30+ of the Most Festive Christmas Lights Displays in North Carolina

Seeing festive displays of Christmas lights in North Carolina is a winter tradition for us. While there are many, we wanted to share a few we keep in mind.

You may know about the bucket-list-worthy lights at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, the famed Christmas Town USA in Gaston County, and the stunning sights at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock.

But awesome Christmas light displays also await, from the mountains to the sea!

You can skip ahead to any of these sections or continue reading for our alphabetized list of places to see Christmas lights in North Carolina.

Read More: Christmas in North Carolina (the Best Holiday Events)

List of Christmas Lights in North Carolina

We’ve organized this guide to NC Christmas Lights in alphabetical order by event name.

Map of Christmas Lights in NC

For those ready to visit these Christmas light displays in North Carolina, our map includes the locations of all of them.

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in North Carolina and are wondering, “What are the best Christmas lights near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Read More: The North Carolina Travel Map

Western NC Christmas Lights

Our quest to find the best Christmas Lights in North Carolina begins in our beautiful mountains, and some of the most iconic holiday occasions!

Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do With Kids in Asheville (and Nearby!)

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore

Event Dates: November 3, 2026–January 9, 2027
Ticket Info

First up is Christmas at Biltmore, and during its Candlelight Christmas Evenings, you’ll see a massive lit Norway Spruce on the front lawn and pathway luminaries to guide your walk.

Inside Biltmore House, you’ll find decorated Christmas trees all around and thousands of LED and mini lights twinkling around the property. A visit to Antler Hill Village and Winery (one of Asheville’s finest and among the best in NC!) is included with admission, with more Christmas light displays and wine tastings waiting.

Polar Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Event Dates: November 6, 2026–January 3, 2027 (Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Ticket Info

Embrace the holiday spirit with a front-seat view of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, and Christmas lights. The historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City offers train rides throughout this stretch of Western North Carolina all year-round.

With 53 miles of track, the railroad meanders through the Smokies, Nantahala Gorge, Fontana Lake, the Tuckasegee River, and many other top attractions.

In November and December, enjoy a special ride on the Polar Express Train, inspired by the popular Christmas movie of the same name. The Polar Express is a 1.25-hour excursion throughout WNC and to the North Pole!

Several classes of train cars are available to book, but all passengers can enjoy hot cocoa from the train’s chefs, meet Santa, and receive a silver bell!

Read More: Nantahala Lake (How to Explore and the Best Things to Do There!)

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum

Dates: November 13, 2026-January 3, 2027
Ticket Info

Held nightly from November through January 3, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum helps Asheville shine a little brighter!

Enjoy this light display of over one million lights along a one-mile route through the gardens’ campus.

Forest City Christmas Lights

Dates: November 26, 2026-January 3, 2027
Event Info

Forest City is a must-see Christmas Light display near Asheville, providing a free experience in Western North Carolina. 

The holiday season kicks off on Thanksgiving with a tree lighting and live music. Over 1 million lights line historic Main Street, and carriage rides are a popular way to get in the holiday spirit. 

On select evenings in December, Carriage Rides will take you under the lights along historic Main Street. These special rides must be reserved in advance.

Additional attractions include hay rides, ice skating, visits with Santa, and much more!

Chetola Resort Festival of Lights

Dates: November 27, 2026-January 31, 2027
Event Info

Chetola Resort in the lovely mountain town of Blowing Rock is transformed to host a beautiful display of Christmas lights in North Carolina. Chetola Lake transforms into a Winter Wonderland during the Festival of Lights!

Chetola is beautiful year-round, but it is extra special around the holidays.

Read More: Restaurants in Blowing Rock

Holidays at the Garden at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Dates: Select Nights November 28-December 30, 2026
Event Info

Head to Belmont for Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, an easy day trip from Charlotte. Over one million lights fill the Gardens at Stowe, and you explore it all on foot.

Local food trucks serve hot dinners, and the bars (including the Holiday Speakeasy) pour hot chocolate and seasonal drinks to sip as you stroll. Warm up inside the Great Hall, where you’ll find the Orchid Tree and live music from local performers.

