Visit 9 Christmas Light Displays In North Carolina For A Magical Experience

What's a better way to ring in the holidays than by visiting the best Christmas lights in North Carolina? From the Christmas music (or carolers, if you're lucky) to twinkling holiday dioramas, there's no way to not get in the Christmas spirit. North Carolina is home to Christmas Town USA as well as several drive-through displays that are some of the best in the southeast! If you've been wondering about "Christmas lights near me," read on and get ready to make the most of this holiday season.

1. Christmas Town USA, McAdenville

Every year around the holidays, the quaint town of McAdenville transforms into something straight out of a movie. Each house, street light, building, and tree is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. Over 500,000 lights decorate the 1.3-mile strip you can walk or drive through. It's a must-visit if you're in North Carolina. The best part? These drive-thru Christmas lights in North Carolina are absolutely free!

2. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

The gorgeous gardens outside of Charlotte are quaint year-round but transform into something truly magical around Christmas. Stroll amongst a million twinkling lights throughout the gardens, or participate in one of the many Christmas events. Learn more about Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe.

3. Tanglewood Festival of Lights, Clemmons

The rolling hillside of Tanglewood becomes an illuminated light show. Drive through the park and witness amazing animated lights the children will remember forever. In its third decade, this one will get extra special. Learn more, including dates and admission costs, from its Tanglewood Festival of Lights web page.

Take a look at this video by @theshopperhussains:

4. Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries

While many light displays celebrate the new, Dillsboro is a celebration of the old. The luminaries light up the main street and shops serve hot cocoa and have live music. You can even ride through the town on horse and carriage. It's a Christmas from yesteryear. For sure, Dillsboro has the best Christmas Main Street in the state. Learn more about Lights and Luminaries and the charming Dillsboro Christmas.

5. Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord

If you've ever wanted to cruise the racetrack at Charlotte Motor Speedway, now is your chance — but in a different setting. Over 3.5 million lights are included in the amazing display that proves to be the largest Christmas lights display in North Carolina. This year, the animated lights-to-music are sure to ramp up your holiday cheer. After the drive-through light show, visit the Christmas Village with Santa, have hot chocolate, play in a petting zoo, and plenty more. The Speedway Lights is one of the best Christmas light displays in the state.

6. WinterLights, Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo

The enchanting grounds of Elizabethan Gardens turn magical this season. Decorated with lights and seasonal displays, strolling the gardens is a whimsical experience. WinterLights also offers special events like wreath and centerpiece-making on certain days. Find out more about this extraordinary holiday event from the official website for the gardens.

Take a look at this video by @SeasideVacationsOuterBanks:

7. Chetola Resort Festival of Lights, Blowing Rock

Nestled in the gorgeous scenery of Blowing Rock, the Chetola Resort Festival of Lights brings in thousands of visitors. Drive around Chetola Lake, marvel at the lights adorning buildings, see Rudolph catching a fish, and even ice skaters. It's extra magical here! Learn more about this light festival on the Chetola Resort website.

8. Lake Myra Christmas Lights, Wendell

Lake Myra has one of the most impressive light displays in North Carolina. Visitors delight in the stunning, choreographed light show animated to match your favorite Holiday tunes. Park and watch the magic. Learn more from the Lake Myra Christmas Lights Facebook page.

Take a look at this video by @ncweekend:

9. Christmas at Biltmore, Biltmore Estate, Asheville

Is it really Christmas without a trip to America's Castle? When it comes to things to do at Christmas in North Carolina, a visit to see the more than 70 ornately decorated trees dazzle in the decorated interior is a must, as is a look at the twinkling exterior. Read all about the best Christmas lights in NC at Biltmore Estate.

A visit to one (or all) of the best Christmas light displays in North Carolina will surely put you in the Holiday spirit! I can't wait to sip some hot cocoa and marvel at a light display, good news is there are so many to choose from! Which ones do you visit each year or plan to this Christmas?

Still curious about Christmas lights near me? If you're feeling extra adventurous, why not make it a road trip of Christmas lights in North Carolina? For a different type of adventure that kids of all ages are sure to love, consider ringing in the holiday season by hopping onboard the Polar Express.

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