Check out the best holiday events across the Carolinas!
From twinkling light shows to historic candlelit tours, festive parades, flotillas, and New Year’s celebrations, the Carolinas shine bright all season long. Here’s your guide to magical holiday events from late November through New Year’s Eve.
FestiBull of Lights
Durham, NC (Piedmont Region) • Nov 20 – Jan 3, 2026
Experience a dazzling winter wonderland at Durham Bulls Athletic Park with thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to festive music, visits with Santa, crafts, and the NC by Train Holiday Express.
Winter Wonderlights
Greensboro, NC (Piedmont Region) • Nov 19, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
The Greensboro Science Center glows with over a million holiday lights, festive photo spots, indoor sock skating, snow machines, seasonal treats, glowing tunnels, and new surprises for 2025.
Whalehead Candlelight Christmas Tour
Corolla, NC (Outer Banks Region) • Nov 28 – Dec 20, 2025
Step back to the 1920s at Whalehead Mansion, decorated with greenery, trees, music, and treats. Enjoy a live Steinway piano performance, traditional carols, and explore the historic home.
Christmas Craft Village at Whalehead
Corolla, NC (Outer Banks Region) • Nov 29, 2025
Kick off holiday shopping at Historic Corolla Park with arts and crafts, baked goods, handmade treasures, and festive fun from local artists and vendors.
Corolla Village Holiday Market
Corolla, NC (Outer Banks Region) • Nov 28 – Nov 29, 2025
Historic Corolla Village glows with twinkling lights, live music, craft vendors, holiday treats, and family-friendly activities including caroling, a fire pit with s’mores, and festive shopping.
4th Annual Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular
Charlotte, NC (Piedmont Region) • Nov 28 – Dec 30, 2025
Experience a half-mile magical trail with over 1 million twinkling lights, interactive scenes, music, mystical snow globes, and a winter carnival featuring rides like a Ferris wheel—fun for the whole family. FREE VIP TICKETS!
Currituck Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Barco, NC (Outer Banks Region) • Dec 6, 2025
Celebrate the season with a festive parade, dazzling lights, colorful floats, holiday-themed activities, cookies and cocoa, and the grand tree lighting ceremony at Currituck County Center.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Dillsboro, NC (Western Mountains Region) • Dec 5 – Dec 13, 2025
Celebrate Dillsboro’s annual festival of 2,500 candles and twinkling lights. Enjoy carolers, live music, horse-and-buggy rides, visits with Santa, seasonal treats, and festive downtown charm.
Christmas in the Park
Burlington, NC (Piedmont Region) • Dec 22, 2025
A beloved Burlington tradition featuring carousel rides, sledding, a snowboarding simulator, crafts, face painting, hot cocoa, cookies, princesses, and a special visit from the North Pole. Free family fun for all.
Christmas at the Billy Graham Library
Charlotte, NC (Piedmont Region) • Dec 1 – Dec 23, 2025
Celebrate the season with live nativity scenes, a petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, festive story times, and seasonal decorations at the Billy Graham Library. Admission and parking are free.
Thomasville Chair City Christmas
Thomasville, NC (Piedmont Region) • Dec 13, 2025
Join downtown Thomasville for a festive Christmas parade with dazzling floats, marching bands, colorful displays, and Santa Claus. Enjoy lights, music, and a beloved community tradition.
Burgaw Blueberry Drop
Burgaw, NC (Coastal Region) • Dec 31, 2025
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in downtown Burgaw with the annual Blueberry Drop, live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display. Bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the festivities.
Topsail Christmas Flotilla
Topsail Beach, NC (Coastal Region) • Dec 14, 2025
Enjoy a festive nighttime boat parade along the Intracoastal Waterway with beautifully decorated vessels, twinkling lights, music, and prizes. This free family-friendly event brings holiday cheer to the coast.
NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach, NC (Coastal Region) • Nov 29, 2025
Celebrate the holidays coastal-style with a festive boat parade, tree lighting, fireworks, arts and craft vendors, antique cars, inflatables, and family-friendly activities at Wrightsville Beach’s annual holiday flotilla.
Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop
Folly Beach, SC (Lowcountry Region) • Dec 31, 2025
Ring in the New Year on Folly Beach with fireworks, family-friendly festivities, local restaurants, and the famous flip-flop drop at midnight to welcome 2026 in sparkling style.
