Something to Do Tonight at Lake Norman

Christmas Lights and a Show

If you do not have plans for tonight — or tomorrow night — maybe you will after reading this!  Are you within driving distance of Mooresville, North Carolina?  Have you seen or heard about the James Family Christmas Lights?  Wait!  Before you think that this post is simply about another set of Christmas lights, read more.

Apparently, the James Family Christmas lights were first displayed in 2007 after about a year of planning.  My family discovered them a few years ago, and they are an event all their own.  Not only are the lights choreographed to music, they also include bold colors, fun conversations and additional entertaining factors.  For one, the two side trees and their hilarious banter are certain to bring laughter.  Here is a tiny sample of what these fellows bring to the show.

Are those two trees, brothers?  Friends?  Haha.  Who knows?  What we do know is that they are endearing narrators for the light show.

Year After Year

This year, Richard, Boy, and I have taken a trip to Mooresville, NC, to see the James Family Christmas Lights twice already.  Chances are the we will go again before the year comes to an end.  They run from 5:30 to 9:30 PM every evening until New Year’s Eve.  That means that you still have time!  If you have not seen them yet, we certainly recommend that you take the time.  Adults and children enjoy the lights.  There have been people dancing around with the lights.  We have seen people standing, watching the lights with peaceful smiles on their faces.  Families have been laughing together as they enjoy the beautiful colors and festive beats.

What kind of music do you like?  Chances are that your favorite style of music is part of the show.  Playful Christmas music, faith based Christmas music, beautiful music, bluegrass music, dance music, and rockin’ music are all incorporated into the evening.  Here is a video of Do You Hear What I Hear?  Let me preface this video by saying that if it seems a bit shaky, that is because the temperature was in the thirties when we went on Christmas night.  I was physically shivering while I was recording.  Enjoy it, anyway!

WARNING:  Flashing Lights and Fast Movements

Where can you enjoy these lights?  They are on N. Main Street, on the side lawn of the Town Hall.  If you do not know where that is, simply head to Downtown Mooresville and drive north on Main Street.  When you get to where the lights are, you will not be able to miss them.  You can park your vehicle and turn on the coordinating radio station to listen and watch from the warmth inside, or you can get out of your car to walk around and enjoy the light show up close.

Pictures Do Not Do This Event Justice

As fun and pretty as these videos and pictures might be, there is seriously no way to capture the bright, bold colors and brilliant movement of the dancing lights in person.  Grab your family.  Grab some friends.  Go by yourself if you want to.  We suggest that you pay a visit to the James Family Christmas Lights in Mooresville, NC.  You are in for a treat!

While you are making plans and figuring out what you want to do during the Holiday season — or any time of year —  Ottawa Mommy Club gives you 7 Simple Strategies to Help You Reduce Christmas Stress.

Be sure to comment below to let us know if you have seen the James Family Christmas Lights or if you want to now that you have gotten a peek.

25 Replies to “Something to Do Tonight at Lake Norman”

  1. How fun is that! One of my favorite things to do as a kid was ride around with my parents looking at huge Christmas displays like this. Unfortunately, I’m in Minnesota, but if I ever find myself down there for the holidays I’ll definitely check it out!

  2. Thank you so much for this article! It brings joy to my heart to read this and makes the effort worth every last second!! Hope to see you next year. If you ever want to know more about the show, drop me a note!
    Merry Christmas!

  3. What fun! Love looking at lights and entire neighborhoods and downtowns that really decorate!! We always consider it a gift at Christmas that people would go to such effort to decorate for others! Thanks for sharing!!

  4. We didn’t get to enjoy Christmas lights this year but last year we went to a “famous” house and it was so much fun. The effort and time people put into them is crazy. My coworker actually blew his power a few times with his decorations.

  5. Wow, that’s fantastic that you have such a display close to home. It is so festive and a fun family activity! We are lucky enough to have one here in town as well. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *