Where to go in North Carolina at Christmas? Read this article with a list of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina with Christmas markets, festive Christmas Mass, feasts, and holiday activities.
Christmas Towns In North Carolina – North Carolina Christmas Vacation
North Carolina’s charming Christmas towns captivate visitors with festive decorations, enchanting light displays, and a warm Southern hospitality that infuses the holiday season with a unique charm.
Weather – North Carolina Christmas Vacation Tour
North Carolina experiences diverse Christmas weather, with coastal areas enjoying milder temperatures averaging around 50°F (10°C). In comparison, the mountainous regions may see cooler temperatures, often dipping below freezing, creating the possibility of a festive dusting of snow to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
This climatic variety lets residents and visitors choose between a cozy coastal celebration or a winter wonderland experience in scenic mountain towns.
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12 Best Christmas Towns In North Carolina – Christmas Attractions In North Carolina
Let’s check out things to do for Christmas in North Carolina and know what to do in North Carolina at Christmas.
Asheville:
Asheville in North Carolina is renowned as one of the best Christmas towns due to its enchanting Biltmore Village Dickens Festival, where the historic streets come alive with Victorian charm and festive cheer.
Christmas Market Name: Biltmore Village Dickens Festival
Christmas Activities: Visit the Biltmore Estate for dazzling light displays, carriage rides, and live music.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum.
- Lace-up your skates and enjoy outdoor ice skating at Pack Square Park.
- Explore the festive events at The Omni Grove Park Inn, including gingerbread house displays.
- Attend a holiday concert by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.
- Take a trolley tour to view the best Christmas lights in Asheville.
- Visit the Grove Arcade for holiday shopping in a historic setting.
Christmas Mass: Attend the Christmas Eve service at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence.
Asheville’s holiday atmosphere is further elevated by the spectacular light displays and seasonal activities at the Biltmore Estate, creating a magical and unforgettable Christmas experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Boone:
Boone, North Carolina, is a quintessential Christmas destination with its picturesque mountain setting, offering visitors a chance to experience a magical holiday ambiance enhanced by festive events, charming local shops, and the potential for a snow-covered landscape, creating a truly enchanting Christmas vacation.
Christmas Market Name: Appalachian Holiday Craft Show
Christmas Activities: Enjoy skiing and snow tubing at Appalachian Ski Mountain.
Things to Do:
- Take a festive ride on the Tweetsie Christmas Express.
- Indulge in the warmth of a traditional Christmas feast at the historic Daniel Boone Inn, known for its Southern hospitality and delicious family-style dining that captures the season’s spirit.
- Check out the holiday events hosted by Appalachian State University.
- Stroll Through the Charming Downtown.
Christmas Mass: Attend the Christmas Day service at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church.
The town’s warm community spirit and the possibility of winter activities make Boone a captivating retreat for those seeking an authentic and memorable North Carolina Christmas experience.
Charlotte:
Charlotte, North Carolina, transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, with its Uptown area adorned in dazzling lights, offering enchanting holiday displays, spirited parades, and a magical ice-skating experience, making it a captivating destination for a joyful and vibrant Christmas vacation in the heart of the state.
Christmas Market Name: Southern Christmas Show
Christmas Activities: Skate at the Holiday on Ice rink uptown.
Things to Do:
- Experience the Speedway Christmas light display at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
- Take a short drive to McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town USA, where the entire town is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.
- Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the holiday season for “Holidays at the Hall.”
- Kick off the holiday season by enjoying the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Uptown Charlotte.
Christmas Mass: Join the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral.
Charlotte’s blend of Southern charm, cultural events, and festive activities creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors seeking a memorable holiday experience in Charlotte.
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill stands out as one of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina, thanks to its picturesque charm, festive decorations adorning the historic downtown area, and a warm community spirit that invites residents and visitors alike to partake in joyful holiday celebrations, creating a truly magical Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas Market Name: Festifall Arts Market
Christmas Activities: Stroll through the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Botanical Garden.
Things to Do:
- Attend a holiday concert at Memorial Hall.
- Experience the enchantment of The Carolina Inn, beautifully decorated for the holidays.
- Discover the season’s magic with holiday-themed planetarium shows and festive displays at the Morehead Planetarium.
- Join the local community in celebrating the season at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer, creating a lively and spirited atmosphere.
- Explore the iconic Southern Season, a gourmet food and gift store, for unique holiday shopping.
- Enjoy holiday events and activities at University Place, including tree lighting ceremonies, festive markets, and seasonal performances, adding a joyful touch to the Christmas spirit in Chapel Hill.
Christmas Mass: Attend the Christmas Day service at University United Methodist Church.
