Let There Be Light: North Carolina’s Most Spectacular Seasonal Light Displays

Calling all holiday light lovers! With the holiday season already in full swing, now is the perfect time to explore the vibrant lights of North Carolina. We at The Edge have narrowed down the endless options the state has to offer into three must-see light displays less than two hours from Elon. Glow all out this holiday season and discover the beautiful lights of North Carolina!

#1) Christmas Town U.S.A – McAdenville, N.C.

The town of McAdenville, North Carolina has been dubbed Christmas Town U.S.A. by dozens of publications across the country and is known for its small town charm and love for all things Christmas. McAdenville is just two hours away from Elon, making it an easy day trip for students looking to get into the holiday spirit. Each year, the town's 929 residents band together to create Christmas Town U.S.A., showcasing over 375,000 lights for a free immersive walk through or drive through winter wonderland.

The charming tiny town also has local coffee shops, restaurants and retail stores that sightseers can pop into to make their holiday lights experience even better. This year, McAdenville will be open daily from 5:30pm to 10pm until January 2, and you could be part of the 600,000 visitors who get to experience the festive Christmas Town U.S.A. light display!

#2) North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival – Cary, N.C.

Let’s head back North past Elon to North Carolina’s Chinese Lantern Festival, one of the triad’s most spectacular holiday light displays. The Koka Booth Amphitheater, just an hour away in Cary, North Carolina, hosts an extraordinary festival of glowing lanterns each year to celebrate the artistry of Chinese culture in celebration of Chinese New Year. 25 visiting Chinese artists come to Cary each year to create over 40 glowing displays made up of 2,500 hand-crafted interactive lanterns and over 15,000 LED lights.

In addition to beautiful lights, the walk through festival has stage performances every night that include traditional Chinese dances, musical accompaniment, martial arts and more. For a fully immersive experience, visitors also have the opportunity to try culturally significant Chinese foods such as spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken and wonton soup. You can catch this magnificent light display seven days a week from 4:30pm to 10pm until January 8 for $17 to $36. Don’t miss out on this cultural celebration this holiday season — especially during J-term!

#3) Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center – Greensboro, N.C.

Ending with the holiday lights closest to home at Elon, the Greensboro Science Center is hosting its magical light display for the fifth consecutive year. The Greensboro Science Center’s Winter Wonderlights holiday show illuminates over a million dazzling holiday lights for its visitors. Guests are encouraged to walk through the themed areas of the aquarium, 22 acre zoo, and museum to take photos with the larger than life displays. Features of the past have included snow machines, peppermint land, a 26-foot blue bear, a super sized gingerbread house, a carousel and light tunnels.

The Winter Wonderlights holiday lights spectacular, only thirty minutes away from Elon’s campus, is one you don’t want to miss! Experience this amazing light display daily from 5pm to 10pm through January 5, with tickets ranging from $15 to $25 (with select discounted nights). Immerse yourself at the Greensboro Science Center’s Winter Wonderlights this winter season and J-term to keep the holiday spirit going!

Photo courtesy of Greensboro Science Center

The magic of the season comes to life in North Carolina with the twinkling light displays across the state. Take the time to explore these breathtaking luminous exhibitions, and make sure to tag @theedgemag on Instagram so we can experience the joy of holidays with you!