Christmas in North Carolina is a magical time, offering a range of festive experiences from the mountains to the coast. Whether you love dazzling light displays, historic estates, or charming small towns, North Carolina has the perfect spot for you. Here’s a guide to the best places to spend Christmas in North Carolina, from a local.
Best Places to Spend Christmas in North Carolina
This guide is organized alphabetically by town or city to help you quickly find the best places to spend Christmas in North Carolina. Each section provides a look at what makes these towns special during the holiday season, including unique events, beautiful decorations, and festive activities.
Experience Christmas in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, a must-visit during Christmas. The Biltmore’s Christmas celebration is legendary. Wander through the grand rooms, all decorated with twinkling lights and stunning ornaments. Candlelight tours add an extra touch of magic. Don’t miss the gardens, which are also beautifully lit for the season. The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights display is another highlight, perfect for an evening stroll.
If you want to visit the estate during Christmas but prefer to stay at a nearby hotel, check out this post about hotels in Asheville, NC, near the Biltmore! Also, if you are traveling to Asheville with kids, take a look at this post about family-friendly things to do while your there!
Blowing Rock: The Best Winter Wonderland in North Carolina
Blowing Rock transforms into a winter wonderland each Christmas. The town’s Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town are heartwarming events. Stroll down Main Street, which is adorned with festive decorations. The annual Christmas parade is a delight for all ages. Blowing Rock is also near the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can enjoy scenic winter views and explore cozy mountain towns. And, Tweetsie Railroad is such an awesome place to visit during the Christmas season, especially with kids! Be sure to be there when its dark to get the full experience! Blowing Rock is definitely one of the best places to spend Christmas in North Carolina!
Charlotte: Best Modern Christmas Experience in North Carolina
Charlotte offers a modern take on Christmas. Uptown Charlotte’s Light the Knights event at Truist Field is a must-see, featuring light displays, ice skating, and holiday markets. The city’s Christmas Village at Romare Bearden Park offers European-style shopping and festive treats. Additionally, the Speedway Christmas lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway provide a unique drive-through experience, outdoor movies, and a Christmas village.
Charlotte offers so many unique ways to experience the holiday season and is definitely one of the best places to spend Christmas in North Carolina!
Davidson: Best Holiday Celebrations by Lake Norman
Davidson, situated by Lake Norman, offers cozy holiday celebrations. The town’s Christmas in Davidson event features a holiday market, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a live nativity scene. The festive lights along the lake create a picturesque holiday setting. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed, lakeside Christmas. Also, depending on when you visit during the Christmas season, you may be able to catch the Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade (currently scheduled for December, 21, 2024)!
Denton: Best Country Christmas Train Adventure in North Carolina
Denton Farmpark’s Country Christmas Train is a unique holiday experience. Take a train ride through the festive park, where you’ll see light displays and visit a live nativity scene. The park also features a Christmas village, complete with local crafts and holiday treats. It’s a perfect for a list of places to spend Christmas in North Carolina for families!
Forest City: Best Main Street Lights and Holiday Cheer in North Carolina
Forest City is renowned for its charming Main Street, which is lit with over a million Christmas lights. The town hosts a range of holiday activities, including carriage rides and live music. The annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony bring the community together in festive cheer.
Franklin: Best Winter Wonderland Festival in NC
Franklin’s Winter Wonderland festival is a festive delight. Bundle up and sip hot cider while taking a carriage ride through the decorated streets. Downtown shops offer unique gifts and festive treats, perfect for holiday shopping. Living window displays and street performances add to the charming holiday atmosphere.
Greensboro: Best Downtown Christmas Experience in NC
Greensboro’s Downtown in December event offers a month-long celebration. The city center is decked out in festive lights and decorations. Ice skating at LeBauer Park, holiday markets, and a lighted tractor parade are just a few of the highlights. Greensboro also hosts several holiday concerts and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Manteo: Best Historic Coastal Christmas in North Carolina
Manteo, located on Roanoke Island, offers a historic coastal Christmas experience. The town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season, followed by a festive parade featuring local bands and floats. Stroll through the charming downtown area, adorned with twinkling lights and decorations. Visit the Elizabethan Gardens for their Winter Lights celebration, where the gardens are transformed with thousands of lights, holiday displays, and seasonal music. The festive atmosphere and scenic coastal views make Manteo a delightful destination and is personally one of my all time favorite places to spend Christmas in North Carolina!
McAdenville: Christmas Town, USA – The Best Place for Holiday Lights
McAdenville, known as Christmas Town, USA, is famous for its holiday light displays. Nearly every home and tree is covered in lights, creating a spectacular sight. The town’s residents take pride in this tradition, which draws visitors from all over. The Christmas season really is like a Hallmark movie here, with the town having a tree lighting ceremony and children singing carols each year! It’s a fantastic place to soak in the festive spirit and marvel at the creativity on display. And, if a classic Christmas vibe is what you are looking for, then there aren’t many places to spend Christmas in North Carolina that will beat McAdenville!
Southern Pines and Pinehurst: Best Golf and Holiday Spirit in North Carolina
The towns of Southern Pines and Pinehurst are perfect for those who enjoy golf and holiday festivities. Both towns feature beautifully decorated downtown areas, holiday parades, and carriage rides. The mild winter weather makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities and golf during the holiday season.
Wrightsville Beach: Best Coastal Christmas Festivities in NC
For a coastal Christmas, head to Wrightsville Beach. The annual Enchanted Airlie event at Airlie Gardens features dazzling light displays set amidst lush gardens. The Flotilla Parade of Boats is another highlight, with boats decorated in holiday themes parading along the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy a serene beach walk with the backdrop of holiday lights reflecting on the water.
To explore more NC coastal towns, check out this post about 51 must-visit towns in North Carolina’s coastal region!
Tips for Visiting the Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
Planning a Christmas trip to North Carolina? Here are some tips:
- Research the area that you will be visiting: Some people assume North Carolina doesn’t have snow – and for the most part that would be correct! But if you are staying in any of the towns in the mountain region during the winter months there is a strong chance you may encounter snow. Also, some of the AirBnB’s and VRBO’s you will find in that area may be located on steep, curvy, or gravel roads and may require 4-wheel-drive. Plan accordingly when visiting in the winter.
- Book early: Holiday events and accommodations fill up quickly.
- Dress warmly: Even coastal areas can get chilly in December. And, the NC mountain towns on the list will definitely be cold during the Christmas season.
- Check event schedules: Verify dates and times of events before you go.
FAQs About the Best Places to Spend Christmas in North Carolina
What are the best places to visit in North Carolina for Christmas?
Asheville, McAdenville, and Blowing Rock are top choices.
Where can I see Christmas lights in North Carolina?
McAdenville, Forest City, and Charlotte offer spectacular displays.
What Christmas events are held in North Carolina?
Events like the Winter Wonderland festival in Franklin and Downtown in December in Greensboro are highlights.
What are some family-friendly Christmas activities in North Carolina?
The Country Christmas Train in Denton and Christmas in Davidson are perfect for families.
What coastal towns in North Carolina are festive during Christmas?
Wrightsville Beach is a top pick for coastal holiday celebrations.
