Your Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In North Carolina
Jasmine Vieau
Author
Embrace the winter wonderland that is North Carolina with our ultimate guide to winter attractions and activities. From the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains to the charming coastal towns, the Tar Heel State comes alive with seasonal delights during the winter months. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking snowy adventures, a cozy cabin dweller looking for fireside relaxation, or someone in search of festive holiday events with holiday lights, North Carolina has it all. Join us on a journey through the best winter experiences, from skiing in the high country to sipping hot cocoa with Santa, and discover the many ways to make your winter in North Carolina truly unforgettable.
Holiday Events In North Carolina
North Carolina is a holiday wonderland, and its festive spirit comes alive through a plethora of enchanting events. From the grandeur of Christmas at Biltmore, where America’s Largest Home transforms into a holiday masterpiece, to the mesmerizing North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, featuring breathtaking illuminated displays, the state offers a dazzling array of holiday celebrations. Venture to Forest City Christmas Lights for a magnificent display along historic Main Street or experience the Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum, where over a million twinkling lights create a captivating winter wonderland. These holiday events in North Carolina promise unforgettable memories and festive joy for all.
1. Christmas at Biltmore
Experience the cherished tradition of Christmas at Biltmore, where the entire Biltmore Estate comes alive with enchantment. There are two magical experiences to enjoy (select tickets include Italian Renaissance Alive and free grounds access the next day).
During the Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration, the elegant rooms of Biltmore House are adorned with Christmas trees, garlands, and twinkling lights, creating a festive wonderland. For a different experience, attend the Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where candlelight, fireplaces, and live music transport you back to the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895.
If you're in the Asheville area, do not miss this event! A grand sparkling Norwegian spruce tree and pathway luminaries are waiting for you at Christmas at Biltmore.
2. Forest City Christmas Lights
Forest City proudly continues its annual tradition of illuminating historic Main Street with over a million Christmas lights. Join the city for the Christmas Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving night, when the Mayor and a special guest will light up the town where you'll stroll through the Pavilion On Park Square to see the region's largest, lighted ornament and a decorated tree (the Forest City Christmas Parade follows on Sunday as well).
Enjoy private horse-drawn carriage rides and family hayrides, meet Santa, and experience ice skating under the Main Street lights every Friday and Saturday through most of December. Forest City Main Street Association offers hot beverages, and food trucks are nearby at the Rutherford County Farmers Market for even more festive delights.
Don't forget to explore local restaurants and shops on Main Street for great food, unique gifts, and festive storefront displays. Go experience the Hometown Holiday Festivities in Forest City!
3. North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Gear up for the annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, a dazzling holiday tradition. Skilled Chinese artisans are creating over an additional 40 new lantern displays, each adorned with thousands of LED lights. These larger-than-life lanterns will illuminate the night and be accompanied by cultural arts performances on the main stage. This treasured festival draws visitors from across the state and the nation, making it a must-see event hosted by Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
4. Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum
Running every evening from mid-November through New Year's Day, Winter Lights is a magnificent outdoor light show boasting more than a million dazzling lights. Hosted at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, this year's exhibition includes beloved attractions like the towering 50-foot illuminated tree and the Quilt Garden, as well as captivating new additions to thrill and astonish visitors. It's worth noting that Winter Lights serves as a vital annual fundraiser for The North Carolina Arboretum, contributing to its mission-driven programs and initiatives.
Christmas Towns In North Carolina
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in some of North Carolina’s best Christmas towns. From the iconic Christmas Town USA in McAdenville with its dazzling light displays to the charming coastal beauty of Beaufort adorned with festive decor, these towns are your ticket to a magical holiday experience. Join the Polar Express in Bryson City, where holiday cheer fills the air, or wander the fairytale streets of Blowing Rock, aglow with the spirit of Christmas. These Christmas towns offer a delightful escape into the festive wonders of the season.
5. Christmas Town USA
From December 1-26, experience the magic of the charming downtown of Christmas Town U.S.A. as you step back in time, where festive lights in green, red, and white shine nightly from 5:30-10 p.m. Be sure not to miss events like the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Yule Log Parade on Main Street as well! Enjoy a meal at Terra Mia Ristorante, sip craft beer or wine at 115 Craft, and explore unique shops like Mona’s Boutique and Gifts, The Modest Market, and Revolver Records. Whether you drive through or stroll, the holiday spirit fills the air, with bells playing carols in the historic downtown. Create cherished Christmas memories in this quaint town.
6. Bryson City
Experience the enchantment of Bryson City during the Christmas season with its festive downtown square adorned with a grand Christmas Tree and twinkling lights. From Polar Express Train rides, holiday hayrides, local artisan shopping, ice skating, letters to Santa, and heartwarming community events, like the Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade and the Tree Lighting Event - Bryson City offers a magical holiday for all.
7. Beaufort
Beaufort is a top holiday destination in North Carolina, known for its beautifully decorated downtown and festive events like the Annual Christmas Parade, Christmas Candlelight Tour, and Holiday Art Walk. The Candlelight Tour, featuring private homes and the Beaufort Historic Site, is a must-do, offering a glimpse of stunning holiday decorations. Don't forget to explore downtown's galleries and shops during the Holiday Art Walk for a dose of festive artistry.
