The Christmas rush either has people ready to just relax this weekend, or get out of the house. If you're looking to do something with the kids, or without, we've got you covered. There are also some holiday events still going on for those who are still running on the Christmas spirit.
Here's a list of things happening around North Carolina this weekend.
Carolina Beach State Park half marathon and 5K run
After all the holiday meals and spending time inside, an exhilarating trail run could be just the way to get rolling this weekend. The Carolina Beach State Park is holding a half marathon and 5K Saturday. It is a timed trail race with a 13.1- and 3.1-mile course.
"Rolling pine laced single track along the coast, offers participants tons of interesting terrain to take-in while they put out max effort for unique prizes," the website states. All levels of runners are welcome.
The race starts at 8 a.m.
The park is located at 1010 State Park Road.
Click here to register.
Winter Music Series with Sam Collie & The Roustabouts
Catch some tunes at Beech Mountain this Friday with a blend of blues, rock and soul. The Winter Music Series at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. will feature Sam Collie & The Roustabouts. The show kicks off at 7 p.m., and it's free!
"This family-friendly brewery offers a full selection of craft brews across multiple taps, specialty cocktails in the speakeasy-style Red Baron Room, and a full menu to enjoy with the music," event organizers said of Beech Mountain Brewing Co.
The brewery is located at 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway.
Go Bowling Military Bowl: Pirates vs. Wolfpack
The East Carolina Pirates will play the N.C. State Wolfpack in the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl Saturday. This is a game to be watched from the comfort of your couch, out on a big screen with other fans or in person. Click here for tickets.
The event will be televised on ESPN. Kickoff is at 5:45 p.m. at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.
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.
Spirits will be high with live music, tastings, trivia and photos with Santa.
Hours will vary by restaurant, and reservations are required at some spots.
Evening Holiday Walk at Joyner Park
Dozens of colorful lights will sparkle on trees and a giant Christmas tree at Joyner Park in Wake Forest. 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 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 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. 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," 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, billed as 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
