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 Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just waiting to watch the ball drop.
Here are some of the events and activities we’re most looking forward to this holiday season.
The Best Light Displays in North Carolina
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
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.
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights
Tanglewood Park, 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons
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.
Winter Wonderlights
Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro
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.
Light the Knights Festival
Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte
Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, tens of thousands of lights, decor, and more at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights.
Speedway Christmas
Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway S, Concord
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.
Mike’s Farm
1600 Haw Branch Rd, Beulaville
This Onslow County farm features a Festival of Lights Hayride with a 30-minute trip around the farm to view holiday light displays, as well as a live nativity. The hayride operates from 6 to 9 pm every night, weather permitting, through Dec. 28.
Highlanders Farm
5784 NC-22, Carthage
This drive-through Christmas Lights Show features more than 500,000 lights strung up on the grounds of a sixth-generation family farm located in Moore County between Southern Pines and Pinehurst.
Big Daddy’s Farms
11875 NC Hwy 222 W, Middlesex
This “Christmas Lights on the Farm” event in Middlesex, near Rocky Mount, features a hayride to a field of lights, bonfires, pictures with Santa and more. Tickets are $15 per person. Infants and toddlers 3 and under are free.
Where to See the Biggest Christmas Trees in North Carolina
Biltmore Estate
1 Lodge St., Asheville
Asheville’s 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate—AKA, the country’s largest private residence—is a feast for the eyes year round, but it transforms into a veritable winter wonderland during the holiday season that simply has to be seen. Its crown jewel? The 28-foot Fraser fir christmas tree in the Banquet Hall of Biltmore House. Supplied by Andrews Tree Farm and Nursery in Newland, NC, this year’s tree is particularly poignant because of the region’s devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Peri Social House
406 West State St., Black Mountain
Want to catch the tallest tree in the state? Head to Black Mountain to see a whopping 104′ tall Christmas tree — pro tip: it’s even taller than the tree at Rockefeller! The original lighting ceremony has been delayed due to technical difficulties, but be sure to follow the boutique hotel’s Instagram page for updates on the lighting.
The Best Christmas Events in North Carolina
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. 13, 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham
How Much: $8
Bear Grass Christmas Parade
What: Join in the festivities with the Town of Bear Grass’s annual Christmas parade.
When: Dec. 14, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Bear Grass, near the Bear Grass Charter School
How Much: Free
READ MORE: Deck the streets with these 15 NC holiday parades
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. 18-22
Where: Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham
How Much: $28 and up
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
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: Now-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
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: Now-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: Now-Dec. 23
Where: Kersey Valley, 1615 Kersey Valley Road, Archdale
How Much: $15-$25
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
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: Now-Jan. 4, 2025
Where: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte
How Much: $32.99 and up
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: Now-Jan. 5, 2025
Where: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte
How Much: Free to attend; prices vary depending on activity
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: Now-Dec. 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: Now-Dec. 29
Where: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
How Much: $18-$24
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Polar Express
What: Bryson City is home to the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, and winter is the best time to take a ride. The railroad offers a specialized Polar Express train ride, transporting families from the Bryson City Depot through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole, where Santa awaits with a gift for each child on the train.
When: Now-Dec. 31
Where: 45 Mitchell St., Bryson City
How Much: $29 and up
READ MORE: Hop aboard 8 holiday train rides in North Carolina
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
What: At night, the Biltmore Estate shines with a vast light display. The centerpiece is the 55-foot Norway Spruce on the Biltmore lawn. Beyond the incredible Christmas tree, Biltmore treats its guests to a festive experience both on the Estate grounds, as well as inside the mansion.
When: Now-Jan. 4, 2025
Where: Biltmore Estate, Asheville
How Much: $145-$440
READ MORE: 5 things to know about the holiday lights at Biltmore Estate
The Best Hanukkah Events in North Carolina
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 Hanukkah 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
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
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, Charlotte
How Much: Free
READ MORE: 30 holiday events across North Carolina’s Piedmont in 2024
The Best Kwanzaa Events in North Carolina
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
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
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
The Best New Year’s Eve Celebrations in North Carolina
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
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
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
