Best Christmas Lights in the Charlotte Area – 2016

Looking for the biggest, best Christmas lights in the Charlotte area for the 2016 Christmas season? Here are some resources for tracking them down.  All these displays, often synchronized to Christmas music, are put on by regular people, at their own expense, and it takes an incredible amount of time and creativity. So visit and let them know you appreciate it. If a radio station is listed, tune your car radio to that station to listen to the coordinated music. Please be considerate of these folks’ neighbors. If a website or Facebook page is listed, make sure to visit and check out the hours, start dates, and any additional information that you need to know. Some families show videos and pictures of their works in progress as well.

Do you know of a light display that should be included in the list? Please send information to jody@charlotteonthecheap.com. I’ll need to see a website or Facebook page so that I know the homeowner wants the information shared.

Other things you might be interested in: A frequently updated day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area. Also, subscribe to Charlotte on the Cheap by email and you’ll receive one email a day with links to all the free and cheap events and local deals. Here’s a list of daily deals, usually half-price, in the Charlotte area.

McAdenville Christmas
McAdenville’s famous Christmas lights will be turned on Thursday, December 1st, 2016, and will be lit every night through December 26th. The above link also includes information on the lighting ceremony December 1st, and the Yule Log Ceremony and parade December 16th. McAdenville is in Gaston County, a short drive from Charlotte. The lines can be long to get into the town. Follow the above link for some information on avoiding the lines.
Garden Oak Holiday Lights
4026 Garden Oak Drive, Indian Trail, NC 28079
Brandon Oak Subdivision (94.5 FM)
Donations collected for The National Foundation for Cancer Research

A Sweitzers Christmas
1001 Sunnyview Circle Matthews, NC 28105 (107.3 FM)

Fountainbrook Fallatts
1028 Fountainbrook Dr. Indian Trail, NC 28079
Accepts donations for Union County Christmas Bureau

Zimnowski Light Show
15419 Hugh Mcauley Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078 (87.9 FM)

Harbin Family Christmas Lights
10223 Summer House Court
Accepts donations for Make-A-Wish

Nikitas’ Christmas Wonderland
1417 Deer Spring Court, Indian Trail, NC
Accepts donations for Hemby Children Hospital

Hillside Drive in Myers Park
The neighborhood has a tradition of creating chicken-wire Christmas balls and hanging them from tall trees. It’s very impressive.
Accepts donations for Loaves and Fishes.

Sherwood Forest Drive (off Colony Road)
Several big displays in neighborhood, especially 7323 Sherwood Forest Drive, where Santa is outside handing out candy canes. There’s Christmas music and a collection for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Thomas Avenue (Plaza Midwood area)
Large ornamental balls