on the Southern California coast — especially if you hope to spot a celebrity on their day off. In the Orange County town of Dana Point, these vessels become even more spectacular at Christmastime, as locals celebrate the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. The tradition takes place during the first week of December when boats show off their best holiday decorations and there are Christmas-themed photo ops, visits from Santa, and a slew of impressive installations like the "Merry Kiss Me" arch and the giant whale sculpture in Dana Point. Nearby, the King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade in Redondo Beach is another family-friendly favorite.