Where are the best Christmas lights in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the rest of the Triangle? Read on! We have a huge list!
Some of these displays are professional operations, but many of them, often synchronized to Christmas music, are put on by regular people, at their own expense, and it takes an incredible amount of time and creativity. So visit and let them know you appreciate it. If the attraction is free, donations are generally appreciated.
We’ve separated out the free and ticketed attractions, so if you’re just interested in the free ones, just keep scrolling!
We’ve put together a map with all the lights! Keep scrolling or jump directly to the map.
If you want to submit a display for the map please fill out this form. Or, feel free to email jody@triangleonthecheap.com. If you maintain a website or Facebook page for the display, please let us know.
If a radio station is listed, tune your car radio to that station to listen to the coordinated music.
Please be considerate of these folks’ neighbors.
Important: If a website or Facebook page is listed, make sure to visit and check out any changes in the hours, start dates, and any additional information that you need to know. When the plans are changed, for weather or other reasons, we are usually not notified here.
Some families show videos and pictures of their works in progress as well.
Have you subscribed to Triangle on the Cheap yet? You’ll receive one email a day and be in the know.
Do you know of a light display that should be included in the list? Please send information to jody@triangleonthecheap.com. I’ll need to see a website or Facebook page so that I know the homeowner wants the information shared.
One more thing: before you fuel up, check out this list and map of the cheapest gas in the Triangle!
You might also be interested in:
- Day by Day Guide to the Holidays in the Triangle
- Subscribing to Triangle on the Cheap’s emails
- Holiday markets in the Triangle
- Free and cheap things to do this week
Ticketed Christmas Light Displays in the Triangle
Lights on the Neuse
Lights on the Neuse
1620 Loop Road, Clayton, NC
Dates from November 29 to December 24th, 2024. Check website (link above) for specific dates and times.
$11 per person for ages 3 and up. 2 and under are free.
You can buy a timed ticket, or purchase a ticket at the gate, if available. The ticket will include the hayride around the farm. Santa won’t be there, but you can take a picture with his sleigh. Please bring your own camera. The wagon ride is about 20 minutes. Stop by the concessions stand for hot chocolate, cider or coffee. Decorate a cookie in the sugar barn.
2024 Update: Confirmed
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, North Carolina
November 16, 2024, to January 12, 2025 (except Christmas Day)
Ticket prices vary per night.
Although not Christmas lights, this bright nighttime display is a popular attraction every year.
2024 Update: Confirmed
Hill Ridge Farms
Festival of Lights at Hill Ridge Farms
703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC 27596
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving) through December 28, 2024, with the exception of Mondays and Tuesdays
5 to 9 p.m. most night
$19.95 per person. Kids 2 and under admitted for free.
This is once again a full experience, rather than a drive-thru. Tickets include wagon ride, train ride, and many fun farm attractions.
2024 update: Confirmed.
Naylor Family Farms
Naylor Family Farms
6016 US 401 N, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
November 30 to December 22, 2024, on Friday to Sunday
4 to 9 p.m.
$16 per person. Children 2 and under are free with paying adult. One free child per paid pass.
Tickets include a hayride through the lighted winter wonderland, live nativity, pictures with Santa under the giant 30-foot Christmas tree, the petting zoo, giant tube slides, corn crib, giant swings and much more.
Details and tickets here.
2024 update: Confirmed
Denton Farm Park
Denton Farm Park Country Christmas Train
4259 Handy Road, Denton, NC 27239
November 29 and 30. December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 18-23, and 26 -28, 2024
Adults: $20. Children 5-11: $6. Children 4 and under: Free.
Santa pictures are extra.
Ride the Christmas Train through the farm. See Christmas lights and watch a movie about Christmas. There will be a live nativity scene, elves, and more. Visit the church, the service station, the Gingerbread House, the doll museum and more. Meet Santa. (Santa pictures are extra.)
2024 update: Confirmed.
