Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights

A Spectacular Drive-Through Light Show

Light Show With Logo

Make This a Christmas to Remember

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light - a Drive-Through Light Show in Bryson City where every night comes alive with dazzling lights!. The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park will dazzle you with its giant LED displays, including drive-thru arches and holiday-themed exhibits. The all-LED custom-built displays will showcase Christmas and holiday scenes, and some of the exciting drive-through light show displays include the Snowflake Arch, RGB Christmas trees, the Snowflake Express Train, 200 Orb Field, Santa’s Home at the North Pole, Manger Scene, Outdoor Enthusiast Scene, Sweet Tooth Lane, and Tree of Lights Tunnel.

Bring your loved ones, your favorite snacks, and come enjoy an evening of Christmas magic in Bryson City, NC, all from the comfort of your car. The light show is a "rain or shine" event that promises to be a memorable experience.

Tickets and Pricing

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Cash or credit card accepted at the gate. Online ticket sales are subject to an additional service fee.

Pricing:

$20 for cars and family vans
$40 for activity vans
$40 for limousines

Tour buses and school buses are not allowed due to the tight turns at the entrance.

When purchasing your ticket, please keep in mind that it can be used on any day and at any time the event is running. The date and time you select in the ticketing app are for planning purposes only—you are welcome to visit on a different day or at a different time.

Buy Tickets

2026 Dates and Times

November 2026

November 6, 7, 8
November 11,12,13, 14,15
November 18-30

December 2026

December 1, 2026 - January 2, 2027

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM all dates except for New Year's Eve (12/31) which has a closing time of 8:00 PM

Location

Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park)

1130 Hyatt Creek Road

Bryson City, NC 28713

Making A Difference

All proceeds from the light show go directly to support local non-profit agencies. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular is brought to you by the Swain County Tourism Development Authority.

Bryson City Nights of Lights is so much more than the Polar Express and the drive-through Light Show—it’s an entire holiday season filled with festive experiences for the whole family! Step into the magic at Darnell Farms Christmas Wonderland, where a festive Christmas hayride brings plenty of holiday fun and memories. Stroll through downtown Bryson City beneath twinkling lights, enjoy festive decorations, browse for holiday gifts, and discover plenty of picture-perfect moments along the way.

Then lace up your skates for some winter fun at The Yard Ice Skating, a favorite for families and friends. Add in tree lighting celebrations, special holiday events, seasonal shopping, dining and more, and you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate the season in Bryson City. Come for the lights, stay for the holiday magic!

Drive Through Light Show Christmas Tree

POV: Ride Along With Us!

Best itineraries to visit both the light show and the Polar Express train ride on the same evening.

Polar Express

Do you want to enjoy both the Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights drive-through light show and THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride on the same evening? The 2026 light show is at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park, while the Polar Express departs from the Bryson City Depot.

Since the light show runs 6:00–10:00 PM, the drive between the light show and the train depot is about 10 minutes, and Polar Express guests are asked to arrive one hour before departure, here are some suggested itineraries.

🚂 5:00 PM Polar Express — Train First, Lights Second

This is probably the easiest combination if visitors want a little flexibility afterward.

4:00 PM – Arrive at Bryson City Depot for check-in
5:00 PM – Polar Express departs
Approximately 6:15 PM – Train returns to the depot
6:25 PM – Depart for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular
6:35–7:05 PM – Enjoy the drive-through light show (approximate drive through time is 15 minutes, with additional time allotted for slower drivers)
After 7:05 PM – Head back toward downtown Bryson City for dinner, shopping, or other holiday activities

Best for: Visitors who want to get the train experience finished early and have the rest of the evening available.

🚂 6:40 PM Polar Express — Train First, Lights Second

The 6:40 PM departure works well if you don't mind having the light show later in the evening.

5:40 PM – Arrive at Bryson City Depot for check-in
6:40 PM – Polar Express departs
Approximately 7:55 PM – Train returns to the depot in downtown Bryson City
8:05 PM – Depart for the light show
8:15–8:45 PM – Enjoy the 30-minute drive-through light show (approximate drive through time is 15 minutes, with additional time allotted for slower drivers)
After 8:45 PM – Evening is free

Best for: Visitors who prefer to have the train experience first and going to the light show after 7:30 PM can mean lighter traffic.

🚂 8:20 PM Polar Express — Lights First, Train Second

This is the best option if you want to see the lights first and still have plenty of time for the train check-in.

6:00 PM – Arrive at the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular
6:00–6:30 PM – Enjoy the 30-minute drive-through light show (approximate drive through time is 15 minutes, with additional time allotted for slower drivers)
6:30 PM – Depart for the Bryson City Depot
Approximately 6:40 PM – Arrive at the depot
7:20 PM – Recommended Polar Express arrival/check-in time
8:20 PM – Polar Express departs
Approximately 9:35 PM – Train returns to Bryson City

Best for: Visitors who want a relaxed evening with the lights first and the Polar Express as the grand finale.

🎄 Quick Comparison

Polar Express	Order	Light Show	Train
5:00 PM	Train → Lights	6:35–7:05 PM	5:00 PM	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easiest
6:40 PM	Train → Lights	8:15–8:45 PM	6:40 PM	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great for later lights
8:20 PM	Lights → Train	6:00–6:30 PM	8:20 PM	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best lights-first option