Top Picks Of Light Show Extravaganzas Worth The Drive

’Tis the season for dazzling light displays. Here are our top picks of holiday light shows across the state to help bring out your family’s holiday spirit.

- Myra Wright

Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park

zootasticpark.com 385 Ostwalt Amity Road, Troutman

Admission: $7 for ages 2 and older; free for children under age 2.

Dates: Nov. 21-Jan. 1, 2019. Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m; Friday-Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Choreographed light show, petting zoo, s’mores, carousel, wagon rides and animal encounters. New this year is a Ferris wheel and train ride, plus an additional 2 miles of lighted trails. Santa will be taking photos after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Photos with Santa and the baby kangaroos are available for an additional cost, or take your own photo with Santa only at no additional charge.

Country Christmas Train at Denton Farm Park

dentonfarmpark.com/countrychristmas-train 4259 Handy Road, Denton

Admission: $5-$15 ages 5 and older; free for ages 4 and younger. Additional fees for photos with Santa, wagon and pony rides.

Dates: Nov. 23-25 and 30, Dec. 1-2, 7-10, 13-16, 19-23 and 26-27. Friday-Saturday 4:30-11 p.m.; other nights 4:30-10 p.m. Enjoy a lighted walking tour of the park. Stop at the church to hear a Christmas story and then take a ride on the Handy Dandy Railroad. Enjoy a nativity movie, Christmas carols, a petting zoo, Santa’s cabin, arts and crafts exhibits, gingerbread house, doll museum and general store.

Holidays at the Garden

dsbg.org Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont

Admission: Monday-Thursday, $7.95 for ages 2-12, $12.95 ages 13 and older. Friday-Sunday, $8.95 for ages 2-12, $14.95 for ages 13 and older.