Tanglewood Festival of Lights 2026: Dates, Prices & Tips
Looking for Christmas lights in the Triad? The Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons, NC, returns November 13, 2026, through January 1, 2027, bringing more than one million LED lights, festive holiday displays, and family-friendly traditions to the area. This popular drive-through Christmas light show is a favorite holiday activity for families in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and throughout the Piedmont Triad.
Whether you’re planning your family’s first visit or making the Festival of Lights an annual tradition, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 dates, ticket prices, discount nights, special experiences, and tips for making the most of your visit.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights 2026: Quick Facts
- Dates: November 13, 2026–January 1, 2027
- Hours: 6–11 p.m. daily
- Location: Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
- Admission: $20 cash or $23 card on Monday–Thursday; $25 cash or $28 card on Friday–Sunday for family vehicles
- Experience: Drive-through Christmas lights with more than one million LED lights
- Family extras: Gift Village, S’moresville, horse-drawn carriage rides, and tractor-pulled hayrides
- Official website: Tanglewood Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights is located in Clemmons, just west of Winston-Salem, and is an easy holiday outing for families across the Triad.
When Is Tanglewood Festival of Lights in 2026?
The 2026 Tanglewood Festival of Lights runs from Friday, November 13, 2026, through Friday, January 1, 2027.
The display is open nightly from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., giving families plenty of opportunities to experience the lights throughout the holiday season.
The drive-through route features more than one million LED lights arranged into colorful holiday scenes, storybook displays, and festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy the show from the warmth of their own vehicle, making it a convenient Christmas activity for families with children of different ages.
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Greensboro or Winston-Salem during November and December, Tanglewood is a great addition to your holiday bucket list.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights Ticket Prices for 2026
Admission is charged per vehicle rather than per person, making the Festival of Lights an affordable option for families traveling together.
Family Vehicle Admission
| Day | Cash Price | Card Price |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | $20 | $23 |
| Friday–Sunday | $25 | $28 |
These rates apply to family vehicles, including cars, vans, and trucks.
Commercial Vehicle Admission
| Day | Cash Price | Card Price |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | $45 | $48 |
| Friday–Sunday | $50 | $53 |
These rates apply to commercial vans, limousines, and minibuses.
Bus and Motorcoach Admission
| Day | Cash Price | Card Price |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | $115 | $118 |
| Friday–Sunday | $120 | $123 |
These rates apply to buses and motorcoaches.
Money-saving tip: If your schedule allows, plan your visit for a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Family vehicle admission is $5 less when paying cash than the regular weekend cash rate.
The park accepts cash and major credit cards for admission. Check the official Festival of Lights website before leaving home in case details change.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights Discount Nights 2026
Looking for an even more affordable way to enjoy Christmas lights near Winston-Salem? Tanglewood has announced four discount nights for the 2026 season.
2026 discount nights:
- Monday, November 16
- Tuesday, November 17
- Monday, November 23
- Tuesday, November 24
On these dates, family vehicles cost just $10 cash or $13 by card.
Discount admission for commercial vehicles is $25 cash or $28 by card, while buses and motorcoaches cost $80 cash or $83 by card.
These dates are especially worth considering if you’re planning an affordable family outing during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
Keep in mind that discount nights may attract additional visitors because of the lower prices. Check current traffic conditions before heading out.
What to Expect at Tanglewood Festival of Lights
One of the reasons Tanglewood remains a favorite holiday tradition is that the experience is about more than simply driving past Christmas lights.
A Drive-Through Christmas Light Show
The main attraction is the illuminated route through Tanglewood Park, featuring more than one million LED lights and a variety of holiday and storybook scenes.
You can enjoy the displays from your own vehicle, making it a comfortable option on chilly December evenings. Kids can look for their favorite holiday characters and colorful scenes while listening to Christmas music along the way.
It’s also a fun activity for grandparents, visiting relatives, and families who want to start a holiday tradition without spending an entire evening outdoors.
The Festival of Lights Gift Village
About halfway through the route, look for the Gift Village at the Red Barn.
The Gift Village features holiday crafts, specialty foods, handmade gifts from local artisans, and the annual Festival of Lights ornament. It’s a fun place to stop and browse for a unique Christmas gift or souvenir.
The Gift Shop accepts cash and major credit cards.
For 2026, the park has also announced daytime holiday market hours from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on select Saturdays: November 28, December 5, and December 12. Check the official website for the latest details.
S’moresville
A stop at S’moresville is a fun way to add a sweet treat to your visit.
This popular experience lets visitors roast marshmallows at the Festival of Lights Gift Village. Roasting sticks, marshmallows, and s’mores kits are available for purchase on-site.
Visitors may not bring their own roasting sticks or food items for roasting, so plan to purchase what you need there.
For families with kids, this is a fun way to make the evening feel like more than a drive through Christmas lights.
Can You Take a Hayride or Carriage Ride at Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
Yes! If you’d like a different way to experience the holiday displays, Tanglewood offers both tractor-pulled hayrides and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
For a memorable holiday experience, reserve a traditional white carriage drawn by a Percheron horse.
- Cost: $110 per carriage, plus Festival of Lights admission
- Capacity: Up to four guests
- Payment: Cash or check
- Reservations: Required
Carriage rides are popular and availability is limited, so call Tanglewood Stables early to make arrangements.
