Winter in Western North Carolina is about to feel a little more magical. Beginning November 15, 2025, The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville welcomes the North American debut of Trolls: A Field Study by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The immersive outdoor exhibit will run through February 17, 2026, transforming the arboretum’s trails and gardens into a whimsical world of trolls.
Asheville’s NC Arboretum, is a must-see attraction all year long, especially in autumn. Located just three minutes from Bent Creek Lodge, NC Arboretum features 434 acres of forests, cultivated gardens, and miles of scenic hiking trails. A visit to the North Carolina Arboretum is always refreshing; a perfect way to reconnect with nature.
The Arboretum is not all just trees and trails, however. It also hosts a variety programs, exhibits, and special events throughout the year. Guided walks, concerts, plant sales – and now Thomas Dambo’s famous Trolls!
Thomas Dambo’s Trolls
Thomas Dambo is a Danish artist, environmental storyteller, and “recycle art activist.” He creates enormous and charming troll sculptures from reclaimed and repurposed materials. The trolls are infused with both whimsy and a deeper message about waste, nature, and our relationship with the environment.
Most of the troll sculptures are around 40 feet in height and designed to fit into their environments. Cleverly constructed from wood pallets, scrap timber, and other discarded elements, the sculptures are lifelike, charming, and fascinating in person.
Hundreds of Dambo’s trolls are installed in dozens of countries. These include Europe, Asia, Australia, and throughout the United States. Some of the trolls are permanent, others temporary, and many are hidden away in less-traveled corners. Fans enjoy hunting them down and visiting them. Dambo’s website even maintains a “Trollmap,” to help people find them.
Trolls: A Field Study at NC Arboretum
The upcoming installation at NC Arboretum is unlike many of Dambo’s other, stand-alone troll installations. Instead of one, giant troll, Trolls: A Field Study features twelve, interactive, 7 to 9 feet tall “baby” trolls.
According to Dambo, the trolls are in Asheville to observe and study humans. They are curious, he says, about our habits and our connection to the natural world. Each troll has its own personality, and visitors can follow a trail map through the arboretum to discover each troll’s location. A kind of woodland treasure hunt. Fun!
The timing of the exhibit also holds special relevance, as the trolls are constructed, in part, from wood felled by Hurricane Helene. Repurposing this fallen and storm-damaged wood for community art helps to promote resilience and renewal.
Winter Lights at the Arboretum – with Trolls!
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum (November 15th 2025 – January 4, 2026) is an annual, open-air, walk-through, light show that illuminates the Arboretum with over one million holiday lights!
Six of Dambo’s trolls will be part of this year’s Winter Lights event. The already entrancing sculptures will take on an even more enchanting look, illuminated at night by thousands of multi-colored holiday lights. Tickets are available now but will sell-out fast, so don’t hesitate.
The North Carolina Arboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville, NC. This is just 3 minutes from our Asheville bed and breakfast, Bent Creek Lodge. In fact, Bent Creek Lodge is the closet and best accommodations for out of town visitors coming to the
Making Spirits Bright with Dambo Trolls and Winter Lights
Bent Creek Lodge is currently offering an NC Arboretum Trolls / Winter Lights lodging package!
This package includes admission to both the daytime Trolls: A Field Study exhibit AND the nighttime Winter Lights display. You’ll also receive some cool memorabilia of the visit, including a Troll sticker, 2 cups, and some 3D glasses. This offer is good for any night between Nov 15, 2025 and Jan 4th, 2026. Simply add the package to your room while checking out.
Trolls: A Field Study will be at the NC Arboretum from November 15, 2025 through February 17, 2026. Visit www.ncarboretum.org for more information.