How to Plan a Christmas Lights Drive With Kids
Driving around to look at Christmas lights is one of the cheapest holiday traditions, but with kids it goes better with a little planning. Pick a route in advance using local news lists, neighborhood social groups or simply streets you already know are decorated, and keep the whole drive to about an hour so younger kids do not melt down. Go after full dark, bring pajamas-on comfort, and give the kids a small job, like keeping score on a lights bingo card or voting for the best house, so they stay engaged between stops.
Practical tips
- Map the route before you leave so the driver is not looking at a phone while driving.
- Leave right after dinner on a weeknight to avoid the heaviest traffic on popular streets.
- Pack a thermos of cocoa with lids and a few napkins for each child.
- Give each child a printed lights bingo card or a tally sheet for counting inflatables and reindeer.
- Drive slowly with headlights on low, and pull over fully before stopping to look.
- Let kids vote at the end for the best house and save the results to compare next year.
- Keep a blanket in the back seat if you plan to roll windows down to hear music displays.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a Christmas lights drive be with small kids?
About 45 minutes to an hour is a comfortable length for most young children. You can always add a second route on another night.
What time is best to see Christmas lights?
Shortly after sunset through mid evening works well, since most displays are on by then and many turn off later at night.
How do I keep kids busy in the car?
Lights bingo, counting games, voting on favorite houses, and a holiday music playlist keep kids engaged between stops.