I’m sharing useful tips for how to make the most of viewing Christmas lights this holiday season with family or friends.
1. Organize Your Calendar With All of Your Family Members’ Important Upcoming Dates
Family calendars fill up quickly with parties, sports, and social obligations, especially around the holidays.
You don’t want to double book your holiday plans and miss out on something that you really wanted to attend.
2. Decide on the Holiday Activities That You Want to Cross Off Your List
Write the dates on your calendar with the times that they start.
Let the whole family share their input on their favorite traditions.
You can get more ideas by clicking the image on either style of my FREE Holiday Bucket List Ideas Printables.
3. Take Inventory of Your Winter Gear Ahead of Time
There is nothing more frustrating than discovering that you are missing crucial winter gear, or that winter gear no longer fits, right before you step out the door.
We have discovered missing winter accessories many times this way, and it makes for a stressful departure.
Save the stress and check inventory a few days before so that you have time to purchase or locate missing items.
4. Pack a Thermos or Travel Mugs With Warm Beverages
Hot chocolate or coffee can make the drive to your destination even better.
5. Bring Cozy Blankets and Your Favorite Christmas Music for Your Drive
Dress in layers so that you are comfortable in any temperature. If you are driving around looking at lights, I would still bring a coat.
This way you are prepared in case you want to check out a walk-thru display during your drive.
Play Christmas Light Display Bingo
Search for each holiday display icon when you visit each house.
6. Pack Snacks
Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter if you ate before you arrived, as soon as you smell certain foods you will be instantly hungry.
It doesn’t hurt to bring a few portable snacks to munch on.
7. Plan Your Meal Ahead of Time
Ask yourself a few questions:
- Will you eat at the venue?
- Have you checked their menu and pricing?
- Will you eat prior to departure?
(If so, make sure that the meal is something that is easy to make and clean up quickly so that it doesn’t cut into your time at the venue)
8. Know the Hours/Peak Times and Search Online for Discounts
You don’t want to make plans to visit an attraction only to discover that the hours/days were different than you thought.
Confirm the details on their website and call ahead if you are traveling far.
Visit midweek when possible to avoid the crowds.
Check if there is a discount for ordering tickets ahead of time and you will also avoid lines.
The more money you save, the more you can spend somewhere else.
8. Search Online for Deals and Discounts
The more money you save, the more you can spend somewhere else.
Check for deals on the attraction’s website, deal sites like Groupon, and with a google search that includes the terms “attraction + discount tickets or admission.”
9. Check Your Parking Options
Determine if there is nearby parking for free within a reasonable walking distance, in a safe neighborhood.
If you will be bringing younger kids, you might want closer parking within the venue for safety and convenience purposes.
Sometimes our family is willing to walk farther to save money so that we can spend money on a treat when we get there.
10. Bring Cash and Set a Budget Ahead of Time
Avoid unnecessary fees by swinging by the ATM ahead of time.
It’s always good to have some cash on you “just in case.”
Check online to make sure that you can use a card for your larger purchases.
Decide what is important to you when it comes to the cost of admission, concessions, rides, etc.
Know where you can scrimp and what is worth the money to you.
Sometimes you just need to eat those overpriced German roasted almonds in the name of nostalgia and that’s ok.
Where are the best places to visit for Holiday Lights?
Discover great Holiday Light destinations for your family to visit in the
Family Travel Consulting #starrylights section.
Thanks again to Family Travel Consulting for sponsoring this post.
Great post and perfect tips. A little planning in the beginning will make it more memorable for all and in the best way possible.
We love all the places around Cincinnati that has lights and holiday activities!