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.
Please note that 2022-2023 was the last year for WRAL Nights of Lights. Also, Raleigh is not listed in the current list of Magic of Lights locations. One new major attraction is Wool E.’s Winter Wonderland at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
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
Wool E’s Winter Wonderland
Wool E’s Winter Wonderland
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC
Select dates from November 22 to December 31, 2023
3 p.m. to 10 p.m. most nights, but times vary
Check back soon for ticket prices
The ballpark will be decorated with 13,000 lights, covering four miles, along with music. This will be walk-through attraction. There will also be sledding hills, a train ride around the outfield, food and drink, and an artist market.
2023 status: Confirmed.
Lights on the Neuse
Lights on the Neuse
1620 Loop Road, Clayton, NC
Dates from November 24 to December 24th, 2023. 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.
2023 Update: Confirmed
Electric Light Fantasy at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
Electric Light Fantasy
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
310 Goldsboro Street S., Wilson, NC
December 7-9 and 14-16, 2023
Shows at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Tickets are $30 per car. Must be purchased in advance
Drive-in laser light show, set to music, with a backdrop of gigantic spinning whirligigs.
2023 Update: Confirmed.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, North Carolina
November 17, 2023, to January 14, 2024.
$25 for any-night tickets.
Specific nights: $16 to $20, depending on night. $11 to $15 for kids 3-12, depending on date. Kids under 3 admitted for free. Discounts for seniors, military, college students Sunday to Thursday.
Although not Christmas lights, this bright nighttime display is a popular attraction every year.
Hill Ridge Farms
Festival of Lights at Hill Ridge Farms
703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC 27596
Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving) through December 30, 2023, with the exception of November 27 to 30
5:30 to 9 p.m.
$20 for your vehicle if you pay in cash. $23 if you pay with a debit/credit card.
This drive-thru attraction is a mile long and features over a million lights. Tickets are not sold in advance.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Naylor Family Farms
Naylor Family Farms
6016 US 401 N, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
November 25 & 26. December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22, 23, 2023.
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, 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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Denton Farm Park
Denton Farm Park Country Christmas Train
4259 Handy Road, Denton, NC 27239
November 24-26; December 1-3, 7-10, 20-23, 26-27, 2023.
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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Christmas Lights on the Farm
Christmas Lights on the Farm
NC Hwy 222 W, Middlesex, NC
November 24-26, December 1-3, 7-10, 14-23, 2023.
Age 4 and over: $12. 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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Christmas Lights on Holt Road
MG Global Support Foundation Presents Christmas Lights on Holt Road
1012 Holt Road, Apex, but please line up at 6112 Old Jenks Road
Please check the above link for information. This year, most nights require a ticket, which can be obtained with a $20 donation per car, which will go toward the mission of bringing Ukrainian families to safety. There will be a few nights that are free. And, keep in mind, that there are a lot of free light displays below! Purchase tickets here.
This is a huge, elaborate, drive-through light display. 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!
2023 update: Confirmed
Festival of Lights at Sweet Valley Ranch
Festival of Lights
Sweet Valley Ranch
2990 Sunnyside School Road, Fayetteville, NC
Opens November 24, 2023.
$10 per person.
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. Special events include First Responder, Tiny’s Backyard, Dinosaur World, Star Wars, Santa’s Drive-Thru Gift Shop, Nativity Scene, Ginger Bread House, The Grinch’s Mansions, Military Tribute.
Highlanders Farm
Highlanders Farm
5784 NC-22, Carthage, NC
Opens November 24, 2023.
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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Granville Christmas Farm
Granville Christmas Farm
4534 US-15, Oxford, NC
Dates from November 24, 2023, to January 1, 2024
Vehicle with 1 passenger: $10, 2 passenger: $15, 3-4 passengers, $20, 5 or more passenger: +$5 for each additional person.
Drive-thru light show.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024
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 20th
- Monday, November 27th
- Tuesday, November 21st
- Tuesday, November 28th
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
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.
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.
2023 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.
2023 update: Confirmed
Raleigh Lights
2612 Beehnon Way, Raleigh, NC
6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays
6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends
Runs to New Year’s Day
In their fifth season 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 daily and they will have a 30 or more by Christmas. 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! Kids have their own interactive button pole to push that turns on the outdoor speakers, and change the light pattern of the show. Located near the intersection of Lake Wheeler Rd and Tryon Rd in South Raleigh. Also, look for updates on Facebook.com/RaleighNCLights.
2023 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.
2023 update: Confirmed. Check Facebook page for schedule.
Olde Time Christmas on Valley Drive
1401 Valley Drive, Raleigh
Starts on Thanksgiving
4 p.m. (or dusk) until 9 p.m. (later on weekends and as we get closer to Christmas)
45-minute light show. Check Facebook page (above) for updates.
2023 update: Confirmed.
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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Torockio Christmas Light Extravaganza
8908 New Windsor Place, Raleigh
Light show synchronized to Christmas songs. Check Facebook page (above) for updates.
2023 update: Confirmed.
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 Raleigh Rescue Missions.
2023 update: Confirmed.
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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Lights on the Meadow
9301 Hay Meadow Court, Raleigh
December 1 to 31, 2023
Sunday to Thursday: 6 to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 6 to 10 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.
2023 update: Confirmed
Woodstone Lights
8921 Woodstone Drive, Raleigh
2023 update: Check back soon
Holidays on Hemby
1001 Hemby Ridge Lane, Morrisville
Will start around Thanksgiving weekend. 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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Ambrose Lights
3401 Cartway Lane, Raleigh, NC
November 24th, 2022, to January 1st, 2023
Around 6 to 11 p.m.
