The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Tanglewood Festival Of Lights: 7 Secrets To Beat The Traffic And See Every Million-Light Display
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons, North Carolina, is not just a drive-through display; it is a beloved regional holiday tradition that transforms Tanglewood Park into a spectacular, nearly five-mile-long Winter Wonderland. As of December 25, 2025, the event is in full swing, dazzling visitors with over a million twinkling LED lights and more than 80 unique, animated displays. This annual spectacle, hosted by Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, is a must-see for families across the Triad and beyond, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each season and celebrating its 34th year of holiday magic.
Planning your visit to this massive North Carolina Christmas light show requires strategy, especially if you want to avoid the notorious weekend traffic that can turn a magical evening into a long wait. From discounted entry on select weekdays to reserving a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride, this comprehensive guide provides the freshest, most up-to-date information for the 2025–2026 season, ensuring your trip to Tanglewood Park is unforgettable and stress-free.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights 2025–2026 Essential Visitor Information
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights is a cornerstone of the holiday season in the Winston-Salem area, offering a dazzling drive-through experience. Knowing the key operational details is the first step in planning a perfect visit.
Event Dates and Operating Hours
- Dates: The 2025-2026 season runs nightly from Friday, November 14, 2025, through Thursday, January 1, 2026.
- Time: The lights are open every evening from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, regardless of weather conditions (the event will only close in the event of extreme, dangerous weather).
- Location: Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012. Visitors should note that the official entrance is off NC Highway 158 (Clemmons Road), and some GPS systems may incorrectly direct you to a different entrance.
Updated 2025 Admission Rates (Per Vehicle)
The Festival of Lights operates on a per-vehicle admission model, with prices varying based on the vehicle type and payment method. Note the slight price difference for credit card payments versus cash, which is a key planning tip for saving a few dollars.
- Family Vehicles (Cars, Vans, Trucks): $20 (Cash) / $23 (Credit Card)
- Commercial Vehicles (Vans, Limos, Minibuses): $45 (Cash) / $48 (Credit Card)
- Motorcoaches and Buses: $115 (Cash) / $118 (Credit Card)
Pro Tip: Look for discounted admission on select weekdays, particularly Monday through Thursday in November and early December, which is a great way to save money and avoid the largest crowds. Always check the official Tanglewood Park calendar before purchasing tickets.
The Magic of the 5-Mile Drive: Displays and Experience
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights has grown exponentially since it first began over three decades ago, starting in 1992 with a modest 1.5-mile route and just 25 displays. Today, the event spans a magnificent 5.1-mile route through the park's rolling countryside, featuring animated scenes that delight all ages.
A Symphony of Light and Animation
The entire circuit is illuminated by over a million energy-efficient LED lights, creating a breathtaking, immersive experience. The displays range from classic holiday themes like Santa Claus and reindeer to whimsical storybook scenes and patriotic tributes. The sheer scale of the operation—with its 80+ unique, custom-made displays—is what cements its status as a premier North Carolina holiday tradition.
Beyond the Car: Special Ways to Experience the Lights
While most visitors enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own vehicle, Tanglewood Park offers unique, more intimate ways to experience the dazzling light show:
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: For a truly romantic or luxurious experience, you can book a horse-drawn carriage ride. These rides offer a slower, open-air perspective of the lights, often requiring reservations well in advance due to high demand.
- Wagon Rides: Larger groups can often book a covered wagon ride, providing a fun, communal way to enjoy the entire route together.
7 Insider Secrets to Maximize Your Tanglewood Festival of Lights Visit
The biggest challenge for most visitors is the long wait times, particularly on weekend evenings in December. By employing a few simple strategies, you can drastically reduce your time in line and spend more time enjoying the holiday cheer.
1. Go Early or Go Late
The peak time for visitors is between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. To avoid the longest queues, aim to arrive either right at the opening time of 6:00 PM or closer to the closing time of 10:00 PM. Arriving on a Monday or Tuesday evening in November or early December is the absolute best way to ensure minimal wait times.
2. Pay with Cash
As noted in the admission rates, paying with cash saves you $3 per vehicle. While the savings are modest, the cash lanes are often faster than the credit card lanes, providing a small but noticeable advantage during busy hours.
3. Plan for the Special Events
Tanglewood hosts several non-driving events that allow you to experience the lights on foot, which is a fantastic alternative to the car line:
- TOAST (Totally Outstanding Awesome Stroll Through Tanglewood): This event, typically held before the official opening (around November 9th), allows visitors to walk the entire 5-mile route on foot before the cars are allowed in. This is a unique opportunity for photos and a leisurely pace.
- Running of the Lights: For the physically active, this festive race is held on New Year’s Eve (December 31st), allowing runners and walkers to ring in the New Year by completing the course at midnight.
- "Paws in the Park": Check the calendar for this special night where you can bring your leashed dog to walk the route with you.
4. Tune in to the Official Radio Station
The displays are synchronized to holiday music played on a specific, low-power FM radio frequency. Tune in immediately upon entering the park to enhance the entire experience, as the music often complements the animated light sequences. This is part of the immersive experience that makes Tanglewood a true "Symphony of Light."
5. Visit the Gift Village and S'mores Pit
Once you complete the main driving route, you will be directed to a parking area near the historic Manor House. Here, you can exit your vehicle to visit the holiday gift shop for souvenirs and ornaments, and purchase hot chocolate, popcorn, and other festive treats. The highlight is often the large, outdoor S'mores pit, where you can roast marshmallows over an open fire—a perfect way to end the evening.
6. Fill Up Your Gas Tank Before You Go
The 5.1-mile drive is slow, often taking an hour or more during peak times. Ensure your fuel tank is full before entering the park, as idling for extended periods can drain your gas. This simple step prevents any unnecessary stress during your wait.
7. Explore Tanglewood Park Year-Round
While the Festival of Lights is the park's biggest draw, Tanglewood Park is a massive, beautiful recreational area managed by Forsyth County. It is a destination in itself. Consider making a full day of your trip by exploring its other attractions, which include two championship golf courses, a public pool, an expansive arboretum, and miles of walking trails along the Yadkin River. This context of natural beauty makes the winter transformation even more dramatic.
The Enduring Legacy of a North Carolina Holiday Tradition
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights has become an essential part of the holiday fabric for residents of Clemmons, Winston-Salem, and the entire Piedmont Triad region. Its longevity—now celebrating its 34th year—speaks to its quality and the dedication of the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation staff who spend months planning, installing, and maintaining the massive network of lights and displays.
The event serves as a powerful entity of community connection, bringing together friends, families, and visitors from across the state and beyond to share in the simple joy of Christmas lights. Whether you choose the discounted weekday admission, book a private carriage ride, or participate in the energetic "Running of the Lights," the Tanglewood Festival of Lights provides a unique, dazzling, and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season in North Carolina. Don't miss this opportunity to create a new holiday tradition for your own family this year.
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