A Family Night Out at the NC Holiday Lights Spectacular in Charlotte
By the time we pulled into Ballantyne’s Backyard, the Charlotte air had that unmistakable November bite — just cold enough to make you wish you’d packed one more layer, but perfect for a night of holiday lights.
This was our family’s first visit to the NC Holiday Lights Spectacular, now in its fourth year, and I can see why everyone keeps talking about it. It runs from November 28 through December 30, 2025, open nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. (closing early Christmas Eve and taking Christmas Day off).
We came prepared: four coats, two pairs of gloves, and one mom on a mission for hot cocoa. Even with the chill settling into our faces and fingers, the moment we walked through the gates, it felt like we’d stepped inside a storybook.
We opted for the Holiday Lights Spectacular VIP tickets which included bottomless mugs of hot chocolate!
A Warm Welcome (and Warmer Cocoa)
We splurged for VIP tickets this year — mostly because I’ve learned that clean restrooms and a place to thaw out are worth every penny. The Ho Ho Glow Lodge lived up to its name with heaters, comfy chairs, and a separate entrance that saved us from the longer lines. Each of us received a souvenir mug for unlimited hot chocolate refills, and within minutes, the first sip had me feeling human again.
The Trail of Lights
The paved loop stretches about half a mile, filled with over a million twinkling lights and more than 25 interactive displays. Early in the evening, the crowd was thick, but once we got going, it thinned enough to enjoy the scenery. We stopped often — partly to take photos, partly because the lights just drew you in.
The kids talked me into buying the magical snowflake wands, which activate certain displays with a wave. I’ll admit it: they were right. The lights blinked to life, the music changed, and for a few minutes, all four of us were kids again.
New Additions This Year
This year’s upgrades make the experience feel fresh, even for repeat visitors:
- A Winter Wonderland Carnival with a Ferris Wheel, a kiddie coaster, and a giant slide that made even the teens grin.
- “40% more show features,” including new scenes, oversized snow globes, and live ballerina performances every night.
- Concrete and decked paths — stroller-friendly and wheelchair-safe.
- Santa on site nightly through December 23, plus an Ice Castle, a Princess Carriage, and a cozy Holiday Village with pop-up boutiques and food trucks.
Even if you stick with general admission, you’ll still get the full lights experience, access to the Holiday Village, and plenty of cocoa for purchase.
Warming Up and Winding Down
By the time we circled back toward the Holiday Village, our toes were numb, our cocoa mugs were half-empty, and our hearts were full. Inside the village, we browsed a few booths, listened to live holiday music, and watched the ballerinas twirl inside those giant snow globes — one of the most charming touches of the whole night.
The VIP lounge was a lifesaver when my teens hit their “I’m done” phase. We found seats near a propane fire pit (no smoke, thank goodness), refilled our mugs, and warmed up before heading out.
A Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping
What I loved most wasn’t just the scale of the lights or the carnival rides — it was the feeling. The scent of pine and cinnamon, the sound of carols drifting through the trees, and the way everyone seemed just a little lighter, a little more connected.
If you’re looking for something new to do with your family this season, the NC Holiday Lights Spectacular might be it. Bundle up, bring your camera, and give yourself permission to linger. You’ll leave with warm hands, tired feet, and a little extra holiday spirit — which, these days, feels like the best gift of all.
