If you’re looking for holiday light displays in the Raleigh area this year, you may have to drive a little ways to see the really good stuff.
Raleigh’s Celebration of Lights, the annual holiday drive-through event held at Walnut Creek amphitheater was canceled for 2007. This is sad for the kids who were looking forward to it, but the promoters claim it was fantastic for them to just break even each year. There are some North Carolina favorites, such as Duke Chapel, but aside from some of the smaller neighborhood displays, you’re going to have to drive a little to see the larger offerings.
One exception to this is the Holiday Lights Trolley, which runs through downtown Raleigh, along some of the historic neighborhoods and along the local business that populate the area. The ride lasts about an hour, and reservations are encouraged. The ride begins in Historic Mordecai Park, located at 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh. Prices range from $4.00 – $8.00. For more information: 919-857-4364.
If you don’t mind driving a little, the Tanglewood Festival of Lights is for you. One of the largest displays in the entire southeast, the Tanglewood Festival is located in Clemmons, right by Winston-Salem. The show itself boasts nearly one million lights, and 72 animated displays. Some of the scenes include: jumping fish, wisemen bearing gifts, angels, tennis-playing elves, squirrels, and even a sea serpent. The entire car ride is filled with scenery, holiday message boards, flying reindeer, and holiday flowers. The show runs each night from 6:00pm – 11:00pm, through January 1st. Admission is $13.00 per car on weekends and holidays, $9.00 on weeknights. Commercial rates are also available, as well as package deals that include nearby lodging and dinner, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hayrides. There is a Holiday Gift Village inside the grounds, popular for shopping, snacks and beverages, and even marshmallow roasting! For more information: www.tanglewoodpark.org or call them at 336-778-6300.
A closer alternative for triangle residents is the Lights on the Neuse display, in Clayton. Choose this venue, and you’ll be whisked away (slowly) on a mile long tractor-pulled hayride, which concludes at the banks of the Neuse River. Along the way, you’ll be privy to 15 lighted scenes, containing over 1 million lights in total! In addition to the ride itself, the Lights on the Neuse also offers kids a chance to have their picture taken with the jolly old elf himself, Santa Clause! And if Santa’s lap proves to be a frightening experience for your youngster, walk them over to Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, and get them a little treat such a hot chocolate, cider, or a sugary snack guaranteed to keep them up the entire car ride home. Lights on the Neuse is located at 1620 Loop Road, Clayton. Call them at: 919-553-0016. They are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Thanksgiving until December 31st, 6:00pm – 10:00pm. They are also open December 24, 26, & 27, 6:00pm – 10:00pm. Admission is $8.00 per adult, $5.00 for children ages 5-12, while children under 5 are admitted for free. Ho! Ho! Ho!
