10 Christmas Light Displays You Must Explore This Year

Are you looking for the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit?

Finding the best Christmas light displays can be a challenge, especially with so many options to choose from.

This blog post will guide you to the top 10 Christmas light displays (located in the US Southeast). Whether you’re looking for dazzling decorations or heartwarming holiday scenes, these spots will fill you with joy and holiday spirit.

Get in the Spirit With These TEN Stunning Light Shows

1. Tanglewood Festival of Lights | Location: Clemmons, NC

Each holiday season, Tanglewood Park hosts their annual Festival of Lights where people come from all over.

The Festival of Lights is a 5 mile drive with more than a million twinkling lights hung to capture the Christmas spirit. 

Midway through the lights display is the Christmas Village where you can stop, stretch your legs, make s-mores, and do some Christmas shopping in the old red barn

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Clemmons is located 15 minutes outside of Winston-Salem, NC. There are a lot of things to see and do in the Winston-Salem area and even within an hour drive. If you choose to visit Tanglewood lights, I recommend extending your stay. There is so much you can see around this area!

Hotels Near Clemmons, NC

Check out downtown Winston-Salem, NC. It is close to shops, restaurants, and is not a far drive from Tanglewood. 

Depending on what you want to spend on a hotel room, there is a price point for everyone.

According to the U.S. News and World Report, the following hotels were ranked the highest in Winston-Salem, NC.

• The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel – Located downtown on main street, this hotel comes with a lot of charm as it is housed in the historic R.J. Reynolds building. Features include a bowling alley, indoor basketball court, billards, pingpong table, and a slide! 

• Graylyn Estate – This gorgeous hotel is not located downtown, but it is in a very pretty area of Winston-Salem. You may even see a wedding taking place as this is a very popular wedding venue. If you stay here, make sure to check out Reynolda Village and the Reynolda House that is right down the road. 

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Winston Salem – University – A less expensive option is the Brookstown Inn. If you are looking for a hotel that is conventiently located off highway 52, then this might be the place for you!

Christmas Shopping Near Clemmons, NC

If you want to get some Christmas shopping in before the holidays, there are some cute boutiques, holiday stores, and malls worth visiting.

• Salem Creek (694 Hanes Mall Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103): Known for its unique and festive holiday décor, this store offers a wide range of gifts, ornaments, and seasonal decorations.
• Thruway Shopping Center (300 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103): Offers a mix of boutiques, specialty stores, and popular retailers.

Things To Do Near Clemmons, NC

• Tanglewood Park: Enjoy the scenic trails, golf courses, and horseback trail rides.
• Old Salem Museums & Gardens: Explore historic buildings, gardens, and museums.
• Salem Lake: Great for hiking, biking, and fishing.

You can drive a little further out to explore the furniture capital of the World (High Point, NC) or eat a delicious lunch at Richard Childress Vineards (Lexington, NC)

Food Near Clemmons, NC

There are several wonderful restaurants in Winston-Salem and nearby cities. Some of my favorites:

• Mozelle’s: Small indoor seating area with outdoor availability. Fried chicken is wonderful.
• Village Tavern: Two locations in Winston-Salem, both offerng an upscale casual atmosphere. The Reyolda location is close to Penny Path Cafe!
• Penny Path Café & Crêpe Shop: Offers sweet and savory crepes.
• Childress Vineyards Bistro: Located on the wine estate of former NASCAR driver Richard Childress.

2. Charlotte Motor Speedway Christmas Lights | Location: Concord, NC

If you’ve ever wanted to drive a race car track then now’s your chance!

Concord is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway and every year it’s a tradition for them to put on a huge light show.

Over a 4 mile track you will see over 4 million twinkling lights glowing, some even synchronized to Christmas music. 

Make sure you have your radio on the channel they recommend… took us halfway into the lights display to realize we didn’t have our radio to the right station.

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Concord is located 35 minutes away from Charlotte, NC. There are a lot of things to see and do in the Charlotte area and even within an hour drive.

Hotels Near Concord, NC

Depending on what you want to do, you could stay in Concord or Charlotte.

Just want to see the lights? Stay in Concord to avoid Charlotte traffic.

