Close Menu
  • Homepage
  • ADVENTURE
  • PLACES
  • EVENTS
  • FOOD
What's Hot

Top Seafood Restaurants in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Irresistible Dessert Stops in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Vibrant Cultural Festivals Celebrating Carolina Heritage

March 22, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
best in carolinasbest in carolinas
  • Homepage
  • TERMS OF USE
  • ABOUT
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • CONTACT US
  • Homepage
  • ADVENTURE
  • PLACES
  • EVENTS
  • FOOD
best in carolinasbest in carolinas
Home»EVENTS»Dazzling Holiday Light Displays in the Carolinas
EVENTS

Dazzling Holiday Light Displays in the Carolinas

adminBy adminMarch 22, 2025No Comments2 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Copy Link

Holiday lights turn the Carolinas into a winter wonderland, with North and South Carolina hosting displays that dazzle kids and adults alike. From drive-throughs to walkable glow-ups, these events light up the season. Here are the brightest for 2025.

1. NC Chinese Lantern Festival – Cary, NC

Late November to January, Koka Booth Amphitheatre glows with 36 giant silk lanterns—dragons, pandas, and more. Artisans from China craft them live, paired with acrobats and food stalls. Over 150,000 saw it in 2024 ($25 adults). Best for: cultural sparkle.

2. Tanglewood Festival of Lights – Clemmons, NC

Mid-November to New Year’s, this 5-mile drive-through in Tanglewood Park boasts 1 million lights—reindeers, snowmen, and a twinkling tunnel. S’mores stands and Santa visits add cheer. It’s $20 per car, drawing 50,000 annually. Best for: classic car cruise vibes.

3. Riverbanks Zoo Lights Before Christmas – Columbia, SC

Late November to December, Riverbanks Zoo shines with 60 animated displays—think leaping frogs and glowing giraffes. Sip cocoa, ride the carousel, and snap pics with 400,000 lights. Tickets ($12) sell fast for its 35th year. Best for: family fun with animals.

4. Speedway Christmas – Concord, NC

Mid-November to January, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 4-mile drive-through packs 3 million lights—arches, trees, and a 50-foot Ferris wheel. The infield Christmas Village has movies and ice skating. It’s $35 per car, a hit with 100,000 visitors. Best for: mega-scale dazzle.

Why They Glow

Lanterns bring art, Tanglewood’s cozy, Zoo’s playful, and Speedway’s massive—each lights up the holidays Carolina-style.

See Them

Catch Cary’s Lanterns (15 minutes from Raleigh), Tanglewood (10 minutes from Winston-Salem), Zoo in Columbia (central SC), and Speedway in Concord (20 minutes from Charlotte). Bundle up—nights get brisk!

Which display’s your fave? Tell us below!

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
admin
  • Website

Related Posts

Vibrant Cultural Festivals Celebrating Carolina Heritage

March 22, 2025

Epic Summer Concerts in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Tastiest Food Festivals in North and South Carolina

March 22, 2025
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Don't Miss
FOOD

Top Seafood Restaurants in the Carolinas

The Carolinas’ seafood game is unmatched—fresh catches turned into plates that sing. North and South…

Irresistible Dessert Stops in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Vibrant Cultural Festivals Celebrating Carolina Heritage

March 22, 2025

Best Fishing Holes in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025
Top Posts

Top Seafood Restaurants in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Must-Try BBQ Joints in North and South Carolina

March 22, 2025

Hottest Music Festivals in the Carolinas for 2025

March 22, 2025

Prime Hiking Trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains

March 22, 2025
About Us
About Us

Discover the best of North and South Carolina—top places, food, events, and adventures await. Your go-to guide for Carolina living, from coastal shores to mountain peaks. Explore our curated picks and uncover what makes the Carolinas shine.

We’re open to new partnerships—feature your business or event with us!

Email Us: info@bestincarolinas.com

Our Picks

Top Seafood Restaurants in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Irresistible Dessert Stops in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Vibrant Cultural Festivals Celebrating Carolina Heritage

March 22, 2025
Most Popular

Top Seafood Restaurants in the Carolinas

March 22, 2025

Must-Try BBQ Joints in North and South Carolina

March 22, 2025

Hottest Music Festivals in the Carolinas for 2025

March 22, 2025
  • Homepage
  • TERMS OF USE
  • ABOUT
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • CONTACT US

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.