Kinston Christmas Lights 2026

7 christmas lights in Kinston and nearby.

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Kinston's holiday glow features seven distinct Christmas light celebrations. Consider the town's own Kinston Christmas Parade for a community spectacle, or venture to nearby New Bern for Candlelight Nights at Tryon Palace, offering a different historical ambiance.

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All Christmas Lights Around Kinston

Candlelight at Tryon Palace

New Bern, NC 32 mi from Kinston
Dec 12 – Dec 19

Tour candlelit historic rooms concluding with a black powder fireworks display.

Visitors tour the decorated Palace illuminated by candlelight as costumed interpreters share stories celebrating the earliest days of North Carolina statehood. Admission also includes entry to the historic Stanly and Dixon Houses and Palace grounds activities, featuring the Tryon Palace...

Holiday Light DisplaysChristmas VillageSanta Visits
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Parties

1 of 3 A Christmas Celebration Goldsboro

Holiday evening featuring food, drinks, music, and community fundraising

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Markets

1 of 2 The Greater Topsail Area Christmas Market Surf City

Held in conjunction with the Annual Flotilla at Soundside Park.

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Shows

1 of 2 Jacob Johnson's Almost Acoustic Christmas Dunn

Acoustic guitarist and songwriter Jacob Johnson performs holiday classics and original songs.

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Unique & Unusual

1 of 8 Wilson Christmas Parade Wilson

Features a sensory-friendly zone without sirens or flashing lights.

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Find Christmas Lights on Our Map!

See all light displays and installations in one place.

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Kinston Christmas events map - Click to view interactive map

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Kinston?

While specific displays change yearly, driving through established neighborhoods known for their decorations is always a treat. Many residents in areas like the historic downtown and surrounding residential streets put up impressive displays. Keep an eye out for community-organized light shows or particularly festive streets that become local favorites.

Are there drive-through vs. walkable light display options in Kinston?

Kinston offers a mix of experiences. Many residential neighborhoods are perfect for a festive drive-through lights tour, allowing you to see numerous displays from your car. For a more immersive experience, exploring decorated streets on foot, especially in the downtown area, allows you to appreciate the details of individual light displays.

When do Christmas lights typically start appearing in Kinston?

You can usually expect to see Christmas lights begin to appear in Kinston shortly after Thanksgiving. Many homes and businesses start decorating in late November, with most displays fully lit and ready for viewing by early December. The festive glow often continues through the first week of January.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Kinston?

Absolutely! The most wonderful free displays are often found in the residential neighborhoods throughout Kinston, where residents compete for the most festive decorations. Driving or walking through areas known for their holiday spirit offers a fantastic and free way to enjoy the Kinston Christmas lights.

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