Winter Lights, Outer Banks Holiday Magic

Lights create a wonderful illusion of water, plants and herons at The Elizabethan Gardens.

I’m surrounded by hundreds of thousands of lights, and it’s magical. I’m wandering through The Elizabethan Gardens’ paths at night, but with the radiance of Winter Lights illuminating the trail there’s plenty of light.

The holidays are a time of traditions and all of us find certain ones that are our favorites. For me, Winter Lights at The Elizabethan Gardens is one of them.

I can hear the waves of Roanoke Sound running up the shore, and the sound of the water forms a beautiful choral backdrop to the Christmas music that’s playing throughout the Gardens. I wasn’t able to make it last year, so this year, as I pass the statues, plants and flowers I notice some changes—changes that have kept the magic fresh.

There are small lights in the trees that I don’t recall seeing in the past, and my memory is right. They’re miniature laser lights and they add a three-dimensional feel to the artistry of the setting.

“We started those last year,” says Carl Curnutte, Executive Director of The Elizabethan Gardens.

There are other changes as well—subtle, but for anyone who has visited a few times, different and very well done.

Happily waiting by a Christmas tree.

“We had a great design team this year,” Curnutte explains.

A personal favorite for this year is the heron pond; bathed in blue light with green lights on the ground surrounding it, the illusion is nearly perfect.

There are also some old favorites.

I don’t particularly like marshmallows, but there is something about an open fire pit, free marshmallows and tongs that can make even a Grinch feel like a child again.

Along with the beauty of the lights there are also some great events scheduled. Santa makes a visit every Friday and Saturday, and the weekends feature music from local schools and bands.

Winter Lights is on display Tuesday through Saturday evenings during the month of December, and on Fridays and Saturdays in January until January 21. Winter Lights will not be held, however, on December 24, 25, 31 and on January 1.