Suburban and rural America began setting out Christmas lights in droves in the 1960s as homes around the country began lining their eaves during the holidays with big, oversized, colorful bulbs. (Remember those??) Soon after, a North Carolinian in rural Johnston County followed suit and what began as a few lights around the house soon grew into a life long passion and even bigger displays each year.
It didn't take long for neighbors to notice and for word to spread.
Today, the largest — and oldest — holiday lights display in eastern North Carolina is a must-see holiday attraction. Plus, it's the only large display of its kind in the area that doesn't change an entry fee.
Visitors can take a train ride through the lights for a mere $3/person. Enjoy thousands and thousands of twinkling lights and displays as you wheel through Meadow Lights.
And hit up the candy store for some old-fashioned candy or a bite of dinner. The store has hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and sandwiches. Coffee, hot chocolate, and various drinks are also available.
How time flies! It's already been 49 years since Meadow Lights first flipped on the holiday lights here giving generations of North Carolinians priceless memories to treasure.
Meadow Lights is open every night from November 22, 2019 through December 31, 2019. The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday/Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission to the lights is absolutely free and there is no fee to park. Learn more from the official website.
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