It's the first weekend of 2025, and if the holiday season came and went too quickly, there are still some seasonal events happening this weekend. Winter is just getting started.
Here's a list of things happening around North Carolina.
Walk along the winter trail, go ice skating, play ice hockey, enjoy a 3-course meal, or do it all at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte.
The winter trail, featuring lights and play structures, is illuminated at night and crosses two suspension bridges. It has obstacles and play areas, and is open through mid February.
"Experience Wildwoods, Off Leash, Ice Skating, and the Canyon Zips (North and South Rim Zips) into the evening. These activities will be lighted to enjoy after the sun goes down," Whitewater Center officials said.
Wildwoods is the center's new playground area that features dozens of climbing and discovery elements, with a tree house village and balance bikes for kids.
The center offers ice skating on a converted pond during the winter. Skate up to the on-ice Airstream to get a hot or cold drink.
If you enjoy being on the ice, the center also has cask curling that is accessed with an ice skating pass.
Click here for activity pass information.
2025 N.C. Collector's Roadshow
It's a weekend to collect! The 2025 N.C. Collector's Roadshow is headed to Raleigh, where attendees can expect to snag sports cards, toys, comic books, action figures, Hot Wheels, Pokémon and other collectibles.
"There is a never-ending supply of hidden gems at our toys and collectibles shows," event organizers said.
Hosted by Inside Pitch Promotions, the show is happening at the Exposition Center on the N.C. State Fairgrounds. The event will go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets for adults start at $5 and kids age 10 and under are free.
The Life & Art of Charles M Schulz
Explore the life of cartoonist Charles Monroe Schulz, who created the Peanuts comic strip. The exhibit is open this weekend in Alamance County.
"With Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the lovable Peanuts Gang, Schulz explored the emotional territory of friendship, disappointment, faith, and tolerance. He was an artist and a storyteller who transformed images of everyday life into art that captured the humor, vulnerability, and dignity of the human spirit," the event website states.
The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz is an exhibit that explores Schulz's personal history and his role as the inspiration behind Peanuts.
The exhibit will be available through Jan. 17 at Alamance Arts. Click here for exhibit hours and tickets. Children under age 5 are free
The largest drive-thru holiday light show is continuing 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.
Tickets start at $35 per car.
Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center
Step into a world of lights at the Greensboro Science Museum this weekend. Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center 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.
Click here for tickets.