2023 update: Confirmed
Turner Farms Subdivision
5401 Rockholly Court, Garner, NC 27529
Staring November 26, 2023
5 to 11 p.m. unless it’s raining
2023 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.
2023 update: Happens every year!
North Raleigh Lynn/Lead Mine area
1205 Nikole Court, Raleigh
November 26 to December 31, 2023
4:30 to 10:30 p.m., weather permitting
2023 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.
2023 update: Confirmed
Durham and Orange Counties
Christmas Plugged at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church
4109 Guess Road, Durham, NC 27712
From November 25, 2023, through early January, 2024
Dusk into midnight
Free
9 Christmas songs synchronized with almost 40,000 LED lights on the exterior of the church building.
2023 update: Confirmed
P&C Holiday Lights
38 Bennett Ridge Road, Chapel Hill, NC
December 3 to 25, 2023
5:30 to 9 p.m.
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.
Collecting donations for the animals at the Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption Center. Accepting cat and dog food, including puppy and kitten food, cat litter, bleach, laundry detergent, garbage bags, old blankets, collars, leashes and cash.
2023 update: Confirmed.
7 Bryncastle Ct, Durham
AI designed. Starts at nightfall and ends at 10 p.m. 41 year history.
218 Rockywalk Ct., Durham, NC
Lots of homes on this block in Southampton have great lights.
2023 Update: Confirmed.
Holidays on Boone Street
358 Boone Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Starts December 1, 2023
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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.
2023 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.
2023 update: Confirmed
1007 Grassland Court, Hillsborough
Bluffs at Moorefield neighborhood
November 23, 2023, to January 2, 2024
5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
2023 update: Confirmed
Wake Forest
Piper Lights
5725 Fixit Shop Road, Wake Forest, NC
Admission is free but donations are accepted, to help with light repairs and the electricity bill.
Drive through 7 acres of Christmas lights!
2023 update: Check back soon for dates.
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.
2023 update: Check back soon
Lights on Cedar
206 W Cedar Avenue, Wake Forest
November 22 to December 31, 2023
5 to 10 p.m.
Santa on Fridays and Saturdays between December 1 and 23, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m.
2023 update: Confirmed
605 Groveton Trail, Wake Forest
Flaherty Farms
Lights are on 5 to 10 p.m. nightly. You can come and sit on the bench for pictures under the lights. There will also be a manger scene. There’s a walking path and a place to take Christmas pictures.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Eastern Wake County
Lake Myra Christmas
AKA Downtown Wendell Light Show
10 S. Cypress St, Wendell, NC 27591
November 22 to December 31, 2023
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 every Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m., from November 25 to December 23, 2023.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Contentnea Fire Department’s Christmas Lights in Wilson
4146 NC Highway 42 W, Wilson, NC
November 24 to December 23, 2023
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 Thursday to Sunday through December 23.
2023 update: Confirmed
Castle Combe Drive Lights
605 Castle Combe Drive, Rolesville, NC 27571
Light show synchronized to music
2023 update: Check back soon
InflataBoyds
Knightdale Station
306 Banner Blue Court, Knightdale
Opens December 1, 2023. Will not take place December 17-22, 2023.
12 to 10 p.m. daily.
2023 update: Confirmed
Bradshaw’s Holiday Light Display
1712 Horton Road, Knightdale, NC
November 23, 2023, through January 1st, 2024
6 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 to 10 p.m. on weekends
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.
2023 update: Confirmed
Cary and Apex
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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Rogers Family Lights
700 Bay Bouquet Lane, Apex, NC
Starts November 23, 2023
Sun day to Thursday 5:30-9:30 and Friday and Saturday 5:30-10:30
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.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Gebhardt Family Lights
1033 Hortons Creek Road, Cary
5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on weeknights and 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
Light show synchronized to music.
2023 update: Confirmed
114 Heidinger Drive, Cary, NC
November 18, 2023 to January 2, 2024
From dark until 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and from dark to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
50,000 programmable multicolor LED lights synchronized to music. Tune to 106.7 FM. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNXPNVBq1xA
2023 update: Confirmed
Lights on Waverly
416 Waverly Hills Drive, Cary, NC 27519
Will start around December 1, 2023
Check schedule on Facebook page.
Light show synchronized to music. Tune to 91.7FM
2023 update: Confirmed.
Fuquay-Varina
Holland Road Lights
409 Holland Road, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Starts Friday, November 26th, 2022, to January 2nd, 2023
Dusk to 10:30 p.m.
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.
2023 update: Check back soon
2232 Belvinwood Drive, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Mill Ridge neighborhoodz
November 27, 2023, to January 5, 2024
7 to 11 p.m.
2023 update: Confirmed
Light Show Geek
5425 Downtown Grove Ct., Fuquay-Varina, NC
34,000 lights synchronized to music. Lights are on thanksgiving weekend to January 6 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Check Facebook page for the schedule and for updates, especially due to weather.
2023 update: Confirmed.
Johnston County
4546 Godwin Lake Rd, Benson, NC 27504
November 17 to December 31, 2023
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.
2023 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.
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.
Lin says
You left off the biggest Christmas light show in Wake County, Fieldstream Farm Lights
Patrick Jones says
8311 Highway 64. I think it’s a Pittsboro address. It’s about halfway between Pittsboro and Siler City.