Escapees November-December 2023

A Twinkling Present The dedication and passion behind these well-loved events are obvious. Crafting large public holiday light displays requires meticu lous planning and unwavering dedication. It begins with a vision, a creative concept that sets the tone for the theme. From there, it’s a symphony of logistics, from budget ing to design and layout, to community engagement. The real magic happens during execution. Every bulb, every ornament, every wire is carefully placed to bring the vision to life. Synchronizing the lights, often choreo graphed to festive tunes, demands technical precision and an artist’s touch. Safety is a priority, with cords neatly hidden, ensuring a hazard-free experience. Maintenance is a constant task to keep the display fresh throughout the holiday season, while environmental considerations under score the commitment to sustainability. The result is a tapestry of light that transforms ordinary spaces into dreamscapes. You don’t have to believe in Santa Claus or be an expert designer to enjoy the spectacle of twinkling lights. From coast to coast, America transforms into a magical landscape that beckons travelers to embrace the joy of the season. Here is a smattering of holiday light displays most likely to be in your RV neigh borhood that are worth your holiday cheer. Some are best seen on foot while others bene fi t from being viewed by car or tram. 1. ST. AUGUSTINE NIGHTS OF LIGHTS St. Augustine’s historic streets are bathed in the warm glow of a million white lights outlining the historic architec ture and gardens. Roam around, taking in the sights and enjoying the unique atmosphere as the “nation’s oldest 2. LOUISIANA HOLIDAY TRAIL OF LIGHTS Louisiana’s Holiday Trail of Lights is a captivating holiday experience spanning multiple towns, from Shreve port-Bossier to Alexandria/Pineville. As darkness falls, each town comes to life with regional holiday festivities. Don’t miss Natchitoches, what many call the gem of the trail. Consider staying a few nights to take it all in and then head down to New Orleans for their Celebration in the Oaks. Dates and events vary by town. Check the website for informa tion. HTTPS://HOLIDAYTRAILOFLIGHTS.COM HTTPS://CELEBRATIONINTHEOAKS.COM city” comes to life. NOVEMBER 18—JANUARY 24, FREE WWW.FLORIDASHISTORICCOAST.COM/NIGHTS-LIGHTS

EVANNE SCHMARDER is sure she got the wanderlust bug from her grandparents. In 2000, she and her husband, Ray, set o ff on their own adventure. Eighteen-plus years later, they’re still roaming the country, sharing interesting destinations and cooking up delicious RV kitchen recipes in their popular RV reminds me that the tradition of holiday light displays is a long-running treasure. These luminous celebrations connect us to ancient roots while supporting the spirit of togetherness in the present. I’m not just an RVer chasing bright lights, I’m a traveler exploring the very heart of a timeless tradi tion that weaves joy, hope and connection across the ages. 3. AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS Featuring more than two million lights illuminating Zilker Park, including 96 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels, Austin Trail of Lights celebrates 59 years of creating holiday magic in 2023. This event is one of the three largest events in Austin and receives national accolades while remaining a deeply cherished local tradition. DECEMBER 8–23, GATE FEE VARIES BY NIGHT, HTTPS://AUSTINTRAILOFLIGHTS.ORG 4. GLITTERING LIGHTS LAS VEGAS Glittering Lights Las Vegas transforms the Las Vegas Mo tor Speedway into a sparkling dreamscape with millions of lights, creating a spirited wonderland on over 2.5 miles of track. Animated displays tell festive stories, while synchro nized light shows dance to classic tunes. For two months of the year, it very well may outshine the Strip. NOVEMBER 9—JANUARY 7, PRICED BY CARLOAD, ENTRY FEES VARY, FREE FOR VETERANS ON NOVEMBER 11, FREE FOR INACTIVE/ACTIVE MILITARY ON NOVEMBER 13. HTTPS://GLITTERINGLIGHTSLASVEGAS.COM 5. LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS Las Noches de las Luminarias transforms Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden into a unique experience, with thousands of luminarias creating a soft, captivating glow. Live music and the subtle fragrance of the desert set the scene for a magical evening that beautifully marries nature and holiday spirit. DATES AND TICKET PRICES TO BE ANNOUNCED, HTTPS://DBG.ORG 6. CALIFORNIA BOAT PARADES From San Diego to Sausalito, California’s lighted boat parades sail into the season. While always a good time, they vary in size and splash. For example, the Newport Beach Boat Parade features hundreds of boats and runs fi ve nights while beautiful Morro Bay hosts a handful of boats on one evening. The “Visit California” website lists their 10 top boat parades but it’s worthwhile to check out the websites of coastal towns/cities you might be passing through. WWW.VISITCALIFORNIA.COM/NOW/10-GREAT-HOLI DAY-BOAT-PARADES-CALIFORNIA / Attending these eye-popping events

TV series, RVCookingShow.com.

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ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2023