Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum returns for the 2024 Holiday season. The Winter Lights event invites guests to walk through the arboretum gardens, decorated with thousands of beautiful lights, and holiday displays. Winter Lights features a 50ft tall lighted and choreographed tree, a lighted quilt garden, that is synchronized with Holiday music, many other traditional displays, and many new ones for 2024.
We've attended Winter Lights in Asheville, NC for a number of years now, and always enjoy going. Winter Lights is one of the very best Christmas light events in the Asheville, NC area.
This is a wonderful event for the whole family and a great way to celebrate the holiday season here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This guide will give you all the details like how to get there, where to park, and tips we've learned to better enjoy your visit!
Updated: 12/18/2024
Our Winter Lights Video
Dates, Hours and Tickets
Winter Lights for 2024, runs from 11/15/2024 - 12/31/2024.
Tickets should be purchased in advance. In order to minimize the the number of guests in the gardens at one time, this year's Winter Lights event will offer designated entry times (6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, or 8:00 PM). The entry gates close at 9:00 PM and Winter Lights closes for the day at 10:00 PM.
Visitors can arrive anytime after their entry time, and stay until 10:00pm.
Tickets are sold per vehicle (not per person) and in a tier system based on the size of your vehicle.
How to get there
The North Carolina Arboretum is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393. From I-26, take Exit 33 and follow NC 191 South for two miles to the entrance on the right.
Upon arrival at the gate, please have your printed ticket ready to scan. Your ticket will be emailed to you after your online purchase.
Best Address for GPS:
20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Asheville, NC 28806
To aid the flow of traffic, please plan to approach the event from NC 191 South (Brevard Rd.), passing the Asheville Outlets and turning right into the event. The Arboretum is asking that attendees do not turn left into the event from the Parkway.
Things to see and do
The Winter Lights event has a number of different displays, and the staff will be there to answer questions and provide maps of displays.
At Winter Lights you can experience:
- The Enchanted Oasis - Look out for the large Caterpillar!
- Magnificent Monarchs - Lighted Butterflies around water
- Magical Maples - Beautiful lighted maple trees that change color
- Wishing Trees
- Rocky Cove Railroad - Decorated to the theme of the Polar Express
- Spring Sprouts
- Tree of Light - Animated Christmas tree with full of colors and animations
- Quilt Garden - The quilt flashes in sequence with the holiday music
- Fall Fungi - Explore the lighted mushrooms and flowers
- Ice Castle - Full of simulated ice sculptures with lights
You'll also find refreshments stands with snacks, holiday treats, and hot chocolate. Of course no Christmas event is complete without Santa, who is there as well.
Tips and things to know before you go
We've been to Winter Lights a number of times over the years. In doing so, we've picked up a few important things you need to know, and some tips to help you enjoy your visit!
Things to know:
- Pets are not allowed
- The event is rain or shine
- Restrooms will be available in the Baker Visitor Center and Education Center, and there will be portable restrooms available for use.
- The event is wheelchair accessible
- Food and beverages are available: The Cocoa Shack located in the Gardener’s Shed will sell hot cocoa, alcoholic beverages, and treats. The Bent Creek Bistro, located at the Education Center, will sell small snacks, hot cocoa, alcoholic beverages and s’more kits.
Tips from us:
- Dress warm and in layers, it can be very cold during the event.
- There is a lovely Christmas store in the Education Center full of unique and beautiful items
- Food, drinks, and snacks are also available, including hot chocolate!
- Facing the Arboretum (you'll see the lights), we've found the easiest way to see all the lights is from the right side near the Education Center. You can then walk down to the Baker Visitor Center from there.
- Plan to arrive on time or shortly after your time, as they cannot allow people early.
- The staff makes arrival and parking very easy - Just follow the directions from the entry gate, drive down the entry road, and watch for the parking attendants who will point you to the right place.
- The area is very dark, which makes the lights beautiful, BUT, it makes it difficult to get photos with a camera. We've found our iPhones work really great there for both videos and photos.
