Witness the Spectacular Festival Of Lights in Tanglewood

An infant baby birl celebrates her first christmas on a bed of snow in a hat and red blanket surrounded by lights

Without Christmas lights, December would feel a little less magical. The dazzling displays give us a chance to completely transform the world to ring in the holiday season. And while decorating is plenty of fun, there’s something way more enjoyable about getting cozy and seeing the work of experts. If you’re looking for one of the best ways to see some Christmas lights this season, let me tell you all about the Festival of Lights in Tanglewood! This annual tradition gives you the chance to create your own custom experience while seeing the displays. 

A newborn baby lays on a bed of snow in a christmas has before visiting Festival Of Lights Tanglewood

About the Festival Of Lights in Tanglewood

Every year, the quaint countryside of Tanglewood Park is completely transformed with over one million Christmas lights in the Festival Of Lights. The tradition started in 1992 and gave visitors the chance to drive 1.5 miles while taking in 25 light displays. Over time, the light show expanded to the sprawling exhibit we all know and love today. The modern showcase offers over 180 light displays and lasts for around 4 miles. The Festival of Lights has been named a Top 20 Event in the Southeast as well as a Top 100 Event in North America. Tanglewood Park is just ten minutes outside Winston-Salem and can be found at 4061 Clemmons Road in Clemmons. 

A newborn baby makes a silly face while sticking tongue out under a christmas tree in a red hat and matching blanket

The Light Experience 

The Festival Of Lights in Tanglewood gives you the chance to get into your car, put on your favorite holiday music, and view the lights in comfort. You’ll pass by nearly 200 animated light displays that show majestic fireworks exploding, characters jumping, and horses prancing. Pass through tunnels and take in the nativity scene in a bright new way. If you’d prefer, you can ditch your car and head out to the stables. Tanglewood offers both horse-drawn carriages and tractor-pulled hayrides, so you can snuggle up with your favorite person to see the displays. 

A newborn baby with eyes open wears a first christmas hat while laying in a red swaddle surrounded by christmas lights before visiting Festival Of Lights Tanglewood

Specialty

On top of the Festival Of Lights drive-thru, Tanglewood gives you the chance to customize your experience with S’moresville. You can park your car over at the gift shop and head over to roast some marshmallows. For safety reasons, the park forbids you from bringing your own stick or food items, but you’ll be able to purchase some marshmallows and s’mores kits. 

When you make it to the back of the park, make sure you check out the gift store and get a few keepsakes including the annual Festival of Lights ornaments. You’ll be able to get crafts from local artists as well as specialty foods. 

Check the Tanglewood schedule so you never miss an event. There’s a Paws in the Park event in mid-November that lets you stroll through the display with your pets. You can also run a 5K through the lights at midnight on New Year’s Eve. 

A surprised newborn baby lays on a bed of snow while wrapped in a red blanket and light up ornament necklace before visiting Festival Of Lights Tanglewood

Our Family Absolutely Loves The Festival Of Lights in Tanglewood

The Festival of Lights at Tanglewood gives you a shining way to kick off the holiday season. Make sure you check it out this year so you can have a great new tradition! 

If you’re looking for another way to make memories this season, I would love to connect! I’m a Winston-Salem photographer, and I adore working with families to document all the gorgeous moments of life. From graduation portraits to family sessions, I want to be there to help you celebrate! If you’ve been considering booking a session for your family, let’s have a conversation so you can decide if I’m the photographer for you. Let’s chat today!

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