The town’s blend of cultural events, local festivities, and Southern hospitality makes Chapel Hill a delightful destination to experience the joy and enchantment of the holiday season.
Winston-Salem:
Winston-Salem has become a magical Christmas town in North Carolina with its historic Moravian traditions, where the enchanting Old Salem district comes alive with candlelit streets, traditional crafts, and festive events, offering visitors a captivating journey into the spirit of an authentic Moravian Christmas.
Christmas Market Name: Old Salem Christmas Market
Christmas Activities: Visit Tanglewood Park for the Festival of Lights.
Things to Do:
- Experience the Candle Tea tradition at Old Salem.
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Hanes Mall, where Christmas decorations and holiday lights create a cheerful ambiance.
- Attend the Winston-Salem Jaycees Holiday Parade, a community tradition featuring festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer, bringing the community together to celebrate the joy of the season.
- Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Old Salem with Christmas Candlelight Tours, where the historic district is illuminated by candlelight, and costumed interpreters share the traditions of Moravian Christmas in the 18th century.
Christmas Mass: Attend the Christmas Eve service at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.
The town’s blend of rich cultural heritage, illuminated holiday displays, and community warmth make Winston-Salem a truly magical destination to experience the season’s wonder and joy.
Raleigh:
Visit Raleigh during Christmas in North Carolina for a delightful blend of festive events, including the Raleigh Christmas Parade, and mesmerizing light displays at Pullen Park, and the enchanting Winterfest, where the state capital transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a perfect mix of holiday cheer and Southern charm.
Christmas Market Name: Raleigh Christkindl Market
Christmas Activities: Skate at the outdoor ice rink at City Plaza.
Things to Do:
- Kick off the holiday season by attending the Raleigh Christmas Parade.
- Experience the enchanting Lights on the Neuse, a holiday lights extravaganza just outside Raleigh in Clayton.
- Bring the family to Pullen Park for the Holiday Express, featuring a train ride through thousands of twinkling lights, a carousel adorned in holiday decor, and visits with Santa, providing a joyful and magical experience for all.
- Immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of Winterfest, where downtown Raleigh transforms with an outdoor ice-skating rink, festive decorations, and holiday performances, creating a magical and family-friendly atmosphere.
Christmas Mass: Join the Christmas Day Mass at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral.
Raleigh’s vibrant atmosphere, cultural festivities, and seasonal attractions make it an ideal destination for a magical Christmas experience in the heart of North Carolina.
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Greensboro:
Greensboro emerges as one of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina, enchanting visitors with its festive spirit showcased through the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, historic holiday tours, and community-driven events, creating a magical tapestry of seasonal charm and Southern hospitality.
Christmas Market Name: Festival of Lights
Christmas Activities: Explore the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden light displays.
Things to Do:
- Stroll through downtown Greensboro adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and seasonal storefront displays.
- Immerse yourself in the Festival of Trees at the Greensboro Historical Museum, where elaborately decorated trees and holiday displays showcase the creativity and festive spirit of the community.
- Enjoy a Victorian-inspired Christmas at the O. Henry Hotel, where Dickens Dinners offer a festive feast accompanied by carolers.
Christmas Mass: Attend the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church.
The town’s blend of vibrant light displays, cultural traditions, and community engagement makes Greensboro a standout destination for those seeking a joyous and memorable Christmas experience.
Durham:
Durham earns its place among the best Christmas towns in North Carolina with its festive blend of cultural events, including the American Tobacco Tower Lighting, dazzling holiday displays at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and the vibrant Motorco Holiday Market, creating a spirited and joyful atmosphere that captures the essence of the season.
Christmas Market Name: American Tobacco Holiday Market
Christmas Activities: Attend the iconic American Tobacco Tower Lighting ceremony in Durham.
Things to Do:
- Attend a holiday performance at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the season’s magic with holiday-themed performances at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
- Experience the enchanting Sarah P. Duke Gardens during the holiday as it transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, seasonal displays, and special events, providing a peaceful and festive escape.
- Visit the Motorco Holiday Market for a unique shopping experience featuring local artisans, crafters, and vendors.
- Stroll through Brightleaf Square, where the historic architecture is adorned with festive lights and holiday decorations.
Christmas Mass: Join the Christmas Day service at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Hendersonville:
Hendersonville earns its distinction as one of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina with its picturesque Main Street, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a charming holiday backdrop.
Christmas Market Name: Hendersonville for the Holidays
Christmas Activities: Take a stroll through the historic downtown’s holiday decorations.
Things to Do:
- Attend the Downtown Holiday Street Lighting ceremony, where the streets of Hendersonville are illuminated with holiday lights, live music, and a joyful community atmosphere to kick off the Christmas season.
