2025 Lake Julian Festival of Lights

Lake Julian Festival of Lights is once again brightening local holidays. The annual light show has become a local winter holiday staple, offering an inexpensive and accessible family-oriented experience.

The Festival of Lights will be open December 2-23, 2025, operating nightly on Sundays through Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and Fridays through Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The drive circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling, animated, and stationary light displays.

This annual event 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 for the following year.

Drive-through tickets cost $15 for personal vehicles, $50 for large vans, and $100 for motor coaches and buses. Please note that ticket pricing does not include credit card fees.

No walking guests will be allowed, and all visitors must stay in their vehicles and on the designated path.

Visit the official ticketing website to order your tickets today.

Lake Julian Park is located at 406 Overlook Extension in Arden, just off of Long Shoals Road. Make sure to stay up to date with all the latest information by signing up for alerts and notifications from Buncombe County. Text bcalert to 99411.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights is presented by Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Page updated December 2025.