Not enough data. How much are you planning on spending? Do you want just a point & shoot, or something more serious? Most cameras will do what you want with use of a tripod. Photos at night need to be longer exposures which means the camera has to be held still for several seconds, which no human can do. Putting it on a tripod and using a remote release or the timed shutter release will give you the images you want.

I am planning on spending no more than $700. I am new to photography, so I don't want something too advanced. I do not want to have to use a tripod.

Maybe just a matter of technique rather than equipment.
www.nyip.com usually has tips on seasonal pictures.

I am a fairly new photographer and I use a panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18. It is simple to use, takes great pictures, and costs about $400.00. It is light weight and does not require a tripod unless you want to use one. I sometimes use a monopod as a stick. I don`t extend it. I use it for stability.
If you are new to photography don`t get a camera that is so complicated that you get frustrated. Get one that you can have fun with while you learn. That is what I have done and I have taken some award winning photos.

You need to use a camera that has manual exposure controls and a tripod. Use the exposure from the Program mode metering as a starting point for a two stop bracket.

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I am looking for a new camera. I want one that will take good photos outdoors at night, with bright lights (think christmas lights outside.) thanks