Winter in North Carolina means that the lovely fall foliage is long gone and average temperatures continue to decrease. Brrrr! While the winter season brings frigid air to the state, it is also the ideal time of year for a variety of reasons. From December until February, you’ll find unique activities, fun holiday festivities, and much more!

Starting with North Carolina’s largest home, Biltmore Estate’s Candlelight Christmas is running from November 5th, 2021, to January 8th, 2022.  Other Christmas events include…

• Christmas at Korner’s Folly in Kernersville (November 26 to December 31)
• Dry Falls, Highlands, NC
• Mike’s Farm Hayride and Dinner Show at Mike’s Farm in Beulaville (November 18 to December 28)
• Winterlights at the NC Arboretum in Asheville (November 19 to January 1)

Looking to go ice skating with your family or friends? Ice skating is the perfect winter activity that can be found anywhere nearby! If you’re looking for a fantastic and beautiful outdoor rink, the Whitewater Center is perfect for you. If you need something closer, the indoor rinks such as Polar Ice House are very enjoyable as well!

• Raleigh IcePlex, Raleigh, NC
• Polar Ice House, Cary, NC
• Whitewater Center, Charlotte, NC (November 19 to January 9)

Various towns have their own festive events, too. Check out these miscellaneous activities!

• Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights in Clemmons (Through January 1)
• Old Apex, Downtown Apex, NC
  
• Chinese Lantern Festival, Cary, NC
• Enchanted Airlie in Wilmington (November 26 to 27 and December 3 to 22)
• Winter Warmer Beer Festival, Asheville, NC
• Blue Bear Mountain Camp, Todd, NC
• Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley, NC
• Gingerbread House Competition, Asheville, NC
• Holiday Lights in the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Fayetteville (December 2 to 23)

Looking for more local activities this winter? Go here!