Get excited for the holidays in Rocky Mount! Our comprehensive guide is here to help you make the most of this festive season with all the must-see events and activities. For Rocky Mount locals and seasonal visitors alike, our guide unlocks the city's holiday potential.
This holiday season, experience the enchanting lights and festive atmosphere of Christmas at Biltmore, where the historic estate sparkles with seasonal décor. Features like live music and holiday tastings add to the charm of Tweetsie Christmas, where families can enjoy a whimsical winter wonderland filled with themed rides. And the WinterFest at Carowinds is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering thrilling rides and festive experiences for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rocky Mount
- Christmas at Biltmore (Asheville)
- Speedway Christmas (Concord)
- WinterFest at Carowinds (Charlotte)
- Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock)
- North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (Cary)
- Kersey Valley Christmas (Archdale)
- Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms (Bryson City)
- Mountain Country Christmas in Lights (Hiawassee)
- Enchanted Garden of Lights (Lookout Mountain)
- Christkindlmarkt (Helen)
See these and even more events listed below!
Rocky Mount Holiday Light Displays
Tweetsie Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive train ride through dazzling Christmas lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Tweetsie Railroad with a 20-minute nighttime train ride through over 1 million Christmas lights, a heartwarming live Christmas variety show, kid-friendly amusement rides, and meetings with Santa in his Gingerbread House.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Tweetsie Christmas
WinterFest at Carowinds
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday event with millions of shimmering lights and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds with holiday light displays, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, and select attractions. Enjoy holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages while finding the perfect present at specialty gift shops. Embrace the season with holiday music and festive live entertainment throughout the park.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: WinterFest at Carowinds
Speedway Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on a historic speedway course.
Description:
Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health is a spectacular drive-through holiday light show featuring over five million lights along a four-mile course, including the legendary oval, pit road, and infield road course. The event is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine, with synchronized lights and music on 101.3 FM. It also includes drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night until Christmas.
Where: Concord | More Info: Speedway Christmas
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Spectacular Chinese lantern displays with interactive features.
Description:
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival features over 40 handcrafted lantern displays, including a 200-foot-long dragon, and offers cultural performances, food, and drink options. The event is a celebration of Chinese culture with stunning LED light displays.
Where: Cary | More Info: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Kersey Valley Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive LED light display with interactive winter activities.
Description:
Kersey Valley Christmas transforms the farm into a vibrant winter scene with over 2 million LED lights, featuring unique sets like the Snow Blizzard. Enjoy activities such as train rides, zip lining, bungee jumping, and visits with Santa and the Grinch. The event includes all activities except photos and food.
Where: Archdale | More Info: Kersey Valley Christmas
Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms
What to Expect:
Hayride through festive farm decorations.
Description:
At Darnell Farms, Christmas Wonderland features a hayride through festive decorations and holiday scenes, creating a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Bryson City | More Info: Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms
Enchanted Garden of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive Santa experiences and a 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree.
Description:
Explore Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights, featuring over a million sparkling lights, a 40-foot walk-through Christmas tree, and immersive Santa experiences. Stroll through the lighted Grand Corridor and visit Santa in his living room at Carter Cliffs, the original home of Rock City's founders.
Where: Lookout Mountain | More Info: Enchanted Garden of Lights
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
What to Expect:
Award-winning illusionists and expanded crafting booths.
Description:
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds transform into a spectacular holiday light show featuring Christmas music, arts and crafts, food, entertainment, photo opportunities, and a visit with Santa Claus. The event includes Scott's Holiday Magic Show and an Outdoor Craft Market.
Where: Hiawassee | More Info: Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Rocky Mount Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Traditional German market with handmade gifts and local cuisine.
Description:
The 17th Annual Helen's Christmas Market in Helen, Georgia, offers unique handmade Christmas gifts and decorations, along with an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks, and candied treats available at fine restaurants.
Where: Helen | More Info: Christkindlmarkt
Rocky Mount Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Biltmore
What to Expect:
Gently illuminated candles and fireplaces create a childlike wonder.
Description:
A yuletide visit to Biltmore features fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and thousands of ornaments. The house is illuminated by candles and fireplaces, filling the air with the scent of fresh pine and the sound of crackling fireplaces. This holiday tradition offers a step back in time to the very first Christmas at Biltmore House in 1895.
Where: Asheville | More Info: Christmas at Biltmore
Rocky Mount Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town
What to Expect:
Annual holiday event with live music, caroling, and Santa visits.
Description:
Join us for Blowing Rock's Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town, featuring hot chocolate, caroling, and visits with Santa. The festival is a perfect time to kick off your holiday and Christmas celebrations, bringing the whole family or enjoying the romance of the lights and a fun, jovial atmosphere with your significant other.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town
Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with Santa visits and a festive parade.
Description:
Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade is a community event featuring downtown merchants' store discounts, strolling Christmas entertainment, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere. Children can visit Santa Claus in the gazebo, and the parade starts at 5:30 PM with the lighting of the Great Tree following at approximately 7 PM.
Where: Blue Ridge | More Info: Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Wilson (17 miles)
- Greenville (33 miles)
- Goldsboro (40 miles)
- Wake Forest (40 miles)