Beginning Friday, November 16th, a beloved annual tradition in Clemmons officially begins! The Tanglewood Festival of Lights is a must for anyone in the Triad area, anytime between November 16th and January 1st, and this year is, of course, no different, as thousands are expected to drive through the spectacular lighting throughout Tanglewood.
“We are truly impressed and humbled by the visitors to the Festival of Lights each season,” said Jessica Sanders, Marketing and Events Manager for Forsyth County Parks and Recreation. “The Festival of Lights is a tradition for so many, because it is a unique, cost-effective experience that can be shared with friends and family members of all ages. We are beyond excited for our 27th season and can’t wait to show off our new light displays! I did want to mention that due to unfortunate circumstances, Santa Claus will not be at the Festival of Lights this season. S’moresville, located just outside in the Gift Village, will be open again with our amazing sponsor, Lowes Foods, operating marshmallow cookers and selling s’mores kits on-site.”
Speaking of the Gift Village, the Festival of Lights has something new to offer that it knows many attendees will be excited about! “Each season, we receive requests from patrons who would love to visit the Gift Shop, but are unable to attend the Festival of Lights,” said Sanders. “So, this year, we are opening up the Gift Shop two days prior to the Festival of Lights, so that the public may come shop! The Festival of Lights Gift Shop Pre-Sale will be Sunday, November 11th, from 11am-4pm and Monday, November 12th, from 9am-2pm. The Pre-Sale will include the vendors that will be selling their items at the Gift Shop during this season of the Festival of Lights. We have an extensive variety of items in the Gift Shop this season! Patrons may purchase homemade baked breads, cookies, jams, honey, fresh fudge, and muscadine juice. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, wood carvings, dog treats, book art, lamps, and candles are also popular gift items that may be purchased in the Gift Shop.”
Additionally, the Paws in the Park event has been so beloved since it began in 2014 that it has been extended as well! “Paws in the Park has been widely attended since its first event,” said Sanders. “To better accommodate all participants (four-legged included) and help facilitate the most enjoyable environment, we have extended the event an additional day.”
The most popular times for visitors to attend the Festival of Lights are weekends and evenings just prior to Christmas, so Sanders and her team suggest visiting on a weekday, especially early in the season, to avoid long lines and extended wait times. However, even long wait times are worth the wait to see all that has been done throughout the year to make the event complete. “We work on Festival of Lights all year round—before the current season even starts, we are already preparing for the next season,” said Sanders. “From installation and staffing to marketing and design, it is a department-wide effort to make sure the show is not only successful, but safe and well managed, as well.”
For more information on the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, visit www.forsyth.cc/Parks/Tanglewood/fol.
__________________
Details for the 2018 Festival of Lights:
From November 16th to January 1st, the show is open nightly from 6-11pm with the exception of Monday, December 31st, when the show will close at 10pm.
The rates are as follows:
Family Vehicles: $15
Commercial Vehicles: $35
Motorcoaches and Buses: $100
Discount Nights are November 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th, and pricing for those evenings only is:
Family Vehicles: $5
Commercial Vehicles: $15
Motorcoaches and Buses: $65
Please note that the Gift Shop will close at 11pm Sundays–Thursdays and at 12am on Fridays and Saturdays, with the exception of Sunday, December 31st, when it will close at 10pm.
