JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C.--  The lights shine bright along the Neuse River in Johnston County. Just a short drive from the Triangle, "Lights on the Neuse" brightens the holiday season with more than one million twinkling lights near Clayton.

 

•Discuss This Story

•Lights On The Neuse

•Meadow Lights

 

The Brown family from North Raleigh hopped on the old fashion hayride. The kids provided plenty of commentary during the 30 minute ride as four-year-old Michelle Brown yelled out, “angel, angel, angel.”

 

Fifteen lighted displays capture the magic of the season including candy cane lane, gingerbread houses and Christmas in the city.

 

But this show is on the Boyette family farm so you are sure to see displays with horses, chickens, and pigs.

 

"There's nothing our customers see here that they can go commercially buy.  Everything is built here on the farm and I'm the builder," said Glenn Boyette.

 

"I think he (the owner) puts a lot of work in it.  It takes a lot of time and effort to get everything together," said Cory Brown.

 

Folks along for the ride say it's a fun, family adventure!

 

"It was really neat, lots of surprises, lots of good music," said visitor Jan Yates.

 

Surprise elements happen when the tractor triggers a 40 foot tree to light up and dance to the music.

 

The Lights on the Neuse does not loose the religious message in light of the holiday commercialism. In fact, the nativity scene is a fan favorite.

 

"The manger scene was my favorite because behind the baby Jesus it was a crown of sunshine. It was really cool," said visitor Ashlyn Barbee.

 

Beyond the lights, kids can take a picture with Santa and visit the Sweet Shoppe for some old fashion candy.

 

The light show runs through December 27 and costs $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. A portion of the ticket price will help Heartland Hospice in Johnston County.