As the air turns crisp and vibrant foliage fades to twinkling lights, celebrate the season at holiday events across North Carolina. Marvel magical realms of shimmering lights at Winter Wonderlights in Greensboro and attend tree-lighting ceremonies around Thanksgiving. Hop a train and enjoy jovial Christmas rides in Blowing Rock, Bryson City or Spencer. Watch a parade of colorful boats float past at the Holiday Flotilla in Wrightsville Beach, or peruse coastal gardens lit up for the season. No matter how you spend your days, return home with a hand-picked Christmas tree from the High Country, America’s Christmas Tree Capital.
Sponsored by: Crystal Coast Tourism
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Crystal Coast Tourism
It’s always the most wonderful time of the year
Celebrate the season where it stays beach season. Holiday your way at NC’s Crystal Coast and turn a great getaway into an unforgettable family memory.
North Carolina’s holiday season shines with everything from small-town light displays to mountain getaways filled with festive charm. Plan ahead for tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday markets and special winter events that bring the season to life across the state
Maybe grandma’s house just isn’t big enough to host a holiday gathering for the whole gang anymore. Or perhaps it’s time to bring the entire clan together for an old-time family reunion. Regardless of the need — but especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and long winter weekends — there are plenty of sizable lodging options ranging from charming B&Bs to welcoming resorts that cater to large groups with fun plans that only North Carolina can provide.
There are several reasons the Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. Not only are you likely looking forward to holiday vacation and spending time with loved ones, but for several weeks leading up to Christmas Day (and after), many attractions across North Carolina become holiday destinations and winter wonderlands.
Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like going to see arrays of sparkling lights and ornaments. Experience the magic of seasonal light displays in gardens, at museums and resorts, and in small towns and downtowns across North Carolina. For a complete list of holiday light displays throughout the state, visit our events calendar.
Körner's Folly in Kernersville is an architectural wonder like no other. With 15 fireplaces to choose from, Santa always has a tough decision to make when he visits this curious Victorian home. While Real & Rare experiences are the gift that keeps giving year round, this holiday, Santa's bringing a few extra gifts for under the tree, and we are giving them away!
Enter for your chance to win a trip to Winston-Salem including:
Every December, the town of McAdenville flips the switch and becomes Christmastown, U.S.A., with more than half a million lights draped across homes, trees and downtown streets. It’s a dazzling, walkable celebration of community and holiday spirit that’s been shining for more than 65 years.
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A Coastal Holiday Tradition
The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla turns the waterfront into a floating parade of dazzling, decked-out boats. Bundle up and arrive early for the best viewing spots, stay for the fireworks and soak in the coastal holiday magic.
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All Aboard for Holiday Magic
Hop aboard the Polar Express in Bryson City and enjoy a read-along ride to the North Pole, where Santa greets children with gifts or enjoy Wild West Christmas town at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock.
Choose and Cut Trees
Your Tree, Your Tradition
North Carolina’s tree farms turn holiday shopping into an experience, where crisp mountain air and rolling fields of evergreens make finding the perfect tree unforgettable. Plan your visit early, bundle up, and don’t forget the twine — hauling your own tree home is half the fun.
North Carolina shines a little brighter during the holiday season, from twinkling light displays to festive parades and candlelit tours, these events invite you to experience the season in unforgettable ways.
