
Meadow Lights
Eastern North Carolina's largest & oldest Christmas attraction, featuring a magical train ride through dazzling lights and a nostalgic candy store. [^...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience

Meadow Lights
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Eastern North Carolina's largest & oldest Christmas attraction, featuring a magical train ride through dazzling lights and a nostalgic candy store.
"It's hard to beat $3.00 train and carousel rides for the kids, minus the train sound system being broken."

🎯 Arrive Before Dark
Catch the transition from dusk to dark for the full light show magic on the train!
🎟️ Buy Tickets Early
Purchase your tickets before getting in line to save time and hassle.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Magical Train Ride
Throughout the grounds
Glide through over 30 acres of dazzling Christmas light displays on a festive train ride.

Old-Fashioned Candy Store
Country Store
A treasure trove of nostalgic candies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Carousel Fun
Amusement area
Enjoy a classic carousel ride for a touch of old-world charm and festive cheer.

Visit with Santa
Designated photo area
Capture a memorable holiday moment with a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Lights
Budgeting for the Sweet Stuff
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Dark
Catch the transition from dusk to dark for the full light show magic on the train!
🎟️ Buy Tickets Early
Purchase your tickets before getting in line to save time and hassle.
🧥 Dress Warmly
It gets chilly! Layers are your friend for a comfortable outdoor experience.
🚗 Plan for Traffic
Expect significant traffic, especially on weekends. Be patient and follow directions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Dark
Catch the transition from dusk to dark for the full light show magic on the train!
🎟️ Buy Tickets Early
Purchase your tickets before getting in line to save time and hassle.
🧥 Dress Warmly
It gets chilly! Layers are your friend for a comfortable outdoor experience.
🚗 Plan for Traffic
Expect significant traffic, especially on weekends. Be patient and follow directions.
🍬 Candy Budget
The candy store is a highlight, but prices can add up quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Meadow Lights is a beloved, long-standing Christmas attraction offering affordable rides and a nostalgic candy store. While many praise its festive atmosphere and family-friendly appeal, some reviews note issues with food quality, pricing in the store, and traffic management.
"This place was lots of fun! They have a great store where you can buy lots of candy. They offer train rides for $3 dollars a person and carousel rides for $3. Buy your tickrts begore getting in line! They also have a snack bar that had corn dogs and pizza and some fried sandwiches like bologna or ham as well as hot drinks like coffee and hot chocolate and sodas. Dress warmly because it is cold outside!"
Anna Slawter
"Haven’t been since I was younger, I decided to take my son here tonight and honestly was disappointed with it. We expected the train ride to start AFTER dark but they started the train ride early.. before dusk.. so kind of hard to see the lights. There was a few light displays that had lots of lights out and were not functioning. The price of the train $3 is fairly reasonable though for the length. Hot chocolate is $2.00! Should be way less in my opinion. We went to the country store and everything was WAY overpriced… $6 for a small bag of chocolate peanuts. It was confusing on where to checkout as well.
The parking was good for us (got there early before 5) but leaving there was HORRIBLE traffic direction. You have to pay attention or you will get run over. Not to mention having traffic wait in the man road to enter."
Daniel West
"Meadow Lights has been a traditional staple in my family's life since I was a kid! However, a lot has changed since then! We drove 40 minutes to arrive at the Meadow Lights. I will say, it's hard to beat $3.00 train and carousel rides for the kids, minus the train sound system being broken and the lack of "Christmas Music, " making the whole light show experience definitely a "Silent Night." The lines are not distinguished clearly, so if you go plan for a weekday(Monday- Thursday) and arrive at opening time! The Food is not recommended, corn dog was soggy, when it should have some crunch in the bun, hot chocolate was good but $2.00 for about a 3-4 oz cup, pizza is personal pan the size of an adult palm with cheese microwaved off(definitely not worth any amount of money). If you need to eat, either go with your safe bet of pre-packaged chips and soda or eat before you go and save your money! Lastly, the general store has a multitude of candy, but will run you about $5.00 per ziploc bag, it's not terribly priced but could use a better up keep and selection is on repeat. As a general store, more should be offered! Bathrooms located in general store are larger, more private and warm. Outdoor bathroom selection includes multiple port-o-pottys or a bathroom in the train station area that is semi-private, stall doors are not quite covered half-way, outdoors(Cold), and only cold running water(understandable for cost, but very cold on chillier nights). One photo op of Santa is tucked away near the General Store, and one wooden photo op by the train station. Otherwise, you have concluded your trip within an hour, unless busy(very busy on weekends). My family and I went because of the memories and nostalgia, but I'm not sure the "Joy," was felt any longer. Positive Shout Outs: Customer Service of Cashier's, Train Representative and Ticket Booth were "Amazing!" The Lights on the right side as you drive into the Meadow Parking lot are beautiful and tell an incredible "Truth," of Christmas. The left side isn't displaying much at this time. It seems time has been hard on this location, than uplifting. Thank you for the memories past!"