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Concord: This hotel offers comfy suites with kitchens, free breakfast, and an evening social with snacks. It’s close to Concord Mills Mall and Charlotte Motor Speedway, making it perfect for both relaxing and exploring nearby attractions.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa offers large two-room suites, free breakfast, and an evening reception. It has a golf course, spa, indoor pool, and fitness center, and is also near Concord Mills Mall and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Want to explore uptown (“downtown”) Charlotte? Stay near a light rail system to minimize driving – parking can be tricky!

• The Ivey’s Hotel: The Ivey’s Hotel in Charlotte, NC, offers luxury rooms with elegant décor, a fitness center, and a library lounge. It’s located in Uptown Charlotte, close to popular attractions, dining, and shopping.

• JW Marriott Hotel: The JW Marriott Charlotte is a fancy hotel right in downtown Charlotte, NC. It has nice rooms, a pool, a fitness center, and great places to eat.

• Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte: The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte is also located l in downtown Charlotte, NC. It offers luxurious rooms, an art-filled atmosphere, a rooftop bar with city views, and a spa for relaxation.

If you choose to stay in Charlotte, the city is expensive. If you can’t afford to stay close to the light rail, don’t panic. The city can also be unsafe in some places, so safety first! 

Christmas Shopping Near Concord, NC

In Concord, you can visit Concord Mills. It is a huge shopping mall; however, I prefer exploring other shopping areas.

• Birkdale Village is a cute outdoor shopping center in Huntersville, NC. Take a trip to Barnes & Noble, visit the movie theater, or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. Red Rocks Cafe is my favorite!

• Southpark Mall is a popular shopping mall with some very nice, upscale shops. While you are there, eating at the Cheesecake Factory is a must!

Things To Do Near Concord, NC

• There are several museums in uptown to visit: Discovery Place, the Mint Museum, and Levine Museum.
• Visit during football season and experience the Carolina Panthers play at the Bank of America stadium. The stadium has a great view of the city. 
• For kids, head north and visit the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville or Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville. Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive thru zoo where you can feed the animals from your car. Be prepared to vacuum afterwards!

3. Bull Run Festival of Lights | Location: Centreville, VA

If you are looking for a Christmas-themed socially distanced activity while in Virginia, then look no further than the Bull Run Festival of Lights.

This 2.5 mile drive is illuminated by Christmas lights. Enjoy the lights display from the comfort of your own car! 

In addition to a beautiful lights display, spend time enjoying the Holiday village and carnival on site. Kids will have a blast and love you for it!

To get the best price on tickets, purchase in advance online.

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Centreville is located just 40 minutes away from Washington, D.C. Spend time exploring the capital of the USA. 

Hotels Near Centreville, VA

Choose what city you want to be your home base – Where do you want to spend the most time? 

According to the U.S. News and World Report, the following hotels were ranked the highest in Washington D.C.

• The Jefferson, Washington, DC: The Jefferson in Washington, DC, is a luxurious and historic hotel with elegant rooms, restaurant, and a top-notch spa. It’s also in the heart of the nation’s capital.

• Waldorf Astoria Washington DC: The Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is a hotel with luxurious rooms, a fine dining restaurant, and a spa.

• Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC: The Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC is a high-end hotel known for its elegant rooms, excellent dining options, and top-notch spa. It is located in the city’s prestigious Georgetown neighborhood.

Things To Do Near Centreville, VA

Centreville is a town with a lot of historical attractions for both kids and adults.

• Visit the Bull Run Regional Park
• Relax at the Winery at Bull Run

If you have more time to spare, head over to Washington D.C. You can walk, take the subway, or any form of public transportation once in the city. 

In Washington D.C. hit up all of the monuments during your visit:

• Lincoln Memorial
• WWII memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Washington Monument 

Visit some museums and be reminded of history: 

• National Simthsonian Museum
• Holocaust Museum
• National Air & Space Museum,
• International Spy Museum

4. Tacky Lights Tour | Richmond, VA

What’s more fun than a community coming together to put on a light show for the holidays? 

A Richmond tradition dating back to 1985, houses must be approved to be put on the tacky lights tour list. 

To be approved, houses now must have a minimum of 40,000 lights to get on the list. When the tour first started in the 80’s, houses only needed 10,000 lights.

As you can see, people in Richmond take their lights seriously!