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8. Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, a charming mountain town in northern North Carolina, is renowned for its festive holiday spirit, particularly during the annual Christmas in the Park celebration. The Christmas Parade on Main Street is a beloved tradition featuring colorful costumes, floats, animals, and a joyful atmosphere. The Lighting of the Town Festival, held the Friday after Thanksgiving, offers hot chocolate, caroling, and visits with Santa, making it the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Strolling through the town's enchanting streets adorned with holiday decorations is a magical experience. You can also enjoy seasonal activities like the Festival of Trees, carriage rides, and hikes along the scenic Glenbury Trail. Don't miss Tweetsie Christmas, offering a nighttime train ride through millions of lights, live performances, Santa's Gingerbread House, and s'mores by the fire. Blowing Rock is a must-visit for a festive holiday season.
Outdoor Activities
North Carolina is a playground for outdoor lovers, offering winter activities to suit every taste. If you’re craving adventure, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park, Cataloochee Ski Area, or Sugar Mountain Resort. If you’re seeking out winter sports, ski resorts, and fun things to do in North Carolina, these spots will not disappoint.
9. U.S. National Whitewater Center
The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, spans 1,300 acres of protected land, offering over 30 outdoor activities, 50 miles of trails, and access to the Catawba River and Long Creek.
From November to February, visitors can enjoy a unique ice skating experience on a 24,000 sq. ft. rink featuring two ice trails and two free skate zones, complete with an on-ice Airstream for refreshments - the perfect wintertime activity.
10. Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park
If you're cooped up indoors and searching for an affordable, family-friendly activity, consider giving Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing a whirl! The thrilling 400-foot-long slopes offer steep and speedy rides, allowing you to maximize your snow tubing adventure with more runs. For those moments when you need a breather, Jonas Ridge even provides a viewing area where you can relax and watch the excitement unfold. Located just north of Morganton and south of Boone, the facility enjoys proximity to a range of dining and shopping options in these charming towns.
11. Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee, the OG ski spot in North Carolina, is just a quick 35-mile hop from Asheville. They've got 18 slopes, suiting everyone from newbies to seasoned shredders, along with freestyle terrain boasting two parks. You can gear up with rentals, snag ski or snowboard lessons, grab swag at the gift shop, chow down in the cafeteria, sip at the full bar, and stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Oh, and for some extra family fun, don't forget to check out the snow tubing action at Tube World down in the valley on 4721 Soco Rd.
12. Sugar Mountain Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort is your go-to spot for winter adventure in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, with 125 acres of ski terrain spread across 21 slopes and eight speedy lifts for easy transport. Sugar Mountain Resort takes pride in offering the most extensive ski area and the biggest vertical drop, boasting a thrilling 1,200 feet. Whether you're into skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, or snowshoeing, they've got fun for the whole family.
The summit, perched at almost 5,300 feet elevation, gets showered with an average of 78 inches of natural powder every season, making it one of the snowiest locations in North Carolina. Thanks to its top-notch snow-making system, Sugar Mountain typically kicks off the ski season right around Thanksgiving and, weather permitting, keeps the slopes open through most of March. Get ready for some snowy fun!
Winter Getaways
Escape the winter chill with these enchanting getaways that promise cozy retreats and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking solitude in a remote wilderness cabin, indulging in relaxation at a rejuvenating hot springs resort, or immersing yourself in the luxury of a mountain castle, these winter getaways offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Join us as we explore Remote Retreat, Hot Springs Resort & Spa, and Smithmore Castle, where warm fires, serene landscapes, and top-notch amenities await to make your winter escape truly magical.
13. Remote Retreat
Nestled amidst 12 acres of pristine wilderness, this charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin offers the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The cabin, secluded in its private haven, boasts a serene ambiance with the soothing sounds of a rushing creek in the background. The inviting living area features an open kitchen and dining space, vaulted ceilings, a rustic stone fireplace, and a separate woodstove for added coziness. Step outside onto the deck, where you can sip your morning coffee while overlooking the tranquil creek. With convenient amenities like a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and a grill on the deck, you'll have all the comforts of home. Plus, stay connected with high-speed fiber optic internet and enjoy entertainment on the HD TV. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or a base for exploring nearby attractions, this cabin offers a beautiful setting, especially during the winter season.
14. Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Tucked away on a sprawling 100-acre property, this charming mountain spa resort, housed in a Swiss-style building overlooking the scenic French Broad River, is located just 9.8 miles away from the Paint Creek Recreation Area.
What truly sets this resort apart are the rejuvenating amenities it offers. Guests can luxuriate in their own private open-air riverside mineral water hot tubs, indulge in soothing massage and spa treatments, or visit the on-site salon for a bit of pampering.
The accommodations here are cozy and unassuming, offering a range of modest rooms and suites. For an extra touch of romance, most of these lodgings even include heart-shaped whirlpool tubs right in the room. Additionally, there's a spacious three-bedroom house available, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, a welcoming wraparound porch, a charcoal grill, and a generously sized outdoor hot tub.
15. Smithmore Castle
Discover the enchanting Smithmore Castle, a 5-star retreat perched high in North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning vistas and unrivaled luxury. Enjoy massages, archery, hiking, and more on the estate, along with fine dining, wine tastings, and cozy fire pit evenings. And with a gourmet chef and top-tier concierge services, your every desire will be met. Smithmore Castle's private mountain estate spans 100 acres, providing a peaceful escape and making it the perfect place to retreat when the snow makes its way to the mountains.
Have you been to any of these North Carolina winter activities? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you! Are you looking for things to add to your outdoor adventures bucket list? Then check out the Appalachian Ski Mountain Resort or Beech Mountain Resort.
Whether you’re looking for some waterfall hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway for some winter hikes or skipping the wintery weather altogether and traveling to the Outer Banks or Wilmington to do some biking along the beaches, North Carolina in the wintertime can’t be beaten!
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