Last Updated on December 3, 2024
Bright lights, festive decorations, and happy memories! Feel the holly, jolly spirit when you take in some of the best and brightest holiday events in and around the North Carolina Triad.
33rd Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park
November 15–January 1, 2025 @ 6:00-11:00 PM
Every year, Tanglewood Park’s rolling countryside transforms into a shimmering Winter Wonderland with more than a million twinkling lights across 80 displays. Take in the spectacular sights while listening to festive tunes on the interactive musical displays. Students from the UNC School of the Arts contributed original compositions for the show.
5th Annual Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center
November 20–January 5, 2025
Since its debut in 2020, this spectacular event has become a beloved tradition, illuminating the Greensboro Science Center with dazzling displays and festive cheer. Be part of the magic and discover a world of twinkling beauty, where every corner holds a new surprise and embodies the joy of the holidays.
Spectacular Holiday Blooms at Ciener Botanical Garden
November 29–December 29 (weekends) @ 5:30–9:00 PM
Looking for a unique (and upcycled) take on holiday light displays? Enjoy a stroll through the dazzling wisteria lights, get lost in the recycled tulips, and discover more surprises as you stroll to the Performance Stage. Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening during the holiday season, the garden hosts this one-of-a-kind spectacle featuring illuminated trees, festive lights, and more than 10,000 “flowers.”
Home Moravian Church Candle Tea
December 4–14 (select dates)
The Home Moravian Church in Old Salem holds an annual Candle Tea to celebrate traditional Moravian Christmas customs. For many, Candle Tea marks the official beginning of the Advent and Christmas seasons. As a Moravian brass band plays nearby, guests enjoy carols in the Saal accompanied by an 18th-century Tannenberg organ, the sweet aroma of a beeswax candlemaking demonstration, a visit to the original kitchen to enjoy coffee and sugar cake, and finally, a viewing of the amazing Salem Putz and the nativity scene.
Downtown Greensboro Festival of Lights
December 6 @ 5:30–9:00 PM
For nearly 40 years, Greensboro residents have enjoyed this bright and jolly tradition, which includes a community sing-along, lighting of the tree, carolers, and treats. Santa may also make a special appearance! While you’re downtown, enjoy a selection of treats and shopping from local merchants.
UNC School of the Arts Presents “The Nutcracker”
December 6–8
Step into the magical world of “The Nutcracker,” a cherished holiday tradition since 1966. This holiday classic features student-artists bringing Ilya Kozadayev’s captivating choreography to life. This fantastical winter wonderland unfolds against the lighthearted melodies of Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, performed live by the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Chancellor Brian Cole.
Greensboro Holiday Parade
December 7 @ 12:00–2:00 PM
The Greensboro Holiday Parade has been a downtown tradition for more than 40 years. Featuring huge Macy’s-style balloons, spectators will also enjoy professional floats, dance and drill teams, and the area’s best middle school, high school, and college bands as they march along the streets of downtown Greensboro.
High Point WinterFest
December 14 @ 4:00–8:00 PM
Celebrate the beginning of the winter season with the entire family at WinterFest! City Lake Park has a train, carousel, and mini golf to enjoy. Plus, the event will feature numerous vendors, bounce houses, game trucks, and Santa! Purchase a wristband in advance for unlimited use.
Additional holiday activities in and around the North Carolina Triad
- Attend your hometown’s local Christmas tree lighting and parade.
- Get out any holiday aggression while watching Carolina Thunderbirds hockey.
- Take a turn around the rink during public skate times at the W-S Fairgrounds Arena.
- Experience “the strangest house in America” in full holiday splendor at Körner’s Folly in Kernersville.
- Take a festive evening Christmas tour of Old Salem.
- See some of Winston-Salem’s most beautiful and historic homes bedecked in holiday décor during the 23rd annual Historic West End Holiday Homes Tour (December 8).
- Join the table at a Christmas Eve Lovefeast, a longstanding tradition held annually at local Moravian churches.
- Cut your own tree at a nearby Christmas tree farm.
About Allen Tate Realtors
Allen Tate is the Carolinas’ largest real estate company with more than 70 offices and 1,800 Realtors in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner of Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest privately held real estate broker in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices and 15,000 sales associates and staff across 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.