10 Memorable Christmas Events in North Carolina for 2025

North Carolina offers plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable Christmas memories. From mountain towns that glow with small-town charm to big city light displays and one-of-a-kind markets, the state offers a mix of classic traditions and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. 

We searched across the internet, combed through the top recommendations, and pulled together the very best holiday events happening in 2025, so you don’t have to spend hours figuring it out. 

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's popular or worth your attention. Here’s your shortcut to the most popular, can’t-miss celebrations across the state.

1. Christmas at Biltmore – Asheville

The largest private home in America transforms for the season with more than 60 decorated trees, 100,000+ ornaments, and miles of garland. Candlelight tours through the estate are especially breathtaking, and the celebrations extend across the grounds with music, wine tastings, and holiday activities.

• Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 5, 2026
  
• Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoor grounds/leashed)
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: biltmore.com

2. McAdenville Christmas Town U.S.A. 

This small Charlotte-area town has been lighting up the season since 1956 and draws visitors from across the country. The entire community comes together with millions of lights decorating homes, trees, and streets, all free to walk or drive through.

• Dates: December 1–26, 2025 (5:30–10 pm nightly)
  
• Address: 212 Wesleyan Dr, McAdenville, NC 28101
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors/leashed)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: mcadenville-christmastown.com

3. Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum – Asheville

The Arboretum transforms into a glowing wonderland with over a million lights spread across themed gardens and interactive displays. Seasonal treats and a beautiful mountain setting make it a top holiday outing.

• Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  
• Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: ncarboretum.org

4. Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular – Charlotte

Ballantyne’s Backyard hosts this massive walk-through experience featuring over a million lights, a Winter Wonderland Carnival, Santa visits, and holiday shopping. Free parking and accessible paths make it easy for families to enjoy.

• Dates: November 28 – December 30, 2025 (5:30 pm - 10 Nightly)
  
• Address: 11611 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: No (ticketed, parking free)
  
• Website: ncholidaylights.com

5. Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market – Raleigh

For more than 30 years, this Thanksgiving weekend market has been one of North Carolina’s biggest holiday shopping traditions. With over 250 vendors offering crafts, gifts, and specialty foods, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season.

• Dates: November 28–30, 2025
  
• Address: Jim Graham Building, NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Not specified
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: christmascarousel.com

6. Beech Mountain Holiday Market & Christmas Parade 

This mountain town embraces Christmas with a holiday market, Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas parade, and even “Cookies with the Clauses.” Families can also enjoy the children’s sledding hill, making it a true winter wonderland.

• Dates: Nov 29, 2025 (market) | Dec 18, 2025 (parade/festival)
  
• Address: Buckeye Recreation Center & Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: https://townofbeechmountain.com/events/

7. Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights – Clemmons

A drive-through favorite, this five-mile route winds past more than a million lights and creative displays. Visitors can also stop at the Gift Village for holiday treats and shopping.

• Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (6 pm - 11 Nightly)
  
• Address: 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (in vehicles)
  
• Free: No (per vehicle fee)
  
• Website: forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood/fol

8. North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival – Cary

Held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, this event features massive handcrafted lanterns, Chinese acrobatic performances, and a walk-through cultural experience. A sensory-friendly night is also available.

• Dates: November 16, 2025 – January 12, 2026
  
• Address: 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: boothamphitheatre.com/events

9. WinterFest at Carowinds – Charlotte

Carowinds amusement park goes all-in on Christmas with themed zones, shows, a nightly parade, skating, and plenty of rides still open. It’s one of the largest holiday events in the Carolinas.

• Dates: Select nights November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (11 am - 7 pm)
  
• Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (park admission)
  
• Website: https://www.carowinds.com/events/winterfest

10. Vintage Market Days® Christmas Market – Raleigh Area

This vintage-inspired shopping event brings together artisans, antiques, handmade goods, live music, and food trucks in a festive setting. It’s a unique place to find gifts you won’t see in big-box stores.

• Dates: November 14, 15, and 16, 2025
  
• Address: Jim Graham Building, NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: vintagemarketdays.com/market/nc-triangle

Christmas Memories Await

Sharing experiences is even more important than gifting during the Christmas season. North Carolina’s Christmas events are as diverse as the state itself, from small-town parades in the mountains to world-class light shows in the cities.

Let us save you even more time! Join our email list and we’ll send you the best Christmas events, tips, and traditions straight to your inbox. Follow us on Instagram @thechristmascom for even more holiday inspiration. 

Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.