Kids can visit Santa on three weekends (December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20).

The Trackless Train runs for three Fridays in the lead-up to Christmas (December 4, 11, and 18), too, so plan accordingly.

Read More: Things to Do in Gastonia and Gaston County

McAdenville Christmas Town USA

Dates: December 1-26, 2026
Event Info

Visit the Christmas light display affectionately known as Christmas Town USA in McAdenville, in Gaston County.

For over 70 years, people have traveled from across North Carolina (and beyond) to view displays in the town’s common areas and in homes, free of charge.

The action starts with a tree lighting ceremony on December 1, officially turning on the month-long lighting display.

To many, you haven’t enjoyed Christmas lights in North Carolina until you’ve been to Christmas Town USA!

Read More: Day Trips from Charlotte

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Dates: December 4-5, 2026 and December 11-12, 2026
Event Info

Visit this Christmas light display in Dillsboro (one of Jackson County’s finest towns) to see the entire town decked out in over 2,500 luminaries leading to shops and studios!

Hot cider and cocoa will be served by shopkeepers and carolers, Santa, and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance.

Read More: Bear Lake Reserve in Jackson County

Winterfest at Tryon International

Winterfest Dates: December 4-6, 11-13, and 18-23, 2026
Ice Skating Dates: November 27, 2026-February 14, 2027 (Select Nights)
Ticket Info

During Winterfest at Tryon International, a variety of special events await, including:

• Santa photos and letters
• Roaming characters
• Face painting
• Vendors

This awesome event is one of our favorite things to do near Tryon!

Central NC Christmas Lights

The center of the state is packed with amazing Christmas light displays.

The Polar Express Train Ride at the NC Transportation Museum

Event Dates: November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, and December 4-6 and December 10-23, 2026
Ticket Info

The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer offers one of the most festive Christmas Lights displays, via its iconic Polar Express Train Ride.

To get you full into the holiday spirit, this Christmas train ride is complete with hot chocolate, cookies, book readings, a Santa cameo, and more!

Read More: Christmas Train Rides in North Carolina to Bring on the Holiday Spirit

Tanglewood Festival of Lights

Dates: November 13, 2026–January 1, 2027
Ticket Info

Tanglewood Festival of Lights is a Drive-Thru Christmas light display in Clemmons, near Winston-Salem. For this season, they are open nightly until New Year’s Day.

Rates start at $20 per family, but check out their website for discounted rates on certain nights!

If you’re looking for a special way to view the lights, then consider their Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides or Tractor Hayrides. 

Read More: Delicious Winston-Salem Restaurants

Winter Wonderlights at Greensboro Science Center

Dates: November 18, 2026-January 3, 2027
Ticket Info

Watch as the Greensboro Science Center enchants with illuminating lights! Normal visits to this museum keep the GSC among our favorite things to do with kids in Greensboro.

During Winter Wonderlights, you can walk through the zoo and see beautiful holiday lights.

Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)

Speedway Christmas

Dates: November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027
Ticket Info

Charlotte Speedway Christmas has historically been an incredible Christmas light display in Cabarrus County!

This long-standing tradition lights up the Charlotte Motor Speedway with over 5 million lights on a 4-mile course and includes music if you tune in to the local Christmas radio station.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Concord

Lake Myra Christmas Light Show

Dates: November 25-December 31, 2026
Event Info

2026 is the final season for the Lake Myra Christmas Light Show in Wendell. Themed Saturday nights add to the fun:

• Wear your Christmas pajamas (December 5)
• Dress as your favorite Christmas movie character (December 12)
• Help celebrate Mr. Don’s retirement (December 19)

The last night of the show is New Year’s Eve. Donations are accepted at Lake Myra Christmas.

Read More: Things to Do in Raleigh

Festival of Lights at Hill Ridge Farms

Dates: November 26–December 28, 2026
Ticket Info

Hill Ridge Farms in Youngsville (Franklin County) transforms into a holiday wonderland, with over two million lights decorating the journey in your “old-fashioned Covered Wagon Ride,” in their words.

