An Old-Fashioned Christmas is what you’ll find when you visit Piper Lights in Wake Forest, NC.
It all began 30 years ago when a family put up a manger scene and then, over the years developed it into a magical 7-acre lights display with an old-fashioned candy store.
My daughter and I love it so much we visit every December – several times!
Piper Lights – An Old-Fashioned Christmas
Welcome To the Christmas lights
As you enter, you will come to a donation box. Although the Christmas lights are free, try to have a few dollars handy to donate. This helps the family keep the Christmas lights shining.
As these lights get more popular every year, you’ll want to come at the least crowded times.
I’ve found the best time to come is right when they open at 5:30 on a weeknight, early in December.
You can drive your car right through the display and see all of the lights.
One of the most charming spots is the pond that’s surrounded by Christmas lights.
The reflection of the lights on the water is stunning!
After you drive through the lights, there’s a place to park your car so you can visit the old-fashioned candy store. (Only cash is accepted.)
It’s also fun to walk back around all the Christmas lights and get a closer look.
Inside the candy store, you will be able to buy hot chocolate, cider, popcorn, hand-made scarfs, and old-fashioned candy.
My daughter and I have a tradition of getting hot chocolate and popcorn, only a dollar for each.
The store is full of cool collectibles and antiques.
Kids will love getting to visit with Santa on the front porch of the Country Store.
You’re welcome to take a picture with him, free of charge!
Or you can sip your hot chocolate by the cozy fire while you chat with your loved ones.
Next, you’ll want to get in line for the free Santa train ride that takes you on a tour around the Christmas lights.
Here comes the train…
If you’re looking for the best Raleigh Christmas lights, Piper Lights should be at the top of your list.
Location: 5725 Fixit Shop Road, Wake Forest, NC (Just outside of Raleigh)
Hours: Opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs until January 2.
Sunday-Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Santa doesn’t arrive until 6:30 each night.
Behaved pets are welcome.
26 Responses
I love this! We have a place like this near us and are planning to go Monday night!
I hope you have a great time!
Wow what a magical place! It’s amazing what the family has created there.
It is amazing. I’m so glad the family will do these each year!
This sounds like something my family would love!
It certainly is a lot of fun for families!
This looks fantastic. I wish we had something like that here.
OMG I wish I could head there right now! I have always wanted to go to someplace that is all about Christmas!
This place looks MAGICAL! Wow!
Yes, it really is!
Woah, my son would love all these decorations!! What a fun trip!
It is quite the light show for one family to pull off!
This looks like so much fun. If I was near by there, I would visit every year too.
What a lovely tradition! And so very pretty, I’m such a sucker for Christmas lights.
Me too! 🙂
I love places like this! I want to take my kids to a light display next week!
The lights look like a CHristmas must every year. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome!
What a beautiful post! I love your pictures, I would love to visit and see this amazing place!
So glad you liked the pics. Thanks!
Lovely! You make me wish I was close enough to visit!
This is so amazing! We love Christmas and decorations. We will put this on our list for next year. Thank you for sharing.
If you live in the area, I would definitely recommend it!
Oh I wish I had known about this place when I lived in NC. That is right up my alley. It looks like a wonderful and beautiful time.
It is an awesome place to go to in NC!
What a wonderful place!!