Holiday 2024 Festivals, Markets, and Events
Get ready to embrace the magic of the season with a fantastic lineup of holiday 2024 events across the Carolinas! From festivals celebrating local traditions to enchanting holiday markets filled with unique gifts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. These events promise to create lasting memories with family and friends. Mark your calendars and dive into the spirit of the holidays as you explore these delightful activities that capture the joy and wonder of this special time of year!
November 30 through December 30 – Christmas Lights at Highlanders Farm – Carthage, NC
Embark on a magical winter journey at Highlanders Farm, a charming sixth-generation family farm in North Carolina. Enjoy a leisurely drive through stunning fields illuminated with enchanting holiday lights and festive scenes that evoke the spirit of the season. As you take in the sights, treat yourself to delicious seasonal delights like hot chocolate, hot cider, and homemade ice cream. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, with additional days on December 22, 23, 29, and 30, this festive adventure is not to be missed!
Holiday Magic at the Kaminski House Museum – Georgetown (SC Pee Dee)
Embrace the holiday spirit at the Kaminski House Museum in Georgetown! Kick off the celebrations with a delightful Jazz Brunch on November 3rd, and join us for the enchanting Light Up the Lawn event on November 29th, when the museum sparkles with festive lights. Explore unique gifts at the Holiday Market on December 7th, and bring the whole family for a night of fun and laughter at Family Night on December 21st. Don't miss the captivating Candlelit Tours available on December 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, and 21st—it's a magical destination perfect for creating holiday memories!
November 16 to January 12 – North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival– Cary (NC Piedmont)
Step into a world of wonder at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, where over 200,000 visitors flock to Koka Booth Amphitheater to admire breathtaking, larger-than-life lantern displays. Each stunning piece is meticulously crafted by visiting Chinese artisans, blending ancient artistry with modern technology. Some lanterns tower over 20 feet high and stretch up to 200 feet long! Capture vibrant family photos while enjoying spectacular demonstrations of traditional Chinese folk dancing, acrobatics, and martial arts that will entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.
November 24 through December 29 – Skate the Stadium – Daniel Island (SC Lowcountry)
Get ready for a unique holiday experience at Skate the Stadium, where you can glide and spin under twinkling lights at the Credit One Stadium! For just $10, your ticket includes a skate rental and 45 minutes of fun on the ice. After your skating session, cozy up by the inviting firepit, indulging in holiday treats like cinnamon sugar pretzels and s’mores. Sip on festive Christmas cocktails, warm cider, or hot chocolate at the polar bar to complete your evening. Tickets go on sale November 1—don’t miss your chance to create unforgettable memories!
November 29-December 1, December 7-8 – Christmas at the Farm – Easley (SC Upstate)
Gather your family for a festive day at Evergreen Traditions’ Christmas at the Farm! Experience the joy of selecting a perfect Christmas tree from a selection of pre-cut Fraser Firs and more. Your affordable ticket, priced at $15 or under, grants you unlimited hot cocoa and s’mores, along with access to photo stations, yard games, craft tables, and live music performances from 10 AM to 3 PM. Support local vendors while filling your stockings with delightful treasures such as scented candles, artisanal honey, and unique gifts, all located just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Greenville.
November 29 – December 1 – Christmas Carousel Holiday Marketplace – Raleigh (NC Piedmont)
The Christmas Carousel Holiday Marketplace is back and better than ever, bringing festive cheer to Raleigh, NC, this Thanksgiving weekend! From November 29 to December 1, 2024, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with seasonal magic. Explore over 250 local and national vendors offering handmade crafts, unique decorations, and delicious holiday treats. Enjoy live entertainment, snap a photo with Santa, and immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to find gifts, decorate your home, and create unforgettable holiday memories!
November 29 to December 22 – Merry and Bright: A Holiday of Lights – Wilmington NC
This holiday season, Poplar Grove is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland for Merry and Bright: A Holiday of Lights. Explore a juried gift show to find unique treasures for your loved ones, and don’t miss your chance to snap festive photos with Santa himself! Send your heartfelt wishes through the USO letter-writing station, explore the whimsical Grinch’s Junk Shop, and gather around cozy campfires for delicious marshmallow roasting. Enjoy classic Christmas movie screenings and tasty treats from local food trucks. With themed nights like cozy pajama parties, your $10 admission not only promises an enchanting evening but also supports local conservation efforts!
November 30 – Christmas in the Backcountry – North Augusta (SC Lowcountry)
Travel back in time to experience a colonial-style Christmas at the Living History Park’s Christmas in the Backcountry event. Explore the recreated 18th-century village where you can witness firsthand how early South Carolinians celebrated the holiday season. Interact with “Father Christmas” and enjoy lively demonstrations of traditional dancing, cooking, and toy-making. Children will delight in hot chocolate and storytime, as well as a crafting station to make their own pinecone bird feeders. It’s a delightful day filled with history, joy, and holiday spirit!
December 5 – 29 – Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular – Charlotte (NC Piedmont)
Join the magic at the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, featuring over a million lights along a half-mile trail! Enjoy new scenes, oversized snow globes, and kids' activities, plus visit Santa every night through December 23. With improved pathways and a festive Holiday Village, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season! Note: Early closing on Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day.
December 6-7, 13-14 – Festival of Trees & Holiday Market – McCormick (SC Upstate)
Discover a delightful destination for holiday cheer at the Festival of Trees & Holiday Market! Bring your family to explore the enchanting displays set up in the historic Dorn’s Flour and Grist Mill, one of the last steam engine-powered mills still operating in the Carolinas. Capture precious moments with your loved ones amidst the dazzling decorations, then head next door to shop for unique accessories, artisanal art, and scrumptious baked holiday goods. It's the perfect opportunity to find something special for everyone on your holiday shopping list!
December 5 – 29 – Carolina Traveler Day at the Charlotte Hornets – Charlotte (NC Piedmont)
This game couldn’t be better timed. School’s out, the kids are climbing the walls, and maybe you’ve got family in town looking for something fun to do. Enter the Hornets, offering the perfect family outing right in the heart of the Queen City. Carolina Traveler subscribers can save big on tickets! Click here to learn more!
December 31 – New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop – Burgaw (NC Coast)
Ring in the New Year with a splash of fun at Burgaw’s Annual New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop! The celebration kicks off at 5 PM in Pender County Courthouse Square, featuring live music from Bourbon Sons, a band known for their energetic mix of pop country and country rock. Savor delicious offerings from local food vendors while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the iconic blueberry drop at 7 PM, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky, ensuring a memorable start to your New Year!
