The Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular opens its fifth season at Ballantyne's Backyard on Friday, Nov. 27. The half-mile walking trail features more than a million lights and runs through Wednesday, Dec. 30.
The show, at 11611 N. Community House Road, operates on select nights with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and the last ticket sold at 9 p.m. The trail includes 40-plus illuminated scenes, oversized snow globes, an ice castle and live entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m., the Charlotte Weekly reported.
Children can dance alongside ballerinas performing inside illuminated globes, play with elves and join holiday singalongs around a life-size snow globe.
New for 2026: Elf Academy
The biggest addition is Santa's Private Workshop: Elf Academy, a 45-minute add-on experience limited to 10 children per night, according to the show's official website. The session runs from 5:15 to 6 p.m. and includes exclusive time with Santa in his private workshop, free photos with your own device, a personalized digital certificate and an official Elf Academy badge.
Elf Academy costs $49 in advance or $68 at the gate. It is available online only with no walk-up sales. Children must check in by 5 p.m., and up to two parents or guardians may attend but need separate show admission tickets.
Tickets and pricing
General admission starts at $20 online. Twilight tickets for select nights after 8 p.m. start at $10. A Christmas Family Pack bundles four general admission tickets for $99 online.
VIP tickets start at $49 early bird and include a dedicated entrance, hot chocolate, two carnival ride tickets, a lounge with fire tables and private restrooms. Children 2 and under get in free. Prices increase at the gate, and tickets are date-specific at ncholidaylights.com.
Rides, food and Santa photos
The Winter Wonderland Carnival returns with four rides: a Ferris wheel, Bear Affair, Sooper Jet Kiddie Roller Coaster and Rapid Slide. A four-ride package costs $20 online or $25 at the gate.
Frosty's Fun Land features real snow. The Holiday Village includes seasonal shops, rotating food trucks and festive beverages, with alcoholic drinks available for guests 21 and older.
Families can take their own photos with Santa at no extra charge through Wednesday, Dec. 23. Santa will not be on-site after that date, though the show continues through Dec. 30.
Planning your visit
Free parking is available at the Wells Fargo building at 11611 N. Community House Road. That is the show's only entrance; there is no access from the Ballantyne Bowl side. All pathways are concrete or decked, making the trail accessible for strollers, scooters and wheelchairs.
The show is closed Nov. 30, Dec. 1–2, Dec. 7–9, Dec. 25 and Dec. 31. On Christmas Eve, the last ticket is sold at 7:30 p.m. and the show closes at 8 p.m.
The show runs in light rain but may pause during severe weather. Organizers say they contact ticket holders by email and phone to reschedule. Group pricing is available for parties of 15 or more, and special rates are offered for nonprofits and faith communities.
A Magic Snowflake Wand, available for $20, lets children trigger different light effects at hidden stations along the trail.
