Why We Attend Winter Lights Every Year: Favorite Displays, Bevies, & More
Is Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC worth it? Absolutely! From the nature-themed holiday light displays to s’mores and hot chocolate in the gardens, this is our “must” winter tradition to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you go with or without children, this event is for everyone. Discover all that you need to know from locals and arboretum members; see why we attend every year, and what not to miss.
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Top Things To Know About The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights In 2024
First, YES; Winter Lights is happening in 2024 even after Helene and all of the trees they lost. Thank goodness! It’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle – and loads of hard work. And yes, it is a walk-through light show as in previous years.
If you are in a rush, find dates, ticket prices, and more here (and plan your full Asheville visit with this guide). Then, keep reading to discover our favorite things to do to get the most out of your ticket. All photos are our own across the years, and please keep in mind that displays and arrangements change every year.
5 Festive Ways To Get The Most Out Of Winter Lights
This is one of our favorite places to see holiday lights in all of Western North Carolina along with Candlelight Christmas Events at Biltmore and The Omni Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread Competition (which looks a little different in 2024). These are just a few activities we love that put us in the holiday spirit.
1. Find the most creative light displays
🐛 My favorite displays: the caterpillar tunnel, jellyfish, blue heron, butterflies, unicorn, narwhal, and garden gnomes (we didn’t see gnomes this year, though).
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 firepits. Always a favorite for the littles, the Rocky Cove Railroad outdoor model train is lit up for the holidays. I love its river of lights.
2. Enjoy delicious treats
🍪 This year (2024), I loved the VG/GF brownie and VG chocolate chip cookie. Try a delicious gingerbread cookie too!
Purchase s’mores kits sold at the Bent Creek Bistro and pull up to a firepit with Santa, weather permitting (rain or wind/burn bans). Located within the gardens, find a Cocoa Shack and Cocoa Cabin selling beverages and snacks. Instead of ordering my usual sweet hot apple cider, Tom and I shared mulled wine and a cranberry sake spritzer (with sake from Ben’s Tune Up). Of course, they sell hot chocolate too.
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
Shop at The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights pop-up Christmas shop filled with nature-themed ornaments and warm winter apparel. This shop inspired my Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas tree in my home office, which is covered in foxes, bears, birds, and owls. This year, Tom and I bought a hilariously cute squirrel ornament. I also love the snow globes and wish I bought a hummingbird ornament. Next year…
5. Make a wish
Every year, the wishing trees change just a bit. Grab a blank little note/ornament and write your wish. I cannot be trusted with a pen…
How Tickets Work
Tickets are sold per vehicle based on vehicle size and not by person, costing around $35-$80 per personal vehicle. The cost of Winter Lights varies by date. Purchase advanced tickets online for a discount or pay a higher price at the gatehouse. 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 commences at 10 PM. You must leave the property by 10:30 PM.
The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights tickets are date and time-specific. The event happens rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable unless you purchase a Flex Ticket.
Audience, Accessibility, and Policies
Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum is truly 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 and there are elevators in the Visitor Center.
Find 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
Tips For Visiting Without The Hassle
To have the best experience at Winter Lights in Asheville, we suggest:
- Getting tickets early. Prices rise in December and at peak times through Christmas and New Year’s. Weekends are more expensive than earlier weeknights.
- Visiting on a Monday through Wednesday evening to beat the crowds and prices; grab that 6 PM time slot so you can arrive any time before 9 PM; by 7:30/8 PM, entering traffic may thin out versus the opening time slot.
- Dressing in or packing extra layers; the NC mountain weather is unpredictable and angsty this time of year. Some years, I need a hat and coat. This year, I managed in a light sweater.
- Grabbing dinner at one of our favorite nearby Asheville restaurants before going.
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Christine Frascarelli
Christine (pronouns: she/her) is the owner of Uncorked Asheville. After falling in love with those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Christine and her husband Tom decided to call Asheville, North Carolina home. When her pointy Italian nose isn’t stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. She has a BA in English and History from Smith College, her MLIS from USF-Tampa, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar - Indonesia. Christine also owns The Uncorked Librarian LLC with books and movies to inspire travel.