More than a million lights along a one-mile trail at The North Carolina Arboretum, from mid-November into January. How the per-vehicle tickets work, what's on site and how to plan your night.
Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum's holiday light show and, in the Arboretum's words, Asheville's brightest holiday tradition. More than a million lights fill the gardens along a mile-long walking trail, with immersive scenes, live entertainment and hot cocoa along the way. It runs from mid-November into early January, and tickets for popular nights sell out, so it pays to plan.
What It Is
Winter Lights is a walk-through show in and around the Arboretum's gardens. You park, then walk a roughly one-mile trail lined with displays. The show changes every year. The 2026 edition introduces scenes like "Forest Floor," with glowing mushrooms carpeting the ground, "Beneath the Riverbed," where you stroll below giant lily pads, and "Between Water and Woods," with oversized dragonflies.
When It Happens
Winter Lights runs from mid-November into early January. The 2026 season runs November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the last entry is at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now online, and in-person advance sales at the Arboretum gatehouse start November 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dates box at the top of this page shows the current or next season.
Where It Is
The show is held at The North Carolina Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville. You must arrive in a motor vehicle: walking or biking into the show isn't allowed.
Tickets
Winter Lights is priced per vehicle, not per person, so everyone in your car gets in on one ticket. Prices come in three tiers, Value, Standard and Peak, based on demand, so choosing a less popular date saves money. Advance purchase is recommended: tickets bought at the gate cost $10 more, and gate sales (7 to 9 p.m.) happen only if space allows. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled, and the only way to change your date is to upgrade to a Flex ticket.
2026 prices for larger vehicles: vans and other vehicles with 9 to 14 seats are $85 on Value dates, $110 on Standard dates and $135 on Peak dates, and buses with 15 or more seats are $400 to $600. Arboretum Society members get $5 off tickets bought in advance. There's also a premium Winter Lights Trolley ticket, run with Biltmore Park Town Square and Gray Line Trolley Tours, if you'd rather skip driving.
What to Expect
- More than a million lights along a one-mile trail.
- Live entertainment on show nights.
- Food and drinks: two Cocoa Shacks sell hot cocoa, alcoholic drinks and treats, and the Bent Creek Bistro sells snacks, cocoa, drinks and s'mores kits.
- Restrooms in the Baker Visitor Center and Education Center, plus portable restrooms.
- Accessible paths. The displays are best viewed from paved pathways, there are accessible parking spaces, and a limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed first come, first served.
Rules to Know
- No pets, though service animals are welcome.
- No outside alcohol anywhere on the property, including the parking lot.
- No firearms on the property.
- Kids under 16 must stay with an adult for the whole visit.
- Rain or shine. The show only closes for a weather emergency, announced by 3 p.m. on the Arboretum's website and Facebook page, and tickets are refunded for a closed night.
Tips
- Buy early for peak dates. The Arboretum warns that peak dates sell out quickly.
- Pick a Value date if your schedule is flexible.
- Fill the car. Since tickets are per vehicle, bringing more people lowers the cost per person.
- Give yourself at least an hour to walk the trail and enjoy the displays. On busy nights, arriving after 7:30 p.m. helps you skip the entry lines.
- Dress warmly. It's an outdoor walk on a winter night in the mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Winter Lights?
From mid-November into early January. Check the dates box at the top of this page for the next season.
Do I need a ticket for each person?
No. Tickets are priced per vehicle.
Is there a shuttle or tram?
No. It's a walk-through show. The separate Winter Lights Trolley ticket is the option if you don't want to drive.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Only service animals are allowed.
How long does a visit take?
The Arboretum recommends allowing at least a full hour.
For more seasonal plans, see our winter in Asheville guide.
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