During the holiday season, we all have our traditions that we either grew up with or started ourselves. From the day after Thanksgiving when you take advantage of the sales, to when you go to the NC mountains and cut your tree, to stringing those bright lights on your house, to the holy time of Hanukkah, traditions are much of what makes this season a time for joy and reflection. For the past 31 years, one tradition that has become part of many lives is the Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights, and this year’s display does not disappoint, continuing to bring joy to young and old.
What Would the Holidays Be Without Lights?
Holiday lights just add something to the season and Tanglewood Festival of Lights has given the Triad and visitors from literally across the country a little something extra for 31 years.
When the light display began, it was about three miles long and had 25 displays, plus other accent lighting. Since then, my, how things have changed and grown!
“We’ve gone from three miles to almost five miles of lighted displays, increasing the number of displays to 70, which are even bigger, with some being as tall as 110 feet, and numerous accent and road lights. To make each year a little different, for those who come every year, we add at least one new display to the festival. Over the years, the most popular displays are the train, the golfer hitting the golf ball, and the huge, bright snowflakes,” said The Marketing & Events Team with Tanglewood Park of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation.
Visitors this year will also see the addition of a 3D star and an upgraded and enhanced tunnel of lights.
More to Enjoy Than Ever Before
Not only have the light displays grown over the years, so have the activities.
“This year we will have new gift shop vendors, Bullzhead food truck with hot cocoa, street corn, nachos, and more. Lowes Foods is sponsoring the Smoresville area, which is a lot of fun, and add in a hay or carriage ride with the Tanglewood Stables,” The Marketing & Events Team commented.
As with everything else today, technology in lighting has advanced. “We have transitioned from all incandescent glass bulbs to all LED technology. The C-7 type bulbs that we use have a tiny transformer within that allows us to retrofit them into the existing sockets and run off 120-volt power. We also have much more advanced controllers that must be set up to provide the varied programs and animation. While lights and displays may change over the years, we are focused on continuing to share the beauty and excitement of the season with the Festival of Lights. With each year, we look forward to being a part of everyone’s holiday season,” The Marketing & Events Team stated.
To view this season’s rates and learn more about the Festival of Lights, visit the Festival’s website at www.forsyth.cc/parks.tanglewood/fol. You can also follow the event on Facebook under ‘Tanglewood Festival of Lights’ and Instagram at TanglewoodParkNC.
The Festival of Lights begins Friday, November 11th, 2022, and continues through Sunday, January 1st, 2023, 6-11 p.m. nightly. New Year’s Eve, 2022, the Festival will close at 10 p.m.