- Explore the historic Johnson Farm during the Christmas season, where special holiday tours showcase the farm’s heritage with decorations, seasonal exhibits, and festive activities for the whole family.
- Take a short drive to the North Carolina Arboretum for the Winter Lights display, featuring thousands of colorful lights, interactive displays, and festive music, creating a magical experience in the heart of nature.
- Visit Santa at the Historic Train Depot.
Christmas Mass: Attend the Christmas Eve Mass at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church.
Hendersonville’s annual Christmas events, including the Home for the Holidays celebration and the historic district’s timeless appeal, contribute to a warm and enchanting atmosphere that captures the season’s true spirit.
Fayetteville:
Fayetteville stands out as one of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina, boasting a festive blend of events such as the Dickens Holiday and the enchanting Carriage Rides, creating a historic and joyful atmosphere that celebrates the season with a unique Southern charm.
Christmas Market Name: Dickens Holiday
Christmas Activities: Immerse yourself in the charm of Fayetteville’s Dickens Holiday, an annual event downtown that transforms the historic area into a Victorian-era Christmas celebration, complete with costumed characters, carriage rides, and festive entertainment.
Things to Do:
- Enjoy the magic of the season with horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Fayetteville.
- Attend the Liberty Point Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where the community gathers to witness the illumination of the town’s Christmas tree.
- Experience the festive atmosphere at Arnette Park during Christmas in the Park, featuring holiday lights, decorations, and themed displays, creating a winter wonderland for families to explore and enjoy.
- Embrace the holiday spirit with the Cameo Art House Theatre’s Holiday Film Series, showcasing classic Christmas movies in a historic setting.
Christmas Mass: Join the Christmas Day service at St. Patrick Catholic Church.
The town’s rich cultural traditions, vibrant community spirit, and holiday attractions make Fayetteville a delightful destination for a memorable and heartwarming Christmas experience.
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New Bern – North Carlonia At Christmas
New Bern secures its status as one of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina with its historic charm accentuated by festive decorations along Tryon Palace, captivating candlelight tours, and the town’s warm hospitality, offering a timeless and enchanting holiday experience.
Christmas Market Name: New Bern Farmer’s Market Holiday Show
Christmas Activities: Explore the historic downtown decorated for the holidays.
Things to Do:
- Attend the “Festival of Trees” at the North Carolina History Center.
- Experience the historic Tryon Palace adorned in festive lights during the Candlelight Christmas Celebration.
- Visit Bear Town Market for their annual Christmas Lights Display, where the store’s exterior transforms into a festive light show, creating a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of downtown.
- Attend the Neuse River Lighted Boat Parade, a unique Christmas event where boats decorated with festive lights sail along the Neuse River, creating a picturesque and magical scene along the waterfront of New Bern.
Christmas Mass: Attend the Christmas Eve service at Christ Episcopal Church.
The combination of colonial elegance, waterfront views, and a calendar filled with seasonal events makes New Bern a picturesque destination that embodies the magic of Christmas.
Wilmington
Wilmington earns its reputation as one of the best Christmas towns in North Carolina with its festive Riverwalk adorned in holiday lights, the iconic Victorian-era decorations of the Historic District, and a wealth of seasonal events, creating a magical ambiance that blends coastal charm with traditional Christmas spirit.
Christmas Market Name: Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla
Christmas Activities: Take a holiday-themed riverboat cruise along the Cape Fear River.
Things to Do:
- Embark on a trolley tour through historic downtown Wilmington, adorned with Victorian-era decorations and holiday lights.
- Experience the season’s magic at Enchanted Airlie, where the gardens are transformed into a dazzling display of holiday lights featuring festive decorations, seasonal music, and the enchanting Butterfly House.
- Attend the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach, where decorated boats light up the Intracoastal Waterway, accompanied by fireworks and festive celebrations, creating a unique coastal Christmas spectacle.
- Explore the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA during the holidays, where special events like the Battleship Ho Ho Ho, featuring Santa’s arrival by helicopter, and other festive activities provide a maritime and joyful Christmas experience.
Christmas Mass: Join the Christmas Day Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church.
Wilmington’s unique blend of historic charm, waterfront beauty, and community-driven celebrations makes Wilmington an enchanting destination for a coastal Christmas experience.
Now you know the best Christmas towns in North Carolina, with twinkling lights, festive events, and warm Southern hospitality enveloping you in the true magic of the holiday season.
From the historic charm of Chapel Hill to the snowy landscapes of Boone, each town offers a unique and enchanting experience, inviting you to create cherished memories and embrace the joyous spirit of Christmas in the heart of the Tar Heel State.
So visit North Carolina at Christmas after reading this article on the best Christmas towns in North Carolina with magical Christmas attractions in North Carolina.
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