Frequently Asked Questions

Winter Lights takes place at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC. Visit the Maps and Directions page for driving directions.

No. Pets are not permitted at Winter Lights. Service animals are always welcome.

Winter Lights is an all-weather event, unless the Arboretum closes for a weather-related emergency. Closures will be announced by 3:00 p.m. on the Arboretum’s website and Facebook page unless circumstances develop that warrant a closure after the event opens.

If the Arboretum closes due to a weather-related emergency, all tickets will be refunded for that night.

No. All attendees under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their visit.

No. Firearms are prohibited on the property per N.C. General Statute 14.269.2(b) and (b1).

No. Outside alcohol is prohibited at all times, on all parts of the property. This includes the parking lot and trails. Consumption of outside alcohol on the premises may result in citation by Campus Police or removal from the event without refund.

No. Winter Lights guests may only enter the property in a motorized vehicle, such as a car, truck, limousine, bus, van or motorcycle. Bicycles and pedestrian access will not be permitted.

Every experience is different, but we recommend that guests allow at least one full hour to see the displays at Winter Lights. Distance may vary based on the route you choose – view a map of the show here.

No. Only pedestrian traffic is permitted within the gardens.

Online, in advance – RECOMMENDED

The best way to purchase your Winter Lights tickets is in advance online by visiting www.ncwinterlights.com and selecting “purchase tickets”. Email winterlights@ncarboretum.org for assistance. Winter Lights evenings do sell out, so we recommend purchasing ahead of time through the website.

On-site, in advance

Beginning November 1, Advance tickets may be purchased on-site at the Baker Front Desk from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cash is not accepted for tickets purchased in advance.

Standard parking fees apply. Members receive free parking and $5 off Winter Lights tickets.

On-site, during the event

Once the show opens each night, tickets for that evening’s event may be purchased at the gate between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. if space allows. In some cases, visitors without pre-purchased tickets may be turned away. Ticket prices increase at the gate and Member discounts do not apply.

*Please note: additional fees apply to tickets purchased at the gate night-of, and member discounts do not apply.

No. Winter Lights t ickets are priced per-vehicle, which means everyone in your vehicle can enjoy the show for one ticket.

Tickets for the Winter Lights Trolley, a premium trolley experience, are sold per-person.

No. Winter Lights Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by The North Carolina Arboretum.

No, ticket prices do not include taxes or fees. This will be added at checkout.

Your ticket can be rescheduled directly through Eventbrite. If you need assistance, call (828) 412-8570. A $15 change fee may apply.

Tickets must be rescheduled before the date listed on your ticket.

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and proceeds fund its mission-driven programming and operations. 

No. Winter Lights is a separately ticketed event, and the property is closed and cleared daily in order to set up for the event. All guests must exit when the property closes at 5:00 p.m.

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the final entry is at 9:00 p.m. Once on property, ticket holders are welcome to stay until the event closes at 10:00 p.m.

Please refrain from lining up early for Winter Lights. You may enter at the time specified on your ticket.

We expect the show to be busy, which may result in a wait for some guests.

Winter Lights is excited to provide a premium trolley experience, in partnership with Biltmore Park Town Square and Gray Line Trolley Tours! Skip the lines and ride the Winter Lights Trolley! Learn more here.

Tickets for Winter Lights are available in three different tiers: Value, Standard and Peak. These tiers are based on demand and allow visitors to save by choosing less popular dates.

Yes. A valid Personal Vehicle ticket is required in order to enter the show and signs will be posted for drop off. For pickup, rideshare services will be allowed entry (without additional passengers) until 9:00 p.m. in order to pick up guests. We recommend scheduling pickups in advance. The GPS address to the front gate is 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way.

Arboretum Society members receive a $5.00 discount on tickets when they buy in advance.

To use your member discount, enter the promo code you received in your email into the promo box when choosing your tickets.. For assistance, please contact (828) 412-8570.

There is no discount for multiple tickets purchased. Tickets are available for large vehicles and buses, based on vehicle size. For more information, visit our Ticket Information page or call (828) 412-8570

Looking for corporate group tickets?

Gift your employees with an inspiring experience they’ll treasure this holiday season by ordering Winter Lights group tickets for your business.

TNCA Guest Services will provide unique promo codes that will cover your specified amount for Winter Lights ticket purchases, which can be used one time between November 13, 2026 and January 3, 2027. In early January 2027 TNCA will invoice your business for total tickets purchased using these codes. To order corporate group tickets, contact eadams@ncarboretum.org

Yes! You gift a ticket to Winter Lights.

Undated ticket vouchers can be purchased over the phone – give us a call at (828) 412-8570.

Already know the date they want to visit? Tickets purchased through Eventbrite can be emailed to gift recipients.

Advance tickets are available for each date of the event until 5:00 p.m. that night, unless they sell out first.

If space allows, tickets may be purchased at the gate between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. In some cases, visitors without pre-purchased tickets may be turned away. Please note, ticket prices increase by $10 – $15 at the gate and discounts do not apply.

Guests who use wheelchairs are encouraged to bring their own. A limited supply of wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come-first-served basis.

Yes. Winter Lights is designed with accessibility in mind, and displays are best viewed from the paved pathways throughout the gardens.

Yes. There are designated accessible parking spaces. In the event that all designated spaces are full, drop-offs are permitted in front of the buildings.

Yes! You can view a map of the show here.

• The Arbor Eatery, located at the Education Center, will sell food, hot cocoa, alcoholic beverages and s’more kits. You can view menu here.
• Two Cocoa Shack locations will sell hot cocoa, alcoholic beverages, and treats in the gardens.

Yes! Check the performance schedule for more details.

Yes! Restrooms will be available in the Baker Visitor Center and Education Center, and there will be portable restrooms available for use.