Tractor-Pulled Hayrides
A tractor-pulled hayride is another fun way to see the Christmas displays with family or friends.
- Cost: $190 per hayride, plus Festival of Lights admission
- Reservations: Required
- Payment: Cash or check
For either experience, contact Tanglewood Stables at 336-766-9540 to ask about availability and reservations.
These experiences are particularly worth considering if you’re planning a larger family outing or want to celebrate a special occasion during the holiday season. Confirm all details with the park before booking.
Tips for Visiting Tanglewood Festival of Lights With Kids
A little planning can make your trip to the Tanglewood Festival of Lights much easier, especially if you’re visiting with younger children.
1. Consider a Weeknight Visit
Friday and Saturday evenings can be popular times for holiday light shows. If you have flexibility, consider visiting Monday through Thursday to take advantage of lower regular admission prices and potentially avoid some peak-period traffic.
2. Check Traffic Before You Leave
Traffic is one of the biggest factors to consider when planning your visit. Check the official Tanglewood Festival of Lights website for its traffic cameras and current visitor information before heading out.
Build extra time into your plans, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or near Christmas.
3. Bring Snacks and Drinks for the Drive
If you’re visiting with young children, consider bringing snacks and drinks for the car. You may spend additional time in traffic, and having something on hand can help keep everyone comfortable.
Save room for a stop at S’moresville if your family wants a holiday treat!
4. Dress for the Weather
You’ll be in your vehicle for much of the experience, but you’ll want warm layers if you plan to get out at the Gift Village or enjoy s’mores.
Check the forecast before you leave and bring jackets for everyone.
5. Make a Bathroom Stop Before Joining the Line
If you’re traveling with toddlers or preschoolers, a bathroom stop before entering the event can help prevent last-minute stress.
It’s also a good idea to make sure everyone has eaten and is comfortable before you join the line of vehicles.
6. Use the Correct Entrance
The official entrance to the Festival of Lights is off NC Highway 158 (Clemmons Road).
Some GPS services may direct visitors toward the Idols Road entrance, which is not the correct entrance for the event. Enter the main address into your navigation app, follow the official directions, and pay attention to event signage as you approach the park.
Address: 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012.
Where Is Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights takes place at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, North Carolina, just west of Winston-Salem and convenient to I-40.
Address: Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012.
From Winston-Salem, take I-40 West toward Clemmons and follow the signs for Tanglewood Park. The official park website provides additional directions from both the east and west.
If you’re coming from Greensboro, High Point, or another part of the Triad, allow extra travel time during peak holiday traffic.
For navigation, use the main Clemmons Road entrance rather than the park’s back entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanglewood Festival of Lights
How much does Tanglewood Festival of Lights cost in 2026?
For family vehicles, admission is $20 cash or $23 by card Monday through Thursday, and $25 cash or $28 by card Friday through Sunday. Four special discount nights offer family vehicle admission for $10 cash or $13 by card.
What are the dates for Tanglewood Festival of Lights in 2026?
The 2026–2027 season runs November 13, 2026, through January 1, 2027. The display is scheduled to open nightly from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
How long does it take to drive through Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
The total time can vary depending on traffic, arrival time, and how busy the event is. Allow extra time during peak holiday evenings, and check the official traffic cameras before leaving. The park does not guarantee a specific drive-through duration.
Is Tanglewood Festival of Lights good for toddlers and young children?
Yes! Because it’s a drive-through event, children can enjoy the Christmas displays from the comfort of the family vehicle. Families can also visit the Gift Village and purchase s’mores for roasting.
Can you get out of your car at Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
The primary experience is a drive-through light show. Visitors can stop at designated areas such as the Gift Village to explore additional offerings. Follow event staff instructions and posted rules throughout your visit.
Can you bring a dog to Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
The regular drive-through experience is designed around vehicles. Tanglewood also hosts Paws in the Park, a separate dog-friendly walking event scheduled for November 9 and 10, 2026. Check the official event page for registration details and pet policies.
Are there bathrooms or food at Tanglewood Festival of Lights?
The Gift Village offers specialty foods and seasonal concessions, and S’moresville provides an opportunity to roast marshmallows. Check with the park for current facilities and available concessions, and plan ahead if you’re visiting with young children.
Is Tanglewood Festival of Lights open on Christmas Day?
The published 2026 season runs through January 1, with daily operating hours listed as 6–11 p.m. Check the official website for any holiday-specific operating updates before making plans.
More Christmas Activities in the Triad
If you’re planning a full holiday bucket list, there are plenty of other Christmas light displays and seasonal events to explore around Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the surrounding Triad.
- Holiday Light Shows for Family Fun in the Triad: Explore more Christmas light displays and holiday lighting events in the area.
- Day Trip to Tanglewood Park, NC: Learn more about the park and its year-round activities.
- Things to Do in Winston-Salem, NC, With Kids: Find more family-friendly outings near Tanglewood.
Bookmark this page for your holiday planning, and check back for updates as the 2026 season approaches.
Event dates, prices, hours, and activities are based on information published by Forsyth County for the 2026–2027 season. Details can change, so confirm information on the official Tanglewood Festival of Lights website before visiting.
Updated by Sarah Marchwiany Oct 19, 2026