Discover 20 verified christmas lights in Raleigh and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Raleigh Christmas lights and holiday displays. If you're looking to soak up some festive cheer, Raleigh is full of twinkling light displays that bring the season to life.
Some of my favorite spots include the Illuminate Art Walk on Fayetteville Street and the family-run show at Beehnon Way, along with beloved neighborhood favorites that light up the evenings.
Here you’ll find free displays, drive-through lights, walking trails, and neighborhood displays near Raleigh. Whether you’re driving or strolling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
Dazzling illuminated art installations throughout downtown
Experience the magic of Illuminate Art Walk as downtown Raleigh transforms into a dazzling wonderland of light and art. Discover a variety of illuminated installations, from towering sculptures to interactive displays, created by talented artists. This event offers a unique...
Festive train ride through holiday lights and themed activities.
Experience the enchantment of Holiday Express at Pullen Park, a beloved winter tradition. Ride the festive train through a wonderland of lights, explore themed holiday zones, and enjoy interactive activities. Visit Santa's Toy Shop, take a spin on the historic...
Extensive Christmas light display
Prepare to be amazed by the Torockio Christmas Light Extravaganza, a spectacular display of holiday cheer. This event transforms a private residence into a breathtaking winter wonderland, adorned with countless twinkling lights and festive decorations. It's a magical experience designed...
Magical nighttime garden illumination exhibition
Discover the enchanting Moonlight in the Garden event, where the JC Raulston Arboretum is transformed by stunning light installations. Wander through illuminated pathways, enjoy live music, and savor festive treats like hot apple cider and roasted marshmallows. It's a magical...
Drive-thru light show with over 2 million lights
Fieldstream Farm presents a dazzling drive-thru Christmas light show, illuminating the night with over 2 million lights. Prepare to be mesmerized by the Tunnel of Lights, a spectacular display featuring more than 200,000 LED lights, promising a truly unforgettable holiday...
Free Winter Wonderland with train rides and Santa.
Experience a magical Winter Wonderland at Park West Village, offering a FREE holiday celebration from November 21-23, 2025. Delight in train rides, storytime with Santa, festive food trucks, and creative holiday crafts. Enjoy a live performance, an outdoor movie screening,...
Community-wide holiday light displays on a guided tour.
Embark on a magical journey through Apex with the annual Holiday Tour of Lights. This beloved event showcases the festive spirit of the community as homes and businesses volunteer to adorn their properties with dazzling light displays. Grab your favorite...
Spectacular drive-through Christmas light display
Prepare to be mesmerized by the Christmas Lights on Holt Road, a breathtaking holiday light display designed to fill your evenings with festive cheer. This event offers a magical drive-through experience, perfect for families and individuals looking to immerse themselves...
Main Street transformed into a winter wonderland with tree lighting.
Clayton, NC invites you to a magical Christmas Village and Tree Lighting event on Main Street. Experience a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, live performances, and festive treats. Families can enjoy a trackless train ride, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus,...
Community tree lighting with Santa and menorah ceremony
Join the community for 'Light the Springs,' a festive celebration marking the start of the holiday season. This family-friendly event features live music, delicious food and beverages, and complimentary holiday crafts for children. Kids can mail letters to Santa and...
Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa's arrival.
Join the community for the enchanting Lighting of Wake Forest event! This cherished holiday tradition features the magical illumination of the town's Christmas tree and a special visit from Santa Claus. It's a perfect evening to embrace the festive spirit...
Holiday light display at a baseball park
Discover the enchanting FestiBull of Lights, a spectacular holiday illumination event set to dazzle visitors at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. This event promises a magical experience with vibrant light displays, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages.
Ballpark transformed into a winter wonderland with light displays and Santa visits.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Wool E. Bull's Winter Wonderland, transforming the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a festive spectacle. Stroll through dazzling light installations, enjoy seasonal treats, and meet Santa. Experience thrilling sledding and train rides for...
1870s Christmas experience with costumed interpreters
Step back in time to experience an authentic 1870s North Carolina Christmas at Duke Homestead. Follow a magical candlelit path through the historic area, where costumed interpreters will bring the Duke family home to life. Enjoy live Christmas music, dancing,...
Community-wide residential Christmas light displays
Wilson, North Carolina, invites residents to participate in its annual Residential Christmas Light Contest. This event transforms neighborhoods into a festive wonderland as homeowners compete to create the most dazzling holiday displays. Residents and visitors are encouraged to drive through...
Larger-than-life nutcracker displays throughout downtown.
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Nutcracker Stroll in Downtown Mebane. Discover enchanting, larger-than-life nutcracker displays, each uniquely decorated by local sponsors. Engage in a fun scavenger hunt and a festive photo contest, making it a joyful celebration...
Community tree lighting to honor loved ones and support patient assistance.
Join the UNC Health Nash Foundation for their annual Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony. This heartwarming event offers a chance to honor or celebrate a loved one by dedicating a light or ornament on the Christmas tree. The ceremony...
Botanical garden transformed by dazzling holiday light displays.
Step into a enchanting holiday spectacle at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights in the Garden. This beloved event transforms the 80-acre landscape into a luminous wonderland, perfect for a festive evening stroll. Explore the garden's diverse collections, including...
Over 2 million lights at a minor league baseball stadium.
The 5th annual Fayetteville Holiday Lights transforms Segra Stadium into a winter wonderland with over two million lights. Visitors can marvel at a 40-foot illuminated tree, explore themed light displays, and enjoy festive food and drinks. Santa Claus is available...
Town Tree Lighting Ceremony with live carols
Experience a magical evening at Hope Mills Lake Park for Christmas at the Lake. This free community event features live Christmas carols, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and the enchanting Town Tree Lighting Ceremony. Families can capture cherished photos with...
See the location of all christmas lights around Raleigh and nearby areas
Open Map →Popular displays include the Illuminate Art Walk in downtown Raleigh, the Raleigh Christmas Lights at Beehnon Way, and the Winter Song Road neighborhood. Many other neighborhoods also feature festive light displays each year.
Yes, Raleigh offers both drive-through lights, like the Raleigh Christmas Lights, and walkable options such as the Illuminate Art Walk and select neighborhood displays. Some displays are best enjoyed on foot, while others are designed for car tours.
Most Raleigh Christmas lights begin in late November or early December, with many displays running through early January. Some neighborhoods and events may start earlier, especially around Thanksgiving.
Yes, many Raleigh Christmas light displays are free to visit, including the Illuminate Art Walk, Raleigh Christmas Lights at Beehnon Way, and several neighborhood displays. Always check event pages for updates or special hours.