Many areas in North Carolina exude holiday magic this time of year, making them ideal destinations to celebrate the winter months. Whether you’re looking for exciting seasonal events (think visits with Santa and festive parades) or a cozy mountain getaway complete with a train ride, here are five charming spots to add to your holiday travel list — plus one bucket-list hotel stay!
CHARLOTTE
Though it’s a popular destination year-round, Charlotte comes alive in a special way during winter, offering everything from holiday shows to sparkling lights displays and family-friendly activities.
Festivities kick off with WinterFest (November 15 to January 4) at Carowinds Amusement Park. On select nights, you can enjoy seasonal illuminations, ice skating, holiday-inspired food and beverages, and a nightly parade.
For more dazzling lights, Speedway Christmas (November 22 to January 5), Light the Knights (November 27 to January 3), and Holidays at the Garden (November 29 to December 29) all offer breathtaking displays.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame also transforms into a memorable holiday destination every year. The Holidays at The Hall event includes a 30-foot Christmas tree, thousands of twinkling lights, and plenty of NASCAR-related gifts.
As if that wasn’t enough, just west of Charlotte is the quaint town of McAdenville, which transforms into Christmas Town U.S.A. every holiday season. A tradition since 1956, the celebration includes a 5K race, beautiful Christmas trees, and a Yule Log Parade.
Every winter, the U.S. National Whitewater Center converts its upper pond into an ice skating rink open to all ages and skill levels. New this year, attendees can enjoy Cask Curling, a winter-inspired spin on traditional curling!
Kids and adults will enjoy spending the day at Billy Graham Library, which hosts a live nativity scene, horse-drawn carriage rides, story times, a petting zoo, and more.
If you need to finish some Christmas shopping, the Southern Christmas Show and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery‘s Christmas Market are local shopping events offering plenty of gifts!
If you’re looking to warm up (without sacrificing any of the holiday spirit) attend one of Charlotte’s live performances, including NarroWay Productions’s The Real Story of Christmas, Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker, and the Charlotte Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert.
Start planning your holiday getaway to the Queen City at charlottesgotalot.com!
WAYNESVILLE
Waynesville is another town offering that “winter wonderland” feeling we love around the holidays. As the largest city in Western North Carolina, this charming mountain town offers plenty of holiday cheer for every type of traveler!
In addition to a Main Street lined with local boutiques and shops, the town hosts a few holiday markets for those looking to make a serious dent in their shopping lists. The 4th Annual Holidaze Market takes place on November 16 at the Smoky Mountain Event Center and offers everything from candles to self-care essentials, sweet treats, and home decor.
In addition to fabulous shopping, the Winter Wonderland Market on December 14 hosts a car show and toy drive. Children are also invited to write letters to Santa Claus. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Grinch, as he’s been known to sneak around the event, too!
Every winter, Downtown Waynesville also hosts a Christmas parade. This year’s event on December 2 is themed “Mountain Traditions.” Prizes will be awarded to the three best-decorated parade floats, and Santa Claus himself is slated to make an appearance.
If you can’t make it to the Christmas parade, Waynesville’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Celebration is another well-loved tradition. On December 14, you and your family can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, hot cocoa, and s’mores. Little ones will love visiting with Santa and his elves!
We also recommend visiting Winchester Creek Farm during your winter visit to Waynesville. In addition to guided farm tours, you can enjoy meet-and-greets with alpacas and llamas and visits with Santa Claus!
Located near Waynesville in Maggie Valley, The Swag and Cataloochee Ranch are two beautiful properties offering luxury overnight accommodations, delicious food, and sweeping views of the Smokies. Both recently pledged to donate $2 million to help those affected by Hurricane Helene, so it’s the perfect time to book a stay.
BRYSON CITY
From sweeping views of snow-covered mountains to cozy cabins and holiday events, there are multiple advantages to visiting Bryson City in the winter. It’s the perfect place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Hiking in Bryson City is undoubtedly one of its biggest draws year-round. However, cooler weather brings leafless, unobstructed views and possible glimpses of snowfall! A relatively easy trek, the journey to the scenic overlook at Newfound Gap is about 5,046 feet high. You can also stand in two states simultaneously, as the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines cross here!
For a more moderate hiking adventure, Waterrock Knob Overlook is a beautiful option. Hovering over Western North Carolina, the journey is about 1.2 miles round-trip. Standing 5,280 feet high, this is a great spot to enjoy 360-degree views of the Smokies.
If you’d prefer to take in views of the mountains from a cozy interior, Bryson City offers its very own version of the Polar Express! As part of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the train ride includes music from The Polar Express movie soundtrack, hot cocoa, and a reading of the famous Christmas Story. Then, when you arrive at the North Pole, Santa Claus hops aboard and hands each child their own silver sleigh bell.
When you return to Downtown Bryson City, head to Mountain Perks Espresso Bar for a fresh pastry and a seasonal beverage. For a heartier meal, The Bistro at the Everett Hotel offers favorites like filet mignon, trout, and house-made pasta.
If you wish to spend the night in Bryson City, you’re in luck, as the town is known for its quaint, rustic-inspired cabins. Both Great Smokys Cabin Rentals and Carolina Mountain Vacations offer various rental options that are sure to fit your needs.
