20 Top Things to Do in North Carolina during Winter 2024
It’s timeeeeee! Winter is almost here, and we're ready to dive into the holiday magic North Carolina has to offer. Being based in Raleigh, we’ll start with some favorite winter activities in The Triangle and then venture out across the state. From Christmas light displays to holiday dining and festive events, here are 20 winter must-dos for an unforgettable season!
Winter Must-Dos in and Around Raleigh
Left image from Thriving in Raleigh at Fenton | Right image from Thriving in Raleigh at The RINK
1. Outdoor Ice Skating
Where: The Rink (Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601) and Fenton (855 Cary Towne Blvd, Cary, NC 27511)
Price: $15-$20 per person, including skate rental
Skate at one of Raleigh’s outdoor rinks, offering a refreshing way to get outside and enjoy winter right in the city.
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518
Price: $31+ for ages 3+ , free for children under 2
View a striking collection of large, artistically crafted lanterns, showcasing traditional Chinese designs and seasonal themes.
3. Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Walk
Where: Various locations throughout Downtown Raleigh. See map here!
Price: Free
Take a self-guided walk through downtown to see light installations set up for the season, adding a unique glow to familiar spots.
4. Holiday-Themed Bars
Where: St. Nick’s House (500 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603) and Haymaker (555 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601)
Price: St. Nick’s House $10+ for entry (drinks sold separately), Haymaker is free entry (drinks sold separately).
Enjoy specialty cocktails and festive decor with a holiday twist at Raleigh’s popular seasonal pop-up bars.
5. Christmas Lights Displays
Where: Lights on the Neuse (1620 Loop Rd, Clayton, NC 27527) and Christmas Lights on Holt Road (305 Holt Rd, Apex, NC 27523)
Price: Lights on the Neuse $11 for ages 3 and up, Christmas Lights on Holt Road $20 per car.
Where: Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St, Durham, NC 27701
Price: $30-$100, depending on seat selection
Catch a live performance of A Christmas Carol and enjoy a fresh take on the classic holiday story.
7. Watch the Raleigh Christmas Parade
Where: Various viewing locations in Downtown Raleigh. See route here! Saturday, November 23rd 2024
Price: Free
This annual parade is a Raleigh tradition, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa Claus to kick off the holiday season.
8. Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas Concert
Where: Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, December 9th 2024
Price: $50-$200, depending on seat selection
Enjoy Mariah Carey live as she brings her holiday music tour to Raleigh, a great event for fans of her seasonal hits.
Where: The Angus Barn, 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617
Price: Entrees range from $30-$80 per person
Celebrate the season with a meal at one of Raleigh’s favorite steakhouses, known for its welcoming ambiance and standout dishes. Their Christmas decorations are STUNNING.
10. First Night Raleigh’s Acorn Drop
Where: Downtown Raleigh, Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Price: $16 for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12. Admission is free for children under the age of 5.
Join Raleigh’s downtown celebration on New Year’s Eve, featuring live music, performances, and the city’s annual Acorn Drop.
Beyond Raleigh: Winter Adventures Across North Carolina
Left image from Biltmore Estate | Right image from Carowinds
11. Biltmore Estate
Where: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
Price: $125-$155 for adults, $85 for children ages 10-16, $15 for kids under 9
Tour the Biltmore House with its stunning holiday decorations, plus enjoy seasonal events and activities on the estate.
12. NC Zoo’s Jingle in the Jungle
Where: North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205
Price: $5 for general admission (Dec. 16-20 only)
Visit the zoo at a discounted rate for special winter-themed activities and a chance to see the animals with a seasonal backdrop.
13. Polar Express Train Ride
Where: NC Transportation Museum (1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer, NC 28159) or Bryson City Depot (45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713)
Price: $30-$50 per person, depending on date and seating
Take a festive train ride inspired by The Polar Express, with stops for hot chocolate and a visit from Santa.
14. Skiing & Snow Tubing
Where: Sugar Mountain Resort (1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604) and Beech Mountain Resort (1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604)
Price: Lift tickets range from $45-$85 per day, depending on resort and time
Hit the slopes at one of North Carolina’s popular ski resorts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing options. See our favorite ski resorts in and near NC here.
15. OBXmas - Outer Banks Holiday Festivities
Where: Various locations along the Outer Banks, NC
Price: Free to low-cost events; some activities may charge a small fee
Celebrate the season along the coast, with holiday events running from Thanksgiving through early January.
Where: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Price: $32-$45 per person, depending on age
Carowinds transforms into a winter-themed park with lights, live entertainment, and winter activities for all ages.
17. Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Where: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027
Price: $30 per car on weekdays, $40 per car on weekends
Drive through a huge holiday light show, featuring millions of lights along a 4-mile course around the speedway.
18. Tweetsie Railroad Christmas
Where: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Price: $52 for adults, $34 for children ages 3-12, free for children under 3
Enjoy a festive ride at Tweetsie Railroad with lights, holiday music, and seasonal activities.
19. McAdenville - Hallmark Christmas Town
Where: McAdenville, NC (Main St and surrounding neighborhoods)
Price: Free
Known as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville offers impressive holiday displays and is worth the trip for a stroll or drive-through.
20. Candlelight Event at Tryon Palace
Where: Tryon Palace, 529 S Front St, New Bern, NC 2856, December 14 & 21, 2024 4:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Price: $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-14, free for children under 5
Tour the historic Tryon Palace by candlelight, with costumed interpreters, live music, and fireworks to mark the season.
This list provides an array of North Carolina’s best winter activities, from outdoor skating and light displays to holiday performances and seasonal dining. Enjoy exploring, and happy holidays! 🎄❤️