Tanglewood Festival of Lights – Christmas Light Show in Forsyth Co NC

Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Forsyth County NC ©Katrena

Want to see about one million individual holiday lights along a four mile stretch near Winston-Salem? Tanglewood Park in Forsyth County, NC offers a large winter light show, the Festival of Lights, that began in 1992 with 25 displays and has expanded to delight nearly 250,000 visitors each year with 180 light displays.

Large Drive-through Light Display Near Winston-Salem NC ©Katrena

What is the Tanglewood Festival of Lights?

The Tanglewood Festival of Lights offers visitors the opportunity to drive through the park and enjoy a nice variety of lighted scenes. Even the entrance is festive as the booths look like a huge castle and soldiers line the sides. Many of the wooded areas offer a great opportunity to drive through falling leaves, jumping reindeer, falling snow, or a lighted tunnel.

Large Christmas Light Show in North Carolina ©Katrena

Many of the lights herald the holidays of the season, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. I particularly like the advent wreath and the manger scene. My kids love to wave back at Santa and Frosty. They also have several related to nursery rhymes and other popular children's stories. Riders can tune their radios to a station that plays Christmas music while enjoying the show.

Enjoy Colorful Light Show Near Winston-Salem NC ©Katrena

The light show also capitalizes on the park itself. The lake lends itself well to a water scene, and the water serves as a delightful mirror to the show. The equestrian history is evident with lighted horses, and a train locomotive is decked out for the holidays as well. One of the simplest displays has ranked near the top for us as we've seen this light show several times – a golfer swings and hits a golf ball that whizzes beside the road.

Hay rides are available for groups up to 25 for an extra fee. Groups up to four may opt for a horse drawn carriage ride through the Festival of Lights in Tanglewood. My family got a special opportunity to enjoy a Christmas party inside of Tanglewood along with a hay ride through the light show, and that is a special memory that I will cherish. Make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes, including gloves and hats, if the weather is cold or windy!

Christmas Light Show for Whole Family ©Katrena

The Tanglewood Holiday Gift village gives visitors the opportunity to get out, stretch their legs, and browse a wide variety of crafts and gifts. The gifts range from whimsical and small to ornate and large. I particularly remember seeing a manger scene designed inside part of an egg shell, beautiful paintings, nicely crafted wooden pieces, a nice variety of jewelry, and even a belly button cleaner.

A large bonfire beckons guests to purchase some marshmallows for roasting. Other concessions and bathroom facilities are also available at this single stop in the Festival of Lights. Live trees, wreaths, and garlands from Cullowhee will be available for purchase as well. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available on certain nights during the week.

The light displays may be changed from year to year, and additions are typically made each year. LED lights are now being used for a brighter show.

See Lights of the Season at Tanglewood ©Katrena

When is the Tanglewood Festival of Lights show?

The Tanglewood Festival of Lights typically begins mid-November, running nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. until January 1. Weekends tend to be more crowded with higher rates. Some discounts may be offered early in the season.

Readers may wish to read about and see pictures from the 2012 Tanglewood light show. Visit the Tanglewood official web site for specific information about rates and contact information for reserving hay rides or carriage rides. Looking for more fun family activities in the Piedmont with tips and pictures? I've collected several favorites on my Events page.