East of There

Holiday 2026, tickets on sale now

Holiday 2026: lights, trains and the nights that go first.

The most popular holiday nights sell out long before December. Here's what's on sale, what isn't yet, and what a family pays.

28 holiday listings across 16 states and DC, each checked against its official page in September 2026.

New England

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. 7 places.

  • Boothbay, ME

    Timed tickets

    Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

    Garden holiday light show

    Dates
    Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027, Thursday to Sunday plus select dates
    Tickets
    On sale now
    How you get in
    Buy a date and time ticket online in advance; none are sold at the door.
    Also needed
    Advance tickets only; changing your date or time costs $2.50 per ticket.

    Family of four $60 to $922 adult and 2 child tickets, from weekday Family Value ($20 and $10) to Saturday Premium ($28 and $18); the 2026 page doesn't list child ages, so this assumes both kids pay the child rate; fees not shown

    Sell-out note. The gardens' 2026 event page says time slots can sell out online and sold-out times can't be bought at the door. Source

    Accessibility. The gardens lend a limited number of wheelchairs and scooters, and one small area can't be reached by wheelchair or scooter. Venue page

    Weekday nights are the cheapest tier, parking is free, and a shuttle runs from downtown Boothbay Harbor Friday to Sunday.

    Official page for Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

    Checked September 2026

  • Portland, ME

    Timed tickets

    THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

    Holiday train ride

    Dates
    Select dates Nov 20 to Dec 28, 2026 (no trains Dec 24 or 25)
    Tickets
    Not announced yet
    How you get in
    Buy a ticket for a set departure time once sales open.

    Family of four $140 to $1604 coach tickets at $35 each, or $40 on peak nights; kids 5 and 9 pay full fare (only lap kids 2 and under get the $5 rate); fees not shown

    Accessibility. A wheelchair lift serves the Silver Bell car, which has 4 accessible seats per train; the other cars need one or two steps to board. Venue page

    Peak pricing applies Dec 5, 12, 19 to 23 and 26 to 28, so other nights cost a little less.

    Official page for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

    Checked September 2026

  • Candia, NH

    Timed tickets

    Santa's Christmas at Charmingfare Farm

    Holiday lights trail and Santa farm visit

    Dates
    2026 dates not announced yet
    Tickets
    Not announced yet
    How you get in
    Reserve a date and check-in time ahead, then ride a wagon, sleigh or tractor train out to see Santa.
    Also needed
    Advance reservation required; arrive 15 minutes before check-in.

    Family of four Price not published

    Sell-out note. Visit NH's 2025 listing said advance reservations were required and popular time slots sold out. Source

    In 2025 the basic Express ticket was $39 a person with kids under 2 at no charge, and the season ran late November to Christmas Eve.

    Official page for Santa's Christmas at Charmingfare Farm

    Checked September 2026

  • Burlington, VT

    Timed tickets

    THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride (Vermont Children's Trust Foundation)

    Holiday train ride

    Dates
    Dec 5 and 6, 2026
    Tickets
    Public ticketing by random selection opens in September 2026
    How you get in
    Join the public interest list; the foundation randomly picks families, who can then buy up to 5 tickets for a set train time.
    Also needed
    Public tickets go by random selection; limit 5 per order.

    Family of four $1604 tickets at $40 each; only children under 2 on a lap ride without a ticket; fees not shown

    Sell-out note. For 2026 the foundation says demand has grown sharply and it expects requests to top the tickets available. Source

    Accessibility. The foundation says the event is handicap accessible and offers sensory-friendly train options with Seed and Sew. Venue page

    Boarding is at the Wing Building at the bottom of King Street, and proceeds fund the foundation's children's programs.

    Official page for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride (Vermont Children's Trust Foundation)

    Checked September 2026

  • Stockbridge, MA

    Timed tickets

    Winterlights at Naumkeag

    Garden holiday light show

    Dates
    Nov 27, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027
    Tickets
    Not announced yet
    How you get in
    Buy timed-entry tickets online ahead; none are sold on site.
    Also needed
    Advance timed tickets only.

    Family of four Price not published

    Sell-out note. The Trustees said in 2023 that Winterlights sells out quickly. Source

    Accessibility. The Trustees say Naumkeag isn't wheelchair or stroller accessible because of steep, uneven ground and many stairs. Venue page

    Sign up for the Trustees' email alerts to hear when tickets open, and plan to carry little ones rather than push a stroller.

    Official page for Winterlights at Naumkeag

    Checked September 2026

  • Providence, RI

    Buy tickets

    Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

    Zoo holiday light show

    Dates
    Nov 27, 2026 to early Jan 2027 (zoo pages list both Jan 3 and Jan 4 as the last night)
    Tickets
    Tickets go on sale this fall; date not announced
    How you get in
    Tickets must be bought online before you go.
    Also needed
    Online advance tickets only; no refunds or rescheduling.

    Family of four $562 adults at $15 and 2 kids (ages 2 to 12) at $13; fees not shown

    Sell-out note. For the 2026 season the zoo says ticket supply is limited and popular nights sell out quickly. Source

    Accessibility. The zoo says its pathway is fully wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs, strollers and scooters can be rented at the main entrance. Venue page

    Allow an hour to an hour and a half to walk the full route; it runs rain or shine.

    Official page for Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

    Checked September 2026

  • Essex, CT

    Timed tickets

    North Pole Express at Essex Steam Train

    Holiday train ride

    Dates
    Select days Nov 20 to Dec 23, 2026
    Tickets
    On sale now
    How you get in
    Buy a seat on a specific departure online; there are no phone or walk-in sales.
    Also needed
    Online purchase only.

    Family of four $240 to $2804 coach seats at $60 each Tuesday to Thursday or $70 Friday to Sunday and Dec 22-23; every child needs a seat except babies under 1 on a lap; fees not shown

    Sell-out note. In 2022 the railroad said demand for tickets was far greater than the number available. Source

    The ride lasts about 90 minutes, each child gets a gift from Santa, and pajamas are welcome.

    Official page for North Pole Express at Essex Steam Train

    Checked September 2026

New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania

From the Hudson Valley to the Jersey Shore and Lancaster County. 7 places.

  • East Meadow, NY

    Buy tickets

    LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park

    Holiday light festival

    Dates
    Nov 11, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027
    Tickets
    Not published
    How you get in
    Buy tickets through the festival's online booking link.

    Family of four Price not published

    Prices aren't on the festival page, so check the booking link before you go.

    Official page for LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park

    Checked September 2026

  • Utica, NY

    Buy tickets

    THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Adirondack Railroad

    Holiday train ride

    Dates
    Nov 22 to Dec 20, 2026
    Tickets
    On sale now (since April 1, 2026)
    How you get in
    Buy tickets online for a set departure from Utica's Union Station.
    Also needed
    Parking lots near Union Station can fill up

    Family of four $172 to $2522 adults and 2 kids (5 and 9): Coach $47 adult and $39 child, or First Class $68 adult and $58 child; child fare is ages 2 to 12; under 2 free; before any fees

    Sell-out note. The railroad said in 2026 that the ride sells out quickly and that it sells out every year. Source

    Accessibility. The train is wheelchair accessible with doors up to 26 inches wide, strollers are allowed, and station restrooms are accessible; onboard restrooms are for emergencies only. Venue page

    The story starts in the station lobby about 30 minutes before the train leaves.

    Official page for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Adirondack Railroad

    Checked September 2026

  • Egg Harbor Township, NJ

    Buy tickets

    Christmas Fantasy with Lights at Storybook Land

    Holiday light show at a children's theme park

    Dates
    2026 dates not announced yet
    Tickets
    Not announced yet (park says after trick-or-treating ends)
    How you get in
    Special event tickets are sold online only for a chosen date, with no set entry time.
    Also needed
    Online-only dated ticket; season pass holders get in without one

    Family of four Price not published

    Sell-out note. Local news reported the first two nights of the 2020 season had sold out. Source

    Tickets aren't timed, so you can arrive any time on the date you picked.

    Official page for Christmas Fantasy with Lights at Storybook Land

    Checked September 2026

  • Phillipsburg, NJ

    Buy tickets

    THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Delaware River Railroad Excursions

    Holiday train ride

    Dates
    Nov 27 to 29 and Dec 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, 2026
    Tickets
    On sale now (went on sale July 1)
    How you get in
    Buy tickets for a set Friday, Saturday or Sunday departure through the railroad's site.

    Family of four $1722 adults at $48 and 2 kids at $38; child age range not published; railroad notes prices may change; before any fees

    Sell-out note. The railroad says tickets go on sale July 1 and sell out very quickly (2026 season page). Source

    The round trip takes about 90 minutes and includes hot chocolate and cookies.

    Official page for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Delaware River Railroad Excursions

    Checked September 2026

  • Kennett Square, PA

    Timed tickets

    A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens

    Holiday garden lights and conservatory display

    Dates
    Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027
    Tickets
    Ticket link is live on the official page; on-sale date not published
    How you get in
    Buy a timed ticket for a set date and entry time through Longwood's site.
    Also needed
    Timed ticket required; parking is free

    Family of four $140 to $1682 adults ($45 non-peak, $52 peak) and 2 youth ages 5 to 15 ($25 non-peak, $32 peak); non-peak is Monday to Thursday through Dec 17 and Jan 4 to 10; before any fees

    Sell-out note. Longwood's FAQ says it often sells out during A Longwood Christmas (checked 2026). Source

    Accessibility. Wheelchairs are free to borrow, strollers rent for a fee to non-members, most paths are wide and paved, and one companion of a guest with accessibility needs gets in free. Venue page

    Weeknights before Dec 18 cost $28 less for a family of four than peak days.

    Official page for A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens

    Checked September 2026

  • Hershey, PA

    Buy tickets

    Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

    Holiday lights at an amusement park

    Dates
    Select dates, Nov 13, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027
    Tickets
    Not published
    How you get in
    Buy park tickets online; admission covers family rides, the lights, TREEville and Santa visits.
    Also needed
    Open select dates only, so check the calendar

    Family of four Price not published

    Accessibility. The park runs a Ride Accessibility Program for accessible ride entrances and has quiet spaces for sensory breaks. Venue page

    Hershey Sweet Lights, the drive-through light show, won't return in 2026.

    Official page for Hersheypark Christmas Candylane

    Checked September 2026

  • Pittsburgh, PA

    Timed tickets

    Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, Phipps Conservatory

    Holiday flower show and garden lights

    Dates
    2026 dates not announced yet
    Tickets
    Not announced yet
    How you get in
    In 2024, every guest, members included, needed a timed ticket bought ahead.
    Also needed
    Timed advance ticket (based on past seasons)

    Family of four Price not published

    In 2024 the outdoor light garden opened at 5 pm, so plan an evening visit to see it lit.

    Official page for Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, Phipps Conservatory

    Checked September 2026

Delaware, Maryland, DC and Virginia

From the Eastern Shore to the Shenandoah Valley. 7 places.

The Carolinas, Georgia and Florida

From the Blue Ridge to the Florida coast. 7 places.

  • Asheville, NC

    Reserve ahead

    Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore

    Estate holiday evening tour

    Dates
    Nov 3, 2026 to Jan 9, 2027 (not offered Nov 17, Nov 26 or Dec 24)
    Tickets
    On sale now
    How you get in
    Buy a dated Candlelight ticket online; house entry needs a reservation, and the ticket also covers daytime grounds admission.
    Also needed
    Separate ticket from regular daytime admission

    Family of four Price not published

    Accessibility. Only the first and second floors of Biltmore House are accessible, with an elevator between them. An Access Lounge shows video of the other floors, and reduced-price tickets are offered for limited access. Venue page

    Adult tickets start at $125 now that the $15 early discount ended on Sept 15, 2026; kids 16 and under get a discount, but kid prices aren't listed.

    Official page for Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore

    Checked September 2026

  • Bryson City, NC

    Timed tickets

    THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

    Holiday train ride

    Dates
    Select evenings Nov 5, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027
    Tickets
    On sale now
    How you get in
    Buy tickets online for a set date and departure; seating ranges from coach seats to first class tables.
    Also needed
    Arrive about an hour early; paid parking across from the depot; no refunds within 60 days of the ride

    Family of four $168.74 to $287.762 adults and 2 kids (5 and 9): low is coach at $50.85 per adult and $33.52 per child, high is a first class table for 4 starting at $287.76. Prices include the preservation and ticket fees but not 7% NC sales tax; peak, steam and Christmas Eve rides cost more

    Sell-out note. The 2025 season sold out completely. Source

    Accessibility. The vintage cars have limited ADA access; golf cart boarding help is available, and reservations can help plan needs. Venue page

    Every child gets a silver sleigh bell from Santa during the ride.

    Official page for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

    Checked September 2026

  • Columbia, SC

    Buy tickets

    Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

    Zoo lantern and light show

    Dates
    Select nights Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, 5 to 9 p.m.
    Tickets
    Tickets go on sale Nov 2, 2026
    How you get in
    Buy tickets from the zoo once sales open; prices aren't posted yet.

    Family of four Price not published

    Accessibility. Strollers ($10 single, $13 double) and wheelchairs ($10) rent first come, first served. Most paths are accessible except the upper Woodlands Walk, and sensory packs are available at Guest Relations. Venue page

    Santa visits run through Dec 23, so go before then if that's the goal.

    Official page for Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

    Checked September 2026

  • Lookout Mountain, GA

    Timed tickets

    Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City

    Holiday light trail

    Dates
    Nightly Nov 13 to Dec 31, 2026, closed Dec 24
    Tickets
    On sale now
    How you get in
    Tickets are sold online only for a set date and entry time, and you can't enter before your time.
    Also needed
    Online tickets only; no entry before your ticket time

    Family of four $104 to $1762 adults and 2 kids (5 and 9): adults $31 to $49 and kids 3 to 12 $21 to $39, depending on date and entry time; fees not shown

    Sell-out note. Rock City's 2026 event page notes that some nights are sold out. Source

    Accessibility. The trail isn't fully stroller or wheelchair accessible. Carriers are suggested, stroller parking is provided, and a limited ADA trail reaches parts of the display. Venue page

    Bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller for little ones.

    Official page for Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City

    Checked September 2026

  • Atlanta, GA

    Timed tickets

    Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

    Garden holiday light show

    Dates
    Nightly Nov 14, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027, 5 p.m. to midnight
    Tickets
    Member tickets on sale now; public tickets go on sale Oct 1, 2026
    How you get in
    Buy timed tickets online and arrive within 15 minutes of your slot; once inside, stay as long as you like.
    Also needed
    Parking is $20 per vehicle, card only, with a 6'8" height limit

    Family of four $113.80 to $233.802 adults and 2 kids (5 and 9) with general admission: $29.95 adult and $26.95 child on value nights, up to $59.95 and $56.95 on peak nights. Add a $5 processing fee per order and $20 parking

    Sell-out note. The garden says the 2026 event sells out frequently. Source

    Accessibility. Wheelchairs are free first come, first served; scooters rent for $30 plus tax; strollers are welcome but wagons aren't. Venue page

    Night Light tickets after 9:30 p.m. start at $19.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids.

    Official page for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden

    Checked September 2026

  • Tampa, FL

    Timed tickets

    Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa

    Zoo holiday lights

    Dates
    Select nights Nov 27 to Dec 30, 2026, from 4 p.m.
    Tickets
    On sale now
    How you get in
    Buy a dated ticket with an arrival time online and show the emailed ticket at entry.
    Also needed
    Bring the emailed ticket

    Family of four $139.802 adults and 2 kids (5 and 9) at $34.95 each for after-4 p.m. admission; kids under 2 free; fees not shown

    Accessibility. The zoo offers a sequencing and expectations guide made with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Venue page

    If you already have a zoo membership or Zoo Fun ticket, this event is included.

    Official page for Christmas in the Wild at ZooTampa

    Checked September 2026

  • Parrish, FL

    Timed tickets

    North Pole Express at Florida Railroad Museum

    Holiday train ride

    Dates
    Select evenings Nov 27 to Dec 22, 2026, most with 5:15 and 7:15 p.m. departures
    Tickets
    Not published
    How you get in
    Reserve a date, departure and class online, by phone or at the Parrish ticket office. Everyone needs a ticket; babies under 1 can ride on a lap.
    Also needed
    No strollers on the train; no refunds or changes within 48 hours unless you bought refund protection

    Family of four Price not published

    Sell-out note. The museum's 2026 page says popular departures sell out quickly and there's no waitlist. Source

    Accessibility. Wheelchair spaces are in designated accessible cars; strollers aren't allowed on board. Venue page

    Coach class rides in open-air cars, so dress kids for the evening weather.

    Official page for North Pole Express at Florida Railroad Museum

    Checked September 2026

Something out of date, or missing?

Tell us the place and what changed, and we'll check it again. hello@eastofthere.com