Holiday Light Shows in the Triad 2025 – Your Complete Guide to Christmas Magic in North Carolina
Get ready to sparkle and shine! The 2025 holiday light shows in the Triad are back and brighter than ever! From Greensboro to Winston-Salem, High Point and beyond, families all across the Triad are gearing up for a season filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and heartwarming traditions. Whether you’re searching for a drive-through Christmas light show, a walk-through winter wonderland, or simply want to discover the best holiday lights near you, this guide has it all.
We’ve gathered the top holiday light displays in the Triad and surrounding areas, complete with event dates, locations and ticket info to make your visit merry and bright. From community favorites that return every year to new displays that will leave you in awe, there’s something for every age and every budget.
So bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and make lasting memories with your loved ones. The Triad is glowing with holiday spirit — and these light shows are the perfect way to celebrate the most magical time of the year!
Be sure to check this list often! We’ll keep it updated as more parade details roll in. Hosting a holiday parade or want to promote yours? Email kodia@triadmomsonmain.com to have it featured on our site!
On-Going Holiday Lighting Productions
Best Drive‑Through Light Shows & Seasonal Spectacles
Tanglewood Festival of Lights – Clemmons
One of the Triad’s must‑see drive‑through light experiences with more than a million lights over a 5‑mile route.
Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC
Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026
6pm–11pm most nights
Details here: Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights
Tips: Go on weekdays to avoid weekend wait times. Don’t miss the S’mores!
Christmas Light Spectacular – Walnut Cove
A seasonal drive‑through show with twinkling lights and holiday cheer in the foothills north of the Triad.
Dates/Times: Select dates from Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2025
Location: Armstrong Artisan Farm, 1499 Brook Cove Road, Walnut Cove
Details here: https://www.facebook.com/armstrongartisanfarm
Christmas Wonderland of Lights
Dates/Times: Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026 Sunday-Thursday 6pm-9pm & Friday-Saturday 6pm-10pm
Location: Zootastic Park, Troutman, NC
Details here: zootasticpark.com/christmas/
Holiday Train & Themed Experiences
Polar Express™ Train Ride – NC Transportation Museum
Experience the magical journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express™ — complete with holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies, songs, and a special gift for every believer.
Location: NC Transportation Museum, Spencer, NC
Dates/Times: Nov. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30; Dec. 5-7, 11-23
Details here: nctransportationmuseum.org/the-polar-express-train-ride
Pro Tip for Families: Check out our full Polar Express blog for tips on distracting kiddos before the North Pole scene, wearing pajamas for extra fun, and why Parlor Class is worth the extra cost.
Polar Express Train Ride – Great Smoky Mountains
Dates/Times: Nov. 6 – Dec. 31, 2025
Location: Bryson City, NC
Details here: gsmr.com/events/polar-express/
Tweetsie Christmas
Dates/Times: Select Evenings Nov. 28 – Dec. 30, 2025 starting at 5 pm
Location: Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock
Details here: tweetsie.com/special-events/tweetsie-christmas/
Country Christmas Train
Dates/Times: Select dates Nov. 28, 2025 – Dec. 23, 2025
Location: Denton Farmpark
Details here: fTickets | 2024 Annual Country Christmas Train in Denton, NC | iTickets
Other Notable Holiday Light Shows Nearby
Winter Wonderlights – Greensboro Science Center
Walk through an enchanting display with over a million twinkling lights across zoo and aquarium exhibits — perfect for holiday family photo ops.
Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro, NC
Nov 19, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
5pm–10pm nightly
Details here: greensboroscience.org/winterwonderlights
Winter Glow at The Point – High Point
A dazzling lights display at Truist Point Stadium featuring themed decorations and seasonal activities.
Dates/Times: Nov 23 – Jan 4, 2025
Info: https://visithighpoint.com/winter-glow-at-the-point/
Winter WonderPark – High Point City Lake Park
Free holiday light displays and fun family activities — perfect for early evening visits.
Location: High Point City Lake Park 602 W. Main Street, Jamestown, NC
Dates/Times: Sunday, December 7, Fridays, December 12, 19, Saturdays, December 13, 20 4 – 8 p.m.