Christmas Lights on the Farm
Christmas Lights on the Farm
NC Hwy 222 W, Middlesex, NC
November 29 to December 23, 2024. (Closed December 2 to 4 and 9 to 11)
Age 4 and over: $15. Under 4: Free
Tickets include a hayride to the Field of Lights, bonfires, pictures with Santa, and a visit to Santa’s workshop. Candy, hot chocolate, s’mores and more are for sale.
2024 update: Confirmed.
MG’s Vision & Lights on Holt Road
MG’s Vision & Lights on Holt Road
1012 Holt Road, Apex, but please line up at 6112 Old Jenks Road
Opening night is Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024.
$20 per car. Pay in advance
Please check the above link for information. There will be extensive information posted.
This is a huge, elaborate, drive-through light display at a private home. The organizer is very active in helping to bring Ukrainian families to safety, so make sure to check the page to see how you can help. Frequent flyer mile donations are a big part of the effort!
2024 update: Confirmed (but check Facebook page for details.)
Festival of Lights at Sweet Valley Ranch
Festival of Lights
Sweet Valley Ranch
2990 Sunnyside School Road, Fayetteville, NC
Opens November 29, 2024
$11.40 for the drive-thru tour only. Check website for combination price (drive-thru tour and Tiny’s Winter Wonderland.)
Drive-thru event, but you can also park at Tiny’s Winter Wonderland (across the street) to enjoy a visit with Santa, vendors, gift shop amusement rides, food and more.
2024 update: Confirmed.
Highlanders Farm
Highlanders Farm
5784 NC-22, Carthage, NC
November 29 to December 30, 2024
Tuesday through Saturday. Plus December 22, 23, 29 and 30
$20 per car; $30 per passenger barn
Wind through the fields and enjoy the lights! The ice cream shop will be open, serving homemade ice cream, cider and hot chocolate. Updates on Highlanders Farm’s Facebook page.
2024 update: Confirmed
Granville Christmas Farm
Granville Christmas Farm
4534 US-15, Oxford, NC
Dates from November 29 to December 31, 2024. (Every day except December 2-4 and December 9-11.)
Vehicle with 1-4 passengers: $20; 5-8 passengers: $35; 9 or more passengers: $45
Drive-thru light show.
2024 update: Confirmed.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
November 15, 2024, to January 1, 2025
6 to 11 p.m.
For a family car, van or truck: $20 by cash, or $23 by card.
Commercial vans, limos or minibus: $45 by cash, or $48 by card.
Motorcoaches: $115 by cash, $118 by card.
Discount nights:
- Monday, November 18
- Tuesday, November 19
- Monday, November 25
- Tuesday, November 26
Discount Prices:
- Family (cars, vans, trucks): $10 cash, $13 credit card
- Commercial (vans, limos, mini-buses): $25 cash, $28 credit card
- Motorcoaches and buses: $80 cash, $83 credit card
2024 update: Confirmed.
Free Christmas Light Displays in the Triangle
These attractions are totally free to visit, but in some cases donations are accepted, usually for a charity. Please pay special care to be considerate of neighbors. And before you head out, follow the links, which usually go to a Facebook page, to make sure that the display is taking place, since weather and technical difficulties, or life in general, might interfere with the plans.
Please understand that most of these displays are put on by homeowners, so please be very respectful of their property and that of their neighbors.
Some of these light displays are synchronized to music, and some are static.
As soon as we know about the home displays, we will update here!
Raleigh Area
2712-2830 Winter Song Road (Bedford), Raleigh, NC 27614
This neighborhood bands together to share an amazing Christmas light display. This year they’re raising money for Triangle Spokes Group, an organization that provides bicycles to children throughout the Triangle. Follow @WinterSongLights on Instagram for updates and incredible pictures!
2024 update: Confirmed
The Nelsons’ Christmas Lights
3909 Falmouth Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604
Check Facebook page (link above) for changes to the schedule.
This display has music, inflatables, moving parts, and lights.