Patricia Allen-Valadez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meadow Lights is located in Benson, NC, accessible via Exit 334 off I-40. Many visitors drive from the Raleigh area.
Yes, parking is available on-site. Arriving early, especially before 5 PM, can help secure a spot and avoid the worst traffic.
Take Exit 334 off I-40. The attraction is a well-known holiday destination in Eastern North Carolina.
It's a popular spot, especially during the holiday season. Follow signs for Benson, NC, and look for holiday traffic.
Absolutely! Meadow Lights is a popular day trip destination from Raleigh, NC, offering a festive evening out.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Train rides and carousel rides are affordably priced at $3 per person.
Tickets can be purchased at the attraction. It's recommended to buy them before getting in line to save time.
Meadow Lights is typically open from November 22nd to December 31st, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Advance booking is not usually required, but purchasing tickets before queuing is advised to streamline your entry.
The current pricing of $3 per ride is considered very reasonable and affordable for families.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Enjoy a train ride through light displays, carousel rides, visit Santa, and explore the old-fashioned candy store.
Yes, the train ride is a highlight, offering a magical journey through the lights for a reasonable price.
Weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday, and arriving right at opening time (5 PM) are best for fewer crowds.
It's best to arrive before dusk to experience the transition as the lights come alive during the train ride.
Yes, restrooms are available in the general store and at the train station area, including some port-o-potties.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Concessions include hot chocolate, pizza, corn dogs, and fried sandwiches.
Reviews are mixed; some find the hot chocolate good, while others describe items like corn dogs as soggy and overpriced.
Hot chocolate is typically around $2.00 for a small cup.
Yes, there are dining options in Benson, NC, and it's recommended to eat before or after your visit to save money.
While not explicitly stated, bringing pre-packaged snacks like chips and soda is a common suggestion to manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The train ride offers continuous light displays. There are also specific Santa photo ops and wooden cutouts.
Yes, the train ride provides a moving backdrop of lights, perfect for capturing festive moments.
After dark is ideal for capturing the full brilliance of the Christmas lights.
While not specified, the focus is on family enjoyment. Professional shoots might require special arrangements.
The lights on the right side of the parking lot are noted as particularly beautiful and telling a Christmas story.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a smooth family outing, aim for a weekday visit to minimize wait times and consider arriving early to catch the lights as they turn on. Dressing the kids in warm layers is crucial for comfort. While the food options are available, bringing some of your own snacks can be a good strategy for picky eaters or to manage costs.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider eating before you arrive or packing your own snacks and drinks. Visiting on a weekday will also help you avoid potential weekend crowds and associated traffic delays, saving you time and stress.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for opportunities to photograph the festive train, the carousel in action, and the various themed light installations. While there are designated Santa photo ops, the entire landscape is a picturesque backdrop for capturing the magic of Christmas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Meadow Lights Experience: Nostalgia and Modern Twists
The core attractions include a festive train ride that winds through over 30 acres of light displays, a classic carousel, and a visit with Santa. The country store is a major draw, packed with a wide selection of old-fashioned candies that evoke childhood memories. While the core experience remains, some reviews suggest that certain aspects, like the train's sound system or food quality, have seen better days, leading to a mixed sentiment for some long-time visitors.
Despite some critiques, the affordability of the rides ($3 per person) and the overall festive atmosphere continue to make Meadow Lights a popular destination. It's a place that aims to capture the simple joys of the holiday season, offering a magical evening for families looking to create new traditions or revisit old ones.
Navigating Meadow Lights: Tips for a Smooth Visit
Traffic can be a major factor, especially during peak times. Visitors report heavy congestion upon arrival and departure, so patience and attentiveness to traffic direction are essential. Purchasing tickets before joining the queue for rides can streamline your entry process. For those looking to save money, consider enjoying the lights and rides, and then dining elsewhere, as some reviews indicate that food and candy prices in the store can be quite high.
Dress in warm layers, as the outdoor setting can be quite cold, especially on chilly North Carolina evenings. While the main attractions are the lights and rides, the country store offers a unique shopping experience for nostalgic candy lovers. Bathrooms are available, including options within the general store and at the train station, though outdoor facilities may be basic.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit