It’s the most wonderful time of the year! North Carolina is positively aglow with holiday lights this season. If you’re looking to get into the spirit of Christmas, why not embark on a Christmas lights road trip to sdee the best Christmas Lights in North Carolina? The route outlined below will take you to 8 destinations in the Tar Heel State famous for their enchanting light displays. From festive small towns to whimsical drive-thru displays, this Christmas roadtrip through North Carolina truly has a little something for everyone. For the interactive Google Map, click here.

1. Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries
Dillsboro, NC 28779, USA
Facebook / Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries
Our Christmas lights road trip through North Carolina begins in the town of Dillsboro. A Christmas blast from the past, the main street of Dillsboro transforms into a quaint, small town with luminaries lining the street. Stop in at shops and hear live music and also sip on hot cocoa. This is a must if you're in the western region of the state. Learn more by visiting the Dillsboro official website.
2. Biltmore Estate
1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
Flickr / Brett Kiger
Is it really Christmas without a visit to America's castle? Biltmore Estate adorns the lavish interior with over 70 trees. The exterior is brimming with Christmas charm as well. Estate restaurants and the winery also offer Christmas specials. You'll need tickets to experience Christmas at the Biltmore, so be sure to plan accordingly!
3. Forest City
Forest City, NC 28043, USA
Romantic Asheville/romanticashville.com
Small town Forest City transforms into a Christmas town straight from a Hallmark movie with horse-drawn carriages and over 1 million lights on Main Street centered around the town fountain. Learn more by visiting the Forest City Hometown Holiday website.
4. McAdenville
McAdenville, NC, USA
Facebook / Christmas Town U.S.A
More than just a charming town decorated for the season, McAdenville is Christmas Town USA. The 600 or so residents transform their houses, the streets, trees - anything, really - with twinkling lights and decorations. The 1.3-mile strip is absolutely amazing and can be experienced on foot or in your car.

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5. Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, USA
Facebook / Charlotte Motor Speedway
Speedway Christmas lets you cruise down Charlotte Motor Speedway (at a reasonable pace, no NASCAR this time of year) and witness over 3-million lights and amazing lights to music displays. After your drive, visit the Christmas Village with Santa, hot chocolate and a petting zoo.
6. Tanglewood Festival of Lights
4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012, USA
Facebook / Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Tanglewood Festival of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition. The entire park transforms into a winter wonderland with some of the best light and animated light displays in North Carolina. Not too far away, you can visit historic Old Salem beside downtown Winston-Salem for a Moravian-inspired Christmas.
7. New Bern
New Bern, NC, USA
Facebook / Zach Frailey
From the charming downtown to the historic Tryon Palace, New Bern is brimming with Christmas charm. One way to make the most of it is visiting Tryon Palace for Christmas by Candlelight Dec. 10th and 17th.
8. Manteo
1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, USA
Facebook / Elizabethan Garden
What a better way than shacking up at the beach over the Holidays? I'd sure love to! Your last stop on our Christmas lights road trip through North Carolina is the majestic Elizabethan Gardens that become filled with even more magic during the Winter Lights Celebration. Stroll the gardens or participate in Holiday events.

What are your thoughts about the best Christmas lights in North Carolina on this road trip? Have you seen any of the festive displays outlined above? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience!

For more Christmas magic, these are the ten best Christmas towns in the state.

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Christmas lights road trip through North Carolina

Beth C. | December 16, 2020

Where else can I see light displays in North Carolina?

As you read about in the article above, North Carolina boasts several beautiful Christmas light displays each season. If you're curious to see some additional holiday lights, there are a few more destinations that belong on your radar. These places include Enchanted Airlee in Wilmington, Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, Hill Ridge Farms Festival of Lights in Youngsville, Holidays at the Garden in Belmont, Holiday Lights in the Garden in Fayetteville, and the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum.

Does North Carolina have any ski resorts?

Yes! If you're a fan of skiing, you'll be delighted to hear that North Carolina offers plenty of ski slopes for just about every skill level. Some ski resorts that you'll want to visit in North Carolina include Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, Beech Mountain Ski Resort, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Cataloochee Ski Area, and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. Many of these places also offer equipment rental, so you'll have everything you need for a fun and safe day out on the slopes.

Is winter a good time to visit North Carolina?

North Carolina is a wonderful state to visit in any season. Many visitors enjoy visiting during the warmer months, or to see the fall foliage, yet the Tar Heel State is just as enchanting during the wintertime. If you're someone who loves the great outdoors, you'll want to take advantage of the less-crowded hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Or, you can drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and take in the wintery mountain views.

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