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!
