One of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season is by getting out and experiencing festive traditions across North Carolina. There is truly nothing like this time of year—when small towns light up their main streets, coastal communities host cheerful winter events, and historic homes glow with candlelit charm. While gift-giving may be one of the most cherished traditions of the season, so is carving out time to enjoy the places and experiences that make our state magical. And if you are anything like me, you probably have a friend or two who loves discovering new North Carolina holiday traditions each year!
Thanks to a request from Katy a couple of years ago for the original article, I am excited to share an updated list of the 10+ best things to do in North Carolina for the holidays in 2025. Keep scrolling for the state’s most iconic light displays, charming historic tours, and festive small-town events—all guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.
This post was originally published in 2021 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2025.
Photo by Glory Roze Photography
10+ Best Things to Do in NC for the Holidays (2025 Edition)
Eastern North Carolina Holiday Traditions
Christmas by the Sea at Carolina Beach
Credit: Wrightsville Beach NC
Experience a coastal Christmas with Christmas by the Sea at Carolina Beach, where you will find:
The annual Christmas Parade
Visits with Santa
A community showing of Elf
And other free seasonal events
Planning a winter coastal getaway? Here is my guide to Carolina Beach in winter.
Edenton Christmas Candlelight Tour
Credit: Penelope Barker House Welcome Center Facebook
One of the state’s most beloved holiday events, the Edenton Christmas Candlelight Tour invites guests inside beautifully decorated historic homes, each styled with natural greenery reminiscent of 18th- and 19th-century Christmases.
Note:
Tickets sell out fast, so set a reminder for July 2026, when tickets will be released for next year’s tour.
Make it a weekend with my overnight Edenton guide.
WinterLights at Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo
Credit: WinterLights at Elizabethan Gardens
Walk through the beautifully illuminated Elizabethan Gardens, transformed into an enchanted wonderland with glowing displays, festive décor, open air fires, warm concessions, outdoor movies, live entertainment, and holiday shopping.
This is one of the Outer Banks’ most magical winter traditions! Make a roadtrip out of your trip to Manteo and visit more of Dare County using this itinerary.
Tryon Palace Decor Tour – New Bern
Credit: Charles Harris via Our State
Join Tryon Palace for the annual Candlelight Christmas Celebration Decor Tour, led by Lead Holiday Decorator Hadley Cheris. Explore the Governor’s Palace and cellar while learning about this year’s theme, historic design inspiration, and holiday styling tips.
Make it a full getaway with my New Bern travel guide.
Outer Banks Holiday Fun
Photo: Misfits Bar Crawl Instagram
If you are spending the holidays on the coast, the Outer Banks has two new festive favorites to check out:
The 12 Bars of Christmas
Twelve local bars transform into festive pop-ups, fully decked out in holiday cheer! Enjoy themed events, specialty holiday menus, and plenty of seasonal surprises. A perfect way to celebrate the season with friends while hopping along the OBX.
Misfit Bars of Christmas
Join Kill Devil Grill, South of KDG, and a sleigh-full of other local favorites for holiday drinks, jolly vibes, and unforgettable fun. This spirited event is ideal for those looking for a playful, festive night out on the coast.
Enchanted Airlie and Old Wilmington by Candlelight – Wilmington
Wilmington offers two wonderful holiday experiences:
Enchanted Airlie
Enjoy a self-guided stroll through Airlie Gardens’ glowing holiday displays, festive music, and local beer and wine. This event sells out quickly each year—book early.
Old Wilmington by Candlelight
This annual holiday house tour showcases beautifully decorated historic homes. Tickets also sell out fast, so plan ahead.
Plan your getaway with my Wilmington holiday weekend guide or explore all of my Wilmington travel articles.
Central North Carolina Holiday Traditions
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Credit: Charlotte Motor Speedway Instagram
One of the Southeast’s biggest holiday traditions, Speedway Christmas features more than four million lights across a 3.75-mile drive-through course with synchronized music and animated displays. A must-do for families and holiday light lovers!
Explore more Queen City favorites in this Charlotte guide roundup.
Christmastown in McAdenville
Credit: Town of McAdenville
Each December, the small mill town of McAdenville transforms into Christmastown USA, one of North Carolina’s most magical and longstanding holiday traditions. More than 500 homes, 200 evergreen trees, and the town lake are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a dazzling holiday experience that draws visitors from across the country. Stroll or drive through the glowing streets, enjoy festive music, and soak up the nostalgic charm that has made McAdenville famous since the 1950s. With its classic small-town spirit and picture-perfect displays, Christmastown USA is a must-see stop for anyone looking to experience Christmas at its most enchanting.
Merrier in Moore – Moore County
Photo: Home of American Golf
Bring your holiday movie dreams to life with Merrier in Moore, where you can star in a real-life Hallmark-style Christmas! Events include festive holiday activities, and themed experiences throughout Pinehurst and the surrounding area. It is the perfect place for families, friends, or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a cheerful, cinematic holiday setting.