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Hotels Near Richmond, VA

If looking to stay at some of the nicest hotels in the area, check out the following as ranked by U.S. News and World Report:

• The Jefferson Hotel – An iconic landmark in Richmond, VA, this hotel has welcomed many presidents ever since it first opened in 1895. The hotel is located downtown and is in close proximity to The Virginia State Capitol and the city’s Museum District sites. 

• The Berkeley Hotel – This boutique hotel is also located downtown.

• The Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa  – The Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool. 

Things To Do Near Richmond, VA

• Visit Maymont: A 100 acre estate where you can watch otters play, pet goats, tour the mansion, and walk the beautiful gardens. 
• Kings Dominion: A fun filled amusement park with roller coasters and water rides. 

5. Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights | Location: Wheeling, WV

One of the largest light displays in the nation, more than one million visitors flock to see the twinkling light show each year. 

The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights is a 6 mile drive with 90 light displays, using more than 1 million LED lights.

Enjoy the other amenities of the Oglebay Festival of lights: Oglebay Good Zoo, go Christmas shopping, take a wagon ride, and eat! 

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Hotels Near Wheeling, WV

Wheeling, WV is a small mountain town. Choose a hotel that fits your budget and needs! 

• Hampton Inn Wheeling: A comfortable and welcoming hotel with modern rooms, free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wheeling Triadelphia Area: This hotel offers spacious suites with modern amenities, including free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.

Things To Do Near Wheeling, WV

• The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum: Features a vast collection of vintage toys and model trains. 
• Oglebay Good Zoo: Features a variety of animals, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. 
• The Suspension Bridge: A very popular sight as it is one of the largest suspension bridges built today!

6. Disney World | Location: Orlando, FL

They say Disney is the “happiest place on earth.” I absolutely love Disney! When we went at Christmas time they had every inch decorated. If you time it right, crowds are less than peak season too. 

When planning a trip to Disney World, it is important to be organized and plan out your trip. .

Interested in a Disney World Christmas vacation? I suggest checking out mousesavers.com for great tips on all things Disney!

7. Brookgreen Garden Night of a Thousand Candles | Location: Murrdells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens has been recognized by Travel+Leisure as one of the best light displays in South Carolina.  

This walking tour lets your take a leisurely stroll through the gardens at night while seeing it come to life under the glow of several lights and 2,800 candles.

Please note that pre-purchase of tickets are now required. This can be done online. 

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Take a drive 25-30 minutes away and you will run into Myrtle Beach, a very popular beach to out of town guests.  

Hotels Near Murrels Inlet, SC

Because Murrells Inlet is on the south side of Myrtle Beach, you may want to consider lodging in that area. 

• I personally, prefer to stay in North Myrtle Beach when visiting the area. Myrtle Beach has become more of a tourist trap now, however, because of the excessive crowds and out of town visitors. 

• North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet is approx a 45-minute drive. There are plenty of high-rise hotels, condos rentals, and Airbnb/vrbos in the area. Decide on the area and then you can start looking up lodging. 

Interested in a quieter beach vacation? Check this out. 

Christmas Shopping Near Murrels Inlet, SC

There are many opportunities for shopping while at Myrtle Beach. Popular shopping areas are:

• Broadway at the Beach
• Barefoot Landing
• Tanger Outlets for some good deals. (Make sure you grab a discount book at customer service if you are a AAA member!)

Entertainment Near Murrels Inlet, SC

If you find yourself at Broadway at the Beach, check out:

• Ripley’s Aquarium
• Wonderworks
• A mirror maze
• An escape game!

Outside of Broadway at the Beach, check out:

• Skywheel on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk
• Putt-Putt (“Mini-golf”)

8. Gaylord Opryland Resort | Location: Nashville, TN

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort is a full blown Christmas event. You can spend days enjoying the Christmas events, shows, and festivities while getting into the Christmas spirit! 

In addition to Christmas lights, you will find carriage rides, a riverboat Christmas cruise, bumper cars, ice skating, ice tubing, and dinner shows! 

If you’re like me and your idea of vacation involves a spa, don’t fret because there’s a Winter Wellness Spa as well!

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Also called the Music Capital of America, you are guaranteed a fun filled time in this city! There is no shortage of country music and plenty of country bars to enjoy.

