Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

Walk through the decorated gardens at night while sipping on peppermint hot chocolate, local beer, and wine. Munch on cookies and treats too. Light displays dance to music as you pass through caterpillar and rainbow tunnels. Spy garden gnomes, unicorns, and trees colored like the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Search for mother nature-themed light fixtures and shadow boxes. The NC Arboretum even decorates the bonsai, and kids will love that toy train exhibit. Make s’mores by the fire (weather dependent) as their famously huge lit holiday tree glows in front of the quilted garden. Pull up a funky chair in front of a firepit to rest your feet after exploring the grounds. Then, shop in the pop-up holiday store for ornaments and holiday decorations.

Gates open at 6:00 p.m, last entry permitted at 9:00 pm, park closes at 10:30 pm.