Traveling with your pup for the holidays? Good news – you don’t have to leave them behind when the twinkle lights come out. Across the U.S., plenty of walk-through holiday light shows welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy the festive glow and bring your furry sidekick along for the adventure. From botanical gardens to charming small-town streets, these pet-friendly Christmas light displays offer the perfect excuse to grab the leash, bundle up, and soak in some holiday magic together. Check these out for 2025 Holiday season.

As an Amazon affiliate, when you click on some of the links on this page and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission. This comes at no cost to you! By using our affiliate links, you get the inside scoop on our favorite items and support us at the same time. And we can’t thank you enough for that!

Winterhaven

Winterhaven Festival of Lights – Tucson, AZ

Location: Winterhaven Neighborhood

Season: Dec. 9–25

Admission: Free (donations welcome)

This beloved Tucson tradition is as dog-friendly as it gets. Wander through a charming neighborhood lined with award-winning holiday displays; there’s even a “Pup’s Pick” award, which feels extremely appropriate. It’s a popular event, so bring well-mannered pups who don’t mind the crowds.

Garden of D’Lights

Garden of D’Lights – Walnut Creek, CA

1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek, CA

Season: Select dates Dec.–Jan.

Admission: Members $25 adults; Non-members $29 adults

At Ruth Bancroft Garden, dogs on leash are welcome year-round, including during the breathtaking Garden of D’Lights event. Stroll 2.5 acres of illuminated succulents, cacti, and winter blooms while your pup takes in all the new sights and smells. Waste bags are available at the entrance, and afterward you can browse the nursery with your dog.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens

Holiday Lights in the Gardens – Largo, FL

Florida Botanical Gardens

Season: Through Dec. 31

Admission: Suggested donation $10; kids 12 & under free

If your dog loves a warm winter walk, this stunning tropical light show is a winner. Wander colorful garden paths, enjoy themed displays, and take in the glow of lights reflecting off palm fronds and water features. Pets are welcome throughout the outdoor areas.

Enchanted Garden of Lights

Enchanted Garden of Lights – Lookout Mountain, GA

1400 Patten Road

Season: Through Jan. 6

Admission: $9.95–$31.95

This award-winning holiday attraction at Rock City Gardens invites leashed pets to follow the glowing trails through Arctic Kingdom, Yule Town, and the sparkling Magic Forest. It’s whimsical, magical, and full of photo ops of your dog under millions of lights.

Pro Tip: Find a leash that gives your pup a bit of freedom, but one that also lets you pull them close quickly if needed. This retractable leash by Tug is16 ft. and easy to retract.

Winter Spirit

Winter Spirit – Lewiston, ID

Locomotive Park

Season: Through Jan. 5

Admission: Free

Winter Spirit turns two acres into a bright, colorful holiday playground. Dogs are welcome to explore the glowing tunnels, animated displays, and the historic steam-powered locomotive, just keep your pup leashed and use the free waste bags provided.

The Big, Bright Light Show

The Big, Bright Light Show – Rochester, MI

Downtown Main Street

Season: Through Jan. 7

Admission: Free

This downtown light display drenches Main Street in millions of lights, creating a perfect setting for a stroll with your pup. Many nearby shops are dog-friendly, and the whole street feels like a living Hallmark movie.

Dog enjoying Christmas Walk

Light Garden – Olive Branch, MS

Olive Branch City Park

Season: Through Jan. 1

Admission: $9–$14; dogs $3

Walk 1.5 miles of dazzling Christmas lights, including themed displays made from seven cargo containers worth of decorations. On “Dog Night,” pups can join holiday contests like Best Costume and Most Festive Pup. There’s even a temporary dog park just for the event.

Downtown Bozeman Christmas Stroll

Downtown Bozeman Christmas Stroll – Bozeman, MT

Main Street

Event: Dec. 2 (lights stay through Dec. 25)

Admission: Free

Bozeman’s Christmas Stroll is a dog-friendly street festival featuring carols, treats for pups, green spaces for potty breaks, and even a Bernese Mountain Dog meetup. Can’t attend the event? Just visit later- Main Street’s holiday lights stay up the rest of December.

Pro Tip: Although many places provide poop bags, it’s better to carry some with you in case they don’t have them. We use this poop bag holder because it has the carabiner to hook on the leash.

Winterfest Parade

Winterfest – Henderson, NV

Water Street District

Events: Dec. 4–5

Admission: Free

Henderson kicks off the holidays with a tree-lighting, drone show, street vendors, and an electric light parade. Leashed dogs are welcome to join the festivities and some vendors even hand out pup-approved treats.

Winter Lights at Waterville Valley

Winter Lights at Waterville Valley – Waterville Valley, NH

Town Square

Season: Through April 1

Admission: Free

This charming mountain town lights up all winter long, not just for Christmas. Take your dog on a glowing walk around Town Square, Corcoran Pond, and the Disc Golf Field. Several shops offer free treats for visiting pups.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland – Sioux Falls, SD

Falls Park

Season: Through early January

Admission: Free

A scenic, nature-filled holiday display awaits at Falls Park, where the frozen waterfalls glow under festive red and green lights. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for dogs who love a cold weather walk.

Christmas Village- Ogden

Christmas Village – Ogden, UT

Ogden Municipal Block

Season: Through Jan. 1

Admission: Free

Tiny handmade cottages, glowing pathways, and whimsical window displays make this a cozy and less crowded holiday outing for you and your pup. Lots of room to wander without feeling rushed.

Pro Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your pup. This water bottle is a great choice because it has a small bowl for your pup to drink from.

Jackson Hole Antler Arch

Jackson Town Square Lights – Jackson, WY

Season: Through Dec. 31

Admission: Free

For a magical nighttime walk, stroll through Jackson Town Square under its famous elk-antler arches wrapped in lights. It’s simple, scenic, and completely dog friendly.

Final Thoughts

Holiday light shows are even more fun when your best furry friend can tag along. Whether you prefer a small-town stroll, a glowing botanical garden, or a huge, themed display, there’s a dog-friendly holiday lights experience waiting for you. And as always, keep your pup safe- pack waste bags, bring water, stick to pet-friendly areas, and review a few holiday-season dog etiquette tips before heading out.

Wishing you and your four-legged explorer a magical holiday season full of twinkle lights, cozy walks, and plenty of treats! We love to share information and tips to you to help you make informed decisions when planning your next adventure. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *