In 1987, Friends of Shore Acres decided to jazz up the state park with holiday spirit. They strung up a few lights around the gardens, put up a Christmas tree and decorated the Garden House. Nine thousand people showed up to see the holidazzled park, and a community tradition was born. Now, anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 visitors make the stop along Cape Arago Highway to take in the 300,000 lights, sip hot apple cider and enjoy live entertainment in the pavilion. Light sculptures throughout reflect the park’s beauty with tulips, a rhododendron, rose and dahlia—and its seaside proximity with pelicans, puffins, jellyfish, a sea horse, octopus and life-size orca whale. The display lasts from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve, from 4-9:30 p.m. every night.

Shore Acres State Park — Coos Bay, Oregon

More information: shoreacres.net/holiday-lights