The holiday season is a time for savoring traditions old and new. In North and South Carolina, those traditions shine bright, whether in coastal towns lit by harbor displays, mountain villages wrapped in garland, or city spectacles that rival the nation’s best. These holiday activities in the Carolinas bring the spirit of the season to life for adults and kids alike.
Charleston, SC
What’s more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage ride through Charleston’s cobblestone streets? In December, the Holy City feels tailormade for holiday magic. Rainbow Row balconies glisten with garland and lights. Fragrant wreaths hang from wrought-iron gates. And of course, King Street offers a treasure trove of gifts. Cozy up with a hot toddy in a historic inn and linger through New Year’s, when Charleston’s perfect balance of old-world charm and lively energy makes the season feel extra sweet.
Greenville, SC
Downtown Greenville bursts with festive energy each December, thanks to a strong community of local businesses and makers. Annual highlights include a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, and a special holiday farmers market. Shop windows transform into works of art during the city’s holiday display competition, making a stroll down Main Street part shopping, part gallery walk. And for family-friendly fun, lace up your skates at the seasonal rink on the Village Green, open daily throughout the holidays.
Hilton Head Island, SC
On Hilton Head Island, the holidays come with a salty breeze instead of snowflakes. The season sparkles with performances of Elf The Musical at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, whimsical rides aboard the Polar Pines Wagon, and light displays at Shelter Cove and Harbour Town. Whether you’re strolling the marina or lounging with toes in the sand, Hilton Head blends relaxation with festivity for a coastal holiday unlike any other.
Saluda Shoals Park, SC
Holiday cheer sparkles in the Midlands at Saluda Shoals Park. Here, Holiday Lights on the River transforms the landscape into a drive-through wonderland. More than a million lights dance across the riverfront. Plus, there are themed displays, a laser light show, and walking trails that invite you to step into the glow. This town has no shortage of holiday activities in the Carolinas.
Davidson, NC
If small-town charm has a crown jewel, it might just be Davidson. This lakeside college town glows with merriment all December long. But the first weekend of the month is especially magical thanks to Christmas in Davidson, a three-night festival filled with artisan markets, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even a live nativity (complete with camels). Saturday brings the town’s beloved Christmas parade down Main Street.
Christmas Town USA, NC
If you’re looking for holiday activities in the Carolinas, look no further than Christmas Town USA. Each December, McAdenville re-earns its nickname with more than a half-million lights adorning every corner of town. Streets and homes glitter thanks to residents who join in the spectacle, while the quaint downtown glows with festive charm. It’s one of the state’s most enduring holiday traditions, drawing visitors from near and far.
Forest City, NC
Forest City transforms into a storybook setting from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. There are more than a million lights strung over Main Street. Horse-drawn carriage rides, synthetic ice skating, and hay rides bring extra small-town magic, making this Rutherford County gem worth the trip.
Greensboro, NC
At the Greensboro Science Center, the annual Winter Wonderlights is a family favorite. Immersive tunnels, glowing orbs, and themed displays spread across the campus, blending whimsy and elegance for a Triad holiday experience.
Wilmington & Carolina Beach, NC
On the Carolina coast, Wilmington and nearby Carolina Beach shine with seaside spirit. Downtown Wilmington hosts the annual Holiday Flotilla, where boats decked in lights glide along the Cape Fear River. Just down the shore, Christmas by the Sea brings boardwalk lights, festive rides, and entertainment that pair perfectly with the ocean breeze.
Asheville, NC
From gingerbread masterpieces to candlelit grandeur, Asheville is a holiday haven. The Omni Grove Park Inn’s national gingerbread competition draws bakers from across the country, with breathtaking creations on display through January. Downtown offers one-of-a-kind shopping for everyone on your list, but the season’s crown jewels are its signature holiday attractions. The Biltmore Estate glows with more than 60 decorated trees, thousands of ornaments, and miles of garland. Its grand halls and candlelit dinners capture the timeless magic of Christmas. Extend your visit to Antler Hill Village, where the winery, farmyard, and shops all dress for the season. Finally, the NC Arboretum strings more than a million lights along its walking paths, culminating in a 50-foot animated tree.
Blowing Rock, NC
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock could double as a Hallmark movie set. Main Street is charming year-round, but during the holidays, it glows with decorations and cheer. Plan your trip around one of the town’s weekend celebrations and don’t miss the Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort, where sparkling installations encircle the lake and illuminate the winter nights.
Highlands, NC
Highlands turns up the coziness as winter settles into the Appalachian Mountains. Days are perfect for exploring nearby waterfalls or the trails of Nantahala National Forest, while evenings bring festive shopping, fine dining, and streets lined with decorations. For the ultimate retreat, book a stay at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, where seasonal packages and fireside charm make every night feel like a celebration.
Beech and Sugar Mountain Ski Resorts, NC
Snow-dusted peaks and roaring fireplaces set the stage for holiday magic at North Carolina’s ski resorts. Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain pair slope-side adventure with cozy lodge comforts—think steaming mugs of cocoa, crackling hearths, and mountain views wrapped in garland.
Charlotte, NC
There’s plenty to do across the Queen City region, starting with the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s annual light display is as much art as it is festivity, guiding visitors along a glowing outdoor trail through the center’s grounds. Uptown at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights, you’ll experience a winter wonderland with ice skating, snow tubing, retail vendors, and sparkling lights—all framed by the skyline. At Charlotte Motor Speedway, see one of the largest holiday light shows in the Southeast. The Speedway’s annual spectacle dazzles with four million lights set along 3.75 miles of track. A short drive away in Mill Spring, the Tryon Equestrian Center’s Winterfest brings hundreds of thousands of lights to life with synchronized displays.
From seaside villages to mountaintop resorts, from small-town parades to million-light extravaganzas, holiday activities in the Carolinas sparkle with spirit. Make time for a new family tradition this year by taking a day trip, booking a cozy retreat or simply heading to your own nearest downtown. These destinations remind us that magic isn’t far from home.
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