Each year as the days grow shorter and the winter season settles into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the North Carolina Arboretum transforms into one of Asheville’s most enchanting holiday experiences. From November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026, the Arboretum’s 434 acres glow to life with Winter Lights, an immersive open-air spectacle that celebrates nature, creativity, and the magic of the season.
Visitors are invited to wander through a brilliant network of illuminated trails, where thousands of shimmering lights highlight the natural beauty of the gardens and forest paths. Over the years, Winter Lights has become a beloved tradition for both locals and travelers—an opportunity to experience the Arboretum in a completely new way, surrounded by color, movement, and the quiet serenity of the mountains at night.
This year brings an exciting addition that elevates the experience even further: Trolls: A Field Study, making its U.S. debut. Created by internationally acclaimed Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, the installation features a series of imaginative, larger-than-life troll sculptures crafted from reclaimed wood and found materials. Each sculpture feels like a character pulled from a folktale—playful, mysterious, and deeply connected to nature’s rhythms. As guests explore the illuminated paths, these towering trolls appear along the way, inviting discovery, storytelling, and moments of childlike wonder.
Together, the glowing landscapes and Dambo’s whimsical creations offer a multi-sensory experience unlike anything else in the region. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening stroll, a festive family outing, or simply a peaceful way to embrace the season, Winter Lights is a holiday highlight you won’t want to miss.
Just a short drive from The Restoration Asheville, it’s the perfect way to end a cozy winter day in the mountains.
