7 Best Wheelchair friendly Holiday locations and attractions around the U.S.
Christmas is about so much more than trees and lights… but boy do we love those trees and lights!
Navigating Holiday crowds with a wheelchair adds a level of difficulty, and those old colonial style homes simply are not welcoming to people with mobility needs. This may be different than a typical holiday destination guide (hint: you won’t find the accessibility nightmare of NYC on here); but, here are some of our favorite finds for getting all the festive without the stress!
1. Washington D.C.
D.C. is a favorite any time of year. They have the most accessible metro system I’ve seen in the U.S., and the most consistent accessibility throughout the city.
They do it up for the holidays with big trees and lights all around. The Wharf is decorated and hosts several events; the National Tree makes for a fun bucket list item; Enchant Christmas has a city location, the National Harbor has events throughout the season, and Gaylord National has both free and ticked displays and activities. So much festive in one city – and it’s all easy to get to!
2. Enchant Christmas
I mentioned Enchant Christmas for D.C., but this brilliant display of lights is also in St. Petersburg, Florida; Dallas, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Enchant combines all of your favorite Christmas activities into one beautiful, fun-filled evening. Christmas treats, hot cocoa, Santa, shopping, magical lights, holiday music… you get the picture.
3. Hershey, PA
There’s nothing quite like the sweetest place on earth at the most wonderful time of year. The park is magnificent – even if you don’t do a single ride. Chocolate World is covered in festive, and they run parades, meals with Santa, and other holiday events throughout the season. Hershey also has the drive-through Sweet Lights, along with events and decorations through the town. If you’re in that area, you can extend your trip with some home-town comfort in Lancaster County. The drive through lights at the Star Barn are a favorite of ours.
4. Theme Parks and Zoos
Hershey Park isn’t the only amusement park with a big holiday take-over. Regardless of accessibility programs, amusement parks and zoos are great options for wheelchair accessible lights. Six Flags, Dorney Park, Disney World, and most major parks provide a great way to roll through the festive displays with accessible amenities nearby.
5. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is one place where you can actually combine old and accessible – and they’re one of the best places in the world for Holiday lights! We took the wheelchair accessible trolley tour through the Nights of Lights. In addition to the trolley, they have free accessible shuttles and great workarounds for getting into even the oldest of structures. Bonus: it’s not that cold!
6. Fredericksburg, Texas
This “Little Bavaria” is small enough that you don’t have to worry about transportation, and there’s still plenty to fill your time for a weekend getaway. With great wineries, coffee shops, and Bavarian bakeries lining the quaint streets, there’s something for everyone. The shops are level with the sidewalk for easy access, and quaint doesn’t mean inaccessible! Marktplatz has a beautiful Holiday display with a nightly tree lighting ceremony, in addition to their many weekend events and markets.
7. Drive-Through Light Displays
I mentioned our favorites in Hershey and Lancaster, but drive-throughs (and drive-bys) are a great way for everyone to experience the lights… from the warmth of the car! We bring a thermos of cocoa and some snacks to share and make an evening of it! Google “Christmas drive through lights near me” and you’ll get a map of nearby options – wherever you live.