Info: https://www.highpointnc.gov/3125/Winter-WonderPark
Celebration of Lights
Dates/Times: November 15-December 30 (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Open 6-9 p.m. Sundays thru Thursdays; 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Location: Kannapolis Village Park at 700 West C Street
Details here: kannapolisnc.gov/Government-Departments
High Country Lights at Felts Park
Dates/Times: November 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026; Starting nightly at 6pm
Location: 601 S. Main Street, Galax, VA
Details here: highcountrylights.com
Holiday Lights at The Farm Dobson
Dates/Times: Select dates, Nov. 28 – Dec. 28, 2025; 4 pm – 10 pm
Location: 769 Bray Ford Rd Dobson, NC 27017
Details here: www.letsgotothefarm.com
Kersey Valley Christmas
An immersive holiday lights experience with Santa, Grinch appearances, shopping, and interactive festivities.
Dates/Times: Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2025
Location: Kersey Valley, Archdale
Details here: kerseyvalleychristmas.com/christmas-experience
Spectacular Holiday Blooms
Dates/Times: Nov. 29 – Dec. 21, 2025; 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Location: Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, Kernersville
Details here: Spectacular Holiday Blooms | PJCBG (cienerbotanicalgarden.org)
Sunset Hills in Greensboro
Dates/Times: Lights usually go up after Thanksgiving
Location: Neighborhood decorated with lots of enormous lighted Christmas balls
Neighborhood website here: sunsethillsneighborhood.org
Christmas Town USA (about 1.5 to 2 hours south of the Triad)
Dates/Times: Dec. 1 – Dec. 26, 2025, 5:30 to 10 pm weeknights and weekends
Location: 100 Main Street, McAdenville
Details here: mcadenville-christmastown.com/
Christmas Festival
Dates/Times: Dec. 11–14 and 18-23, 2025
Location: McLaurin Farms, 5601 N. Church Street, Greensboro
Details here: mclaurinfarms.com/christmas-festival/
Winter Wonder Woods
Dates/Times: Dec. 11 – 13, 2025 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Covenant Church (1526 Skeet Club Rd, High Point)
Details here: Winter Wonder Woods
Christmas with the Kringles
Dates/Times:
Peppermint Alley
Dates/Times: TBD
Location: Alley next to Boxcar Arcade, 120 W. Lewis Street
Details here: downtowngreensboro.org/downtown-in-december/events/peppermint-alley
Local Holiday Events That Complement Light Shows
In addition to major shows, the Triad offers festive events that make great holiday evening outings:
Festival of Lights (Downtown Greensboro)
Date: December 5, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Location: Center City Park, Greensboro
Details here: downtowngreensboro.org/downtown-in-december/events/festival-of-lights/
Tree Lighting & Trifecta
Date: November 7, 2025 from 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: Childress Vineyards
Details here: Tree Lighting & Trifecta – November 7, 2025 | Visit Winston Salem
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Kannapolis
Date: Nov. 15, 2025 at 6 pm
Location: Village Park, 700 West C St, Kannapolis
Details here: kannapolisnc.gov/Government-Departments/Parks-Recreation/Kannapolis-Christmas
Light Up Downtown (North Wilkesboro)
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 from 6 to 9 PM.
Location: Downtown North Wilkesboro
Details here: Light Up Downtown N. Wilkesboro
Lighting of the Green
Date: November 21, 2025 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Town of Gibsonville
Details here: P+R Special events — Town of Gibsonville NC
Summerfield Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Nov. 22, 2025 at 5:30pm
Location: 5200 US-220 N, Summerfield, NC 27358
Details here: Summerfield Christmas Tree Lighting
Holiday Market & Tree Lighting
Date: Nov. 22, 2025 from 2pm to 7pm
Location: 500 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC
Details here: Holiday Market | 500wfifth
Tree Lighting & Holiday Fireworks Show
Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 from 3 – 8 pm
Location: Truist Point in High Point
Details here: hpholidayparty.com/tree-lighting
Lexington Christmas Open House
Date: November 23, 2025 at 1 pm
Location: Uptown Lexington
Details here: (5) Uptown Lexington 2025 Christmas Open House | Facebook
Pittsboro Holly Days Tree Lighting
Date: Nov. 23, 2025 festivities start at 3 pm – 6 pm
Location: Downtown Pittsboro
Details here: Holly Days 2025, Pittsboro Tree Lighting | Facebook
Clemmons Annual Tree Lighting
Date: December 2, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Location: Village of Clemmons
Details here: Village of Clemmons Annual Tree Lighting | Facebook
Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa
Date: December 5, 2025 at 7 pm
Location: Shallowford Square, Lewisville
Details here: lewisvillenc.net/lewisvilles-special-events
Light Up Elkin
Date: December 5, 2025 from 5 pm to 9 pm
