The holiday season is here, and if you're wracking your brain trying to come up with ways to keep the in-laws entertained, we've got you covered. The Carolinas have plenty of magical holiday events that are sure to impress even the most hard-to-please relatives. So grab your mittens, load up the family, and get ready to make some holiday memories you’ll all cherish for years to come!

1. Winterfest

There’s no excuse to be bored in the Queen City this holiday season! Every year, Carowinds transforms into WinterFest, with millions of twinkling lights, elaborate holiday displays, and themed activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, ice skating, seasonal treats, and rides specially opened for the event. Kids will love meeting Santa Claus and other holiday characters, while everyone can take part in the nightly Christmas parades, holiday music performances, and more (Charlotte, NC; book November 15 to December 31, 2024).

2. Kersey Valley Christmas 

Strike a pose! Holiday characters add to the fun at the Kersey Valley Christmas in Archdale, NC

When it comes to immersive holiday experiences in the Carolinas, Tony Wohlgemuth is our go-to guy! The owner and operator of Kersey Valley Attractions and SpookyWoods transforms the farm into a winter wonderland illuminated by more than 2 million LED lights. Take family photos in front of the larger-than-life snowflakes, the “Grinch Cave,” and the “Magical Carriage.” The best part of your Kersey Valley Christmas admission? Unlimited rides aboard the Wild West Christmas Train, John Deere-pulled Wonderland Wagons, and more! You’ll find all your favorite holiday sweets at Santa’s Workshop, including apple cider donuts, caramel kettle corn, and hot Bavarian nuts (Archdale, NC: select evenings November 29 to December 23, 2024).

3. Holiday Train Rides

Taking a holiday train ride through the mountains is a great idea for large groups and families, and there are several thrilling and nostalgic options available across western NC. 

• Tweetsie Christmas draws return visitors year after year with its festive light-flanked nighttime train ride in an open-air car. Enjoy holiday music, amusement rides, a Christmas variety show, and visits from Santa in his Gingerbread House (Blowing Rock, NC; book select evenings November 29 to December 31, 2024).
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express inspires riders with hot cocoa and readings of the classic story. Santa himself will board the train and greet each child, offering them a special silver sleigh bel gift before they return to the depot (Bryson City, NC; book select evenings November 7 to December 31, 2024).

4. Lights on the Neuse

Boyette Family Farms hosts the one-of-a-kind Lights on the Neuse hayride experience. The farm transforms into a winter wonderland with a charming, 30-minute tractor-pulled hayride through a dazzling display of lights and holiday scenes. Guests can visit Santa's Sweet Shoppe for seasonal treats and beverages, take photos from inside Santa’s sleigh and decorate their own $5 gingerbread cookie kit on site or at home (Clayton, NC; see website for dates and times of availability).

5. Christmas Holiday Laser Show

Set against the Carteret County Speedway, the Christmas Holiday Laser Show features vibrant lights synchronized to festive music, creating an unforgettable visual and auditory display. Park and enjoy the laser show for $30, or purchase a park and walk-around ticket to observe the lights from a designated standing area. Make the experience with your group even more memorable by bringing lawn chairs, blankets, and glow sticks (Swansboro, NC; book select weekend evenings from November 22 to December 1, 2024).

6. Speedway Christmas

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a must-visit holiday attraction for family and friends in town. This year’s event features an awe-inspiring drive-through light display with over five million twinkling lights spread across the speedway’s iconic track. Visitors can enjoy festive tunes synchronized with the lights, creating a magical experience from the comfort of their car. Beyond the lights, there’s an infield Christmas Village with holiday activities and an immersive walking trail that delights with life-size candies, snowmen, and interactive displays (Charlotte, NC; book select evenings from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025).