By: Avery Phillips

’Tis the season! The holiday spirit that we all have needed is finally here. More people than ever are celebrating early this year by putting up festive decorations and lights. I’ve compiled a list of the best decoration displays and light shows in our area to spread some holiday joy with you!

Lake Myra Christmas Lights (Wendell)

The lights at Lake Myre are always a success, featuring lights in many unique shapes and sparkling christmas trees in many different sizes. Lake Myra Christmas Lights is open from November 25th through December 31st, and each show lasts about 25 minutes. This year, there are COVID-19 precautions, such as allowing no more than 50 people inside the fence and required social distancing. They will be closed every Monday-Wednesday.

Hours: Thursdays and Sundays: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays: 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Ticket price: Free, but donations are accepted.

Fieldstream Farm Lights Show (Raleigh)

The Fieldstream Farm Lights Show features different christmas lights and decorations; their main attraction being the tunnel of lights. They have the longest LED lit light tunnel in the world, featuring over 200,000 lights! People are welcome to drive through the tunnel if they have bought a ticket. Tickets can either be printed or the barcode can be scanned on your phone. 

Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm, Saturday-Sunday: 5:30 pm to 9:45 pm

Ticket price: $20.00 for vehicles containing 1-8 passengers, $40.00 for vehicles containing 9-18 passengers.

Night of Lights (Raleigh)

Night of Lights is a drive through light show located at the Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. Some attractions include trees decorated with twinkling lights, local art installations, light displays, and festive decorations. Tickets must be purchased in advance to be able to drive through. The Night of Lights festival will be open from November 16th through December 27th. The event will not be open on December 25th. 

Hours: Sunday-Saturday: 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Ticket price: $15.00 for vehicles containing 9 or less passengers, $30.00 for vehicles containing 9 or more passengers. 

Lights on the Neuse (Clayton)

Lights on the Neuse is run by Boyette Family Farms. They offer various attractions, such as a twenty minute hayride through beautiful lights, a chance to visit Santa, and a concession stand. A ticket is required for entry. They will be open on Fridays through Sundays from December 4th through the 20th, then open every day after the 20th until they close on the 25th. No reservations are required, but the purchase of online tickets is strongly encouraged. 

Hours: Friday-Saturday: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sundays and the 21st-23rd: 6:00 pm to 8:00pm, December 24th: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Ticket price: $10.00 for ages 3 and up

Hillridge Farms Festival of Lights (Youngsville)

The Hillridge Farms Festival of Lights is a mile long drive through light show. This year the farm has a bigger display than ever before! It will be held from November 26th to December 27th. Tickets and reservations will not be available beforehand, you will have to pay upon arrival. 

Hours: Sunday-Saturday: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Ticket price: $20 per vehicle 

Holt Road Christmas Lights (White Oak)

Holt Road Christmas Lights is a wonderful drive through experience. As you drive around the house, you will be surrounded by colorful holiday lights, arcs, and decorations. The owners will have decorations up from 11/26 through 12/26, and they are closed every Monday-Wednesday. 

Hours: Their schedule varies every day, but it can be easily found on @christmaslightsonholtrd’s facebook page.

Ticket price: Free

Johnson Family Light Show (Cary)

The Johnson Family Light Show is not your traditional light show. You won’t find inflatables, props, or figurines. Instead, you’ll find dubstep music and pixel lights. The pixel lights dance and flicker in time with the music that is being played, resulting in a fun visual experience. Each show lasts about 10 minutes. The shows will start November 26th and run through January 1st. No tickets are needed; all you have to do is drive by!

Hours: 6:00 pm to 10:30pm

Ticket price: Free

Enjoy the lights and happy holidays!