2024 update: Confirmed
Raleigh Lights
2612 Beehnon Way, Raleigh, NC
November 30, 2024, to January 1, 2025
This free show contains over 78,000 lights. Currently, visitors can enjoy 19+ songs set to lights by tuning your car radio to 90.3 FM! New songs are added frequently and there will be 30 or more by Christmas. We are open from Nov 30 thru Jan 1. You can also go to Raleighlights.com while watching the show and help control the playlist! Pick your favorites and put them in the queue! Located near the intersection of Lake Wheeler Rd and Tryon Rd in South Raleigh. Also, look for updates on Facebook.com/RaleighNCLights.
2024 update: Confirmed
Goldman Family Lights
6331 Deerview Drive, Raleigh
Starts some time the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Check Facebook page (above) for the schedule, and for updates, especially due to weather.
Listen to WGFL 90.9 to hear music synchronized to the lights.
2024 update: Confirmed. Check Facebook page for schedule.
Woodstone Lights
8921 Woodstone Drive, Raleigh, NC
Sunday to Thursday: 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday; 5;30 to 11 p.m.
Animated Christmas display featuring over 100,000 lights.
Edward’s Battle Haunted House
9401 S Mere Ct, Raleigh, NC 27615
At night time drive by and see the lights. During the day, stop by and play Candyland. Every year since Edward was diagnosed with cancer, he’s created a haunted house in the front yard, and now has created a holiday display as well. He’s raising money for Make a Wish Eastern NC branch.
2024 update: Confirmed
Torockio Christmas Light Extravaganza
8908 New Windsor Place, Raleigh
Light show synchronized to Christmas songs. Check Facebook page (above) for updates.
2024 update: Check back soon.
Smith Family Christmas Lights and Displays
1704 Falls Church Road, Raleigh
Christmas lights walk-through. Take your picture with Mickey Mouse and kiss under the mistletoe. Donations accepted for Married and Love it Ministry.
2024 update: Check back soon.
AnChaNew Lights
1004 Quail Oaks Circle, Raleigh
Enjoy this very merry synchronized light show! When you arrive, please park out front, cut out your headlights, and turn your radios to 90.3 FM. For your safety, please keep parking lights on.
During the show we ask you to be kind to neighbors by not blocking driveways, not littering, and minding your volume.
As you exit, please continue down the road and use the cul-de-sac to turn around, avoiding using any driveways. Check Facebook page (link above) for changes.
2024 update: Confirmed
Lights on the Meadow
9301 Hay Meadow Court, Raleigh
December 7 to 29, 2024
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6 to 9 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday: 6 to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 6 to 9 p.m.
Tune into 88.3. Please stay in your car and turn around at the end of the cul-de-sac. This display has over 40 inflatables.
2024 update: Confirmed
Holidays on Hemby
1001 Hemby Ridge Lane, Morrisville
Will start around November 24, 2024. Check Facebook page for schedule
The display contains thousands of lights, 82 inflatables (81 at night and 1 during the day), 4 wire frame displays, a walking path open from 5-10 nightly and an outdoor G Scale train layout. Trains don’t run every night, but schedule will be posted in advance.
2024 update: Confirmed.
Ambrose Lights
3401 Cartway Lane, Raleigh, NC
November 24th, 2022, to January 1st, 2023
Around 6 to 11 p.m.
2024 update: Confirmed
Stonehenge Neighborhood
The Stonehenge neighborhood in North Raleigh is known or its over-the-top Christmas decorations throughout. Stonehenge is just south of the Northern Wake Expressway. Creedmoor Road goes through the neighborhood.
2024 update: Happens every year, but we have no official confirmation.
262 Bornean Drive, Garner, North Carolina
Lights are on nightly from 6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy the 10-foot Bumble-tron! The homeowner has dogs, but wants you to know that they’re friendly!
North Raleigh Lynn/Lead Mine area
1205 Nikole Court, Raleigh
Starting November 22, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
4:30 to 10:30 p.m.
2024 update: Confirmed
4705 Pamlico Drive, Raleigh
The display will be put up by around November 26, 2023, and will get taken down a day or two after Christmas
The time is usually around 5 to 10 p.m.