Holiday-themed characters and displays are also part of the fun, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Granny’s Snack Shack. Enjoy their hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and apple cider doughnuts.

Read More: Day Trips from Durham

Mangum Family Christmas Lights

2026 Estimated Start Date: Thanksgiving Week
Event Info

In Northwestern Durham County (between Durham, Hillsborough, and Roxboro), this amazing collection light show is totally worth the drive. We stay tuned to the Mangum Family Christmas Lights Facebook Page throughout the year for that announcement of when they’ll be starting.

An added bonus is the radio station (90.3 FM) that plays along with some of the brightest Christmas lights in North Carolina.

Read More: Things to Do in Durham

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

Dates: November 27–December 30, 2026
Event Info

If you are looking for Christmas lights near Charlotte, the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne’s Backyard is an excellent choice.

More than a million lights are spread across a half-mile walking trail and interactive activities for the whole family.

Go zipping down the Alpine Avalanche Snow Tube Slide, live entertainment, ballet performances, face painting, and food trucks. Parking is free, but advanced tickets are suggested.

Read More: 20+ Awesome Museums in Charlotte and Nearby!

Christmas at The Farm in Dobson

Dates: November 27–December 28, 2026
Event Info

The Farm is a family-owned agritourism spot close to Pilot Mountain and Elkin. It boasts an impressive 750k Christmas Lights inside a hayride and light maze.

Enjoy 30+ kid-friendly activities, including bounce houses, playground, tractor pull, pedal bikes, farm animals, and more!

We were really impressed with how organized these NC Christmas Lights were. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and your hayride time is determined by your arrival time.

Get a hot cocoa or coffee from What-a-latte food truck and watch the kids as they have a grand time making memories on The Farm!

Read More: Fun Things to Do in Wilkesboro (+ North Wilkesboro and Nearby!)

Holland Road Lights

Start Date: November 27, 2026
Event Info

If you are looking for Christmas lights in Fuquay Varina, Holland Road is the spot! With over 25,000 lights, tune your radio to 90.9 for a synchronized show.

For a special show, drive by on New Year’s Eve!

Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)

Kersey Valley Christmas

Dates: November 27, 2026-December 23, 2026
Event Info

Kersey Valley Christmas in Archdale is one of the most unique displays of Christmas lights in North Carolina!

The family-owned farm is well known for its Spookywoods production in the Fall, but they have transformed their 80 acres to include unlimited train rides, a snow tube track, a caroling tractor pull, and so many more hands-on activities.

Plan your trip right, and you might even get a chance to see Santa!

Watch Christina’s Tiktok about Kersey Valley Christmas

When you arrive at Kersey Valley, you’ll be put on a virtual queue to meet Santa so you and your family can go out and enjoy the farm instead of waiting in line all night for your magical moment.

Read more: Things to do in Asheboro and Randolph County

Piper Lights

Start Date: November 27, 2026
Event Info

Drive through seven acres of Piper Lights in Wake Forest! Admission to these drive-through Christmas lights is free.

McLaurin Farms Christmas Festival

Start Date: December 11, 2026
Ticket Info

McLaurin Farms is best known for its spooky Woods of Terror in October, but the family-owned farm in Greensboro also turns into a family-friendly walk-through light display during the Christmas season.

Take the magical hayride or walk through one million-plus lights. While there, you can also say “Hello!” to the Grinch, Santa, and more recognizable characters!

There are plenty of activities for young kids here, including a jump pad, playground equipment, and even farm animals!

Watch Christina’s TikTok from her visit, and you’ll see why we think McLaurin Farms is where you can find the most family-friendly Christmas lights in North Carolina!

Read more: Restaurants in Greensboro

Eastern NC Christmas Lights

We close things out on the coast, and some of the most festive Christmas lights in NC that you’ll find!

Mike’s Farm Light Show Hayride

Dates: November 12–December 23, 2026, and December 26–27, 2026
Event Info

Enjoy Dinner and a Hayride at Mike’s Farm in Beulaville (not far from Jacksonville in Onslow County) for a beautiful Christmas light display. The homestyle restaurant has rave reviews and is worth a try! It is available by reservation only. 

