Holiday Light Show at The Gardens of Southeastern NC
Experience festive holiday magic at The Southern Lights in Willard, NC: illuminated walk-through gardens, wood-fired pizza, s'mores, special characters meet & greet, whimsical wagon ride, Grinch's Maze, and a cash bar. Kid-, pet- & family-friendly!
The Southern Lights: A Magical Holiday Event in Southeastern NC 🎄
Location: Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, Willard, NC
Opening Night – Premiere Party: Saturday, November 15 | $20 per person ($25 at the door)
Be part of the season’s first lighting with an exclusive meet & greet with the artists and a fine art silent auction. Limited tickets available for an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience!
Regular Nights: November 21–22, 28–29; December 4–6, 10–15, 18–23
Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, self-paced
Tickets: $12 online | $15 at the gate (if available) | Children 5 & under free
🌟 What You’ll Experience 🌟
- Walk‑Through Light Wonderland - Stroll through dazzling light displays woven throughout our signature garden—an unforgettable evening under the stars.
- 12 Days of Christmas Art Display - Stroll through this enchanting 20-minute walk-through section of The Southern Lights featuring one-of-a-kind artwork inspired by the beloved 12 Days of Christmas, bringing holiday traditions to life in vibrant, festive art.
- A-Maze-ing Maze - Brave the whimsical Maze! Follow clues, find “stolen” presents, and embrace the holiday spirit—fun for kids and adults alike.
- Elf Quest Wagon Ride 🌟 - Hop aboard our Elf Quest wagon ride, the crown jewel of The Southern Lights experience! This enchanted journey winds through glowing garden trails filled with music, lights, and magical moments around every bend—all while you search for elves hidden throughout our enchanted forest. A must-see for visitors of all ages.
- Snowball Fight Arena - Test your aim in the Snowball Fight Arena featuring our famous never-melt South Pole snowballs!
- Seasonal Cocktails - Cozy up with our seasonal favorites—eggnog, spiced apple cider, and decadent hot cocoa (all available spiked!)—the perfect companions as you wander through the lights.
- Gardens’ Grille Favorites - At our Gardens’ Grille, savor our famous wood-fired pizza or a bird dog (chicken sausage) — perfect for a warm, festive meal during your visit.
- Treats & Snacks - Enjoy classic holiday treats like s’mores as you explore the lights and festivities.
- Brown Dog Coffee Company - Warm up at Brown Dog Coffee Company’s coffee camper with hot coffee, soothing teas, and rich hot cocoa from Brown Dog Coffee Company, perfect for sipping as you enjoy the lights.
- 🔥 Exclusive Upgrade: Private Firepit + 14 Tickets & Bartender — $195**
Event Details:
- Admission: 5:30–9:00 PM, self-paced
- Food & Drink: Available for purchase (cash & card accepted)
- Tickets: Email confirmation with QR code; wallet passes supported
- Ticket Changes: Use “Change your event time” link in your SimpleTix email
- Accessibility: Semi-wheelchair accessible with ADA-compliant mulch covering most areas.
- Parking: Ample onsite parking
- Pets: Welcome on leashes (please pick up after them)
- **No outside food/drink or smoking (permitted only in parking zone)
The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, a non-profit botanical garden, is committed to improving lives and nurturing creativity through the wonders of nature. Spanning over 300 acres of land, our aspiration is to establish ourselves as a premier destination for plant and nature enthusiasts, event goers, families and people of all ages!
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