Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Winter Lights transforms the gardens with an illuminated walk-through experience featuring more than one million lights along a one-mile trail. Guests can explore immersive displays such as glowing mushrooms on the Forest Floor, illuminated lily pads in Beneath the Riverbed, and giant dragonflies. The event also offers nightly live music performances alongside festive treats like hot cocoa and s'mores.
What to Expect
Walk-through holiday display featuring over one million lights in garden settings.
Event Details
Duration
At least one full hour is recommended.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The North Carolina Arboretum
Food & Drink
Festive treats include cocoa and s’mores.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Enchanted and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Tickets are priced per vehicle. Arboretum Society members receive $5 off advance tickets; gate prices increase by $10–$15. – Get tickets
- Parking: Standard parking fees apply; members receive free parking. Designated accessible parking spaces are available.
- Accessibility: Displays are best viewed from paved pathways throughout the gardens, designated accessible parking is available, and a limited supply of loaner wheelchairs is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted; service dogs as defined by the ADA are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online ahead of time, because Winter Lights evenings sell out and gate tickets are sold only if there's room, at a higher price.
- If your dates are flexible, pick a Value night, because ticket prices follow demand and the less popular dates cost less.
- Don't line up early; come at the entry time on your ticket, because the Arboretum asks guests to wait for their ticketed time.
- If you use a wheelchair, bring your own, because only a few loaner wheelchairs are available, first-come, first-served.
- Book the Winter Lights Trolley from Biltmore Park Town Square if you'd rather skip the lines, since the show gets busy and there can be waits.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: 'Forest Floor', where glowing mushrooms cover the ground.
- New this year: 'Beneath the Riverbed', where you walk under lit-up lily pads, and 'Between Water and Woods', with giant dragonflies.
- Winter Lights Trolley: a premium ride from Biltmore Park Town Square with Gray Line Trolley Tours that skips the lines. Tickets are sold per person.
- Arboretum Society members get a discount on tickets bought in advance, using the promo code emailed to them.
- Ticket prices depend on the date: Value, Standard and Peak. Less popular dates cost less.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winter Lights a walk-through show?
Yes. You walk a trail of about one mile through the gardens, and there are no shuttles or trams. Only people on foot are allowed in the gardens, so no bikes, skates or scooters.
Can I walk or bike in to the event?
No. You can only enter in a motorized vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus or motorcycle. If you come by rideshare, you still need a Personal Vehicle ticket, and there are signs for drop-off.
What food and drink is there?
There's cocoa and s'mores, and you can buy alcoholic drinks at the Arbor Eatery and the Cocoa Shacks. Outside alcohol isn't allowed anywhere on the property, including the parking lot.
How long should we allow?
Allow at least one full hour to see the displays. How far you walk depends on the route you take.
Can I drop my kids off?
No. Anyone under 16 must stay with an adult for the whole visit.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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