Is Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC worth it? Absolutely! From nature-themed holiday light displays to s’mores and hot chocolate in the gardens, this is our “must” winter tradition for getting into the holiday spirit. See what’s new in 2026, and get everything you need to know from locals and Arboretum members.
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📸 All photos are our own, from 7+ years of attending the Arboretum’s Winter Lights. We wouldn’t miss it! 💙 Christine of Uncorked Asheville
🎄Winter Lights 2026 at a Glance: Dates, Tickets, Address, & Local Tips
In a rush? Find basic dates, ticket prices, and logistics. Afterward, plan your December in Asheville.
Best Time to Visit Winter Lights: Local Tips
To have the best experience at Winter Lights in Asheville, we suggest:
- 🎟️ Buy tickets early. Prices rise in December and at peak times through New Year’s. Weekends cost more than weeknights.
- 📆 Go Monday through Wednesday. Book the 6 PM time slot, since you can arrive any time before 9 PM. Entry traffic often thins out by 7:30-8 PM.
- 🕰️ Budget 1 to 1.5 hours. Some years, we go through quickly, depending on the weather or if we have young children in tow.
- 🧥 Pack layers. Mountain weather this time of year is unpredictable and a bit angsty. Some years, I need a hat and coat. Other years, a sweater does it.
- 🍴 Eat first. Try one of our favorite Asheville restaurants.
- 🚌 Book An AVL Tour. Take a LaZoom sightseeing tour; we enjoyed their Ghosted one. Or, take an Asheville Food Tour. Stu is incredibly nice and an expert Asheville foodie; we’ve eaten at delicious hidden gems because of him.
🍪 Best Things to Do at Winter Lights: 5 Favorites We Never Skip
Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum is one of our favorite places to see holiday lights in Western North Carolina. We also recommend 🕯️ Candlelight Christmas Events at Biltmore and 🏠 The Omni Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread House Competition.
These are just a few activities Tom and I love that put us in the holiday spirit.
1. Find the most creative light displays
Start the holiday season off right with vibrant lights throughout the gardens. Find forest critter shadow boxes, giant deer, mushrooms, and nature-themed displays such as flowers and dandelions. Walk through lighted tunnels and rainbows, including the famous caterpillar.
Then, watch lighted trees “dance” to music. You cannot miss the iconic 50-foot tree of lights behind the illuminated Quilt Garden, which is surrounded by chairs and fire pits. Always a favorite among the little ones, the Rocky Cove Railroad outdoor model train is lit up for the holidays.
My favorite light displays across the years
🐛 My favorite displays at Winter Lights include the caterpillar tunnel, jellyfish, blue heron, butterflies, unicorn, narwhal, and garden gnomes. I love the river of lights, usually around the railroad. I look forward to seeing what they add each year.
Plan Your Magical Adventure: Our Free Asheville Guide + Bucket List
2. Enjoy delicious treats
Purchase s’mores kits sold at the Bent Creek Bistro and pull up to a fire pit with Santa, weather permitting (rain or wind/burn bans). Located within the gardens, head to the Cocoa Shack and Cocoa Cabin, which sell beverages and snacks.
Delicious treats Tom and I enjoy at Winter Lights
🍪 When available, I love their VG/GF brownie and VG chocolate chip cookie. Try a delicious gingerbread cookie.
Instead of ordering my usual sweet hot apple cider, Tom and I once shared mulled wine and a cranberry sake spritzer—with sake from Ben’s Tune Up. Of course, they sell hot chocolate.
3. Listen to live music
Catch live music—jazz, country, folk, and holiday—at the Education Center and Baker Visitor Center. We enjoy listening to the harp next to the blazing fireplace at the visitor center.
4. Shop for Christmas ornaments & more
Shop at The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights pop-up Christmas shop filled with nature-themed ornaments and warm winter apparel.
I even created a special home office “Asheville” Christmas Tree
This shop inspired my Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas tree in my home office, which is covered in foxes, bears, birds, and owls. I love my cute squirrel ornament. I also like their snow globes and wish I had bought a hummingbird ornament. Next time…
5. Make a wish
Every year, the wishing trees change a bit. Grab a blank little note/ornament and write your wish. I cannot be trusted with a pen…
🎟️ Winter Lights Tickets: Prices, Time Slots, & Discounts
Tickets are sold per vehicle based on vehicle size, not by person, and cost $45 to $75 per personal vehicle (8 seats; check their website for larger vehicles and times).
Most notably, the cost of Winter Lights varies by date. Purchase advance tickets online for a discount. Or, pay a higher price at the gatehouse. However, you may be turned away if they are full. Members receive a $5 discount.
Tickets are timed for the event; select a 6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 PM entry slot. Ticket holders may enter any time between their chosen entry time and 9:00 PM. Gates close at 9 PM, and the event ends at 10 PM.
The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights tickets are date and time-specific. The event happens rain or shine (unless it’s a weather emergency). Tickets are non-refundable.
🐶 Accessibility, Pets, & Rules
Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum is a magical experience, sure to get you in the holiday spirit, young or old. This is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Asheville in the winter. It is also a great event to attend with friends and is quite romantic for couples. Solo travelers will be surrounded by smiling people and friendly volunteers.
Just know that while The NC Arboretum is pet-friendly most times of the year, you cannot have dogs or any pets at Winter Lights unless they are service animals. The event is accessible for guests with limited mobility and wheelchairs. Find paved pathways throughout the gardens. Find elevators in the Visitor Center.
There are multiple on-site restrooms at the Visitor Center and Bistro/Education Center. You cannot enter with or use bicycles, roller skates, rollerblades, or skateboards while at Winter Lights
🎅🏼 More Holiday Things To Do In Asheville
🎅🏼 Our local Christmas in Asheville guide
🥾 Hike like a local this winter
❄️ Indoor Things To Do With Bad Weather
📆 Asheville Area Festivals & Events Calendar
⛰️ Things To Do All Year In AVL