It's the first full weekend in December and holiday events are popping up in every corner of the state.
We've put together a list of festive things happening around North Carolina this weekend — and Santa will be traveling around to some of them. He may be at your local mall too.
It's been a tradition for as long as many North Carolinians can remember — each December the town of McAdenville lights up into a Christmas wonderland. Plus, it's free!
Stay warm in your car while driving through and admiring each home's personality magnified through lights and holiday decorations. The lights attract visitors from across the country. There is also an option to park and walk through the downtown area.
"An evening in Christmas Town U.S.A. is like a magical trip back in time," event organizers said.
The lights will shine from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night through Dec. 26. Town leaders recommend arriving early to enjoy dinner at Terra Mia Ristorante or stopping by 115 Craft for a craft beer or wine. The town also has a boutique and candy shop that are worth checking out.
Christmas Town U.S.A. kicked off last weekend with a tree lighting ceremony.
Be prepared for traffic.
Get ready for more lights, marshmallow roasting by a campfire, holiday movies, balloon art, carnival games, food and drink options and a visit with Santa! It's all happening at the Merry & Bright a Holiday of Lights festival at the Poplar Grove Plantation in Wilmington.
Kids will also be able to write a letter to send to the North Pole or to military men and women serving abroad.
The event started last weekend and will run Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 22. Tickets start at $10 for those age 3 and up.
Over a million Christmas lights will be on display along Forest City's Main Street this weekend. If strolling through the lights with a warm beverage in hand isn't entertainment enough, there's also carriage rides, hay rides, Santa visits and ice skating.
Carriage rides must be reserved in advance. Click here for more information on events by day.
The largest drive-thru holiday light show is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway! It's a favorite for families who prefer to enjoy a light show from the comfort of their heated car, with the ability to tote snacks around for the littles. Speedway Christmas runs through Jan. 5.
The show features more than 5 million lights on a four-mile course. The show is open 6-10 p.m. rain or shine. Those driving through can tune in to 101.3 FM for a synchronized lights-to-music show. Plus there are movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas.
Stop by the Christmas Village, in the infield, on Thursday through Sunday nights.
Tickets start at $35 per car.
Going to the Highlands during this time of year feels like stepping into a holiday movie, according to event organizers.
"Picture a small town with Christmas lights, decorated storefronts, cozy restaurants, welcoming hotels, and friendly faces," the website states.
Holidays in the Highlands features different daily events through December, with Light Up the Park happening Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. The Holiday Market is also going on through Dec. 28.
"The park starts out dark, filled with the warm hum of excitement as families sip hot chocolate and share candy canes, waiting for the festivities to begin," event organizers said of the Light Up the Park event. "The night features timeless traditions—reading the Christmas story, singing carols, and, most magical of all, Santa’s arrival to light up the park with millions of twinkling lights."
Click here for event info.
Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center
Step into a world of lights at the Greensboro Science Museum this weekend. Winter Wonderlights started Nov. 20 at the Greensboro Science Center and runs through Jan. 5.
Tickets start at $15 and are free for those age 2 and under.
"Come and be part of the magic during this milestone season and discover a world of twinkling beauty, where every corner holds a new surprise and embodies the joy of the holidays," event organizers said.
THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater
Grab a pair of ice skates and twirl around in a winter wonderland at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh. The amphitheater 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.
Carowinds turns 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 continues nightly through Jan. 12 and is closed on Christmas.
Hosted by the Koka Booth Amphitheater, visitors can enjoy light displays and take in 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.
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
If you want want to pause the holiday events and enjoy live entertainment encased by art and culture, 3 Chambers Fest is going on in Wilmington through Dec. 7. The festival showcases hip-hop, martial arts and anime culture through live music, art and film experiences.
There are plenty of places to eat, drink, visit and shop. Click here for some recommendations by event organizers.
Click here for a schedule of events.
Pass sales ended but single event tickets are still available
See whirligigs in action at night in Wilson!
"This exclusive, after-dark experience lets you and your family explore the iconic Whirligigs by flashlight, creating a magical glow among the towering sculptures," event organizers said. Kids will receive holiday magic glasses. Each tour is led by a guide who shares stories about the whirligigs and their creator, Vollis Simpson.
The event is going on Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and free for those age 12 and under.
Whirligig Park is at 301 S. Goldsboro St.
Most state parks in western North Carolina have reopened at least partially following devastation from Helene, according to state park officials. 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.