ELIZABETHTOWN
Self-proclaimed as “one of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina,” a getaway to Elizabethtown is a must — especially when temperatures begin to drop. From its annual Christmas parade to delicious eateries and scenic wineries, here are a few highlights!
If you can, we recommend planning your travels around the town’s premier Christmas parade and tree lighting. This year’s theme, Christmas in Elizabethtown, invites locals to share their favorite memories and holiday traditions.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m. on December 1 at the Elizabethtown Town Hall and Police Department, and the parade ends with a visit from Mr. Christmas himself! After the parade, be sure to stick around for the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.
Another beloved tradition is Lu Mil Vineyard’s Festival of Lights. This celebration invites visitors to drive through twinkling lights and displays, visit Santa Claus, and enjoy delicious Southern cuisine from the country buffet.
For a more formal affair, visit Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery on December 8 for its second annual Christmas Tea. In addition to seasonal teas, attendees can enjoy finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and holiday-inspired pastries while surrounded by beautiful Christmas decor.
Cape Fear Winery also hosts a Christmas-themed mystery dinner on December 14. Beginning at 7 p.m., participate in an interactive whodunit mystery as you dine on a delicious three-course dinner and sip a complimentary glass of wine.
SB Tip: The winery also offers an array of boutique cottages if you wish to spend the night!
After a day packed with holiday activities, Giorgio’s Restaurant offers comforting, Italian-inspired dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu includes everything from fettuccine alfredo to shrimp scampi, calzones, and ribeye steak.
Dessert lovers will want to visit Burney’s Sweets & More for a sweet treat or coffee. Be sure to try their famous croissant-style donuts!
NEW BERN
In addition to serving as North Carolina’s first state capital and the birthplace of Pepsi, New Bern is full of excitement during the holidays — from beautifully decorated storefronts to seasonal activities and more!
Festivities begin on November 29, as the town’s annual Beary Merry Christmas kicks off with Light Up the Season, which includes the annual Christmas tree lighting. The fun continues through Christmas Eve, and additional events include a Small Business Saturday event on November 30, a Christmas parade and flotilla on December 7, and an ugly sweater party on December 20.
As North Carolina’s first governor’s mansion, Tryon Palace is a popular attraction year-round. But when the holiday season begins, the historic two-story home is beautifully adorned with Christmas trees, lights, and wreaths. On December 14 and 21, the home also hosts its premier holiday event, Candlelight, where you can experience firsthand what the holidays would have been like in the 18th century.
If you need to finish up your holiday gift shopping, spend the afternoon strolling through the streets of Downtown New Bern. Home to local clothing boutiques and gift shops, many stores also offer festive window displays — the perfect photo opportunity!
When you’re ready to refuel after a day of holiday fun and shopping, visit Bella’s Café for a caffeine boost. Located in Downtown New Bern, the local café serves seasonal treats, from peppermint lattes to holiday-inspired muffins and cookies.
Another popular downtown dining destination is The Chelsea. While more of an upscale eatery, the menu is full of Southern staples like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles (served all day!), and fried green tomatoes.
For a festive nightcap, visit The Flying Fox on Broad Street. In addition to specialty cocktails, you’ll also find an extensive selection of wine and beer.
BILTMORE ESTATE | ASHEVILLE
Editor’s Note: Biltmore Estate was forced to temporarily close due to Hurricane Helene. As of this article’s publication date, the estate is scheduled to reopen on November 2 and has pledged $2 million to help those affected by the hurricane. To learn more, visit biltmore.com.
While not an actual town like the other destinations on our list, the Biltmore Estate is an iconic North Carolina attraction — especially during the holidays. Thanks to its enchanting Christmas at Biltmore experience, it’s no wonder many travelers return year after year.
Beginning in November and continuing through early January, the 2024-25 Christmas at Biltmore event is particularly special as the estate will simultaneously host Chihuly at Biltmore. The exhibit has been featured in museums and gardens around the world and includes large-scale installations by American glass artist Dale Chihuly.
In addition to this new experience, visitors can still expect traditional, well-loved events like Candlelight Christmas Evenings. This event includes a self-guided night-time tour through the legendary estate, winding through rooms adorned with hundreds of lights and filled with sounds of live music.
To elevate your Candlelight Christmas Evenings experience, book a 90-minute guided tour with one of the estate’s experts. As you stroll through the halls and rooms, you will hear stories of the Vanderbilt family, who originally owned the legendary estate.
Another beloved Christmas at Biltmore attraction is Antler Hill Village. In addition to thousands of twinkling lights spread across trees, buildings, and pathways, you can enjoy festive shopping along with delicious food and wine.
If you need to warm up after walking through the outdoor light displays in Antler Hill Village, visit the Biltmore Winery for a tasting. These are typically included with your Christmas at Biltmore experience and include both year-round favorites and seasonal varietals.
With so much to do and see at Biltmore during the holiday, treat yourself and your family with an overnight stay. The estate is even offering exclusive Chihuly at Biltmore and Candlelight Christmas packages!
This article is sponsored by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
