It's the last full weekend in November, and it already feels like we're transitioning from fall to winter. We're certain Christmas music is already playing somewhere.
We've put together a list of things happening around the state this weekend.
THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater
Grab a pair of ice skates and twirl around in a winter wonderland at the Red Hat Amphiteater in Raleigh. The amphiteater transformed into an ice skating rink, with natural ice, where guests can also see a view of the Raleigh skyline.
Click here for tickets, which can also be purchased in person Monday through Friday.
The rink will remain open through Jan. 20.
Vintage Market Days of Asheville Metro
Shop for vintage gifts while helping out hundreds of small business owners in western North Carolina at the Vintage Market Days of Asheville Metro. The event is Nov. 22-24 at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center.
"This is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the timeless charm of vintage treasures," event organizers said. "Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with unique finds, inspiring artisans, and like-minded enthusiasts."
There will also be food trucks, live music and a dining hall.
"Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more," according to the website.
Click here for tickets. Children age 12 and under are free.
The WNC Ag Center is at 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher.
Related article: North Carolina business owner crafts a new path after Helene
Carowinds said goodbye to the zombies and haunted houses to transform the park into a winter wonderland. WinterFest runs through Jan. 4. Expect lights, shopping, a parade, rides, holiday-inspired food and drinks, live entertainment and even ice skating.
"Embrace the season with holiday music from crooning carolers throughout the park and find joy in Christmas activities and holiday attractions for the entire family. Help children write letters to Santa and watch their eyes grow as thousands of glimmering holiday lights appear during the Carowinds’ Christmas tree lighting, adorning one of the largest Christmas trees in the area," park officials said.
Click here for tickets.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Get ready for a stunning display at the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary.
The festival kicked off last weekend and continues through Jan. 12.
Hosted by the Koka Booth Amphitheater, guests can enjoy light displays throughout the holiday season and take in nightly traditional Chinese stage performances.
Click here for tickets.
Kannapolis Celebration of Lights
Hundreds of thousands of lights will sparkle in Village Park in Kannapolis!
Everyone is invited to board the Winterland Express train, take a spin on the Double Decker Carousel, roast marshmallows, make holiday crafts and shop the holiday marketplace while enjoying live entertainment. The event continues through Dec. 30.
Park admission is free. Tickets for the train and carousel rides are $2 per person.
The largest Christmas show in North America returned to the Charlotte Expo Center last week and will run through Sunday.
Shop unique holiday gifts while supporting hundreds of local artisans and vendors, sip a wide selection of delicious wines and get inspired from a wide selection of holiday decor.
Get tickets to this holiday tradition here.
Taste wines from nine different wineries in Yadkin Valley, North Carolina's mini "Napa Valley."
The tour will run through Dec. 31.
Tickets are $100 but can be shared between two people. A ticket includes a visit and tasting of five wines (1 oz. pours) or a flight of four wines (2 oz. pours) at all nine of the participating wineries. Each ticket also includes a custom ornament from each winery.
Event organizers recommend checking each winery's hours of operation and private event closings before traveling to the winery.
Participating wineries include:
- Brandon Hills Vineyards
- Cellar 4201
- Dobbins Creek Vineyards
- Divine Llama Vineyards
- Hanover Park Vineyards
- Midnight Magdalena Vineyards
- Sanders Ridge Vineyards
- Shadow Springs Vineyards
- Windsor Run Cellars
Grab a turkey leg and take a step back in time! This is the last weekend to catch the Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville.
"Adventure awaits with games and rides, valiant jousting knights on horseback, majestic falconry, beautiful mermaids and fairies, friendly dragons, feasting, and so much more," event organizers posted.
With over 140 vendors, there's jewelry and arts and crafts available at the event's open-air market, and the opportunity to rent a costume for the day. Event-style food, like bread bowls, and beverages are available too. From tomato-tossing to a jousting show, entertainment is scattered through the park.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time. Event organizers said they often sell out. Children under age 4 are free.
Five North Carolina state park sites that had been closed since Helene moved through have reopened. Crowders Mountain State, Gorges State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Lake Norman State Park and Rendezvous Mountain State Park are now open again.
Related article: Five state parks reopened in western North Carolina after catastrophic Helene
Justin Pryor contributed to this article.