30 holiday events across North Carolina’s Piedmont in 2024

Check out 30 of the coolest holiday events happening across the North Carolina Piedmont this winter.

We’ve somehow already reached the end of another year, one that gave North Carolinians much to consider—the legalization of sports betting, hurricanes, elections, and more. It was a lot to grasp. 

Luckily, December gives us a chance to decompress. It’s not just about Christmas but whatever way you observe the holiday season, be it Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or just waiting to watch the ball drop. 

We’ve compiled a list of ways people are celebrating across the Piedmont, from the Triangle to the Triad to the Charlotte Metro.

Holiday events in the Triangle 

(Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and thereabouts)

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

 

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What: Chinese artisans have crafted more than 40 all-new displays, each one comprising hundreds of parts and thousands of LED lights. The larger-than-life lanterns captivate visitors at every turn with amazing craftsmanship and artistic beauty while cultural arts performances take place each night on the main stage. 

When: Nov. 16, 2024-Jan. 12, 2025

Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

How Much: Any night tickets cost $31, though prices range for specific dates and special events

Christmas by Candlelight

What: Celebrate an old-fashioned traditional Victorian Christmas with the Duke family in 1870, with evening candlelight tours conducted by costumed interpreters. Enjoy Christmas games, live music, singing, holiday cookies, and more. 

When: Dec. 6 & 13, 5:30-9 p.m.

Where: Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham

How Much: $8

A Christmas Carol

What: Cited as “one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theatre history,” this wonderful holiday classic is brought to life with great songs and tremendous heart in a comedic musical adaptation presented by Theatre in the Park.

When: Dec. 6-8 in Raleigh; Dec. 18-22 in Durham

Where: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh (Dec. 6-8); Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham (Dec. 18-22)

How Much: Raleigh: $30 and up; Durham: $28 and up

The Holiday Market at NCMA

What: Triangle Pop-Up hosts this local artist market series on the first Saturday of every month. Each month, a new selection of local artists is featured, but this time around, you’ll enjoy a holiday theme as you browse the galleries, enjoy the museum park, and shop locally. 

When: Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

How much: Free

The Nutcracker

What: Rediscover the wonder with Carolina Ballet’s enchanting celebration of “The Nutcracker,” a beautiful ballet that marries the charm of the original with fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.

When: Dec. 12-24

Where: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh

How Much: $28 and up

Saint Nicholas Market

What: Shop the European Market for gifts and decorative items from Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia/Czech Republic, Germany, Scandinavia, Ireland, and the British Isles. Stop by Baba’s Kitchen (take-home) or Baba’s Cafe (food served hot) for kielbasa, pierogi, homemade sauerkraut, cabbage rolls and more. Enjoy entertainment from carolers, dancers, and The Little German Band. 

When: Dec. 13, 5-9 p.m. & Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh

How Much: Free (donations gratefully accepted)

Jewish Women’s Circle Annual Gift Exchange

What: The Jewish Women’s Circle asks that you bring a gift between $10 and $15, wear your ugly Chanukah sweater, and enjoy a decadent doughnut bar during this annual celebration. Organizers ask that attendees RSVP using the link above before Dec. 22. 

When: Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Chabad of Raleigh, 7400 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh

How Much: Free

Cary’s Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

What: Learn more about and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa through demonstrations, performances, and art activities while checking out the food trucks and vendors.

When: Dec. 29, 1-7 p.m.

Where: The Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary

How Much: Free

First Night Raleigh

What: The state capital’s go-to destination for New Year’s Eve, this year’s festivities begin with the early afternoon City Plaza outdoor musical performances and the Children’s Celebration at 2 p.m. Performances and activities continue throughout the evening across multiple indoor venues throughout Downtown Raleigh, then the night is capped off with music on the outdoor Main Stage, the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop, and a spectacular fireworks show.

