It does get very crowded at the Osborne Lights, but I've never had a problem using a tripod there. There are spots, such as the entrance to the Osborn Lights and the middle of the main street, where you won't be able to set up a tripod, but there are plenty of spots all over the place where you'll have no problem. Besides, the really crowded spots in the middle of the street are, in my opinion, the most boring vantage points for still photography. You'll have a better chance setting up a tripod further down the street, on the sidewalks, especially right next to a bench, trash can, vendor, lamp post, etc.. I've had no problems setting up a tripod down towards the cross street, and where the character meet & greets are, and at the end of the main street where the angels, globe, and nativity scene are. Right before closing the entire place is deserted, and you can set up a tripod anywhere. It's amazing how one minute the place is swarming with a zillion people, and a little while later it's completely empty. I fondly remember last year; my wife and I would arrive for the final hour, and cuddle on a bench sharing hot cocoa watching the area clear out toward the end. It was really nice having all the lights, music, and "snow" to ourselves. We'd get up off the bench and slow dance in the empty street.
Since most of the scene is dark, and dark areas are where high-ISO noise is most visible, I prefer to use low ISO settings. Additionally, I prefer larger depth of field for this kind of subject, so I use a smaller aperture. The combination of low ISO and small aperture necessitate a slow shutter speed. Even without a tripod, you can use trash cans, lamp poles, benches, (and timer feature) etc., to help stabilize your camera.
Thank you for posting them. 
