It's called the brightest holiday tradition in Asheville! The North Carolina Arboretum’s annual Winter Lights, which is in its 11th year, features one million bright, energy-efficient LED lights throughout the nationally-known gardens. The lights illuminate the natural beauty and landscapes of the arboretum during the winter season.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Winter Lights is moving forward as scheduled. During the day, the Arboretum's Formal Gardens, Bonsai Exhibit Garden, Education Center, Baker Exhibit Center and Bent Creek Bistro are open during normal winter seasonal hours (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., with the incoming gate closing at 6:00 p.m.). All Arboretum trails and outdoor areas beyond the Formal Gardens remain closed to guests.
In addition to the lights, enjoy live music performances, hot cocoa, story times, fire pits, and s’mores.
What to Know: Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum 2024
2024 Dates: November 15 - December 31
- 2024 will see favorite light displays from years past as well as new interactive elements
- The lights are on from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night (last entry is at 9 p.m.)
- There are 3 entry times available for each date: 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Attendees may enter the show anytime between the time shown on their ticket and 9 p.m.
- Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased in advance or at the gate (on non-sell-out nights). Ticket prices start at $40 and vary depending on vehicle size and date (Arboretum members receive $5 off)
- An additional $10 is charged if purchasing at the gate on any given night. Additional fees apply for larger vans and motorcoaches
- This is the largest fundraising effort of the year for the Arboretum. All proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum's annual programming
Reserve your ticket
Ticket prices start at $40 and vary depending on vehicle size and date (Arboretum members receive $5 off). Many nights will sell out, especially on weekends. You are encouraged to purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible at https://www.ncarboretum.org/winter-lights/. All sales are final unless the Arboretum closes for a weather-related emergency.