When: Dec. 31, 2 p.m.-midnight

Where: Fayetteville Street and surrounding areas in Downtown Raleigh

How Much: $16 for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12, free for children under 5

39th Kwanzaa Fest

What: Join the African American Dance Ensemble to celebrate its 39th annual Kwanzaa event. This year, the dance company will focus on the principle of Imani, which stands for Faith—believing wholeheartedly in our community and the justice and triumph of our journey.

When: Jan. 1, 2025, noon-6 p.m.

Where: The Durham Armory, 212 Foster St., Durham

How Much: Free

Holiday events in the Triad

(Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and thereabouts)

Holidays at Old Salem

What: Celebrate the joy of Christmas as the Moravians joined their German customs with those of their new American home in 1800s Salem. Step back in time to experience the cherished tradition of Old Salem’s evening tours, uncovering the rich history of Old Salem’s Tavern Museum, the Vogler House, and the Boys’ School. Shop for local and handcrafted gifts at Old Salem’s gift store and taste the Christmas season at Winkler Bakery. 

When: Nov. 13-Dec. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., every Wednesday through Saturday

Where: Old Salem Museums & Gardens, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem

How Much: $20-$40

Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights

What: From storybook scenes to holiday themes, more than 100 light displays fill a nearly 5-mile route at Tanglewood Park. Drive through or enjoy individual-family tractor-pulled hayrides and even private horse-drawn carriages.

When: Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025, 6-11 p.m.

Where: Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons

How Much: $20 per family, prices range for commercial transportation such as limos, buses, etc.

Piedmont Winterfest

What: LeBauer Park in downtown Greensboro opens up for outdoor ice skating, curling on Tuesday nights, and all sorts of winter and holiday activities throughout the season. 

When: Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 26, 2025

Where: LeBauer Park, 208 N. Davie St., Greensboro

How Much: Ice skating costs $15 per person

Winter Wonderlights

What: Featuring 12 magical realms of joyful sounds and shimmering lights, this walk-thru experience has become a beloved tradition, illuminating the Greensboro Science Center with dazzling displays and festive cheer.

When: Nov. 20, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025

Where: Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro

How Much: $20-$25

Holiday Tours at Linbrook Hall

What: Guided tours of the 36,000-square-foot Linbrook Hall include seeing all three floors immaculately decorated for Christmas, complete with more than 25 Christmas trees and thousands of Christmas lights. The tours end with light refreshments and a visit to the gift shop. 

When: Nov. 22-Dec. 31; tours at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m.

Where: Linbrook Heritage Estate, 5297 Snyder Country Road, Trinity

How Much: $20-$30

Kersey Valley Christmas

What: From the same folks who bring to life one of the top haunted attractions in the country comes Kersey Valley Christmas. This huge family-friendly event features a village of 1 million Christmas lights, train and wagon rides, jumping pillows, Santa’s workshop — and even a Grinch Cave.

When: Nov. 29-Dec. 23

Where: Kersey Valley, 1615 Kersey Valley Road, Archdale

How Much: $15-$25

Greensboro Kwanzaa Collective Ujamaa Marketplace

What: Ujamaa is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, and it means cooperative economics—building and maintaining our own stores, shops, and other businesses and profiting from them together. The GSO Kwanzaa Collective invites you to kick off your holiday shopping in the spirit of Ujamaa on First Friday for an evening of shopping, fellowship, and dance in support of local and small businesses.

When: Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m

Where: Greensboro Culture Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro

How Much: Free

Belles & Bows with Pam Tillis

What: This heartwarming experience features Pam’s greatest hits and timeless Christmas classics, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Belles and Bows combines Pam’s iconic voice with the magic of the holiday season for an unforgettable performance celebrating the spirit of a country Christmas.

When: Dec. 14, 8-10 p.m.

Where: Paramount Theater, 128 E. Front Street, Burlington

How Much: $35-$45

Car Menorah Parade

What: This parade, hosted by Chabad centers worldwide, features cars with lighted menorahs atop them winding their way from the Chabad Jewish Center to downtown, where a giant menorah will be lit. 