2024 update: Confirmed
Christmas Lights on Cayman
312 Cayman Ave, Holly Springs
Christmas lights synchronized to music. Check Facebook page (above) for schedule
2024 update: Check back soon
Durham and Orange Counties
Christmas Plugged at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church
4109 Guess Road, Durham, NC 27712
November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Dusk into midnight
Free
9 Christmas songs synchronized with almost 40,000 LED lights on the exterior of the church building.
2024 update: Confirmed
P&C Holiday Lights
38 Bennett Ridge Road, Chapel Hill, NC
Christmas lights set to music. You can view the show outside or from your car, by tuning to 101.3. On some nights Santa will be there.
There’s even one song that triggers a snow shower. Check Facebook page for any changes.
2024 update: Confirmed
7 Bryncastle Ct, Durham
AI designed. Starts at nightfall and ends at 10 p.m.
The theme is “Blue Christmas.” This is the last year for this display. It’s the 42nd year!
2024 update: Confirmed
218 Rockywalk Ct., Durham, NC
Lots of homes on this block in Southampton have great lights.
2024 Update: Confirmed
Holidays on Boone Street
358 Boone Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Planned start date is December 1, 2024
House projection show. The show runs every five minutes. If you’re parking to watch the show, please stay on the side of the street with the house, so that others can get by. You can also park down the street and walk up to see it.
2024 update: Confirmed.
Mangum Family Christmas Lights
7510 Guess Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Tune in to 90.3 FM to hear synchronized music. Check Facebook page (above) to see if there are any changes due to weather, and to see the dates/times.
2024 update: Confirmed
1007 Grassland Court, Hillsborough
Bluffs at Moorefield neighborhood
November 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025
5:30 to 10 p.m.
2024 update: Confirmed
Wake Forest and Northeast Wake County
Piper Lights
5725 Fixit Shop Road, Wake Forest, NC
November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025
Admission is free but donations are accepted, to help with light repairs and the electricity bill.
Drive through 7 acres of Christmas lights!
2024 update: Confirmed
Houston Family Lights
9021 New Century Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Light display is synchronized with music. Make sure to check the Facebook page for any changes in schedule.
2024 update: Confirmed
Lights on Cedar
206 W Cedar Avenue, Wake Forest
November 29 to December 31, 2024
5 to 10 p.m.
2024 update: Confirmed
Castle Combe Drive Lights
605 Castle Combe Drive, Rolesville, NC 27571
Light show synchronized to music
2024 update: Check back soon
20 Timberwind Road, Franklinton, NC
Lights are on 5 to 10 p.m. nightly.
2024 update: Confirmed
Features 30,000 lights, along with a 9 and 7 foot tree fully decorated. You’re welcome to walk up to the trees.
Eastern Wake County and Wilson
Lake Myra Christmas
AKA Downtown Wendell Light Show
10 S. Cypress St, Wendell, NC 27591
November 27 to December 31, 2024
5:30 to 10 p.m. every night
Admission is free, but donations are accepted
One of the biggest and most popular light shows in the Triangle! Bring a lawn chair and watch the show, or walk on the walkway through the lights! Santa will be there select nights.
2024 update: Confirmed.
Planter’s Walk Christmas Walk
Park at Planter’s Walk Clubhouse
901 Lynwood Road, Knightdale, NC
Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve
5 to 10 p.m.
Free walking trail decorated with Christmas lights. Follow them on Facebook (link above.) On some nights, hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase. Donations accepted for Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. There’s even a miniature train! Follow @beelinerailroad on Instagram for schedule and details.
2024 update: Confirmed
Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Lights in Wilson
4146 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson, NC
November 29 to December 23, 2024
Free
A favorite in Wilson! The fire department puts together an incredible light show, including a 60-foot tall Christmas tree and more than 25,000 lights. Santa will be there most nights, for a $5 donation. December 2 and 10, 2024, are set aside for people with special needs.
2024 update: Confirmed
InflataBoyds
Knightdale Station
306 Banner Blue Court, Knightdale
Starting November 29, 2024
2024 update: Confirmed
Bradshaw’s Holiday Light Display
1712 Horton Road, Knightdale, NC
Stay in your vehicle to enjoy all the lights. Follow the Enter and Exit signs around the driveway. The entry point is closest to the tree line and the exit is by the house. Check Facebook page (link above) for any schedule changes due to weather.
2024 update: Confirmed
Cary and Apex
Downtown Cary, including Downtown Cary Park
All throughout Downtown Cary, especially on Academy Street
Find a spot to park and walk through this winter wonderland! It’s one of the most festive places in the Triangle.
Borkowski Christmas Light Show
2820 Glastonbury Road, Apex, NC
Tune to 89.5 FM from 5:30 to 10:15 p.m. nightly for the Christmas light show.
2024 update: Confirmed
Rogers Family Lights
700 Bay Bouquet Lane, Apex, NC
Check for hours on the Facebook page (above)
This light show is synchronized to music. The show is in memory of their son, Caden who passed away from SMA. Donate to help find a cure for SMA at curesma.com.
2024 update: Confirmed
Gebhardt Family Lights
1033 Hortons Creek Road, Cary
Starts November 29, 2024
Light show synchronized to music.
2024 update: Confirmed
Johnson Family’s Christmas Lights
103 Chestone Court, Cary, NC 27514
Thanksgiving until New Year’s DAy.
Radio station: 90.3. The lights come on at dark, and the music portion of the starts at 6 p.m. The show stops at 10:30 p.m. on school nights, and later on the weekends. On Christmas Eve and Day, the lights are on continuously.
Lights on Waverly
416 Waverly Hills Drive, Cary, NC 27519
Will start around December 1, 2023
Check schedule on Facebook page.
2024 update: This year the lights will be just a static display, but check back in 2025 for the synchronized show.
Fuquay-Varina
Holland Road Lights
409 Holland Road, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
This musical light show includes 20-25 thousand lights. On New Year’s Eve they change things up and do a dance party light show that goes on until just after midnight! Tune into FM 90.9 to listen.
2024 update: Check back soon
2232 Belvinwood Drive, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Mill Ridge neighborhood
Starting November 28, 2024
2024 update: Confirmed
Light Show Geek
5425 Downtown Grove Ct., Fuquay-Varina, NC
34,000 lights synchronized to music. Check Facebook page for the schedule and for updates, especially due to weather.
2024 update: Confirmed
Johnston County
Fleming Family Lights
228 Rothes Court, Clayton, NC
There’s a speaker on the lawn to hear music, or tune to 107.3 in your car.
November 29 to December 31, 2024
5 to 10 p.m.
2024 update: Confirmed
4546 Godwin Lake Rd, Benson, NC 27504
November 22 to December 31, 2024
5 to 10 p.m.
Free admission.
30 acres of lights, including a 37-foot tall display. Train rides ($3 per person), old-fashioned candy store, Santa every night (through December 24th — free to visit, fee to take a picture), carousel ($2 per person), concessions.
There is no charge to see the lights. All of the lights are visible from the road or parking lot. However the train takes you through the main field of lights and gets you much closer. Any age can ride.
2024 update: Confirmed
Ashley Heights Lights Clayton
340 Ashpole Trail, Clayton, NC
Synchronized Christmas light show! When you arrive, please park out front, turn off your headlights, and tune your radio to 89.5 FM. For your safety, please keep parking lights on. Please don’t block driveways, don’t litter, and please keep your volume low.
As you exit, please continue down the road and use the cul-de-sac to turn around, avoiding using any driveways. Check Facebook page for hours and any changes.
2024 Update: Confirmed
Franklin County
The Town of Franklinton has a light display along Main Street that includes a 60-foot long light tunnel with 15,000 lights, a Christmas train, inflatable characters and a 25-foot tall Christmas tree.
Google Map of Christmas Lights
Add to the Triangle Christmas Light Map
Various locations
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