North Carolina has spectacular Christmas events from The Biltmore’s Christmas displays to drive-through lights at Tanglewood. But in case you didn’t want to trek across the entire Tar Heel State to see Christmas lights, we picked the top light displays around the area, or within an hour’s drive. Here are our favorite Christmas light destinations:
Enchanted Airlie
I don’t think there is a bad time to visit Airlie Gardens. The springtime flowers are a bucket-list must-see, but the fall is glorious too, and the winter has a stillness we love. And during December, they completely transform these private gardens on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway in Wrightsville Beach into a walk-through Christmas light celebration. Wind through paths of twinkling crab pots and see their famous oak trees and Spanish Moss glow with different colors. Kids of all ages love to hang around the singing Christmas trees, and adults will love the beer refreshment tent. Tickets for this event are pre-sale only. Visit their website to learn more.
Lake Linda’s Lights
This free drive-through light show started as a way for a family to spread Christmas cheer. The family behind the lights just wanted to find Christmas lights near Surf City for their children to see, so they started making their own. Founder Mike’s mother (Linda) also got involved. She asked they wrap her neighboring camper in lights too. Soon there were thousands of lights and the fun continued as a way to support Linda in battling cancer. In 2020, the family appeared on an episode of ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” While the drive-through is free, be sure to give a donation. Donations go to local organizations in the family’s mission to keep faith at the center of Christmas. Learn more here.
Poplar Grove’s All is Bright
While Enchanted Airlie tickets are growing increasingly difficult to secure for families each year, Poplar Grove’s Christmas lights are wowing their ticket holders. Patriot Illumination lit the grounds with tens of thousands of lights and lighted scenes.
Admission includes a glimpse of the decorated manor house, an arts and crafts show, photo opportunities, Santa’s mailbox to post letters to the North Pole, and a USO writing station to send warm wishes to military men and women serving abroad. On select days there is a balloon maker and on Saturday evenings, Santa visits from 6 to 8 p.m. Food trucks, concessions, and libations hall include the Salty Turtle along with bonfires for tasting marshmallows.
Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights Hayride
The drive out to Beulaville is totally worth it for this twinkling hayride. Enjoy a 30-minute hayride through the woods with lit holiday scenes, live nativity, and Christmas music. The ride runs nightly from Nov. 17th through Dec. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. No advanced reservations are required, though tickets can be purchased at the farm. Browse through the NC Barn for gifts and purchase treats in the bakery shop. Dinner reservations at the buffet are currently booked through the holidays, though cancellations do occur. During the holidays, Mike’s Farm also hosts Supper with Santa, a performance by the Wilmington Celebration Choir, and a Ho! Ho! Christmas Show, though those events are currently sold out for 2022.
The Great Christmas Light Show
There are no advanced reservations required for this drive-through event, but you do have to drive to North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy more than 2 million lights along a 2-mile drive through North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. With more than 500 displays custom-made for the show, visitors can experience animated lights. After the show, park your car and visit Santa’s on select nights with hot chocolate and s’mores.
Jeff Gordon Chevy
It isn’t Christmastime in Wilmington until Jeff Gordon Chevy has the full-light display put up! Drive by the dealership (and through the dealership) and tune your radio accordingly to enjoy this musical, visual light show.
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