When it’s cold outside and you need a little holiday cheer, there is nothing better than festive displays of Christmas lights in North Carolina. Not only are the lights beautiful and even magical. There’s just something about them that makes you feel like a kid again. It’s one of our favorite holiday traditions each year and we try to take in as many as we can. Here are our top picks for viewing Christmas lights in and within an easy drive from Black Mountain, NC.
The Circle of Lights at Lake Tomahawk kicks off the holiday season of lights for us in Black Mountain, NC. This annual holiday tradition takes place right after the Christmas Parade downtown on Saturday, December 3rd. Enjoy complimentary sweets and warm drinks from Four Sisters Bakery! After you’ve picked up your refreshments, enjoy a luminary walk around the lake. Don’t forget to dress warm!
Here are our picks for Christmas Light Shows this year within a drive from Black Mountain, NC.
NC Arboretum Winter Lights in Asheville, NC | November 18 – December 31, 2022 Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
McAdenville, NC Christmas Town USA | December 1 – 26 Yes, it is actually, named Christmas Town USA located just outside of the Charlotte, NC area. #4 in USA Today’s 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Display for two consecutive years 2020 and 2021. 2022 marks the 67th year of the McAdenville Christmas lights, with nearly 300 trees decorated with lights and ranging in height from 6 feet to more than 90 feet.
Forest City Christmas in Forest City, NC | November 24 – January 2 The Town of Forest City continues the tradition of over one million Christmas lights along historic Main Street in 2022. Voted the #1 Christmas town in the greater Asheville, NC area.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights in Arden, NC | December 1 – December 23 This is the 21st year visitors can expect the drive circling Lake Julian Park to transform into a magical journey of animated and stationary light displays.
Dillsboro Luminaries in Dillsboro, NC | Fridays & Saturdays December, 2, 3, 9, 10 Journey back to the days of yesteryear as Dillsboro presents its annual Lights and Luminaries. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios.
The ELF’s Holiday Light Show in Hendersonville, NC | November 24- January 8 In their 3rd year and continuing to add new displays and additions to the show this year.
Winterfest & Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Tryon NC | November 17 – January 1 Enjoy, 2 miles of Christmas lights as part of Tryon Winterfest. This year they will also have a Tryon Resort ice skating rink as a new addition to Winterfest Village along with a carousel, shopping, and live performances.
No list would be complete without mentioning the Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas evenings in Asheville, just 20 minutes from Black Mountain, NC
November 4, 2022 – January 7, 2023 A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcomes you to a home filled with thousands of ornaments reflecting the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The entire estate is magical this time of year and worth the extra costs of the evening visit, but plan for extra time and drive-thru Antler Village as well to see the displays and Christmas Shop.
So, pack up the car and experience the magic of Christmas lights this season.
Know of a place that is not on our list? Drop us a note at our contact us.
