This news item expired on Monday, December 23, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights will once again brighten local holidays as it enters its nineteenth year as a mountain tradition for Buncombe County 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, Nov. 30. Guests are invited to experience the lights through a more immersive way 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, Dec. 1. Admission is $5 per adult each night; children 16 and under are 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 LEAF’s Easel Rider Artists, s’mores, and more family-friendly activities. Sunday is a 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 ops with your personal camera and to take Christmas requests from children.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights will open to cars on Dec. 3-23 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 music 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. Advance tickets can be purchased online 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.
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