Don't miss the best holiday light displays in the Carolinas

The Carolinas light up like nowhere else when the holidays roll in. Gardens glow, small towns twinkle, zoos shimmer, and entire villages transform into winter wonderlands. Whether you're searching for a romantic evening stroll beneath candlelit paths, planning a spirited family night out, or hosting guests who need to see just how magical our region can be, this year’s lineup of holiday light displays delivers pure seasonal enchantment. From historic estates and waterfront parades to drive-through spectacles bursting with millions of LEDs, these destinations promise warmth, wonder, and festive traditions you’ll want to revisit year after year.

Holiday Lights Spectacular

Charlotte, NC

Immerse yourself in one of the Carolinas’ biggest and brightest holiday traditions. The 4th Annual Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular returns with more than 1 million lights, dazzling oversized snow globes, 25+ interactive scenes, and an all-new Winter Wonderland Carnival complete with a Ferris wheel, kiddie coaster, and giant slide. Stroll a half-mile trail of twinkling displays, meet Santa (through 12/23), explore the festive Holiday Village, and snap photos at the shimmering Ice Castle.

Dates: November 28 – December 30
Tickets: Starting at $10; VIP options available

Nights of a Thousand Candles  

Brookgreen Gardens, SC 

Thousands of candles line pathways, illuminating  sculptures and gardens. It’s a serene yet magical  experience perfect for families and couples alike. 

• Dates: November 28 – January 4 
•  Tickets: Starting at $25

Holidays at the Garden 

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, NC

The Carolinas truly sparkle during the holiday season. From small-town charm to grand botanical displays, there’s no shortage of dazzling lights to explore. Whether you’re entertaining out-of-town guests, creating family traditions, or just looking to get into the holiday spirit, these 20 destinations promise twinkling wonder, festive cheer, and memories that last a lifetime. Colorful LED displays wind through gardens and  interactive light sculptures delight children and adults. 

• Dates: November 22 – December 27 
• Tickets: $20-$30

WinterLights 

Elizabethan Gardens, NC 

Roanoke Island’s gardens glow with themed  displays, music, and festive décor

• Dates: November 21 – December 30
• Tickets: $15–$25

Charlotte Christmas Village 

Charlotte, NC Uptown 

Charlotte transforms into a glowing holiday  village with lights, markets, and live entertainment. Dates: November 23 – December 23

• Tickets: Free; some attractions extra

Holidays at the Zoo

Greenville Zoo, SC 

Thousands of lights illuminate animal-themed  displays and interactive experiences for kids. Dates: December 13 – January 4

•  Tickets: $15–$25

Holiday Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum 

Asheville, NC 

Hundreds of thousands of lights along gardens  and forest paths create a magical stroll. Dates: November 15 – January 4

• Tickets: Starting at $45 per car

McAdenville Christmas Town 

Mcadenville, NC

Known as Christmas Town USA, millions of lights  adorn homes, streets, and downtown areas.

Late November – December 

• Tickets: Free

Nights Of Lights 

Wilmington, NC 

Come see Bellamy Museum decked out in holiday splendor. 

• Dates: December 18 – 20

Garden Holiday Nights

 Magnolia Plantation, SC 

Stroll along illuminated paths, see seasonal décor,  and enjoy live music and refreshments. Dates: November 14 – December 31

• Tickets: $25–$35

 Festival of Lights 

James Island County Park, SC

 Drive through over two million lights with animated displays and themed holiday areas. 

• Dates: November 14 – December 31 
• Tickets: $25 per vehicle

Fantasy of Lights

Sumter, SC

Drive-through displays with holiday-themed  scenes, treats, and hot cocoa stops.

•  Dates: December 1 – 31
• Tickets: $20 per vehicle

WinterFest 

Carowinds 

Millions of lights, holiday shows, and themed rides make this a lively family outing. 

• Dates: November 28 – January 3
• Tickets: $40 – $60 

Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas 

Charlotte, NC 

Drive through millions of LED lights at  the speedway with themed displays and festive music.

• Dates:  November 21 – January 4 
• Tickets: $57 per vehicle (up to 15 passengers) 

FestiBull Of Lights 

Durham, NC

FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland! 

• Dates: November 20 –  January 3

Holiday Lights at Tanglewood Park 

Clemmons, NC

Drive or walk through sparkling landscapes  with themed displays and seasonal music. Dates: Nov November 14  – January 1

•  Tickets: $20–$40 per vehicle

Upstate Holiday Light Show 

Greenville, SC 

Experience 32 million dancing Christmas lights from the comfort of your vehicle. 

• Dates: November 27 – December 31
• Tickets: TBA

The Great Christmas Light Show

North Myrtle Beach, SC 

The drive through light show will feature over 2 million lights festively displayed along a 2-mile drive throughout the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. 

•  Dates: November 24 – December 30
• Tickets: $20 – $50 

Luminaries at Biltmore Village 

Asheville, NC 

While the Biltmore Estate itself is stunning, the  surrounding village is filled with charming lights  and glowing lanterns along historic streets.

•  Dates: November 21 – December 27 
• Tickets: Free to stroll; some events ticketed

Holiday Light Parade 

Charleston, SC

See the city’s waterfront streets come alive with floats, lights, and festive music.

• Dates: Sunday, December 7
• Tickets: Free

Home for the Holidays 

Hendersonville, NC 

A small-town favorite with glowing trees, festive  music, and charming displays along Main Street

• Dates: November 28 – December 31
• Tickets: Free