3 things happening in NC: Drive through High Point’s massive Christmas lights show

Cardinal & Pine’s weekly roundup of NC happenings is a full-on holiday party this week. Drive through High Point’s massive Christmas lights show, party for Kwanzaa in the Triangle, and a world-renowned Christmas show comes to Charlotte.

Happy holidays! You may observe Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas or another holiday; either way this is a festive week. 

I, for one, just celebrated Christmas with the family so that I can go hang out with my wife’s family this week. My wife and I bought our first home in June and just had our first chance to play host over the weekend, then we’re heading out of state to be the guests. 

It’s funny how you can spend so much time getting all the decorations just right only for it all to pass so quickly. There are plenty of celebrations scheduled this week in North Carolina, however, that will help you stretch your time and be sure to make the most of this year’s holidays. 

There are celebrations happening throughout the week for folks who observe any number of different holidays. With Monday marking the final day of Hanukkah, many of those events have already passed, but there’s plenty of other festivities that are still taking place over the days to come. 

For past editions of “3 things happening in NC,” click here.

High Point University Christmas Lights

The Caine Conservatory at High Point University’s drive-through, holiday light show. (Photo via High Point University)

We all know High Point, aka the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” but it’s especially exciting when High Point University unveils its holiday designs across the campus. This year, the college has expanded the drive-thru display to include new decorations on more campus facilities. 

Visitors will enter at the North University Parkway entrance and exit near the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. The display boasts more than 100,000 Christmas lights, a life-size Nativity scene, 236 nutcrackers and the Triad’s two largest Christmas trees at 70 feet and 58 feet, plus plenty of other holiday decorations.

“This is a fun, festive way for families to enjoy the holiday decorations and sounds of the season from the comfort of their vehicles,” reads the website. 

Check it out any night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. until Dec. 27. 

(Photo via High Point University)

Roots & Rhythms: Honoring Kwanzaa’s Legacy

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture that lasts from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, ending in a communal feast called Karamu on the sixth day. Created by activist Maulana Karenga, the celebration takes from a number of African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West, East, and Southeast Africa.

Jump over to Carrboro to celebrate with music, poetry, dance, and storytelling honoring African traditions and the African American experience. 

“Learn about the history and principles of Kwanzaa: unity, equity and community,” reads the website. 

Vendors at the Roots & Rhythms Marketplace will have candles, clothing, jewelry, books and more for sale. There will also be food vendors on site offering up menu items that embrace the traditions of Kwanzaa. 

The marketplace opens at 11 a.m. at the Drakeford Library Complex but the real celebration starts at noon. 

Vienna Light Orchestra’s Christmas Tour 2025

Captivating performances from a world-renowned ensemble includes sopranos from seven different countries arriving at Blumenthal Arts’ Knight Theater in Uptown Charlotte. 

With holiday vocals, festive strings, and jovial orchestrations, this touring group has performed all over the world and now returns to the Queen City to showcase beloved Christmas classics including “White Christmas,” “Grown-Up Christmas List,” “O Holy Night,” “Ave Maria,” and many others. 

“This is more than just a concert—it’s a classic celebration of the season, a gift of music that will lift your spirit,” reads Blumenthal’s website. “You may have just found your new Christmas holiday tradition!”