Googling Christmas lights displays near me?
The holiday traditions we all love are making a comeback this Christmas. Decorating the Christmas tree, baking goodies and taking pictures with Santa are some things we are all very familiar with. But one thing you must not miss out on is viewing the best Christmas lights in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Your favorite Carolina towns and public spaces will be dressed in full glamor to welcome the Christmas holidays. These Christmas light displays help make a magical experience that will delight audiences of all ages! So, are you in for some fantastic Christmas lighting? Here are the top places to see holiday lights in the Carolinas.
Charlotte – “Speedway Christmas”
Googling drive through Christmas lights near me? The Charlotte Motor Speedway will open its gates for the 13th edition of Speedway Christmas. The entirety of the iconic speedway will be decorated with over 5 million lights strung together using over 14,000 ft of extension cords!
In addition to the dazzling lights, visitors can enjoy many holiday activities, including kid-friendly rides, 10 cozy fire pits for roasting s’mores, food and beverages and photos with Santa. The speedway will be open nightly from November 17th till January 7th, 2024, from 6 PM to 10 PM daily. The speedway is a must-see for the fantastic Charlotte Christmas lights.
McAdenville Lights- “Christmas Town USA”
McAdenville, popularly known as “Christmas Town USA,” is a must-visit during the holiday season. During the Christmas holidays, this small town is lit up like a beacon from head to toe with Christmas lights that bring in thousands of visitors each year. This year is no different.
Christmas lights in red, green and white will be put up all through the downtown area and shine bright every night from 5:30 PM to 10 PM till the 26th of December. You will be able to spot the best display near the McAdenville Baptist Church, where over 250 evergreens will be covered in over half a million lights! The town is known for the best Christmas lights in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Highlands
The Highlands in North Carolina will be seeing their sparkling holiday lights for the first time in the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and along Main Street. The event has been officially organized by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
The Park will hold an official event on November 25th, where Santa will make an appearance and switch on the holiday lights. Visitors will also enjoy caroling, reading Christmas stories, cookies and hot chocolate, and lots of laughter at the nearby ice skating rink. The event will run from 6 PM to 8 PM. So, are you ready for Christmas lights in NC?
Holiday Festival of Lights (Charleston): The Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina
Charleston in South Carolina plans to host the best Christmas lights across the state. To watch the lights, head to the Holiday Festival of Lights, hosted at the James Island County Park. An estimated two million dazzling lights will be put on display that will remain lit until December 31st, every day from 5:30 PM to 10 PM.
The event will further feature visitations with Santa, a Climbing wall, a Festival Train, a Carousel, treats, gift shops and a magical Reindeer workshop for kids! It is one of the top places to see Santa.
Nights of a Thousand Candles (Murrells Inlet)
Make your way to the Brookgreen Gardens at Murrells Inlet to enjoy the “Nights Of A Thousand Candles.” The gardens will be cast in a warm glow with over 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights! From 4 PM to 9 PM, visitors from all over can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens with a warm cup of cider. It is one of the best places to see Christmas lights this year.
The event will also include food trucks selling local delights and nightly entertainment. The event will continue to run till December 31st. As for entrance, tickets are priced at $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers.
Upstate Holiday Light Show (Greenville)
The Upstate Holiday Light Show is considered one of the best interactive LED Christmas light shows upstate. Head to Chrumption Lane, Easley to enjoy a Christmas wonderland with over 32 million dancing Christmas lights that set the sky ablaze. The event will run from Thanksgiving till December 31st, seven days a week.
Park your vehicle or drive down the track to enjoy the wondrous displays. The Christmas lights show will also include a petting zoo and a pony corral for your children to enjoy!
Anderson Lights of Hope (Anderson)
Anderson will celebrate over 30 years of Christmas Lights in the city this year with the annual “Anderson Lights of Hope” event. This year, they are celebrating their holiday lights show with an expanded Christmas Village, more music and more light displays.
The lights will be switched on daily from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day from 5:30 PM to 10 PM. Not only will you enjoy the lovely lights, but Santa will also be there to greet everyone at The Village. The price for entry to the event is $10 per car.
The Great Christmas Light Show (Myrtle Beach)
North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina will be hosting “The Great Christmas Light Show” at the Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. The drive-through will feature over 2 million lights to be put up on festive display, alongside 5000 magical lights display, Christmas trees and enchanting animated figures. It is a must-attend if you wish to see the best Christmas tree lights.
After your drive, head to Santa’s Village where you can enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores and, of course, meet with Mr. Claus. The Myrtle Beach Christmas lights event will continue till December 25th, every day from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. These are some of the best Christmas lights in South Carolina.
Blowing Rock – “Holiday in the Park”
The town of Blowing Rock will celebrate the holiday this year with “Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town.” The lighting of the town is scheduled to be held on November 24th and 25th this year from 12 PM to 6:30 PM. The event will feature free entertainment, music, visits with Santa and an annual Christmas Parade down Main Street. The event is perfect for those who love twinkling Christmas tree lights.
Enjoy caroling with your loved ones as you sip on hot chocolate and cider. After the preliminary events, the major will flip the switch on for the Town Hall Tree.
Biltmore/Asheville – “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”
Ready for some Christmas lights in Asheville? Head to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina for their “Candlelight Christmas Evenings,” celebrated in true grandeur. The event will be hosted from November 3rd to January 6th, 2024. The estate’s interior will be decorated with thousands of ornaments, fireplaces and twinkle lights. Continue your exploration to the Antler Hill Village, which will be fully decked with glittering lights and festive displays.
For entry, you must purchase one of their Christmas Evening packages ranging from $125 to $425, depending on your requested services. Most general tickets will give you free access to the 8,000-acre garden and grounds, complimentary wine tastings and access to the Antler Hill Village and Winery. This is one of our favorites when it comes to best Christmas lights in North Carolina.
Charlotte – Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Christmas Lights
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Charlotte are hosting their annual Christmas lights display this year. “Holidays at the Garden” will run from November 24th to December 23rd, 2023, Tuesday through Sunday, 5 PM to 10 PM.
The gardens will be decorated with thousands of lights shimmering in the dancing fountains. Take a walk through the gardens or get cozy next to the outdoor fires where you can snack on s’mores. Food trucks will also be serving warm beverages and delectable delights onsite. Entry to this Christmas lights Charlotte NC event will be $25 + tax.
Chetola Resort Festival of Lights
The Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock will host its annual lights display this winter. “The Resort Festival of Lights” event is free and open to the public. The event will feature thousands of glittering lights put on display throughout the resort. Enjoy a lovely carriage ride around the lake, catch up with Santa and enjoy refreshments with your loved ones. The event will officially start on November 24th and will continue till January 28th, 2024.
Final Thoughts
Seeing the best Christmas lights in North Carolina and South Carolina are some of our favorite Christmas experiences each year! Many of Carolina’s small and large towns alike are putting up these festive displays, and you are welcome to join any you like. Experience the beauty of Christmas 2023 at these events and make this Christmas memorable for you and your loved ones!
