Top 15 Holiday Events in North Carolina

No matter what you celebrate, you can’t deny there is something special about the holiday season. The extra sparkle of the holiday lights adds a romantic and nostalgic ambiance as we close out the year. If you’re looking for something to do during the holiday season in North Carolina, we have a bucket list of holiday events for our state. Don’t miss out on these unique and special holiday-themed events as part of your enjoyment of the season.

#1-Polar Express Train Ride, Bryson City

Based on the popular book The Polar Express, you can take your own Polar Express Adventure through the mountains and Bryson City. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates a Polar Express train ride through the Christmas season. Don matching family pajamas and jump on board the magical train. You listen to the story and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies as the train rolls up to the North Pole. Santa gets on board to greet all the children and passes out a special bell for them to take home. It’s a magical experience the little ones are sure to remember. Ticket prices range from $43-$93.

#2- Candlelight Christmas Evenings, Biltmore Estate

Near Asheville, the Biltmore Estates is already an incredible experience, but it takes the scale and beauty of the home and grounds to a whole new level during the holiday season. Starting at the beginning of November through the first week of January, the 8,000-acre estate is adorned in its holiday best. There are dozens of Christmas trees spread throughout the house, over 30,000 Christmas lights, and 150 candles. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find Christmas decorations, from the giant decorated spruce tree on the front lawn to the wreaths and greenery over the mantles. Enjoy live performances of holiday music, a special Christmas wine, and special holiday menus at the restaurants. Festivities are included with the price of admission. 

#3- Winter Wonderlights, Greensboro

The Greensboro Science Center transforms into Winter Wonderlights, twelve magical realms of shimmering lights and joyful sounds. It is a walk-through holiday lights experience. The event begins starting November 6, 2021 and runs through January 2, 2022. Enjoy light zones such as the Dancing Fountains, The Polar Pond, and the Forest of Light. Kids are sure to enjoy the Dino Disco and Carousel Dreams areas. 

You’ll need to purchase a timed ticket. Combo tickets provide admission to the Science Center during the day and Winter Wonderlights in the evening. A non-member adult ticket was $22. Children ages two and under are free.

#4- Piedmont Winterfest, Greensboro

While you’re in Greensboro for Winter Wonderlights, stop at the Piedmont Winterfest. It happens at the South End. An outdoor ice-skating rink is built for you to try your hand on blades, curling, and other winter fun festivities like an ice slide. Ice skating tickets start at $12.

#5- Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock

Another holiday-themed train event is the arrival of Santa Claus on the Tweetsie Railroad. Children can meet him as he enters on the train or meet him in his home made of gingerbread. Take a train ride pulled by one of the historic steam locomotives and enjoy dazzling Christmas lights and scenes. The train runs every 30 minutes beginning at 5:30 pm.  

A live Christmas show takes place at the Tweetsie Palace. Other classic amusement rides are available, and you can roast some s’mores by the outdoor fire pit. A limited number of guests is admitted nightly, and advance tickets are strongly recommended. Adults start at $44, children ages 3 to 12 are $38. The event takes place on select evenings starting November 19 and running through December 30, with festivities beginning at 5 pm. 

#6- Winter Lights, North Carolina Arboretum

This three-acre light display of the nationally known gardens is designed to showcase the natural landscape. Winter Lights displays feature the colorful native butterflies and winter wildlife. The 50-foot tall lighted tree and the Quilt Garden are popular attractions. Winter Lights opens on November 19, 2021, and stays open until New Year’s Day. It is a walkthrough-lighted experience, but tickets are sold per vehicle. A non-member personal vehicle up to 20 ft long starts at $40 at the gate or $30 with advance purchase. Tickets are timed entry. 

#7- National Gingerbread House Competition, Asheville

Inhale the spicy scent of baked gingerbread at the Omni Park Grove Inn in Asheville, the National Gingerbread House Competition site. You must see it to believe what the international competitors put together using gingerbread and candy. The bakers and crafters create unbelievable architectural creations. Half of your admissions proceeds go back to the community in Western North Carolina. 

