WNC in lights: Where to find Christmas light displays around Asheville

Katie Wadington | Asheville Citizen Times

What starts at Halloween and lasts until January? All things Christmas, nowadays, but specifically, Christmas lights.

If you’re looking to bathe in the holiday glow — for Instagram or just because the lights are festive — look no further than these spots around WNC for holiday lights.

Your first stop should one of WNC's charming Main Streets (that's literally and figuratively). (And shop local while you're there.) Have you seen downtown Sylva decorated for Christmas? Or Weaverville? Or Waynesville? Or Hendersonville's historic courthouse? Stroll down a Main Street and take in the small-town vibe.

Then, if you're looking for just countless lights, a candy cane-colored assault on the senses, here are your next stops.

Other holiday stories:

Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland

After a couple of years away from WNC, Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland is back. Once at the WNC Ag Center, it's found a new home at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

If you're looking to see Christmas lights in your jammies, rain or shine, this is your place. The drive-thru show runs through Jan. 5, from 6-10 p.m.

Vehicles with eight passengers or less are $25.

Winter Lights

N.C. Arboretum is home to Winter Lights for the sixth year of its spectacular display of lights. The event, which runs through Jan. 4, puts the Bent Creek space in a whole new light (couldn’t resist that), with hundreds of thousands of bulbs in all hues.

Snap a photo next to the 50-foot tree, sit inside an igloo of lights (and play Jenga), or just stand in the purple glow of an illuminated tunnel.

Tickets are per person, rather than the daytime Arboretum per-car parking fee. If you're downtown or in Biltmore Village and looking to make more of an event out of it, book a ride over to the lights with The Trolley Co. from the Renaissance or Doubletree hotels. A trolley ticket includes the ride, admission and a cup of cocoa.

Already downtown, or heading there? You can get a miniature version of the Arboretum's glow — for free — in Pack Square Park.

Biltmore Estate

With lights inside and out, Biltmore Estate is home to WNC's most elegant Christmas display.

During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, walk through Biltmore House for Christmas as George and Edith Vanderbilt intended.

Outdoors, your best Instagram bets are twofold: Capture the trees in front of Biltmore House from the terrace that is at the opposite end of the front green. Then, head to Antler Hill Village, on the other side of the grounds, for lights galore.

Festival of Lights at Lake Julian

Buncombe County's annual fundraiser for the Special Olympics happens at the Skyland park at Lake Julian, running through Dec. 23.

From 6-9 p.m., drive through a sparkling display of lights to celebrate the season. It's $8 in advance (at https://lakejulianfestivaloflights.simpletix.com/) and $10 at the gate.