To highlight the upcoming holiday season, festivals typically pop up in an effort to light the dark winter afternoons and provide fun activities as a community event. North Carolina is home to many of its own festival that lets them bring their own holiday flair to this time of year
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
We start with our most local festival which had an impressive average of 55,000 vehicles visited Tanglewood and approximately 300,000 visitors last year at the Festival of Lights in Tanglewood. This year at Tanglewood, you can see the Festival of Lights from Nov. 15 till Jan. 1. This festival has over 70 attractions and displays for participants’ viewing pleasure. The Festival of Lights is a classic celebration of the early winter and Christmas seasons that can be attended for a crisp $20.
Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center
The Greensboro Science Center is putting on its own luminescent show including over one million lights and bonus activities such as the center’s indoor and outdoor zoo, snow machines, indoor sock skating and even a carousel. Slide into this fun holiday festival for a mere $15 on Nov. 20 and Jan. 5 at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. respectively.
Meadow Lights at Benson NC
Even after having started over 40 years ago, Meadow Lights is a family-operated light display with over 30 acres of lights. This classic family tradition includes an opportunity to meet Santa Clause himself and even enjoy a train ride through 10 of the 30 acres of this whimsical light show. This festival is on Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. and Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. for $3.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Celebrate the Lights & Luminaries at Dillsboro with live music, buggy rides and holiday joy. The town of Dillsboro is lightened up by the 2500 candles and twinkling lights. The tradition started in 1983 and its annual holiday spirit still shines bright. This event is live on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 from 5-9 p.m. for completely free.
Once the leaves are all gone and there is a cold chill in the air make sure to visit a light show for an experience of holiday spirit and cheer.
