HOURS
Garden Center & The Gardens of Southeastern NC
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Wholesale
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
CONTACT
1 (800) 624-8174
985 Johnson Nursery Rd
Willard NC 28478
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The Southern Lights
Experience the Magic of Christmas at The Gardens ✨
Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive displays, cozy firepits, and unforgettable holiday memories at The Southern Lights at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina.
Stroll through beautifully illuminated botanical gardens, visit Santa & Mrs. Claus, encounter the mischievous Grinch on select nights, embark on the Elf Quest Experience, explore the Holiday Maze, have a snowball fight with snow that never melts, experience the 12 Days of Christmas, and enjoy festive food and drinks along the way.
Whether you’re planning a family tradition, date night, holiday gathering, or group outing, The Southern Lights is a magical way to celebrate the season.
🎅 Santa & Mrs. Claus at The Southern Lights!
Christmas magic is waiting! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at The Southern Lights every event night except December 26th, ready to welcome families and make your evening even more memorable.
Stop by to share your Christmas wishes, snap a festive photo, and enjoy a little North Pole magic surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights.
💚 The Grinch Is Coming to The Southern Lights!
Who’s ready for a little holiday mischief? The Grinch is making his way to The Southern Lights! Keep your eyes open for everyone’s favorite Christmas grouch as he brings his signature attitude, playful antics, and plenty of laughs to the gardens.
Stop by for a hilariously memorable photo, share a little Christmas cheer (whether he likes it or not!), and see if you can help grow his heart three sizes!
The Grinch will be making appearances on event nights except December 17th, 23rd, and 26th.
🎄 2026 Dates
November: 20–21 & 27–28
December: 3–6, 10–12, 17–22 & 26
Hours: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM
The Southern Lights is open on select nights in November and December. Please check the dates above when planning your visit.
❤️ December 6: Non-Profit Support Night
Celebrate the season of giving at The Southern Lights on December 6th!
Join us for a special evening of holiday magic as we support two wonderful organizations making a difference in our community: Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries (DCOM) and the YMCA.
Enjoy the twinkling lights, festive attractions, and Christmas cheer while helping support organizations dedicated to strengthening and uplifting our local community.
Make memories, spread joy, and celebrate the spirit of giving at The Southern Lights!
🎟️ Tickets
Advance Admission: $14
Day-of Admission: $18, if available
Children 4 & Under: FREE
Bulk Group Pricing (25+ Tickets): $12 per person
Popular evenings may sell out, so advance reservations are recommended.
Purchasing 25 or more tickets? Select the Bulk Ticket Group Pricing option when booking to receive the discounted rate.
✨ Your Admission Includes
🎅 Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus (except December 26th)
💚 Meet The Grinch (select nights)
✨ Thousands of twinkling holiday lights
🎄 12 Days of Christmas Experience
🧝 Elf Quest Experience
❄️ Snowball Arena
🌲 Holiday Maze
🔥 Public firepits & gathering areas
📸 Festive photo opportunities
The Elf Quest Experience is a festive walking adventure through the gardens leading you toward the Snowball Arena. Keep your eyes open along the way—you never know what holiday surprises you might discover!
Plus, come hungry! Enjoy wood-fired pizza from Cugino Forno, s’mores, hot cocoa, seasonal drinks, beer, wine, festive cocktails, and more available for purchase throughout the evening.
🔥 VIP Firepit Experience
Make it a night to remember with a private VIP Firepit for up to 16 guests.
Your $285 reservation includes admission for up to 16 guests, a private reserved firepit, and dedicated food and beverage service throughout your visit.
Only 10 VIP Firepits are available each evening, so early reservations are encouraged.
Know Before You Go
Parking: Free onsite parking
Payment: The Southern Lights is a cashless event
Pets: Pets are not permitted; service animals are welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines
Accessibility: Most garden paths feature ADA-compliant mulch; some attractions may have limited accessibility
Every ticket purchased supports The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, a nonprofit botanical garden dedicated to improving lives by cultivating inspiration.
🎄 Make The Southern Lights Part of Your Holiday Tradition
Gather your family and friends for an evening filled with twinkling lights, festive character appearances on select nights, holiday adventures, cozy firepits, delicious food, and Christmas magic at The Gardens.
Come make memories you’ll look forward to year after year.
Get Your Tickets →
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