10/09/2026
LOVE my hometown!
Beginning November 26th in Forest City, North Carolina…the “Hometown Holiday Lights” festival brings back one of small-town America’s most incredible and magical displays of Christmas lights to historic Main Street! More than one million sparkling lights cover the downtown area, with beautiful old oak trees wrapped from their trunks to their branches and glowing strands stretching overhead. This beloved Christmas tradition dates back to 1930 and turns the entire street into a scene straight out of a Christmas movie. You can walk beneath the lights, admire decorated storefronts, see the glowing downtown fountain, and enjoy Christmas music throughout town. At the Pavilion on Park Square, you'll find the region's largest lighted Christmas ornament, perfect for holiday pictures. On select December weekends, families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, hayrides, synthetic ice skating, and visits with Santa. Food trucks, hot chocolate, c***r, local restaurants, and downtown shops add even more to the experience. The celebration begins Thanksgiving night with the annual lighting ceremony, followed by the Christmas parade November 29th. The lights shine nightly through January 1st, generally from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM, and viewing the display is completely free!
