Suburban and rural America began setting out Christmas lights in droves in the 1960s as homes around the country began lining their eaves during the holidays with big, oversized, colorful bulbs. (Remember those??) Soon after, a North Carolinian in rural Johnston County followed suit and what began as a few lights around the house soon grew into a life long passion and even bigger displays each year.
It didn’t take long for neighbors to notice and for word to spread.
Facebook/Meadow Lights - Holiday Tour of Lights
Soon, that initial, modest display grew into 30 acres of displays and a variety of other attractions that were added as the years passed.
Facebook/Meadow Lights - Holiday Tour of Lights
Today, the largest — and oldest — holiday lights display in eastern North Carolina is a must-see holiday attraction. Plus, it’s the only large display of its kind in the area that doesn’t change an entry fee.
Google Local/Visit Johnston County
Visitors can take a train ride through the lights for a mere $3/person. Enjoy thousands and thousands of twinkling lights and displays as you wheel through Meadow Lights.
Google Local/Old Bull
After, hop on the 16-horse carousel for a ride everyone in the family will cherish. The rides are $2 each (adults accompanying a child are free.)
Facebook/Meadow Lights - Holiday Tour of Lights
Santa will be on hand every night, ready and waiting to pose for photos with the kiddos. (Photos are $6.)
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And hit up the candy store for some old-fashioned candy or a bite of dinner. The store has hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and sandwiches. Coffee, hot chocolate, and various drinks are also available.
Google/David Keck
How time flies! It’s already been 49 years since Meadow Lights first flipped on the holiday lights here giving generations of North Carolinians priceless memories to treasure.
Google Local/Meadow Lights
Do you recall visiting Meadow Lights as a kid — and do you still go or wish you lived closed enough to carry on the tradition?
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Meadow Lights is open every night from November 22, 2019 through December 31, 2019. The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday/Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission to the lights is absolutely free and there is no fee to park. Learn more from the official website.
Facebook/Meadow Lights - Holiday Tour of Lights
Google Local/Visit Johnston County
Google Local/Old Bull
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Google/David Keck
Google Local/Meadow Lights
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Address: 4546 Godwin Lake Rd, Benson, NC 27504, USA