Hotels Near Nashville, TN

Like all big cities, there are options of hotels, airbnbs, and major high rise accommodations.

• The Gaylord Opryland Resort is a gorgeous hotel, especially during the holidays with the light display. It can get crowded with all the extra visitors.  

Things To Do Near Nashville, TN

When in Nashville, there are some touristy things you must see and do. The list is endless, but some popular attractions include:

• The Grand Ole Opry
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• Johnny Cash Museum
• Downtown for some good ol’ country music! 

9. Atlanta Botanical Garden | Location: Atlanta, GA

Enjoy the gardens decked out in illuminating lights for the holidays. While this is a walking tour, there are complimentary wheelchairs and electric scooters available for rent.

Plan a Weekend Getaway

They say New York City is the “city that never sleeps;” however, I feel like Atlanta should also get this nickname.  Atlanta has tons of things to see and do. Be prepared for the traffic you will encounter when entering and exiting the city! Plan your travels accordingly! 

Hotels Near Atlanta, GA

Be careful where you decide to stay in Atlanta. Some neighborhoods are safer than others. I don’t have enough time to dive into the details of Atlanta lodging recommendations; however, I recommend first deciding what you will be doing during your getaway.  

If the majority of your time will be spent at the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca Cola, then you may want to stay downtown near these places. 

If you prefer to stay near the Atlanta Botanical Gardens where the lights display is located, then you will want to stay in Midtown. Midtown is characterized by beautiful, elegant architectural designs, while Downtown is more urban. 

Things To Do Near Atlanta, GA

Depending on the weather and if you have time, I recommend taking a Segway tour of the city. We had a wonderful time and it’s a great way to see everything without having to battle Atlanta traffic! 

Other must see attractions include:

• Georgia Aquarium: Kids will love going to the Georgia Aquarium. They have an immersive shark & ray attraction and presentations throughout the day. Children age 2 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. 
• World of Coca-Cola
• Atlanta Zoo: Here you will find engaging presentations, interactive displays, and hands-on learning opportunities! 

10. Bellingrath Gardens and Homes Christmas Display | Location: Mobile, AL

During your visit, expect to see 16 scenes and 3 million lights throughout the 65-acre estate. 

Stop by the Live Oak Plaza halfway through your visit to grab a hot cup of hot chocolate or a quick snack.

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Hotels Near Mobile, AL

Stay in one of the following hotels. They are full of character and history. They are also located in a walkable area of town. 

• The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa: This hotel is located on the site of Andrew Jackson’s headquarters during the War of 1812. If you need a day of relaxation, stay on site and enjoy time at the spa! 

• The Admiral Hotel: A boutique hotel dating back to the 1940’s!

• Malaga Inn: This inn provides a more intimate experience. It was converted from an 1862 townhouse. 

Christmas Shopping Near Mobile, AL

• Take a stroll down Dauphin Street: You’ll find cafes, bars, and quaint shops. 
• The Bellingrath  Gift Shop: Usually stays open until 9pm! (Check times to ensure open before going) 

Things To Do Near Mobile, AL

When visiting Mobile, Alabama, save some time to visit:

• Battleship USS Alabama
• Mobile Carnival Museum: learn about Mardi Gras here
• Crescent Theater

Have you visited any of these Christmas light displays? Which is your favorite?

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Christmas Light Displays FAQ’s

How much does Tanglewood Festival of Lights cost?

Please note that prices are per car. As of 2021, it is $20 cash or $23 card for standard vehicle. Growing up a mile from Tanglewood, I know traffic gets bad closer to Christmas and on weekends. I strongly suggest opting for weekdays or getting there early to avoid 3-4 hour wait times. 

What Nascar tracks do Christmas lights?

Charlotte Motor Speedway

If you’ve ever wanted to drive a race car track then now’s your chance! Concord is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway and every year it’s a tradition for them to put on a huge light show.

How much is it to see the lights at the Opryland Hotel?

Admission is free! Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort is a full blown Christmas event. You can spend days enjoying the Christmas events, shows, and festivities while getting into the Christmas spirit! 

November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022

How many lights does Bellingrath have?

During your visit, expect to see 16 scenes and 3 million lights throughout the 65-acre estate. 

Looking for more holiday guidance?!

• Check out your holiday travel survival guide!
• If you like haunts, this article is right for you!