Quick answer: Here are 10 real U.S. trips you can take between December 18 and 27, 2026: Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo, Longwood Christmas, the Rockettes, Holiday Pops in Boston, Dollywood, Gaylord Opryland, the San Antonio River Walk, the Santa Fe Farolito Walk, Las Noches de las Luminarias in Phoenix, and the Festival of Lights in Riverside, California.
This August, my son and I spent 9 days in Charleston. It was the first big trip of what I’m calling my travel era. I’m telling you that because, for most of my life, a trip like that was always “next year.”
So when I put this list together, I wasn’t thinking about the perfect vacation. I was thinking about you, reading this on your lunch break, wondering if you can actually pull off a trip during the busiest week of the year. Maybe you can. Maybe this is the year it’s a road trip to Columbus instead of a flight to New York. Both count.
Dates come from each event’s official website, checked October 20, 2026. Some details can change, so always confirm before you book.
Looking for an earlier weekend? See my lists of 10 December Getaways for Women Over 40 (Dec 4 to 13, 2026) and 10 Christmas Getaways for Women Over 40 (Dec 11 to 13, 2026).
Because Christmas week books up fast. Planning now gets you the hotel you actually want, the timed tickets, and the show times that fit your family.
It also gives you something to look forward to all through November. And honestly? If I don’t book it, I talk myself out of it. Maybe you do too.
Try this: Pick one trip from this list tonight. Text it to your best friend, your sister, or your mom and ask, “Want to go?”
These four are for you if you love twinkle lights, gardens, and a big holiday show.
When: November 20, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Hours are noon to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Why go: My fellow Ohio girls, this is an easy road trip. Wildlights comes with regular zoo admission, and the Starlight Safari has seven big lit-up animal sculptures. It’s the closest one on this list to us in Cleveland.
Where to stay: AC Hotel Columbus Dublin or Courtyard Columbus Worthington.
When: November 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027. You need a timed ticket.
Why go: This year’s theme is the stars and planets. Organ music plays every day from noon to 10 pm. If you love gardens, this is the one.
Where to stay: The Mendenhall Inn, or the Hotel du Pont in nearby Wilmington, Delaware.
When: November 4, 2026, to January 4, 2027.
Why go: This season has 230 shows, the most since the show started in 1933, plus a brand-new Rockettes number. Rockefeller Center is a short walk from Radio City, so you can see the tree the same night.
Where to stay: The Warwick New York or the New York Hilton Midtown.
When: In our window, there are 3 pm and 7:30 pm shows on December 18, 19, 20, 22, and 23, a 7:30 pm show on December 21, and a 3 pm show on Christmas Eve.
Why go: Keith Lockhart leads a full orchestra in favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “Sleigh Ride.” Wear the sparkly top you’ve been saving.
Where to stay: The Colonnade Hotel or The Lenox Hotel, both in Back Bay.
Want lights, music, and a little Southern charm? Start here.
When: November 6, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Check the park calendar for daily hours.
Why go: More than 6 million twinkling lights and Christmas shows, right by the Smoky Mountains. Yes, it’s Dolly’s park, and yes, that’s half the reason to go.
Where to stay: HeartSong Lodge and Resort, or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
Smoky Mountain Christmas details
When: November 6, 2026, to January 2, 2027.
Why go: ICE! has scenes from Home Alone carved in ice, and there’s a new cirque show this year. ICE! is kept very cold, so bring a real coat even though you’re indoors.
Where to stay: Right inside the Gaylord Opryland Resort, or The Union Station Nashville Yards.
When: The lights go on November 27, 2026, and stay up through early January. The exact end date isn’t posted yet.
Why go: About 200,000 lights hang in the cypress trees along the River Walk, and it’s free. Walk it after dinner.
Where to stay: Omni La Mansión del Rio or Hotel Emma at Pearl.
Holiday Lights on the River Walk details
Not dreaming of a white Christmas? These three bring the glow, and two of them bring the warm weather too.
When: Christmas Eve only, Thursday, December 24, 2026, from 6 to 11 pm. It’s free.
Why go: Thousands of candles in paper bags line the adobe walls of the old streets. If you’re spending Christmas Eve somewhere new this year, by choice or not, this is a gentle way to do it.
Where to stay: La Fonda on the Plaza or The Inn of The Five Graces.
When: In our window, it runs December 18 to 23 and December 26 to 27, from 5 to 9:30 pm. It’s not held on December 24 or 25.
Why go: If you want warm weather in December, this is your pick. Desert paths glow with thousands of luminarias, with live music. Adult tickets are $39.95 to $44.95.
Where to stay: Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU or Hotel Adeline in Scottsdale.
Las Noches de las Luminarias details
When: November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Why go: Over 10 million lights cover a historic hotel, and USA Today named it one of the best public light displays. Even if you don’t stay there, you can walk the grounds and see the lights.
Where to stay: Right at The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, or the Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown or the Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center.
Start with how you want to feel. Then pick the trip that matches.
Going solo? City trips like New York, Boston, and San Antonio are easy to enjoy on your own. My post on solo travel for women over 40 has simple safety steps.
Going with family? Wildlights, Dollywood, and the Rockettes are great for a mother-daughter trip or a trip with the grandkids.
Great picks for December 18 to 27, 2026, include Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo, Longwood Christmas in Pennsylvania, the Radio City Rockettes in New York, Holiday Pops in Boston, Dollywood, Gaylord Opryland, the San Antonio River Walk, the Santa Fe Farolito Walk, Las Noches de las Luminarias in Phoenix, and the Festival of Lights in Riverside, California.
The Canyon Road Farolito Walk in Santa Fe is held on Christmas Eve from 6 to 11 pm, and it’s free. Boston’s Holiday Pops also has a 3 pm show on Christmas Eve. Some events, like Las Noches de las Luminarias in Phoenix, are closed on December 24 and 25, so check before you go.
Phoenix, Arizona, and Riverside, California, are two warm-weather picks. Phoenix has Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, and Riverside has the Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn.
Holiday Lights on the River Walk in San Antonio and the Canyon Road Farolito Walk in Santa Fe are both free. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo comes with regular zoo admission.
Yes. City trips like New York, Boston, and San Antonio are easy to do on your own. Pick a place with lots to do, book one show or tour, and plan one slow day to rest.
I’m serious. Hit reply on my newsletter and tell me which one you picked.
Rather listen? Hear these picks on the Friday Glow Report podcast episode.
Ready to plan more than a trip? Take the free Glow Assessment to see where to start your own glow-up.
With love and confidence,
Jax
