Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville is a walk-through show of over one million lights on a one-mile trail through the gardens. Immersive scenes include Forest Floor, with mushrooms carpeting the ground, Beneath the Riverbed under the lily pads, and Between Water and Woods among giant dragonflies. Local performers supply live music, and festive treats include cocoa and s'mores. A Winter Lights Trolley is part of the offering.

Our take: Take the mile-long trail slowly through Forest Floor and Beneath the Riverbed, and plan a stop for cocoa and s'mores along the way.