The Best Christmas Light Displays in Greensboro

where to see the best light displays in greensboro

Greensboro gets so pretty in December. And while the big holiday spots are fun, some of the best light displays are the ones you hear about from a friend of a friend. If you’d rather skip the chaos and go where the locals go, these are the ones worth bundling up for.

Must-See Light Displays in Greensboro

1. Winter Wonderlights – Greensboro Science Center
   
   • Location: 4301 Lawndale Dr.
     
   • Why it’s more than just a light show: Over a million lights, themed zones (animal lanterns, glowing tunnels), indoor features, and new this year:  a Merry Mermaid Grotto.
   • Insider tip: Visit on a weekday night if possible; fewer crowds, more time for photos.
     
2. Sunset Hills / Lindley Park Neighborhood Light Cruise
   
   • Why it’s local favorite: These neighborhoods are known for their huge hanging light balls and collaborative light displays. They host an annual “Running of the Balls” nighttime 5k
     
   • Tip: Drive slowly, and consider bringing a canned food donation. You will see boxes for the annual food drive scattered across the neighborhood.
     
3. Center City Park / Elm Street Lighting
   
   • During Downtown’s Festival of Lights, the community tree in Center City Park is illuminated, and Elm Street becomes a corridor of holiday glow and live music.
     
   • For a quieter moment: Walk just past the main crowd, into alleys or side streets — you’ll often discover beautifully wrapped storefronts and smaller light installations away from the main drag.
     
4. Kersey Valley Christmas (Just Outside GSO)
   
   • If you’re up for a short drive: Kersey Valley offers a farm-style light display, wagon rides, and large-scale decorations.
     
   • What makes it special: It’s more rural, less crowded than big city attractions, and offers that “farm magical winter” feeling.

5. Summerfield Christmas Tree Lighting

• Date: Nov. 22, 2025 at 5:30pm
• Location: 5200 US-220 N, Summerfield, NC 27358
• Just north of Greensboro, Summerfield is a quiet community with lots of spirit. Visit the tree lighting ceremony for less crowd than downtown.

Neighborhood light Displays (most are outside of GSO, but a short drive)

• Sunset Hills Christmas Balls
• Deerglade Court 27410
• Shady Lawn Drive 27408
• 50 Bent Tree Ct, Gibsonville, NC 27249
• 1112 MAPLE RIDGE DR,BURLINGTON,NC 27217 
• 1328 Tucker Street,Burlington,NC 27215
• 3420 Shiloh Church Road,Winston-Salem,NC 27105
  

Planning Tips

• Map Your Route Before You Go: Combine neighborhoods + attractions in a loop so you don’t zig-zag all over town.
  
• Avoid Peak Traffic: Light displays like Sunset Hills or downtown are most crowded between 6–9PM — try earlier or later.
  
• Be Respectful: These displays are in residential areas — keep noise down, don’t block driveways, and acknowledge that people live there.
  
• Bring Hot Chocolate + a Thermos: Enjoy the lights from your car or while walking — and have something warm to sip while you do.
  

Why Locals Love These Spots

Holiday lights aren’t only for show. They set the mood. And in Greensboro, the best ones feel personal are those quiet neighborhood drives and the little moments where you stop to take in someone’s yard, the cocoa you sip while everything around you glows. That’s what makes December here feel special.