Enjoy the festive spirit of Salem with our ultimate holiday guide. Whether you're deeply connected to Salem or just making connections, this guide illuminates the seasonal offerings.
This season, embrace the charm of Christmas at Biltmore, where stunning decorations and a delightful ambiance transform the estate into a winter wonderland. For a unique experience, Winterfest offers engaging activities like ice skating and festive live music, creating a lively atmosphere for all ages. And the Holiday Programming at Old Salem is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring traditional celebrations that showcase the community's rich history. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Salem
- Christmas at Biltmore (Asheville)
- Winterfest (Pigeon Forge)
- Holiday Programming at Old Salem (Winston-Salem)
- Joy of Christmas Evening Tours (Winston-Salem)
- Mountain Country Christmas in Lights (Hiawassee)
- Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock)
- Pumpkinfest
See these and even more events listed below!
Salem Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Biltmore
What to Expect:
Gently illuminated by candles and crackling fireplaces, evoking childlike wonder.
Description:
Christmas at Biltmore features 67 elaborately decorated trees, 45,000 lights, and 282 candles, creating a holiday vision with fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and thousands of ornaments.
Where: Asheville | More Info: Christmas at Biltmore
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday light displays and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Pigeon Forge Winterfest features over five million twinkling lights, elaborate displays, and various activities like trolley tours and holiday shows. The event transforms the area into a vibrant winter destination with mountain music, cider sippings, and handcrafted chocolates.
Where: Pigeon Forge | More Info: Winterfest
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light show with Christmas music and entertainment.
Description:
The Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA, features a spectacular holiday light show with Christmas music, arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities and a visit with Santa Claus.
Where: Hiawassee | More Info: Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Salem Holiday Shows and Entertainment
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 live Christmas variety show, kid-friendly amusement rides, and meetings with Santa in his Gingerbread House.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Tweetsie Christmas
Salem Other Holiday Activities
Pumpkinfest
What to Expect:
Family-friendly activities and charity support.
Description:
Pumpkinfest is a family-friendly event at the Salem Farmers Market featuring inflatables, sand art, carnival games, a pumpkin carving contest, and a Trick or Treat Zone. Admission is $5 for adults, and kids 15 and under are free. The event benefits the Special Olympics Area 8 and includes food trucks, a beer truck, and live music by 5 Dollar Shake.
Where: Salem | More Info: Pumpkinfest
Holiday Programming at Old Salem
What to Expect:
Immersive historical holiday experiences in a historic district.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Old Salem with special activities and attractions, including Salem Saturdays at Christmas and Joy of Christmas Evening Tours, offering insights into 18th and 19th-century traditions.
Where: Winston-Salem | More Info: Holiday Programming at Old Salem
Joy of Christmas Evening Tours
What to Expect:
Immersive historical Christmas experience with hands-on activities.
Description:
Step back in time to explore the history of Old Salem's Tavern Museum, Vogler House, and Boys' School during this seasonal tradition. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas from the 1800s with engaging and informative experiences. Delight in hands-on activities that transport you to the heartwarming holiday season of yesteryear. Tickets are priced at $60 for adults and $40 for children.
Where: Winston-Salem | More Info: Joy of Christmas Evening Tours
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Cave Spring (5 miles)
- Roanoke (6 miles)
- Blacksburg (20 miles)
- Christiansburg (23 miles)