2025 Highlights Include:
Holiday-themed experiences at local venues
Festive activities designed to make you feel like the star of your own Christmas movie
Opportunities for beautiful photos, treats, and seasonal fun
For full details and event schedules, check out the Merrier in Moore page. See more of my favorite things to do in Moore County here.
Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour in Raleigh
The Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour® is one of Raleigh’s most enchanting events. Each December, dozens of 19th- and early-20th-century homes open their doors to showcase beautifully decorated interiors.
The tour is self-paced, but plan at least three hours to wander, explore, and soak in the small-town-in-the-city holiday charm. See more of my favorite things to do in Raleigh here.
Note:
Tickets for 2025 are sold out—there is not wait list or day-of sales. Set an alert to grab your 2026 tickets as soon as they are released.
Bonus Holiday Event in the Area
Running for eight full weeks, the NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre features handcrafted lantern installations, live performances, and themed nights—including sensory-friendly evenings. Tickets typically remain available, but popular dates do sell out. Check the box office for the latest availability.
Seagrove Potters Holiday Open House
Credit: Seagrove Potters Instagram
Explore Seagrove’s renowned pottery community during the Annual Holiday Open House, held each weekend from December 6–21, 2025.
Expect:
Special collections created just for the holiday season
Dozens of studios participating
Free, self-guided touring
Weekday shopping and multiple online stores
This is also a wonderful spot for finding North Carolina-made holiday gifts.
Old Salem Joy of Christmas Evening Tours – Winston-Salem
Photo by Glory Roze Photography
Experience Old Salem illuminated by lantern light during these Friday–Saturday evening tours running from Thanksgiving through Christmas. This year’s programming includes:
Ornament making
Illumination crafts
Springerle molds
Festive storytelling
Hands-on activities you will take home
It is the perfect way to immerse yourself in an 1800s holiday season. You can also buy tickets to their Salem Saturdays daytime holiday events here.
For more, here is my Winston-Salem holiday guide, plus a year-round Winston-Salem travel guide.
Western North Carolina Holiday Traditions
Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville
Treat yourself to the beloved estate tradition known as Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are at their most enchanting. Flickering candlelight, glowing fireplaces, and live music evoke the feeling of being a guest at the Vanderbilt family’s first Christmas in 1895.
If you are planning to visit this year, remember that the Asheville region continues long-term recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. Many local businesses are still rebuilding—please be patient, kind, and supportive as you explore.
For more on experiencing Asheville in winter, check out my full Biltmore holiday guide and this Asheville holiday itinerary.
Bonus Asheville Holiday Events
- Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! This year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
- Each year, the historic Omni Grove Park Inn transforms into a holiday wonderland for one of the most beloved traditions in the country: the National Gingerbread House Competition. The official 2025 Gingerbread display opens Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and runs through Sunday, January 4, 2026. This cherished Asheville tradition continues to draw visitors from around the world—offering an enchanting blend of creativity, competition, and holiday magic.
Note: Guests not staying at the resort may view the displays after 6 PM on Sundays or anytime Monday–Thursday, based on parking availability. Holiday blackout dates apply—including November 27; December 7, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31; and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved exclusively for registered resort guests or visitors with confirmed dining reservations.
Please note that access to the display is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic, and only registered resort pets are permitted during the Gingerbread season.
A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk
Credit: Todd Bush
Soak up the charm of a true small-town celebration during A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk, held the first full weekend of December. Festivities include:
Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling (December 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.)
Holiday entertainment, shopping, and seasonal treats
Choose-and-cut Christmas tree packages for out-of-town visitors
Skiing and snowboarding at nearby Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain make this an ideal holiday weekend getaway. Banner Elk continues welcoming visitors back after Hurricane Helene’s impact, so supporting local businesses this season is especially meaningful.
Visit BannerElk.com for 2025 reopening updates and the full event schedule.
Chetola Resort Festival of Lights in Blowing Rock
The Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort is a longtime favorite! This free, family-friendly display includes thousands of twinkling lights around Chetola Lake, from ice-skating characters to larger-than-life holiday scenes.
2025 Dates:
November 28, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Lights are on nightly from 5:00–9:00 p.m.
For more Blowing Rock ideas, explore my Blowing Rock travel guide collection.
Christmas in McDowell County
Photo: Destination McDowell NC
The holidays in McDowell County, are truly something special. Small-town charm shines even brighter this time of year with a festive lineup of seasonal celebrations. Enjoy the Old Fort Art Walk, explore A Swiss-Mas to Remember at the Switzerland Inn, join in on the fun at the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, and a glamorous Gatsby-themed party at Tabletop Inn. McDowell County offers something merry for everyone this holiday season.
What is your favorite North Carolina tradition during the holiday season? Be sure to tell me in the comments below!
If you are ever curious about where my love of holiday traditions came from, be sure to read this article!
