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There are several things that make Thanksgiving a much-anticipated and memorable holiday. But if you're visiting North Carolina for Thanksgiving, you're likely staying a few days, and eventually you'll want a break from the turkey to get out and about.
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The Polar Express
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad had already achieved stardom by the time "The Polar Express" came out, but the animated film added to the luster with an annual excursion booked by thousands of passengers. The read-along ride features Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 book, clips from the movie soundtrack, warm cocoa and a treat as the train of pajama-clad children clacks to the North Pole, where Santa awaits with a gift. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
Polar Express Train Ride (Spencer)
This holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express at the NC Transportation Museum. Set to the music of the motion picture soundtrack, the trip to the "North Pole" features singing, dancing, a reading of the book, hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit from Santa. Passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride.
Mike's Farm Festival of Lights
Come for the 10-layer chocolate cake at the farm’s bakery; stay for an after-dark hayride through the holiday light display. You can also reserve a table at the farm’s restaurant for a meal of classic fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
Experience this nightly tour of the arboretum's nationally known gardens, including its Quilt Garden and Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Designed to showcase the natural landscape, the displays feature colorful native butterflies and winter wildlife with a special insect-themed lantern exhibit on view. Bonus: Meet six of Thomas Dambo's trolls in 2025, as they'll be experiencing the light show for themselves.
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights
From storybook scenes to holiday themes, more than 100 light displays fill a nearly 5-mile route at Tanglewood Park, 15 minutes outside Winston-Salem. You’ll enjoy everything from "S'moresville" to individual-family tractor-pulled hayrides and private horse-drawn carriages.
WinterFest at Carowinds
One of the South's most popular theme parks, Carowinds transforms into WinterFest with thousands of shimmering lights, a large Christmas tree, lavish displays, live shows and strolling performers, and special holiday dishes and desserts fill the midways.
Piedmont Winterfest
Bundle up and head to Piedmont Winterfest in downtown Greensboro at LeBauer Park. Rock those figure eights on the ice rink, and try your hand at curling on select nights.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival includes all-new displays, each one comprising hundreds of parts and thousands of LED lights. A variety of ticket options — including Twilight and Any Night — make planning your visit a breeze. A sensory-friendly night is also on the calendar for Dec. 2.
Skating at US National Whitewater Center
The US National Whitewater Center (20 minutes outside of Uptown Charlotte) offers a 17,000-square-foot ice rink with several different skating zones on the upper pond. A single-day activity pass is required to skate, and a time slot assignment is included with your ticket. Bonus: An on-ice Airstream offers craft beer, wine and hot cocoa.
Winter Wonderlights
Greensboro Science Center invites you to celebrate with loved ones at Winter Wonderlights. Featuring more than 1 million shimmering lights, this walk-thru experience recommends making reservations online. Check the calendar before buying tickets; select weekdays are discounted, and you’ll find Santa most weekend days.
Speedway Christmas
One of America’s largest holiday light shows, Speedway Christmas features more than 5 million lights over a 4-mile course that includes the oval, pit road and infield road course.
Winterfest at Tryon International
Roll down the windows as you cruise past the light-up snowmen, Christmas trees and reindeer that take over the equestrian resort each winter. When you finish your lap, lace up some ice skates and glide around the Tryon Stadium rink.
Holidays at Tryon Palace
Overtaxed colonists had a bad case of humbug in December 1770, when Gov. William Tryon threw the first party at the fancy Georgian-style structure where he would live and run the government. Two-and-a-half centuries later, Tryon Palace historic site recreates the effect of the event with holiday-themed tours offered during the season. Plus, Tryon Palace's Candlelight events takes place Dec. 13 and 20 with festivities illuminated by the glow of candlelight and fireworks, along with traditional circus performers.
Thanksgiving Parade
Take to the streets the night before Thanksgiving to celebrate 79 years of holiday memories at the Thanksgiving Parade in Charlotte, the largest of its kind in the Southeast and fourth largest in the country.
Chetola's Festival of Lights
This free Blowing Rock holiday tradition features nearly 30,000 lights and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Drive around Chetola Lake to view glittering ice skaters, a nativity scene, Rudolph catching a big fish and more.
North Carolina Holiday Flotilla
Wilmington and neighboring beaches launch the holiday season with a boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway. More than two dozen boats, from personal watercraft to yachts, channel their owners’ creativity into delightful light displays against the night sky. The annual event includes an all-day festival and the main event, complete with fireworks afterward.
Downtown celebrations
- Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town: Nov. 28, 2025, in Blowing Rock
- Cashiers Festival of Trees: Nov. 28-29, 2025, in Cashiers
- Winter Wonderland: Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 2025, in Franklin
- Home for the Holidays: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025, in Hendersonville
Holiday parades
- Raleigh Christmas Parade: Nov. 22, 2025, in Raleigh
- Emerald Isle Christmas Parade: Nov. 29, 2025, in Emerald Isle
- Ocean Isle Beach Flotilla: Nov. 29, 2025, in Ocean Isle Beach
- Boone Holiday Parade: Dec. 13, 2025, in Boone