Read More: Restaurants in Jacksonville and Onslow County

ELJ Farms Christmas Town

Start Date: November 18, 2026
Event Info

ELJ Farms in Jacksonville is one of the best NC Christmas light experiences. This family-friendly, animated collection of lights allows you to take a tractor ride or drive through with your own car.

Either way, you’ll pass through a myriad of Christmas lights, giant toy soldiers, and more!

Read More: How to Visit Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville (+ 5 Powerful Monuments)

The Elizabethan Gardens WinterLights

Dates: Select Dates from November 20–December 29, 2026
Ticket Info

WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardens on the Outer Banks is back again for another year! Enjoy a walkthrough of the grounds and take in the Christmas light displays of the gardens, festive décor, and trees in Odom Hall.

Held in the town of Manteo, we’re excited to see this OBX Christmas tradition return!

Read More: Things to Do in the Outer Banks

Meadow Lights in Johnston County

Start Date: November 20, 2026
Event Info

There is no admission fee to see Meadow Lights in Benson, and a great way to enjoy them is via the Old Country Store. For $3 per person, you can take a train through the lights, which all of us train enthusiasts love.

An old-fashioned carousel adds to the fun, even though this Johnston County Christmas lights display had us at “train.”

Read More: The Best Day Trips from Raleigh

Christmas Lights on the Farm in Middlesex

Start Date: November 27, 2026
Event Info

Head out to Middlesex (near Rocky Mount) for Christmas Lights on the Farm. During this event, you can enjoy a hayride through Christmas Town to their Field of Lights display.

During Christmas Lights on the Farm, you can also watch live music and make s’mores by the fire pit. Santa will be there for pictures, too.

Read More: Restaurants in Rocky Mount

Enchanted Airlie in Wilmington

Dates: November 27-28, 2026 and December 1–21, 2026
Event Info

The Enchanted Airlie Christmas light display in Wilmington is an annual walk through a beautiful garden. Stroll through Airlie Gardens and enjoy a self-guided tour surrounded by festive sights and sounds.

Tickets for Enchanted Airlie go on sale in October and often sell out quickly. To get a ticket, follow Airlie Gardens for the most up-to-date info.

Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to Do in Wilmington

Lights on the Neuse

Dates: Select Nights November 27-December 26, 2026
Ticket Info

Lights on the Neuse in Clayton is a great way to celebrate the holiday season in style. An old-fashioned hayride will show you some of the best Christmas lights in NC.

Read More: Eastern North Carolina (and 100+ Awesome Places to Visit)

Sweet Valley Ranch Christmas Lights

Dates: Select Nights November 27-December 30, 2026
Ticket Info

Sweet Valley Ranch‘s Christmas light display is the first of two ways we’ll mention celebrating the season outside in Fayetteville. This beautiful farm is transformed into a glowing wonderland, perfect for your family to visit!

Load up the car with the whole family, as Sweet Valley Ranch offers discounts if you bring more people.

Read More: Restaurants in Fayetteville

Cape Fear Botanical Garden Holiday Lights

Dates: December 4-22, 2026
Ticket Info

Fayetteville’s Cape Fear Botanical Garden welcomes you to its Holiday Lights in the Garden. Enjoy their Christmas light displays as the entire gardens are lit up for your enjoyment.

We can’t wait to see what they cook up this holiday season!

Read More: Things to Do in Fayetteville

Ready to See Your Favorite Christmas Lights in North Carolina?

Depending on your year, getting into the holiday spirit could be easy or difficult. Hopefully, these festive Christmas lights in North Carolina will brighten your season, no matter what!

If you plan to visit any of these displays, we’d love to know which ones and why. Plus, if you know of one (or more) that belongs on this list, we’d always love to learn more about them, too!

Don’t forget to subscribe for Christmas lights adventures and more!

Until then, happy holidays and we hope you can enjoy some festive cheer wherever you call “home.”

More Things to Do (Beyond Christmas Lights!) in North Carolina

These amazing Christmas lights in North Carolina are a great introduction to winter in the state. If you need more ideas, these guides will help you keep your adventures going!