The 2022 WRAL Nights of Lights returns to Dix Park in Raleigh.

WRAL Nights of Lights at Dorothea Dix Park came back during 2022's holiday season and was bigger than ever! The downtown Raleigh drive-thru holiday light event, presented by WRAL-TV in partnership with the City of Raleigh came back for a third holiday season. New elements included additional large-scale light displays, in-person activations like a personal igloo rental or holiday outpost experience, multiple bike-only nights and a 5K Nights of Lights run/walk.

WRAL Nights of Lights was the only downtown Raleigh drive-thru holiday light experience. Taking place inside Dorothea Dix Park, the event aimed to provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate the holidays with a family friendly event. Attendees was able to enjoy five themed sections along a 1.3-mile route:

Santa’s Workshop features Mr. and Mrs. Claus and an animated 250-ft tunnel

Reduced car counts and a separate entrance for Fast Lane ticket holders kept wait times and traffic back-ups to a minimum.

The success of 2021 Nights of Lights made it possible for us to present the Dix Park Conservancy with this $100,000 donation. And thanks to the generosity of the over 125,000 Nights of Lights attendees, over $19,000 was also donated to Inter-faith Food Shuttle.

Last holiday season, attendees had the opportunity to donate to the following non-profit organizations and events:

The event ran from Saturday, Nov. 19, through Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. Special themed nights included the Nights of Lights 5k and two bikes only nights. A portion of available tickets was given to Triangle area non-profits over the course of the event.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that WRAL Nights of Lights is back for year 3,” said Joel Davis, vice president and general manager of WRAL/FOX 50. “Every year this event gets bigger, better and more exciting. This year attendees will see a huge addition of lights and options for in-person experiences. Along with our partner, the City of Raleigh, we will continue to build this new holiday tradition for area families.”

Holiday Outpost - Was a North Pole experience. Visitors were able to start the Nights of Lights evening stopping by the Holiday Outpost at All Faiths Chapel.

Igloo Experience - Visitors were able to enjoy festive food and drinks inside their very own cozy igloo, lit with holiday spirit.

The light installations were managed by Southern Outdoor Restoration (formerly Vortex), a local Raleigh-based property services company that has been serving our community since 2001.