Christmas is quickly approaching and it's the last weekend to squeeze in some of the seasonal events, like visits with Santa or grabbing a tree to decorate.
Whether you're interested in taking the family ice skating or walking around a "winter wonderland," we've put together a list of festive things happening around North Carolina this weekend.
Misfits Bars of Christmas Crawl
Until New Year's Eve, top restaurants in the Outer Banks will be going "all out" with Christmas decorations, special menus and signature holiday drinks, according to organizers of the Misfits Bars of Christmas Crawl. Fifteen spots are participating in the crawl. Click here to see the "misfits" and learn more about each of the restaurants joining in on the holiday fun.
Sprits will be high with live music, tastings, trivia and photos with Santa.
Hours will vary by restaurant, and reservations are required at some spots.
Choose & cut Christmas tree farms
Do you have your Christmas tree yet? Dozens of North Carolina farms have trees waiting to be cut and brought to a home to spend Christmas in this year. Many Christmas tree farms in western North Carolina lost trees during Helene, but some are still operational.
Click here for a list of Christmas tree farms to visit.
Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park
Dozens of colorful lights will sparkle on trees and a giant Christmas tree at Joyner Park. Walk around and enjoy the lights from 6 to 9 each night through Dec. 29.
The free event is put on by the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department.
"The Evening Walk at Joyner Park is the perfect opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season and snap some memorable holiday photos," event organizers said.
The Nutcracker, a Christmas ballet, is performing for one more weekend in uptown Charlotte. Seeing the ballet is a holiday tradition for many.
The Nutcracker is going on at the Belk Theater in Charlotte through Dec. 22. Tickets are still available!
"Be transported into a winter wonderland, making a delightful stop in the Land of Sweets with Nutcracker and Clara on their mystical adventure," event organizers said.
Music is performed by the Charlotte Symphony, truly enhancing the experience.
Other Nutcracker ballets are also happening around the state. The Nutcracker by the Carolina Ballet is happening through Dec. 24 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. The ballet also features a live symphony orchestra.
High Point Ballet is presenting The Nutcracker on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at the High Point Theatre. The ballet is "swirling with heroic toy soldiers, sword-fighting mice, and the glittering Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," the site states. High Point residents get $5 off per ticket.
Another version of the Nutcracker will be performed at Reynolds Auditorium in Winston-Salem. "Join us for a mesmerizing 'Nutcracker' from the esteemed State Ballet Theater of Ukraine, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment on its North American Tour in 2024-25," event organizers posted.
The ballet is going on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. Click here for ticket information.
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.
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 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. Forest City Christmas runs through Dec. 21.
The largest drive-thru holiday light show is happening 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. The Holiday Market is going on through Dec. 28.
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.
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