A Magical (and Growing) Tradition
There's something special about watching your child experience holiday magic for the second time—especially when they're old enough to truly engage with it. Our return visit to the Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular in Ballantyne proved that some traditions only get better as kids grow.
Year Two: A Different Experience
Last year, Jamie was just four months old. While he looked around at the twinkling displays, he wasn't quite ready to interact with the magic surrounding him. This year, at 15 months and fully mobile, was a completely different story. Yes, it meant more work - chasing a toddler who had no interest in staying in the wagon for long - but watching his face light up (literally and figuratively) made every moment worth it.
Timing Your Visit
We pre-ordered tickets for the 5:30 PM time slot, which worked perfectly last year when we arrived to minimal crowds. This year, however, the day after Thanksgiving brought a different experience. The line was substantial when we arrived, likely because families had visitors in town and it fell on a weekend rather than a weekday.
Here's the good news: don't let a long line deter you. It moves quickly, and we were inside within a reasonable time. Interestingly, by the time we left around 7 PM (after spending about an hour to an hour and a half inside), the crowds had thinned considerably. Based on this observation, the 7 PM hour might be the sweet spot—late enough that families with very young children are heading home, but perhaps a touch early for older kids who can stay up later.
What to Expect Inside
The Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular is a masterclass in variety. Every section features a different theme and style of display, which keeps the experience fresh as you wander through:
- Illuminated figurines like angels that glow against the night sky
- Light sculptures including Christmas trees constructed entirely from lights
- Inflatable snow globes designed by different community groups, featuring dioramas and themed scenes inside
- Performance globes with live entertainers: we saw a ballerina, a singer, and an impressive light stick performer doing tricks
The path is straightforward - one main route that you follow with the crowd - making it impossible to get lost even with distracted children in tow.
The Magic Wand Experience
For $20, you can purchase an interactive wand that adds an extra layer of magic to the experience. Most stations feature a snowflake that lights up when touched with the wand, triggering animations in the display. We bought one for our three-year-old niece, and she was absolutely enchanted, convinced she was performing real magic. It's an optional add-on but if you have a preschooler, it's definitely worth considering.
Practical Tips for Families
Bring a Wagon: We brought ours and comfortably fit all three kids (ages three and under). It was essential for keeping little ones contained and cozy.
Dress Warmly: This is a fully outdoor experience, and December in North Carolina can be surprisingly cold. We packed stroller blankets and bundled everyone in jackets. Don't underestimate the chill factor when you're outside for 90 minutes. Jamie had to wear my (already oversized) mittens because his hands were freezing!
Plan for 60-90 Minutes: There's genuinely a lot to see, so budget at least an hour, potentially longer if you're stopping frequently for photos or letting kids explore the interactive elements.
Refreshments Available: Hot chocolate, coffee, wine, and beer are all available for purchase. You can even spike your hot chocolate or coffee if you need a little adult enhancement to your holiday cheer. Food trucks are stationed at the end of the experience.
Interactive Elements Beyond the Lights
The lights themselves are the main attraction, but there are additional activities available:
- A slide
- A Ferris wheel
- A flying car ride for smaller children
- Walk-through experiences including giant presents, a princess castle, and other illuminated structures that kids can explore
- Photo op stations throughout
- Santa available for meet-and-greets at the end
- Local vendor tents selling small goods
We didn't try the rides this visit, but they looked so fun and we'll likely give them a go on our return trip!
The Verdict
Jamie absolutely loved the experience this year. Sitting in the wagon with his cousins, surrounded by lights on all sides and above him, his eyes were constantly moving, taking it all in. The moments when we lifted him out to walk inside the illuminated structures or explore the interactive stations were pure joy.
The Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular delivers excellent value for the ticket price. With the variety of displays, live performances, interactive elements, and the sheer volume of lights, you're getting a solid hour-plus of entertainment in a beautifully executed holiday environment.
We're already planning our next visit in December when my mom and sister come to town. This time, we'll try a weeknight to see if the crowds are lighter, though honestly, even the post-Thanksgiving crowd wasn't unmanageable.
This is officially an annual tradition for our family, and I suspect it will be for yours too.
