Festival of Lights Returns to Lake Julian Park on November 30
First two nights are open to foot traffic, drive through light show can be viewed by vehicle beginning on December 3
Lake Julian Festival of Lights will once again brighten local holidays as it enters its nineteenth year as a mountain tradition for many families. The annual light show offers an inexpensive way to celebrate the spirit of the season and make new memories. The festival thrives from its connection to the community; 20% of proceeds are donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics, while the remaining income is reinvested to enhance the Festival of Lights for the following year.
The light show will once again open with the wildly popular Lights by the Lake foot stroll night on Saturday, November 30. Guests are invited to experience the displays through a more immersive setting by leaving their cars behind and taking a leisurely stroll through thousands of bright, twinkling lights. This year, a second stroll night has been added on Sunday, December 1. Admission is $5 per adult each night with children 16 and under admitted free with a paying adult. On stroll nights, the park is open by admission only from 5-8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, visitors can wind their way to the center of the park for games, holiday craft making with, s’mores, and other family-friendly activities. Sunday is a more low-key experience with a fire circle, snacks, and adult beverages for purchase (proceeds benefit Asheville Buncombe Adult Soccer Association). Santa will be on hand both nights for photo with visitors’ personal cameras and to take Christmas requests from children.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights will open to cars on December 3 and run through December 23 operating nightly from 6-9 p.m. for a thrilling drive through experience. The drive circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling animated and stationary light displays. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and to turn on their favorite holiday tunes to let the sounds transform the show into a magical holiday journey.
Vehicle entry for the Festival of Lights is $10 per passenger vehicle, $25 for large vans, and $50 for motor coaches and buses. Advance tickets may be purchased for $8 per passenger vehicle, $20 for large vans, and $40 for motor coaches and buses at lakejulianfestivaloflights.simpletix.com.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights is presented by Buncombe County Recreation Services. Businesses interested in sponsoring this time treasured event can contact parks@buncombecounty.org.
