Sandhills Garden of Lights

A father and child look up in wonder beneath a canopy of colorful holiday lights at the Sandhills Garden of Lights.

A New Holiday Tradition Begins

Experience the Sandhills Garden of Lights

This holiday season, the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens will shine in an entirely new way with the inaugural Sandhills Garden of Lights. More than one million lights, illuminated displays and interactive experiences will transform the Gardens into a festive destination where families and friends can celebrate the season together. From colorful pathways and larger-than-life displays to special holiday visitors, the Garden of Lights brings a new holiday tradition to one of the Sandhills' most beloved community spaces.

More Than One Million Lights

Wander through the Gardens as pathways, landscapes and gathering spaces come alive with light, color and holiday displays designed to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.

What You'll Experience

  • More than one million lights throughout the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens
  • Interactive illuminated orbs in the heart of the Gardens
  • A grand finale display featuring a giant walk-through mushroom, oversized flowers and a rainbow caterpillar
  • Holiday character appearances, including Santa Claus on select nights and surprise visits from other holiday favorites
  • Photo and selfie opportunities throughout the experience
  • Seasonal concessions, including hot chocolate, other beverages and hot and cold adult drink options

 

Plan Your Visit

Public Event Dates
Wednesdays through Sundays
Nov. 27, 2026 - Jan. 9, 2027

Hours
5-10 p.m

Tickets Coming Soon!
Online ticket sales for the Sandhills Garden of Lights will open soon. Please check back for ticket information and pricing.

A smiling child in a winter hat looks up at glowing red and gold holiday lights.
A parent and child admire a giant illuminated mushroom and colorful flower displays at a holiday light event.
A smiling child in winter clothing poses with Santa Claus surrounded by glowing holiday lights.

Sandhills Garden of Lights FAQs

Parking is free and available on the 麻豆国产 campus. The Garden of Lights is a one-way, walk-through experience beginning at the Ball Visitor Center and ending near Steed Hall. Shuttles will be available to assist guests with transportation between the parking areas and the event.

The parking lot adjacent to the Ball Visitor Center is reserved for guests with disabilities and mobility needs.

The Garden of Lights is open rain or shine. If 麻豆国产 determines that the Gardens must close due to dangerous weather conditions, such as freezing rain, high winds or lightning, tickets will be honored on an alternate date.

In the event of a weather-related closure, the primary ticket holder will be notified by email as far in advance as possible.

Ticket pricing and online sales information will be available soon. Once sales open, tickets may be purchased online in advance.

Group sales are available for parties of 10 or more. Please call 910-695-3884 for more information.

Santa will visit the Garden of Lights on select nights throughout the season. Visit during one of the following dates and times:

Date Time
Nov. 27鈥�29 5:30鈥�8:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 6:30鈥�9:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 6:30鈥�9:30 p.m.
Dec. 5鈥�6 5:30鈥�8:30 p.m.
Dec. 9鈥�10 6:30鈥�9:30 p.m.
Dec. 12鈥�13 5:30鈥�8:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 6:30鈥�9:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 5:30鈥�8:30 p.m.
Dec. 26鈥�27 5:30鈥�8:30 p.m.
Dec. 30鈥�31 6:30鈥�9:30 p.m.
Jan. 2鈥�3 5:30鈥�8:30 p.m.
Jan. 6鈥�8 6:30鈥�9:30 p.m.
Jan. 9鈥�10 5:30鈥�8:30 p.m.

 

Yes. The Garden of Lights walk-through is approximately 0.4 miles and can accommodate personal mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Mobility devices are not available for rent or loan, so guests who need one should bring their own.

 

Have more questions about the Garden of Lights?

Contact Us
Phone: 910-695-3884

 

Presented by Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and 麻豆国产.