If you’re looking for a way to escape the holiday hustle and find something truly special to kick off your winter festivities, a visit to LaBelle Lights might just be what you need. While I haven’t personally been, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this popular outdoor holiday light show in Derry, New Hampshire.
What I love about this experience is how it offers a beautiful outdoor display featuring over a million twinkling lights, creating a true winter wonderland that can be enjoyed by friends, families, and groups of all sizes. Plus, the event is designed to be wholesome and family-friendly, with options to sip hot beverages and enjoy festive snacks along the way. On the flip side, a key consideration is that the event’s timing and closures, like the quick shutoff of lights and certain attractions, might feel a bit rushed or disappointing if you’re not prepared.
Overall, if you’re hoping to create some memorable holiday moments, especially if you’re a fan of dazzling displays and cozy winter vibes, LaBelle Lights could be a lovely addition to your seasonal traditions. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a laid-back outdoor experience and enjoy festive food and drinks.
Key Points
- Magnificent Light Display: Over a million lights make this one of New England’s best outdoor holiday shows.
- Family-Friendly: Great for kids and groups, with whimsical displays and snow effects.
- Food & Drinks: Multiple options for hot chocolate, snacks, and beverages to stay warm.
- Flexible Visit: Tickets are valid any day within the season, allowing for planning flexibility.
- Accessible & Free Parking: Easy to plan your visit without logistical worries.
- Weather-Dependent but Operates in Most Conditions: Expect the show rain, snow, or shine.
What Makes LaBelle Lights Stand Out?
The main highlight of LaBelle Lights is its impressive outdoor display, with millions of twinkling lights that transform LaBelle Winery’s grounds into a seasonal fairy tale. The walk is designed to be leisurely, allowing you to soak in the sights at your own pace. Expect whimsical features like the RGB Light Tunnel, the Bubble Bridge, and the Snowflake Forest, which are sure to delight both kids and adults.
The event runs from mid-November through January, so you have plenty of time to make it a holiday tradition. The show’s hours, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., are perfect for an after-dinner outing, and the fact that you can walk the course more than once lets you revisit your favorite scenes or take photos without feeling rushed.
The Experience: What You’ll See and Do
A stroll through LaBelle Lights is akin to stepping into a festive dream. The displays are carefully curated to evoke warmth and joy, with themed areas like Candy Cane Lane, where you can watch “falling snow” from 6 to 7 p.m. each evening. The Light Tunnel provides a colorful canopy, while the Snowflake Forest adds a touch of winter magic.
Before or after your walk, you can indulge in snacks and warm drinks at several locations including the Tasting Room, the Snowflake Snack Shack, and the LaBelle Market. These spots offer hot chocolate, snacks, and beverages, perfect for warming up during your visit. For a more sit-down experience, the Americus Restaurant offers full-service dining, and reservations are recommended.
From reviews, we know that many visitors find the show charming—Antoine from Canada called it “excellent, as if I were in the North Pole,” which speaks volumes about the atmosphere. Meanwhile, some visitors have noted that the lights can turn off unexpectedly, which might be a little jarring if you’re there for a longer experience. One reviewer mentioned, “The lights turned off in the back, and we didn’t understand what was going on,” indicating that quick closures or lighting effects might sometimes catch you by surprise.
Practical Details & Tips for Your Visit
The ticket price of $29 per person offers a good value considering the size of the display and the variety of food options available. Your ticket grants access to the entire walking path, with the flexibility to revisit sections, which is a bonus during busy nights. Parking is free and plentiful, and accessible parking is available, making the logistics straightforward.
Since this is an outdoor event, dress warmly and wear slip-resistant boots—the ground can get slippery, especially if there’s snow or ice. The walking path is wheelchair and stroller accessible, provided weather conditions permit.
A few reminders: outside food and drinks are not allowed unless for dietary needs or infants, pets aren’t permitted (except service animals), and the event operates rain or shine, unless there’s severe weather.
How the Experience Feels in Practice
From the reviews, visitors generally find LaBelle Lights a delightful holiday outing. One person described it as “an easy walk,” and that the displays are “very pretty.” However, others noted the experience can be somewhat brief or feel hurried, especially if you’re unlucky with the timing or if the lights turn off unexpectedly.
The seasonal operating hours offer a cozy window of time to enjoy the lights after the sun sets, making for a perfect after-dinner activity. The event’s accessibility and free parking make it easy to include in a larger holiday trip around New Hampshire or Maine.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Love LaBelle Lights?
This light show is best suited for those who enjoy visual spectacle and outdoor winter activities. It’s perfect for families with children, as the whimsical displays and snow effects evoke classic holiday magic. Those who want a relaxed, scenic stroll with plenty of photo opportunities will also find it appealing.
If wintery outdoor experiences are your thing—and you’re comfortable bundling up—this is a lovely way to create festive memories without the crowds of city lights or crowded events. It also works well for groups of friends or even couples seeking a romantic, twinkling walk under the stars.
Final Thoughts: Is LaBelle Lights Worth It?
For just $29, you get access to a stunning display that captures the holiday spirit in a beautiful outdoor setting. The variety of illuminated scenes, combined with the chance to enjoy seasonal food and beverages, makes it a cozy, cheerful outing. It’s not a long event, but it’s quite manageable and offers enough magic to feel special.
While some reviews mention the quick shutdown of lights or limited attraction hours, overall, visitors seem to find the experience delightful and worth the visit, especially if you appreciate outdoor displays and festive atmospheres.
If you’re in the New Hampshire area during the holiday season and looking for a family-friendly, accessible activity that celebrates the joy of lights, LaBelle Lights can be a charming choice. Just remember to bundle up, plan for the weather, and arrive with an open mind to enjoy the twinkle-filled walk.
Derry, NH: LaBelle Lights Holiday Light Show Entry Ticket
FAQs
Is there parking available at LaBelle Lights?
Yes, free onsite parking is available, making it easy to plan your visit without worrying about parking fees or shortages.
Can I visit LaBelle Lights on any day during the season?
Absolutely. Your ticket can be used on any open date within the season, providing flexibility for your holiday planning.
What should I wear to enjoy the show?
Dress warmly and wear slip-resistant boots, especially if snow or ice is present, to stay comfortable and safe while walking.
Are the walking paths stroller and wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the paths are designed to be accessible, weather permitting.
Are pets allowed at LaBelle Lights?
No, pets are not permitted, with the exception of assistance animals.
What food and drinks are available on-site?
You can purchase hot and cold beverages, snacks, and treats at several locations along the course, including hot chocolate and festive bites. The onsite restaurant also offers full dining options with reservations recommended.
What happens if the weather is really bad?
The event generally operates in all weather conditions unless severe weather occurs, in which case closures will be announced on LaBelle Winery’s website.
If you’re craving a cheerful, light-filled evening and want to experience one of New England’s standout outdoor holiday displays, LaBelle Lights provides a cozy, family-friendly way to add some sparkle to your season. Just plan ahead, bundle up, and enjoy the magic.
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