#8- Christmas Town USA, McAdenville

Are Christmas light displays your thing? Then don’t miss this one in McAdenville, a must-see for the holiday season that started in 1956. This small town turns into a true winter wonderland with over half a million lights. A special lighting ceremony kicks it off at the start of December. Once the switch is on, tour a 1.3-mile route. You can drive or walk to soak in all the decorations. Meander through the town with a cup of hot chocolate or cider in hand. On opening night, the Christmas lights turn on at precisely 6 pm, and there typically is a line. Expect hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the country. 

#9- Southern Christmas Show, Charlotte

People come from all over the country to experience the Southern Christmas Show, the largest holiday shopping event in Charlotte. Over 400 vendors are available under one roof selling everything you can imagine. Different sections of the Christmas Show have different themes. Christmas Tree Lane is a collection of living room displays that local designers have decorated. Enchanted Village is a collection of dollhouses in miniature scenes with a tiny train display. Old Towne is a village with quaint shops of gifts and decorations. In the exhibit halls, you’ll find other vendors, local wineries, live entertainment, and lots of food. <>

#10- Speedway Christmas, Concord

During the holiday season, you won’t find stock cars tearing around the Charlotte Speedway in Concord. Instead, take a four-mile drive through a course lit up with one of America’s largest light shows, with over four million lights. The whole Speedway Christmas display is set to music. In addition, the infield is transformed into a Christmas Village that includes a 100-foot walkway of lights, a 100-foot slide, Christmas movies, a carousel, and more fun, family-friendly activities. 

Tickets are sold as vehicle passes. Monday to Wednesday tickets cost $30, and Thursday to Sunday tickets cost $40. Tickets for December 20-26 are also $40. There is an express lane option. 

#11-Festival of Lights, Tanglewood Park, Clemmons

The rolling countryside at Tanglewood Park transforms for the holiday season into a winter wonderland with over a million lights. For over 30 years, the Festival of Lights has offered spectacular sights accompanied by festive holiday music and interactive musical displays. It includes interactive and original compositions from the UNC School of the Arts students. There are over 80 light displays along the countryside route. The festival begins November 12 and continues through New Year’s Day. The door opens at 6 pm and costs $20 cash or $23 credit card per family vehicle. 

#12- Winter Lights, Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo 

One of the top attractions in the Outer Banks, the Elizabethan Gardens Winter Lights illuminate the walks in the ten-acre gardens. The holiday lights and traditional holiday decor create fantastical displays drawn from the beauty of nature and incorporated into the garden’s natural features. The indoor areas are decorated with holiday displays and festive trees. There is also a holiday gift and plant shopping in the Royal Exchange, a giant outdoor holiday movie, and live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Winter Lights is closed on December 24, 25, and 31. The attraction begins after Thanksgiving. Adult tickets are $12, youth 6-17 are $10, children 2-5 are $7, and children two and under are free. A dog ticket is $3. All tickets are timed entry. It is a weather-dependent event.

#13- Nights of Lights, Raleigh

Drive along a 1.3-mile route of magical lights at the Night of Lights in Dorothea Dix Park. Meander by illuminated towering oaks, art installations, and other holiday-themed light displays. No pedestrians are allowed during this light display, although in 2021, there are two exclusive bicycle nights included in the calendar. Otherwise, it is a drive-through event. Nights of Lights begins November 28 and continues through Christmas Eve. General admission tickets are $20 or $25 for premium nights. VIP fast lane tickets are $40 and $50 for premium nights. 

#14- North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, Wilmington

Enjoy a unique parade on the Intracoastal Waterway in Wilmington. Always held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla is a boat parade. Personal watercraft and yachts have been creatively decorated with holiday light displays. On Friday night, tree lighting accompanies the Holiday Flotilla; Saturday has an all-day festival, and fireworks follow the boat parade. Viewing areas are scattered along the boat route, and the event is free. 

#15- Enchanted Airlie, Wilmington

The elegant Airlie Gardens sparkles under displays of festive holiday lights. Stroll through the gardens accompanied by live holiday music. The self-guided walk often sells out in advance. Enchanted Airlie begins November 26, and timed tickets are required. They are sold by vehicle, with a carload starting at $30, while a large vehicle requires a special reservation. 

Holiday Events in North Carolina

As you can see, North Carolina offers plenty of fun holiday festivities from the mountains to the coast. You can find a unique and family-friendly event near you sure to make lasting memories. You can also learn more about the best South Carolina Holiday events on our EZ Home Search as well!