Location: Downtown Elkin
Details here: lightupelkin.com
Winterfest Opening Night Celebration
Date: December 5, 2025 from 5 pm
Location: 460 S Salisbury Ave, Spencer
Details here: Opening Ceremony + Tree Lighting – Winterfest (spencerexperience.org)
Yadkinville Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Date: December 5, 2025 at 6pm
Location: Downtown Yadkinville
Details here: yadkinville.org/residents-visitors/special-events/christmas-tree-lighting-and-parade
Downtown Christmas Stroll & Tree Lighting
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10 am to 6 pm (Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 pm)
Location: Downtown Madison
Details here: https://madisonnc.govoffice3.com/index.asp?SEC=0C92CD22-CC66-435F-9740-F3F5AB0C61F8&Type=B_PR&pri=0
Light Up the Night (Oak Ridge)
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge Town Park
Details here: https://www.oakridgenc.com/index.asp?SEC=75516C32-4B91-4FEE-B933-66F0D305A265
Archdale Community Christmas
Date:December 6, 2025 from 4 to 8 pm
Location: Creekside Park
Details here: archdale-nc.gov/449/Be-the-Light-Holiday-Event
Pilot Mountain’s Tree Lighting & Parade
Date: December 6, 2025 – Tree Lighting at 5:30pm and Parade starts at 6pm
Location: Downtown Pilot Mountain
Details here: Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting | Pilot Mountain, NC
Kernersville Tree Lighting
Date:December 6, 2025 from 6 to 7:30 pm
Location: Harmon Park, Kernersville
Details here: Kernersville Christmas Tree Lighting
Rural Hall 2nd Annual Luminary Display
Date: Dec 13th, 2025 at 6 pm
Location: Broad St, Rural Hall
Details here: (2) Rural Hall 2nd Annual Luminary Display | Facebook
Holiday Magic in Downtown Burlington
Date: December 13, 2025 from 4 pm to 7 pm
Location: Historic Depot & Amphitheater
Details here: (3) Holiday Magic in Downtown Burlington | Facebook
Holiday Drone Light Show
Date:Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 6:30om
Location: WS Dash/Truist Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC
Details here: https://www.milb.com/winston-salem
Christmas in the Park
Date: December 22, 2025 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Location: Burlington City Park
Details here: (3) Christmas in the Park | Facebook
City Holiday Parades
Our Holiday Parades guide has all the dates and locations across the Triad — from Burlington to Winston‑Salem and beyond.
On Going Holiday Light Events
Carowinds WinterFest — Charlotte, NC
One of the most magical holiday amusement park experiences in the Carolinas, Carowinds WinterFest lights up the night with millions of dazzling lights, eight live holiday shows, seasonal treats, and family-friendly rides all set within a festive, Christmas-themed wonderland.
Location: Carowinds Amusement Park, Charlotte, NC
Dates/Times: Select nights from Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
Want the full scoop? Read our dedicated blog: Ultimate Guide to Carowinds WinterFest 2025
Speedway Christmas
Dates/Times: Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 (Check website for specific closure dates); 6 pm – 10 pm
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Details here: charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/speedway
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
A brand‑new drive‑through light show for 2025 featuring oversized snow globes, ballerina displays, and a holiday village with shops and food trucks. Santa is on‑site most nights through Dec 23, adding to the festive fun for families.
Website: North Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
Nov 28 – Dec 30, 2025
Holidays at the Garden – Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Christmas Lights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features Light displays, trackless train rides, live music, and Santa visits make this a fun stop for families.
Dates/Times: Select dates Nov. 28, 2025 – Dec. 27, 2025; 5 pm – 10 pm
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont
Details here: dsbg.org/visit/holidays-at-the-garden
One Time Holiday Light Events
Christmas Town USA Tree Lighting (about 1.5 to 2 hours south of the Triad)
Date: December 1, 2025 at 5:30pm
Location: 102 Main Street, McAdenville
Details here: mcadenville-christmastown.com/
PLEASE NOTE:
- We have all of these events also listed on our event page HERE.
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- Want your event added to this list or our calendar page? Click here.
Pro Tips to Boost Your Visit
✔ Plan early: Many popular light shows sell out or fill up fast on weekends.
✔ Bundle experiences: Pair drive‑through lights with walk‑through shows and local events like parades or Polar Express rides for a full festive day.
Check out our neighborhood holiday lights guide too
Where to See Santa in the Triad
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