10 Best Things To Do At Christmas In North Carolina, USA

1. Walk through the Winter Wonderlights at Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Walk through the maze of magical sparkle and be amazed by the festive lights. This seasonal light show at Greensboro Science Center is perfect for families with little kids. It features 12 interactive realms spruced up by glowing installations. Ticket holders can also enjoy a complimentary carousel ride.

This year, the event will commence on November 17 and will last until January 1 the next year.

Winter Wonderlights at Greensboro Science Center

Address: 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455

Website: Winter Wonderlights at Greensboro Science Center

Opening hours: 5:30pm - 10pm (closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)

Price: from 16 USD

2. Board The Polar Express Train, Bryson City

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Polar Express Train offers a roundtrip ride that lasts more than an hour. The train sets off from Bryson City Depot and transports you to the legendary home of Santa Clause, at least through a simulation. Take an imaginary excursion to the North Pole as you hit the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and listen to the creative storytelling onboard.

The train is divided into four sections: First Class, Premium Crown Class, Crown Class, and Coach Class. All seats come with perks depending on the type of ticket you’ve bought. A cup of hot cocoa is also served to all passengers to keep them snug during the journey.

The Polar Express Train Ride from Bryson City Depot

Address: 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713

Website: The Polar Express Train

Opening hours: November 10 to December 31: Timings vary

Price: from 29 USD

3. Experience WinterFest at Carowinds, Charlotte

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Carowinds is one of the best family-friendly amusement parks in Charlotte, North Carolina. Every winter, for the annual WinterFest thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas-themed displays fill the vast expanse of the 164-hectare (407-acre) park. The WinterFest also features live shows, family activities, holiday-themed refreshments, gift shops, and more. This year the festivity starts on November 21 and will go on till January 1.

The highlights of this seasonal event are the Christmas tree lighting and the WinterFest Wonderland Parade every night, making the experience more special.

WinterFest at Carowinds

Address: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

Website: WinterFest at Carowinds

Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm (closed on select days)

Price: from 32.99 USD

4. Skate at U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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This winter, step into the 24,000-square-foot (2229-square-meter) ice-skating rink at U.S. National Whitewater Center. The rink consists of four distinct zones with two ice trails and two free skate areas, so guests can choose according to their comfort level. To mark the festive season, the rink is adorned with fairy lights giving the place a magical glow.

In between skating, you can recharge yourself with refreshing beverages such as craft beer, wine, and hot cocoa from the on-ice Airstream. Skate rentals are included with the pass. The skating rink will be functional from mid-November to the middle of February next year.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214

Website: U.S. National Whitewater Center

Opening hours: 24 hours (mid-November to mid-February)

Price: 25 USD

5. Take a walk down memory lane at St. Nick Nacks Christmas Shop, Calabash

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Gift shopping is one of the most exciting things to do during the season of giving. Step inside Callahan’s of Calabash and visit St. Nick Nacks Christmas shop, which contains a mindboggling collection of holiday ornaments and souvenirs that will lure you into splurging. Revisit your childhood memories as you wander around this iconic gift shop.

Shoppers will surely swoon with glee upon seeing the galore of items and displays laid out inside the store. This Christmas shop is a haven for those who love brands such as Mark Roberts Fairies, Snowbabies, and Christopher Radko.

St. Nick Nacks Christmas Shop in Callahan’s of Calabash

Address: 9973 Beach Dr SW, Calabash, NC 28467

Website: St. Nick Nacks Christmas Shop in Callahan’s of Calabash

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 10pm

6. Feel the soft warmth of snow-white ice at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, Mars Hill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort features 15 expansive ski slopes and trails with designated areas for beginners to experts. Aside from participating in this thrilling activity, you can also book a stay here for the Christmas holidays.

Enjoy the cold breeze on your face and the softness of the ice all around you. You can enjoy a fun-filled ski adventure against the stunning backdrop of Big Bald Mountain – a snowcapped natural wonder to feast your eyes on a cold December day.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Address: 578 Valley View Cir, Mars Hill, NC 28754

Website: The Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 4:30pm

Price: from 25 USD

7. Get awestruck at Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries, Dillsboro

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

During the first two weekends of December, the quaint town of Dillsboro lights up with Christmas luminaries. This artisan town decks up with as many as 2,500 candles in white bags lining the charming streets. While here, you can also explore the boutique shops until late at night and grab a hand-made craft piece or a local keepsake to take home.

Listen to the jingles and carols as you saunter through the streets and watch the eyes of children light up when Mr. and Mrs. Clause show up. No one is too young for the Christmas season, so take the opportunity to write a letter to Santa. Who knows? He might grant your wishes too!

This year, the event is taking place on December 2-3 and 9-10.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Address: 42 Front St, Dillsboro, NC 28725

Website: Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Opening hours: Dec 2 & 3: 5pm - 9pm; Dec 9 & 10: 8pm - 9pm

8. Watch Christmas Parade at Hope Mills

The town of Hope Mills celebrates Christmas in a wonderful way, and you would not want to miss it. Lake Park is the main venue for the annual Christmas Parade. The preparations start a full day before the event itself. Reach the town in time to enjoy this local tradition that brings the whole town together for the celebration.

The parade consists of a vibrant lineup of holiday-themed floats, marching bands, and tastefully curated vehicles. You can even consider taking part in the parade. The last date for registration this year is November 20. The parade itself is going to be held on December 3.

Christmas Parade at Hope Mills

Address: 5770 Rockfish Rd, Hope Mills, NC 28348

Website: Christmas Parade at Hope Mills

Opening hours: 5pm

9. Enjoy Christmas at Biltmore, Ashville

Biltmore, the historic museum in Ashville, is one of the best destinations in North Carolina that offers a remarkable display of holiday spirit. Christmas in Ashville is incomplete without visiting the iconic Biltmore Estate. The tradition of Christmas celebrations here can be traced back to 1895. The Christmas festivities at Biltmore are going to commence on November 4 and last till January 8.

Witness the lavishly decorated, Christmas-themed rooms during the day and get cozy with your family around the fireplace while listening to live music in the evening. You can also book accommodation here, which will definitely make for a memorable Christmas trip.

Christmas at Biltmore

Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

Website: Christmas at Biltmore

Opening hours: Timings vary depending on your tour

Price: from 99 USD

10. Feast on a delectable Christmas eve dinner at Red Stag Grill, Ashville

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Red Stag Grill in Ashville prepares an unforgettable Christmas eve dinner for those who are fed up with preparing a feast every year for guests and want a proper holiday for themselves. The rustic-modern setting of the restaurant features elegant furnishings exuding a cozy ambiance. You can also book a table for private dining if you wish to enjoy an intimate culinary experience with your loved one.

Here, you will be spoiled with an extensive list of dishes, including their signature, a-la-carte, four-course Christmas Eve Holiday menu with drinks. A Christmas Day brunch and dinner are also served. The Christmas eve dinner is served from 5pm to 9pm, don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand.

Red Stag Grill

Address: 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803

Website: Red Stag Grill

Opening hours: Dec 24: 5pm - 9pm

Price: 95 USD

Have a merry Christmas in North Carolina

With a plethora of seasonal events and attractions curated for the special holiday, Christmas in North Carolina is a delightful affair. A lot of fantastic experiences and marvelous spectacles await you in this southeastern state. So, plan your trip to North Carolina now and take advantage of this list of the best things to do at Christmas in North Carolina, USA, to personalize your itinerary.