About this Event
November 27 - December 30, 2026, Open Select Nights
*Closing early on Christmas Eve and Closed on Christmas Day
See what over 90,000 People from all over the region Enjoyed last Holiday Season! Share it with your Family & Friends! Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular is Charlotte's favorite Christmas experience — a joy-filled walk through magic and light. Millions of lights across 40+ scenes flowing end to end, magic snowflake wands, free live entertainment every night, and Santa's Private Workshop at Ballantyne's Backyard.
What to Expect from your Holiday Experience:
- BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR! The Winter Wonderland Carnival - featuring the Ferris Wheel, Bear Affair, Sooper Jet Kiddie Roller Coaster, and Rapid Slide!
- GREAT ENTERTAINMENT: The Ballerinas or Snow Globes Perform EVERY NIGHT!
- LIVE Santa EVERY NIGHT through 12/23
- Exquisite Ice Castle with Princess Carriage
- Pop-Up Holiday Market complete with Boutiques, Shops, & Rotating Food Trucks
- IMPROVED! All pathways are Concrete or Decked. Safe for Scooters, Strollers, and Wheelchairs (please be aware there are some inclines throughout the venue)
- FREE Parking
- And So Much More!
WHAT IS NC HOLIDAY LIGHTS? Carolina’s Holiday Lights Spectacular is the ultimate family holiday experience. This walking adventure has millions of lights, spectacular oversized snowglobes, larger than life holiday displays, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Elves, countless candy canes and all of your favorite holiday cheer! Immerse yourselves in a winter wonderland featuring a gift shop, food trucks, and other “Instagrammable” moments for all to enjoy!
For more information, visit
HOW LONG DOES THE EXPERIENCE TAKE TO SEE? The trail itself is a walking trail and it is self-guided. Visitors are welcome to experience the attractions at their own pace. Most guests spend 45 MINUTES TO 1.5 HOURS in total on the grounds engaging in the exhibits and the the walking trail.
WHERE IS NCHLS LOCATED? Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
DOES NCHLS HAVE FOOD AND BEVERAGES? Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site from a rotation of top food trucks and vendors. We will be serving hot and cold seasonal beverages. There will also be seasonal alcoholic drinks for purchase for those 21+ years of age.
DOES NCHLS HAVE RESTROOMS? Yes, there are bathrooms located in multiple areas of the grounds.
IS THERE PARKING AT NCHLS ? Yes, there is tons of FREE PARKING. Look For The Giant Inflatable on The Road.
IS THE EVENT FOR ALL AGES? ALL ages are welcome to attend our event and there is truly something to enjoy whether you are young or young-at-heart. Those 4 years and up do need an admission ticket for entry.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY? All tickets are non-refundable. Our show will operate rain or shine. The show operates in light rain and most weather conditions. Lights look stunning in the rain — and you'll often have the trail more to yourself. In the event of severe weather including lightning or conditions that affect guest safety, the show may pause or close. Check our social media or the National Weather Service on rainy nights for updates.
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE ORGANIZER WITH ANY QUESTIONS? Please contact us at [email protected]
DO I HAVE TO BRING MY PRINTED TICKET TO THE EVENT? We encourage you to have your digital ticket ready for scanning on your mobile device or, alternatively, print a copy of your ticket for scanning upon arrival.
IS IT OK IF THE NAME ON MY TICKET OR REGISTRATION DOESN’T MATCH THE PERSON WHO ATTENDS? Yes, each ticket has its own QR code for entry per person. Each person must have a ticket, it’s not necessary to match the name to the attendee.
IS THERE SECURITY AT NCHLS? Attendees will pass through a security check-point prior to entering our activation zone. Please downsize any purses or bags you are bringing with you. All bags will be searched.
CAN I BRING MY DOG TO NCHLS? For the safety and comfort of all guests and our furry friends, no pets are permitted at the Holiday Light Spectacular with the exception of service animals with documentation.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES? Yes! We encourage all of our guests to take photos, post on social media and share their experience with family and friends!
Follow us:
Instagram: @NCHolidayLights
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncholidaylights
Be sure to tag us!
IS SMOKING PERMITTED ON THE GROUNDS? Smoking of any kind is not permitted anywhere on the grounds during the NCHLS
IS NCHLS ADA ACCESSIBLE? All of our properties are all ADA accessible and have ADA restrooms located on site. Please be mindful that there are several different terrains on each property that you will traverse including dirt, grass, gravel and asphalt. There are also slight changes in elevation throughout the trail. Each property has seating in the pre-show zones and a rest stop halfway through the walking experience. Please make sure you read more on your specific city and if you have any further questions or concerns please reach out to the designated information email address for your specific city.
It’s for a good cause! A portion of event proceeds go to Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation Visit: www.spiritofhopechildrensfoundation.org
Event venue & nearby stays
Ballantyne's Backyard, 11611 North Community House Road, Charlotte, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.