Looking for a holiday-themed Southeastern getaway with glowing appeal? Light displays string across the region, plugging in for all ages to enjoy. Multicolored wattage, often designed in seasonal shapes from candy canes to dreidels, can offer more celebratory spirit than spiked eggnog. Ponder the following suggestions when plotting a holly jolly vacation or a pit stop while road tripping home for the holidays.
Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden
A Huntsville, Ala., tradition since 1996, Galaxy of Lights owes its inspiration to a Georgia-based attraction. After members of the garden staff attended Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, they decided to try their hand at holiday illumination. A group of volunteers, who dub themselves the Galaxy Guys — some of them former U.S. Space & Rocket Center employees, spend an entire year designing, building and installing the one-of-a-kind displays. No two seasons look the same, with past displays featuring Santa Claus, nursery rhyme characters, a Nativity scene and other designs. Some old favorites return, including the popular icicle forest. This year’s event began in early November. It kicked off with walking nights, which allow guests to experience the grounds by foot. They even designate some evenings as pet-friendly. Beginning on Thanksgiving night, only vehicles can roll through the grounds for Galaxy of Lights. A pair of road races, a 5K and a 3K, wind past the displays Nov. 28 and 29, respectively, so no driving on those nights. If you want to dodge the crowds, organizers suggest visiting on weeknights or as close to 5:30 p.m. as possible. On weekends and Dec. 16-24, the experience can last as long as three hours from start to finish. Follow the signs for the special entrance on Phantom Road. The website has a map with directions.
5:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 31. $20-$25 for vehicles with as many as 10 passengers. 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., Huntsville, Ala. 256-830-4447, hsvbg.org.
RELATED: 7 locations in metro Atlanta and beyond for holiday light shows
The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway
Cruising along a NASCAR track continues to be a dream for many. Add approximately 4 miles of seasonal twinkle and you have a high-octane holiday. The bombardment of lights begins as soon as visitors roll through the Bristol Dragway entrance. Expect more than 2 million bulbs shining in the night. For some, the biggest thrill happens when taking a lap around Bristol Motor Speedway’s racetrack, the lights dancing to Christmas tunes. Blankets of bulbs have been known to cover portions of the grandstand. Light designs include a giant menorah, jumping horses, pit crews working on cars, and a team of reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh. A holiday village can be found in the infield. Keep an eye out for the guy in the red suit. No, we’re not talking about Kyle Larson. On select nights, spring for the Jingle Bell Lane option, which allows guests to speed past long lines. Proceeds benefit children charities in the tri-cities region. Consider making a pit stop at the ice skating rink. It costs $5 to hit the ice, plus $2 for skate rental.
Nov. 18 through Jan. 7. $12-$15 per vehicle. 151 Speedway Blvd., Bristol, Tenn. Note: Enter at Bristol Dragway entrance on Highway 394. 423-989-6900, speedwayinlights.org.
100 Miles of Lights
Virginia glows for the holidays. Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach collectively flip the switch for an array of light-centered events and displays. The city skylines of downtown Norfolk, Olde Towne Portsmouth and downtown Richmond are among those beaming. Ticketed drive-through light shows include Celebration in Lights in Newport News, the longest running of its kind in the state, with more than 200 displays. Pay a fee to explore the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond for Dominion GardenFest of Lights. It has a collection of more than 500,000 lights. Parades include the Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade in Williamsburg (Dec. 3) and the Downtown Hampton Light Boat Parade (Dec. 9). For a full list of events and lighted locations, visit the event website.
1-888-493-7386, ext. 100, 100milesoflights.com.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights
The mountain tourist town designates a fleet of trolleys to take guests on tours of its LED displays. The journey rolls along Parkway, downtown Gatlinburg’s main drag, nearby River Road and the triangle juncture of both. Display designs feature regional wildlife — think deer, rabbits, foxes and more — and holiday imagery from snowmen to rocking horses. Children ages 2 and younger ride for free as long as they’re nestling in an adult’s lap. Each trolley is enclosed and heated.
6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. through Dec. 30; Jan. 7, Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Jan. 28. 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, Tenn. 1-800-588-1817, gatlinburg.com.
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Holiday light lovers can flash their gaze upon Clemmons, N.C., an approximate 10-minute drive west of Winston-Salem. Each year, an average of 250,000 visitors descend upon Tanglewood Park like Santa’s reindeer on a rooftop. Located alongside the Yadkin River, the sprawling public space plays host to nearly 4 miles of light displays, more than 100 in all. This year, it celebrates its 25th season. Organizers say the animated golfer display, a holdover from the event’s 1992 debut, continues to be one of the more popular visuals. Other displays rotate in and out each year, and more recent shows have been featuring LED lights. Pony up an additional $80 and as many as four people can experience the tour in a horse-drawn carriage, complete with your personal driver. The Gift Village promises interaction, including marshmallow roasting, and sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus on select nights. On Dec. 31 when the clock strikes midnight, the season closes out with the Running of the Lights 5K.
6-11 p.m. Nov. 18 through Jan. 1. $15 per vehicle. 4201 Manor House Circle, Clemmons, N.C. 336-703-6400, forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood/fol/.
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