The holiday season isn’t just about presents under the tree. It’s about the moments you look back for years to come with your loved ones. The laughter. The warm drinks shared after a chilly evening outside. The sparkle of Christmas lights that make even grown-ups feel like kids again. At Refreshing Mountain, we love being part of those moments and helping to create them. Each year, we see families return not only for the experience, but for the traditions they’ve built here together.
Why Traditions Matter
Family traditions create anchors and touchpoints that remind us of what really matters. Whether it’s the annual family picture in front of the giant Christmas tree, a walk through a snowy Christmas-themed village, or a night spent viewing twinkling holiday lights after dinner, traditions help families slow down and enjoy each other’s company in the middle of a busy season.
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your holiday traditions, add Refreshing Mountain to your Christmas Light roundup this year. We do light displays differently. Every strand is carefully placed by hand by our incredible aerial team, who spend late summer and fall bringing the display to life across our property.
Our lights are designed to draw you into the narrative of Christ’s birth, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for the whole family. Bonus for parents: our displays are intentionally calming and not overstimulating, with no focus on Santa Claus, presents, or commercial buzz- just space to be together as a family.
Plus, kids receive an exclusive activity at check-in to help them stay engaged throughout the walk.
A Christmas Lights Experience Worth Returning To
When you step into our Christmas Lights experiences, you enter a world filled with warmth and wonder. More than half a million lights illuminate the trees, walkways, and zipline paths overhead. Families stroll hand in hand, sipping hot cocoa, pointing out their favorite displays, and soaking up the peaceful glow.
For some, it is the quiet moments that become the memory. For others, it is the thrill of watching the kids race toward the next light tunnel. No matter what draws you in, the atmosphere brings families together in a way that screens and schedules simply cannot.
Traditions Families Tell Us They Love
The annual Christmas Light Walk
Many families create a tradition of walking our Christmas trail together while talking about their favorite moments from the year. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect, slow down, and savor the Christmas season. You will hear laughter, whispers of awe in the stillness of the winter woods, and see lights shining in every direction.
Recreating the same photo every season
Consider snapping a “same spot” photo each year. Parents especially enjoy this tradition because they can watch their children grow from season to season against the backdrop of glowing Christmas lights. Pro tip: turn these photos into yearly Christmas tree ornaments and write the year on the back. They become treasured pieces to unwrap and hang for years to come!
Ending the night with a warm treat
Whether it is a cup of cocoa or a homemade cookie from the café, a warm treat has a way of making a good moment even better. Our café is open for most Christmas Light nights so families can step in from the cold, enjoy something cozy, and reflect on their evening together.
Visiting as part of a family gift exchange
One tradition we hear about often is families giving the Christmas Lights experience as a shared gift. Instead of focusing on finding the “perfect” item, many families choose to gift time together. Experiences create memories that last long after the decorations are packed away.
Build a New Tradition This Year
Maybe your family already visits every Christmas season. Or maybe you are starting fresh and looking for something peaceful and meaningful. Either way, we would love to be part of the memories you make this year.
Bundle up, bring the people you love, and walk through a forest glowing with lights. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even zip through it!
Slow down, reconnect, and build a new family tradition together.