How to Plan Your Drive-Through Holiday Lights Tour
The holiday season is a time for celebrating and creating special memories.
One way to do that is by taking a drive-through holiday lights tour with you and your family. By doing a little research and planning, you can create a tour that is captivating, enjoyable, and sure to create lasting memories, a mission for our team over at Built Story.
Although we try to make your holiday tours as seamless as possible, we want to share some personalized advice to help you get the most out of them.
Here are our tips and tricks on how to plan your drive-through holiday lights tour:
1. Research the best holiday lights displays in your area
It’s likely that there are tons of homes, neighborhoods, and displays to choose from near you, so take some time to research the different tours and determine which ones are the most impressive and worth visiting.
Consider factors such as the size and scale of the displays, if there are any specific themes that catch your eye, how extravagant the lights get, and some of the stories behind the homeowners.
Additionally, if you're looking to take a road trip, there may be even more impressive tours for you to embark on in other cities or regions. Be sure to also research the best routes to take and any potential road closures or construction that may affect your travel.
Built Story Fact: When using the Built Story app for your holiday tour, you’ll be given directions via Google Maps on the best way for you to travel to the starting point of the tour.
2. Plan your route carefully
Once you have identified the homes and displays you want to see, it's important to plan your route carefully to maximize your viewing pleasure and minimize your driving time.
Consider the locations of the different displays and the best way to connect them, taking into account factors such as traffic and road conditions.
It’s also common for holiday tours to have recommended routes. These routes ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the best and brightest homes there are.
If you’re looking at recommended routes by families who have done the tour before, make sure to read any reviews or look at the route on a map prior to make sure it fits what you’re looking for.
Built Story Fact: We’ve built reviews right into our app so you can easily see how other tour takers have found the route. We also make it easy to follow your tour on your phone through our Built Story app which integrates with Google Maps.
3. Consider the timing of your tour
The best time to view holiday lights is often at night when the displays are illuminated and visible of course!
However, it's also important to consider the time of day when planning your tour. Traffic and crowds can be heavier during peak hours, so try to plan your tour for off-peak times if possible.
Most tours, routes, and homes will tell you when they turn their lights on and the holiday cheer begins.
Built Story Fact: Our team understands that sometimes, tours don’t always go as planned. If you purchased a tour and the timing didn’t work out for when you originally wanted to go or if you have to rush home mid-tour to get the kids to bed, we’ve got you covered. Every tour that you purchase will be available to you for 30 days.
4. Prepare for the weather
Depending on where you live, the weather during the holiday season can be unpredictable.
Even though you’ll be driving to each destination on your tour, be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly. Bring appropriate clothing and supplies for any potentially chillier weather conditions.
Sometimes there might be an interactive element to a home that the kids will want to hop out of the car for! From hot chocolate and snacks to a picturesque lights display, whatever it may be, come prepared.
Built Story Fact: If there’s a weather condition that you prefer (warm, chilly, snowy, you name it), we have you covered. Built Story has tours all across the United States so whether you’re looking to stay in your own State or adventure to another, check out all of our routes!
5. Have fun and be safe
Finally, remember that your drive-through holiday lights tour should be enjoyable and fun.
Don't rush, and take the time to appreciate the beauty and creativity of the displays. And most importantly, be safe – avoid distractions and pay attention to the road at all times!
If you’re looking for some tours to get started with, explore our team’s favorites:
How to plan your drive-through holiday lights tour
With these tips in mind, you can now successfully plan an enjoyable drive-through holiday lights tour.
Looking for the right holiday tour for you? We've got you covered! Our Built Story tours are carefully designed to maximize your viewing pleasure and minimize your driving time. Plus, turn-by-turn navigation is integrated into our app, making it easy to follow along.
While you're on the tour, you can also listen to holiday jokes and read the stories of the people who decorated their homes. And don't worry about rushing – you'll have unlimited access to the route for 30 days, so you can take your time and enjoy the tour at your own pace.
So grab your loved ones, hop in the car, and get ready to experience the magic of the season.
Download the Built Story app and start touring today!
Happy holidays!
