Christmas is one of those magical times of the year when snow falls fresh, there is a spark of excitement in the air, and everywhere you look is covered in beautiful lights. A favorite holiday tradition over the years has been to attend various events and be completely filled with Christmas cheer. If you can only make one event this year then make sure you make your way to WinterLights at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. We speak from experience when we say it is one of the most enchanting light displays of the year and a must-see.
Prepare to walk through more than a million lights spread throughout The North Carolina Arboretum.
When we opened the doors to WinterLights for the first time we held our breath because it was so beautiful. Walking past a wall of rainbow colors and witnessing a majestic unicorn glittering with lights was quite a site to behold and really prepared visitors for what to expect while walking around the property.
Starting in mid-November this magical event takes place nightly all the way through the month of December. You will have plenty of opportunities to witness this brilliant display of color, lights, and beauty but we encourage you to buy tickets online early because it is a very popular event.
They have added new things over the past years so you never know what kind of creative designs you might find while attending this year. So even if you have been before, there are bound to be a few more surprises awaiting for you this year.
Advertisement
The centerpiece, the 50-foot lighted tree, will of course be back towering above the landscape and aglow with holiday cheer.
Be sure to stick around when the music starts to see the lights flicker and dance to the rhythm. One of the best viewpoints is above the grid of lights, which also dance along with the cheery holiday tunes. There are also warming fires stationed around the large tree if the weather gets a little chilly.
Children will be thrilled to see the massive Christmas toy train working its way around a lighted village. Take some Instagramable photos in an igloo or in front of a Christmas tree gnome. They even have animatronic animals that sing and dance as you follow the unfolding story. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time because there is a lot to see and do at WinterLights.
The arboretum is broken up into different sections so make sure you see each one as you work your way around the property. We can tell you from experience this event is guaranteed to put you in good spirits for Christmastime.
This should be a blast for the whole family to enjoy. Make sure you purchase your tickets online to secure your spot. Tickets are sold per vehicle not per person so make sure you bring along your friends and family for a night out among this enchanted celebration of the holidays.
To purchase tickets and to learn more about WinterLights at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, make sure you visit the WinterLights website. If you are looking for something fun to do during the day, while you wait for the event to open the gates, the Arboretum is located next to an on-ramp for the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. Hop on this scenic road and go for a hike or just take in the views from your car.
If you want to extend your stay, then check out this rental property just minutes down the road from the North Carolina Arboretum. To take a closer look at this Christmas light display in North Carolina, check out our video from Adventuring in the Moment.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Christmas Lights in North Carolina
Chris Dodge|November 03, 2023
Where are the best Christmas lights in North Carolina?
Some of the best Christmas lights in North Carolina are:
