Ballantyne Christmas lights: the 2026 Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular guide
Details checked against official sources on October 14, 2026. Confirm dates with the organizer before you go.
Since 2022 Ballantyne’s Backyard has hosted the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular: a walk-through trail of more than 40 lit scenes with live entertainment, free photos with Santa and a winter carnival, a few minutes from the Ballantyne Country Club and Piper Glen neighborhoods.
Here is everything you need for the 2026 season, taken from the organizer’s published schedule and prices.
1. Charlotte, NC
Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
A walk-through trail of millions of lights across more than 40 scenes at Ballantyne’s Backyard (11611 N. Community House Rd), with free live entertainment, free Santa photos through December 23 and a winter carnival. Enter through the Wells Fargo building, where parking is free.
- When
- Select nights November 27 – December 30, 2026. Gates open 5:30 PM, last tickets 9 PM (7:30 PM on Christmas Eve). Closed Nov 30, Dec 1–2, Dec 7–9, Dec 25 and Dec 31.
- Cost
- General admission from $20, twilight entry after 8 PM from $10, family four-pack $99 (online only), children 2 and under free, plus fees. Carnival ride packs are extra.
Nights it is closed in 2026
The show runs on select nights only. It is closed November 30, December 1–2, December 7–9, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, and on Christmas Eve last tickets are at 7:30 PM and it closes at 8 PM. Check the calendar before you go.
Tickets: which one to buy
General admission starts at $20 and is the right ticket for most visitors. Twilight tickets, from $10, are for entry after 8 PM and are the best value if your children can stay up. An Anytime ticket ($30) lets you skip choosing a night, the family four-pack is $99 (online only), and VIP starts at $49 early bird or $68 at the gate. Children 2 and under are free, and all prices are plus fees.
Last tickets are sold at 9 PM and the trail closes at 9:30 PM.
Getting there and parking
Ballantyne’s Backyard is at 11611 N. Community House Rd, Charlotte 28277. Enter through the Wells Fargo building, where parking is free. December weekends are the busiest, so a weeknight early in the run is the easiest visit.
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Questions
Ballantyne Christmas Lights: common questions
When are the Ballantyne Christmas lights in 2026?
The Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular runs on select nights from November 27 to December 30, 2026. Gates open at 5:30 PM, last tickets are sold at 9 PM and it closes at 9:30 PM.
How much are tickets to the Ballantyne light show?
General admission starts at $20, twilight entry after 8 PM from $10, the Anytime ticket is $30, a family four-pack is $99 and VIP starts at $49 early bird. Children 2 and under are free. Prices are plus fees.
Where do you park for the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular?
Enter through the Wells Fargo building at Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Rd, where parking is free.
Is Santa at the Ballantyne Christmas lights?
Yes. Photos with Santa are free through December 23, along with free live entertainment on the trail.
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