The holiday season is here, and there's nothing like the glow of festive lights to bring out the holiday spirit! Proxi makes it simple to create a holiday lights tour map, giving your community a way to easily find and enjoy the best displays in town. With customizable features, Proxi lets you add photos, details, and directions, helping everyone feel like they’re part of a magical holiday adventure.

Step 1: Map Out the Best Displays

Identify Your Must-See Stops:
Before you dive into Proxi, gather a list of the best local displays. Whether it's a single house that goes all out, a street famous for its decorations, or a whole neighborhood decked out in lights, try to include a mix that will make for a well-rounded tour.

Crowdsourcing Tip:
Proxi’s crowdsourcing feature allows you to involve the community, making it easy to gather more locations. Simply share the map link and invite others to add their favorite displays. This way, you’ll have a truly community-driven tour with all the hidden gems included!

Absolutely! Adding stops like coffee shops with festive drinks can make the experience even more enjoyable for those on the tour. Here’s how we can add that tip:

Step 2: Build Your Proxi Holiday Lights Map

Add Locations and Details:
Now it’s time to bring your tour to life! Start by adding each display as a map point in Proxi. For each location, include details like:

• Photos of the display to give viewers a preview.
• Descriptions with fun facts about the display or directions for the best viewing spots.
• Schedule info if lights are only on during certain hours.

Layer in Extra Stops for Festive Fun:
Add a little extra cheer by layering on additional types of stops. For example, mark local coffee shops or bakeries along the route that offer seasonal treats, like peppermint hot chocolate or gingerbread lattes. These stops will give tour-goers a cozy place to fuel up and warm their hands before moving on to the next display. Adding stops for festive treats can turn the tour into a full holiday experience!

Customize with Filters and Categories:
Add categories and filters for larger cities or different types of displays, like “Family-Friendly,” “Over-the-Top,” or “Light Shows with Music.” This way, viewers can customize their experience by choosing the types of displays they’re most interested in—and even pick out their favorite spots for hot cocoa along the way!

Step 3: Make It Festive and User-Friendly

Choose a Holiday Theme:
Proxi’s customization options let you make the map feel holiday-ready. Add festive colors, choose holiday icons, and add a fun title to make your map feel like a holiday treat.

Add Image Overlays and Shapes:
Bring your map to life with image overlays! You can use them like festive stickers or even add logos for map sponsors, turning your holiday lights tour into a potential fundraiser or sponsorship opportunity. Use shapes to draw lines or highlight specific routes, guiding viewers along a walking or driving path to make navigation easier and more interactive.

Add Custom CTAs:
Include call-to-action buttons that make it easy for people to get directions or learn more about the displays. For instance, buttons like “Take Me Here!” or “Start Tour!” give users an easy way to get started on their adventure.

Personalize Directions Based on Transportation Needs:
Depending on your map’s setup, you can switch directions to be optimized for driving or walking routes. This feature enables users to create their own routes and follow the directions based on their preferred mode of transportation, making the tour flexible and accessible to all!

Step 4: Share Your Map with the Community

Once your map is set up, share it far and wide! Here’s how to make sure everyone knows where to find the best lights this holiday season:

• Social Media: Post the map on local Facebook groups, Instagram, or community forums.
• Newsletters and Local Websites: Ask local businesses or neighborhood associations to share the map in their newsletters or on their websites.
• QR Codes: Print out a QR code linking to your map and ask local businesses or community centers to display it.

Step 5: Keep It Interactive

Enable Likes and Favorites:
Let people show some love by enabling Likes on each map point! Users can tap to favorite displays, which not only shows their appreciation but helps others spot the most popular stops. This simple feature adds a community vibe and makes the tour feel even more interactive and engaging.

Add a Voting Feature:
Make your tour extra fun with Proxi’s ‘Best Of’ Voting Add-On. Allow the community to vote for their favorite displays, adding a bit of friendly competition! Categories like “Best in Show,” “Most Creative,” or “Fan Favorite” can make each stop unique and encourage viewers to explore every location. Plus, voting adds a social layer that builds excitement around the tour and gets the whole community involved!

Create Passport Challenges:
Add a Passport Challenge by setting up check-in points at each location. Tour-goers can “check-in” at each stop and earn badges or complete the entire route for a special digital prize or community shout-out. This feature turns the map into an interactive adventure, giving people a reason to visit every spot and making the holiday tour feel like a true experience!

Holiday Lights Tour Inspiration

Looking for some inspiration to kick off your holiday lights tour? Check out these fantastic map examples:

Lubbock Christmas Lights and Hot Cocoa Map
Discover the magical displays of Lubbock with this unique map that not only highlights stunning light displays but also points out nearby coffee shops serving delicious hot cocoa! This map enhances the holiday experience by guiding visitors to both festive lights and cozy treats, making it perfect for family outings or friendly strolls.

Greater Victoria’s Crowdsourced Lights Map
Experience the holiday spirit in Greater Victoria with this interactive, community-driven map. Residents contribute their favorite light displays, creating a rich tapestry of holiday cheer. This crowdsourced approach not only showcases the best of local decorations but also fosters a sense of community as people come together to share their favorite spots.

Final Thoughts

Using Proxi to build a holiday lights tour map makes it easy to share the best of your community’s holiday cheer. With simple-to-use features, customization options, and the ability to crowdsource entries, Proxi has everything you need to light up the holiday season!