Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville NC

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Now in its 11th year, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum ranks right alongside Biltmore Christmas among our favorite things to do during Winter in Asheville.

With all proceeds supporting the Arboretum’s annual programming, this is their largest fundraising effort of the year. And this year, like most of Asheville, they need those funds more than ever!

Although Hurricane Helene did no significant damage to the garden itself, there were thousands of trees knocked down across their 434-acre property.

Note that all trails and outdoor areas beyond the Formal Gardens remain closed to guests, and we encourage everyone to visit Western NC responsibly (including checking DriveNC.gov for best directions).

But the beloved Christmas attraction is bigger and better than ever, with more than a million energy-efficient LED lights illuminating one of the best botanical gardens in the USA.

Check out our in-depth guide to exploring Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, including info on dates, ticket prices, and an overview of all the activities and attractions.

Top Places to Stay Near Asheville NC

The Inn On Biltmore Estate (Biltmore hotel & spa w/casual & fine dining restaurants)

Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Village (Pet-friendly, budget-friendly w/free breakfast)

Cambria Hotel (Downtown Asheville hotel with fridge & restaurant, highly recommended)

Kimpton – Hotel Arras, IHG (4-star Downtown Asheville hotel w/breakfast & bikes)

Black Walnut B&B Inn (Romantic B&B in the Montford Historic District)

Engadine Inn & Cabins (Victorian Inn & 6 cabins, 15 minutes from the city)

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum Info

ADDRESS: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville NC

PHONE: 828-665-2492

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

DATES: November 15-December 31

HOURS: Timed Winter Lights tickets are available for 6PM, 7PM & 8PM nightly. Guests are welcome to stay as long as they like, but the attraction closes at 10PM nightly.

PRICES: Regular sized vehicles= Value Nights $40; Standard Nights $55; Premium Nights $70. For info on large vehicles and buses, call 828-412-8570. Members get a $5 discount.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Due to rapidly changing info regarding road closures and alternate routes in and around the Asheville NC area, it’s best to consult DriveNC.gov for updated directions to the NC Arboretum.

Winter Lights Tickets

All tickets for Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum are timed, with slots available at 6Pm, 7PM, and 8PM nightly.

Guests may enter the beloved Asheville Christmas attraction anytime between the time shown on their ticket and 9PM, but note that the gates close promptly at 10PM each night.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate. But note that this event often sells out in advance, and there’s an additional fee if you buy tickets at the gate.

We love that they charge per vehicle, NOT per person. But there are additional fees for larger vans and motor coaches, with regular vehicles limited to no more than 8 passengers.

There are 3 different ticket classes, divided into Value Nights, Standard Nights, and Premium Nights.

Value Nights are $40 advance/$55 gate, while Standard Nights are $55 advance/$70 gate and Premium Nights are $70/$85 gate.

TNCA members get a $5 discount on advance ticket purchases. For more info on prices for large vehicles and buses, call 828-412-8570.

Exploring the Winter Lights Displays

Winter Castle

As you exit the Baker Visitor Center and enter the Winter Lights display, the first thing you’ll see is the ice spires of their Winter Castle display.

Although Winter Lights adds some new elements every Christmas season, this is one of several popular favorites that seem to come back year after year.

We especially love the glittery pink and white Unicorn, which was gorgeously framed by a shimmering rainbow of vivid colors when we visited.

Fall Fungi

The Fall Fungi display is another returning favorite, and perfectly in tune with the botanical garden‘s focus on North Carolina’s natural beauty.

These larger-than-life shrooms are located near the Cocoa Shack, which offers steaming Hot Cocoa to help ward off the chill of the Blue Ridge Mountain nights during the “brrrrr months.”

They’re also near a pergola festooned with thousands of colorful Christmas lights and 4 benches, which make for a fantastic selfie spot.

Tree of Light

Located roughly in the center of this enchanting garden of lights, the 50-foot-tall Tree of Light is the largest (and arguably the most popular) light display at the NC Arboretum.

The massive Christmas tree consists of thousands of vivid LED lights, with festive colors that change and move in time with the joyous carols broadcast over loudspeakers.

This area can get a little congested with people during peak times, but there are little out-of-the-way nooks and crannies where you can sit and watch the dazzling light show.

READ MORE: The 28 Best NC Christmas Tree Farms to Visit

Quilt Garden

Inspired by traditional Appalachian quilts, the Quilt Garden uses lights to illuminate colorful blocks that mimic what Victorian-era gardeners called “carpet bedding.”

In Spring and Summer, these beds are planted with harmonious and contrasting colored flowers, which only last one season.

But for the Winter Lights celebration, the vivid LED lights change colors and patterns with the music in mesmerizing fashion, synced and color-coordinated with the Tree of Light in the background.

This show is easily our favorite Christmas light display at the Arboretum, and a must-watch if you visit!

Spring Sprouts

Located just past the Quilt Garden and Tree of Light, these massive flowers serve as a reminder that the North Carolina Arboretum is an incredible botanical garden all year round.

Delicate flowers tower above you in striking reds, blues, golds, and greens, and all around you’ll see trees (including Magical Maples and Wishing Trees) covered in lights.

This area is also home to the Rocky Cove Railroad, a cute train exhibit.

Enchanted Oasis

As photographers and diehard nature lovers, the Enchanted Oasis section of Winter Lights was one of our favorites, reminding us of our second home on a lake in North Georgia.

Blue and white lights cascaded down a short set of stairs, making it look like shimmering water.

Around it sat all manner of native North Carolina wildlife, from beautiful birds (such as the Great Blue Heron pictured above) and giant butterflies to lizards and more.

This year’s display will also feature a new interactive light display.

Storytime at Woodland Cove

This display at the NC Arboretum Education Center has changed a lot since our first visit, and it’s one of the most entertaining elements of the Winter Lights celebration.

When we visited in 2022, it featured an animatronic deer and other woodland creatures singing and moving in time to festive Christmas music.

But in 2024 they created “Storytime at Woodland Cove,” with talking bears, deer, squirrels, and other animals telling the engaging story of a baby bear’s adventures.

It’s guaranteed to be an enthralling experience for kids, but even adults will enjoy the sweet-natured story.

Food & Entertainment

Outside the Education Center is also where you’ll find the Bent Creek Bistro and S’mores Land, from which visitors can grab a bite to eat and get warm by a cozy fire.

The Bistro offers a full menu, including salads, sandwiches, hand-made quiche, and seasonal specials, plus local beers and wines, coffee, and hot tea.

Make sure you save room for S’mores, with kits available for purchase and fires for roasting marshmallows spread across the property. Add some hot cocoa for the ultimate decadent dessert!

The North Carolina Arboretum also features live music performances nightly during their Winter Lights celebration, right outside the Bent Creek Bistro. –by Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett