Are you planning to take the family to see the Christmas lights? Below is a list of some of the best holiday light displays in and around our area, organized by region. If you know of any others worth a family drive or look-see, email me at Carlaw@macaronikid.com. We'll keep this list up through the end of the year for reference when you're looking for fun family entertainment this holiday season.
A lot of light shows have been converted into a drive-through experience, although others may still have you park and walk. Always follow state guidelines regarding in-person events, and it's always a good idea to double-check with the venue before heading out. Wet weather will affect some of these displays.
HICKORY/WESTERN PIEDMONT AREA
Light Up Lenoir Christmas Light Show
The Square in Downtown Lenoir (801 West Avenue NW)
Continues through January 1, 2024
6-10pm nightly
FREE
JIRDC Christmas Light Display
300 Enola Rd, Morganton
Continues through Dec. 31st, 2023
5:30-10pm nightly
FREE; donations accepted
Waldensian Trail of Faith Christmas Lights
401 Church Street, Valdese
Starting November 21st, continues through December 24, 2023
6-9 PM nightly
Donation of $1+ per vehicle
$1 Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider in the Visitor's Center
Lake Vista Lane
corner of Rink Dam Rd, Taylorsville
Private residence with thousands of lights and displays
even plays their own Christmas music
dates unknown, worth a drive-by!
FREE
Lew's Lights
22 Five Oaks Ln, Hickory (Bethlehem)
Beginning Dec. 10th, 6-9pm nightly
FREE
Chester Family Light Show
1350 Saviour Lane, Granite Falls
Nov. 21st 2023 - New Years Eve
6-9 nightly - tune radio to 93.9 FM
FREE
Lights on 13th Street
319 W. 13th Street, Newton
Thanksgiving - New Years
5:30pm - 11pm
FREE (Video below)
Please consider leaving a donation for the ECCCM
HIGH COUNTRY
Tweetsie Christmas
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock
Select Evenings in Nov. and Dec. 2023
$60 Adults, $40 kids, 2 & under free
Chetola Resort Festival of Lights
185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock
Nov. 24, 2023 - Jan 28, 2024
Enjoy a sparkling display of lights each winter season! The “Festival of Lights” is free and open to the public, and you are invited to enjoy thousands of dazzling illuminations throughout the resort. As you drive or stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, “Rudolph” reeling in a big fish, strolling carolers, and many more captivating holiday scenes. The displays illuminate at dusk each evening.
Free
LINCOLNTON AREA
Animated Christmas Light Show
512 Fran Ave, Lincolnton
Isenhour Lights
411 E Dixon St, Lincolnton
FREE
480 Abby Park Ln, Lincolnton
Private residence with lights, displays and music
dates unknown, worth a drive-by!
FREE
CHARLOTTE AREA
Christmas Town USA
off I-85 exit 22, McAdenville
December 1 through December 26, 2023
5:30pm - 10pm
FREE
Holidays at the Garden
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
November 24, 2023 through Dec. 23, 2023
Lights on 5pm-9pm nightly
$25 for adults, $15 children 2-12
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord
November 17, 2023, through January 7, 2024
6-10 pm nightly (Closed Christmas Eve).
$35 Priced Per Car (15 people max)
STATESVILLE/GREENSBORO AREA
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons
(Take I-40 East to Exit 180 (NC-801-Tanglewood/Bermuda Run) and follow the Tanglewood Park signs).
November 11, 2023, through January 1, 2024
6-11 pm nightly
$20 per family vehicle (cars, vans, and trucks)
Discount Nights and commercial/bus rates are available
Christmas Wonderland of Lights
Zootastic Park, 448 Pilch Road, Troutman
November 18, 2023 through January 1, 2024
Sun-Thur 6-9 pm, Fri-Sat 6-10 pm
$17 Adults, $15 Children 2-11, 2 and under free
ASHEVILLE AREA
Forest City Christmas Lights
Main Street, Forest City
Nov. 24, 2023 through January 1, 2024
5 - 11:30 pm nightly
FREE, small charge for hayride and ice skating
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville
Walk Through Daily Nov. 17th - December 31, 2023
5:30 - 10:30 pm
Price depends on the date: Click Here
Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Evenings
1 Lodge St, Asheville
November 3rd through January 6th, 2023
Tours are by reservation only, starting at 5:30pm nightly
Self Guided Tours start at $120
Save when you buy your tickets online
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
406 Overlook Road Ext., Arden
Dec 4 through December 23, 2022
Walk or Drive through, 6 -9 PM Nightly
Personal Vehicles $10, bus pricing is also available.
Like this article? Macaroni Kid Hickory/Western Piedmont is full of useful local information like this PLUS tons of daily kid-friendly events on our event calendar and more ideas in our Holiday Family Fun Guide. Subscribe to our FREE weekly e-newsletter for 411 on local family fun!
