The Dancing Lights of Christmas is sure to become a holiday tradition for your family.
The drive through light display moved from Jellystone Camp ground in Donelson to the James Ward AG Center in Lebanon several years ago, allowing for a longer trail of lights and more displays.
A new display is added every year, so there is always something different to see. The trail took our family about 20 minutes to drive through, but that will increase as we get closer to Christmas. The entire journey through the displays is 2.5 miles long.
How to Get To the Dancing Lights of Christmas
Pack your car and head east on I-40 to Lebanon. If you visit the Wilson County Fair, it is in the same location. The entrance to the Dancing Lights of Christmas is across from the Dollar General and well marked.
There is a long driveway before the gate to the lights. Depending on when you visit, the wait can be long.
If you do end up waiting in line for a while, there are port-a-potties available for emergencies; including one with handicap access.
Entry to the Drive Thru
It’s one price no matter how many people you have in your car. This year it is $25 for personal vehicles, but you can find some coupons here.
Grab this Groupon and save on admission!
We visited on a Sunday evening in mid-November and arrived at 4:40 PM. The Dancing Lights of Christmas do not open until 5 PM, and there was already a short line. We joined the queue, and by the time 5 PM rolled around there were 30 or more cars behind us.
Driving Thru the Lights Displays
I’m sure you have seen the homes on Youtube that sync music to the lights on the house. The Dancing Lights of Christmas is like that but 10 times bigger and better! There are multiple songs and the lights all flash and dance in sync. If you can, just stop your car and watch for a minute or two and the proceed and stop again. Each place gives you a new view of the fun.
Once you finish the drive through (it took us more than 30 minutes) make sure to stop at Santa’s village.
Is Santa’s Village Free?
This is the question we have been asked the most this season. The Dancing Lights of Christmas is celebrating their 10th Anniversary and as a thank you to their patrons, Santa’s Village activities are included. However, this is only if you pay at the gate.
If you purchase tickets through Costco, the Ronald McDonald house, or any other buy ahead option, then Santa’s Village is NOT included. You will have to pay for these activities if you want to participate in any of these charitable options. The only exception to this is purchasing through Groupon.
You can use a coupon at the gate, gain a discount by donating food to Second Harvest Food Bank, or save $5 if you are a Veteran or active duty military, and still get into Santa’s Village for free.
When you gain entry, you will be given a ticket that you can then exchange for wrist bands once you get to Santa’s Village. The ticket will get each person in your vehicle a wrist band. Keep in mind, the activities are geared at kids and do have size and weight limits. However, anyone is allowed to ride the mechanical reindeer.
If you used a Groupon or other buy in advance discounted ticket, activities range from $6 – $8.
Food, Snacks and Treats
Getting hungry? Treats are available including kettle corn, funnel cakes, deep fried Oreos and Twinkies, make your own Smores kits and more!
And don’t forget to leave time for a visit with the jolly old elf himself – Santa is available to talk to and take pictures. (Unfortunately, Santa isn’t here for 2020, but he will return in 2021).
The Dancing Lights of Christmas
Address: 945 East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN 37087
Entrance to the Dancing Lights is across from Dollar General
Prices and Opening Days and Times
Hours: Nightly from 5 PM to 10 PM, November 12, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Cost: $30 per vehicle (non commercial)
$30 per non profit van/bus
$50 for limousines
$100 for large commercial vehicles, motor homes, or buses
Discounts:
When you purchase your tickets through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville tickets are just $15 plus $1 for mailing the tickets. Tickets are mailed out within 2 days of purchase.
Was wondering if everything is included this year..
Santa’s Village is included if you buy a ticket at the gate or a Groupon. All other discounted tickets (Costco, Ronald McDonald House, etc) do not include Santa’s Village activities.
Where do the proceeds go?
As far as I know the Lights are a private business.
I was there last night and they announced that the proceeds go to help different charities like Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army and others.
Do you have to buy tickets ahead of time? If so where can I buy them?
No, you can purchase tickets at the gate when you go to drive through.
I have went here for years 😇❤️ It became a tradition for me and the kids one of our favorite things for Christmas 🎄
IT is fun is it i love it so much
When is the last night they will be having the lights???
January 1 is the last day for the season.
No, It’s $25 total per car. So, it is the same if you have 2 or 5 people in your vehicle. Save some money using one of the discounts we found: https://nashvillefunforfamilies.com/christmas-deals-and-discounts/
We went through the dancing lights last yr and loved them and my grandkids was just look oh wow look at them very beautiful