When: Dec. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Chabad Jewish Center, 5203 West Friendly Ave., Greensboro

How Much: Free

New Year’s Eve Reggae Extravaganza

What: Ring in the new year with a smooth reggae vibe, rocking out with a live DJ playing the islands’ hottest music before Spiritual Foundation and Aima Moses perform live.

When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.

Where: 4623 West Gate City Blvd., Greensboro

How Much: $40

Holiday events in the Charlotte-Metro Area

Winter at Whitewater

What: The US National Whitewater Center opens its winter trail and Winter Market (including Christmas trees) each year, but the real attraction is the part of the whitewater rafting course that they freeze over to create an outdoor ice-skating rink. This year, they’ve added new activations for kids and pups alike at Wildwoods and Off Leash Dog Park. 

When: Mid-November 2024 to mid-February 2025

Where: US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte

How Much: Free to attend; prices vary depending on activity

Winterfest at Carowinds

What: Carowinds, one of the South’s most popular theme parks, transforms into WinterFest with thousands of shimmering lights, a large Christmas tree, lavish displays, live shows, and strolling performers, plus special holiday dishes and desserts filling the midways.

When: Nov. 15, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025

Where: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte

How Much: $32.99 and up

Speedway Christmas

What: One of America’s largest holiday light shows, Speedway Christmas features more than 4 million lights over a 4-mile course at the Charlotte Motor Speedway that includes the oval, pit road, and infield road course.

When: Nov. 22, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025; 6-10 p.m.

Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway S, Concord

How Much: $35-$75

Camp North Pole

What: The sprawling Camp North End campus once again hosts Camp North Pole, featuring outdoor ice-skating, igloo photo ops, seasonal drinks, and a variety of seating options, including outdoor to watch the action or a cozy indoor lounge to serve as a respite from the elements. Plus, on the first three Saturdays of December, Mistletoe Market will provide visitors with a wide array of holiday delights, including the opportunity to explore over 30 of Camp North End’s public-facing businesses and shop at 25 Market Street huts. 

When: Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025

Where: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte

How Much: Free to attend; prices vary depending on activity

Light the Knights Festival

What: Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, tens of thousands of lights, decor, and more at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights. 

When: Nov. 27, 2024-Jan. 3, 2024

Where: Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte

How Much: $14-$44

Christmas Town USA

What: Each year, a small mill town west of Charlotte called McAdenville displays enough Christmas trees to outnumber the households in a celebration that started in 1956 with nine evergreens. From modest (a 6-foot tree with 500 lights) to dazzling (a 90-foot tree with 5,000 lights), the displays blaze a trail to the heart of town. With about 600,000 visitors traveling the 2-mile route, be prepared to relax and enjoy a very slow ride, especially on weekends.

When: Dec. 2-26; 5:30-10 p.m.

Where: 163 Main St., McAdenville

How Much: Free

Holidays at the Garden

What: The Orchid Tree, featuring more than 300 live orchids, stands sentinel over the Great Hall at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, where you and your loved ones can enjoy an elegant lighting display, food trucks, a fire pit for making s’mores, and a host of other traditions in the Visitor Pavilion. 

When: Nov. 29-Dec. 29

Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont

How Much: $18-$24

Chanukah Festival

What: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with food, music, and family-friendly entertainment, culminating in a grand menorah lighting and special performance. 

When: Dec. 25, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road

How Much: Free

Poetry with Passion: Kwanzaa Edition

What: A night of powerful poetry celebrating the spirit of Kwanzaa with passion and creativity. 

When: Dec. 26, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Zodiac Bar & Grill, 200 W. Woodlawn Road, Suite G, Charlotte

How Much: $20

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

What: Step into Hollywood’s glamor for a New Year’s Eve extravaganza at Charlotte’s only art-house cinema. They’ll break out the red carpet (literally) with live music and four rooms of entertainment.

When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.

Where: Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street

How Much: $65-$95

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.