The holidays in North Carolina are a special time of year when the state comes alive with cheer. Just about every town has a celebration, big or small. It can be difficult to sort through the many holiday events and sites so we have gathered our picks for this season. These are iconic North Carolina Christmas and holiday activations that belong on your winter bucket list!
Featured Event: Leland in Lights
We had to kick off our list with our Days of Holiday Play | Destination Town of Leland event! Leland in Lights is a FREE illumination celebration at Founder’s Park in Leland. On Dec. 4th, join us for the lighting, visits from Santa, food trucks, train rides and more! After the kick-off celebration, the lights will be on every evening through January 10th for you to visit and enjoy.
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Eastern NC has even more holiday hot spots for your enjoyment.
The Outer Banks is one of North Carolina’s top destinations year-round, with the Winterlights at Elizabethan Gardens being a huge draw for visitors. Walk along the radiant gardens aglow with Christmas lights and music playing. Ticket prices range from free for babies under two to $12 for adults. Dogs are welcome for $3!
Eastern NC likes to take advantage of its many waterways by celebrating the holidays with flotillas, events that include decked-out boats and floats on the water.
Check out Wrightsville Beach or Ocean Isle on November 27Â for their flotilla celebrations.
Southport will hold one on December 11.
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The Triangle has no shortage of NC holiday events.
Each year, Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary is taken over by a stunning Chinese Lantern Festival from November 19 to January 9th. With countless beautiful displays, cultural education, and holiday programming, this event is a must! Tickets range from $15 to $25.
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As Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of holiday festivities to choose from. Perhaps the most iconic however, is the Raleigh Christmas Parade which has taken place in Downtown Raleigh since 1939. This year it will be on Saturday November 20th at 9:30am. Whether you attend in person or tune in to local news stations, it’s sure to be an entertaining hometown celebration.
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The most celebrated restaurant in Raleigh–maybe even the entire state–during the Christmas season is Angus Barn, a refined-rustic steakhouse that covers every inch of its interior with festive decorations. It is a an unforgettable atmosphere. Reservations go quickly, but the Wild Turkey Lounge is first come first serve!
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Our favorite local farm, Phillips Farms of Cary, deserves a mention here for their Christmas festivities. Purchase a Christmas tree and get a free wreath with it, check out their Christmas market, visits from Santa, and more. Family-friendly fun on the farm!
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The Triad deserves a holiday shout out.
The Greensboro Science Center is worthy of a visit this season as it transforms into Winter Wonderlights! This year, they are selling combo tickets that allow you to enjoy the museum during the day and then return at night for the holiday fun.
Enjoy a step back in time in Winston-Salem. The historic city has multiple activations that are both entertaining and educational. Old Salem is a picturesque location and Reynolda Village has performances, tours, and more.
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Charlotte during the holidays is full of festive cheer.
Carowinds, North Carolina’s staple amusement park, introduces Winterfest each year during the holiday season. Rides, games, and shows surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights can’t be beat!
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Known for NASCAR, Charlotte also offers Speedway Christmas, an exciting holiday event that turns Charlotte Motor Speedway into a drive-able Christmas course.
Head West for more Holiday fun in North Carolina.
All aboard the Polar Express! Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City takes passengers on 1 1/4 hour themed train rides complete with music, warm cocoa, performances, and stories.
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This list simply wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Biltmore, America’s largest home found in Asheville, NC. Biltmore is a breathtaking place to visit any time of year, but the Christmas exhibition is truly enchanting. Everyone should tour Biltmore during the holidays at some point in their life…why not this year?
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These are our picks for your holiday tour around the state this year. Have any suggestions of great events and celebrations that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments!
We really do have so many amazing things to do at the holidays! Adults and kids who are old enough to definitely go see the Carolina valleys Nutcracker at Raleigh Memorial auditorium or DPAC! Wonderful show, and it includes magic!
*should definitely go
Thank you for this suggestion, Katie! I’ve always wanted to attend a showing of the Nutcracker. It sounds magical!