Celebrate the joy of the holidays in Salisbury with our event guide. Whether you're here every year or just this once, our guide will show you the best of Salisbury's holiday season.
Popular events abound this time of year, including the enchanting Speedway Christmas, where guests can enjoy a dazzling display of lights while driving through the speedway. Alongside this, the North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights features stunning gardens adorned with vibrant light displays, creating a magical atmosphere. And the Autumn Jubilee is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing local crafts and seasonal festivities in a charming outdoor setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Salisbury
- Speedway Christmas (Charlotte)
- Winterfest at Carowinds (Charlotte)
- The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights (Asheville)
- Autumn Jubilee
- Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock)
- Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights (Clemmons)
- Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) (Charlotte)
- Shadrack Christmas Wonderland (Tryon)
- Durham ArtWalk Holiday Market (Durham)
- NC Chinese Lantern Festival (Cary)
See these and even more events listed below!
Salisbury Holiday Light Displays
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular drive-thru light display with interactive musical elements.
Description:
Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights features over a million twinkling lights, interactive musical displays, and festive tunes. The event spans five miles, offering a drive-thru experience with various amenities like refreshments, a gift shop, and special events.
Where: Clemmons | More Info: Tanglewood Park Festival of Lights
NC Chinese Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of Chinese lantern art and cultural performances.
Description:
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre features over 40 handcrafted lantern displays, including a 200-foot-long dragon, and nightly cultural performances. The event showcases the beauty and artistry of Chinese culture with interactive displays and stunning LED lights.
Where: Cary | More Info: NC Chinese Lantern Festival
The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular open-air walk-through light show with over one million lights.
Description:
The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights features over one million energy-efficient LED lights, including a 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, with live performances and a G-scale model train.
Where: Asheville | More Info: The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights
Speedway Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on a historic speedway.
Description:
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway features over five million lights along a four-mile drive-thru course, including legendary oval, pit road, and infield road course. The show is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine, with synchronized lights and music on 101.3 FM. Drive-in movies are also available on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Speedway Christmas
Winterfest at Carowinds
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday event with extensive light displays and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Carowinds with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. Enjoy holiday-themed games, festive live entertainment, and the joy of Christmas activities for the entire family.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Winterfest at Carowinds
Shadrack Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Immersive drive-through light show with synchronized RGB tunnels and a 50-foot RGB light tree.
Description:
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland at Soaky Mountain Waterpark features custom-built light displays synchronized to holiday music, including three drive-through RGB tunnels and a 50-foot RGB light tree. The event also includes Santa's Safari with jeep excursions, diving contests, and keep-away games with hippos. Visitors can enjoy a whimsical journey through Santa's Snowy Mountain with exciting activities for the whole family.
Where: Tryon | More Info: Shadrack Christmas Wonderland
Tweetsie Christmas
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive train ride with dazzling holiday 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, and visits to Santa's Gingerbread House.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Tweetsie Christmas
Hill Ridge Farms Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Over a million lights in a drive-thru holiday display.
Description:
Hill Ridge Farms Festival of Lights is a drive-thru event featuring over a million lights and holiday-themed displays. Enjoy the festive atmosphere from the comfort of your vehicle as you travel through the farm.
Where: Youngsville | More Info: Hill Ridge Farms Festival of Lights
Lake Myra Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with a 50-foot decorated Christmas tree.
Description:
Lake Myra Christmas Lights in Wendell, NC, features almost a quarter of a million lights dancing in synchronization to holiday music, including a 50-foot decorated Christmas tree. The event is free, with donation boxes available, and offers a 25-minute light show with a 5-minute intermission.
Where: Wendell | More Info: Lake Myra Christmas Lights
Lu Mil Vineyard Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display in a scenic vineyard setting.
Description:
Lu Mil Vineyard Festival of Lights features a dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of synchronized lights, set amidst the picturesque vineyard and its various venues. Visitors can drive through the illuminated paths, enjoying the festive atmosphere and holiday cheer.
Where: Elizabethtown | More Info: Lu Mil Vineyard Festival of Lights
Elizabethan Gardens WinterLights
What to Expect:
Holiday lights and live entertainment in a beautifully decorated garden setting.
Description:
Stroll through illuminated garden walks at Elizabethan Gardens, featuring holiday lights that transform the ten-acre gardens into a radiant and festive atmosphere. Enjoy seasonal plants, holiday gifts, and live entertainment.
Where: Manteo | More Info: Elizabethan Gardens WinterLights
McLaurin Farms Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Hayride through festive lights with Santa and the Grinch.
Description:
McLaurin Farms Christmas Festival offers a festive experience with a hayride through lights, photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch, and activities like writing letters to Santa and playing on the playground.
Where: Greensboro | More Info: McLaurin Farms Christmas Festival
Country Christmas Train at Denton FarmPark
What to Expect:
Live nativity scene and dancing elves on a festive train ride.
Description:
At the Country Christmas Train at Denton FarmPark, walk down Candy Cane Lane to the train station, visit Santa for professional photos, and board the Handy Dandy Railroad for a 1.5-mile ride viewing beautiful Christmas lights and a short movie about the true meaning of Christmas. Enjoy a live nativity scene, dedication to the military, and dancing elves. Explore the Grist Mill, petting zoo, General Store, Radio Museum, Church, Shoe Shop, Gas Station, Myers Car Shop, Doll Museum, and Coke Museum. Weather permitting, kids can enjoy rides like a ferris wheel and swinging tubs. Visit the blacksmith shop and plantation house for candle making, and finish your night with good food and crafts.
Where: Denton | More Info: Country Christmas Train at Denton FarmPark
Costner’s Christmas Light Extravaganza
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art Christmas light display dedicated to a local designer.
Description:
Over a million lights transform Patriots Park into a vibrant display of color and light, dedicated to Katie Grady Costner who originally designed the lights. This family-friendly attraction is a beloved holiday tradition.
Where: Kings Mountain | More Info: Costner’s Christmas Light Extravaganza
Holidays at the Garden
What to Expect:
Twinkling light display with festive holiday spirit and seasonal delights.
Description:
Explore the vibrant light display at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, dancing fountains, and festive holiday spirit. Enjoy delectable delights from food trucks, warm beverages, and unique gifts at the Garden Store. Capture the magic by striking a pose in front of the radiant Orchid Tree.
Where: Belmont | More Info: Holidays at the Garden
Salisbury Holiday Markets and Shopping
Durham ArtWalk Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local artists and live music in downtown Durham.
Description:
The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a weekend event featuring local artists, live music, and world-class restaurants in downtown Durham. It offers a variety of fine arts and crafts, making it an ideal place to shop for holiday gifts while enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Where: Durham | More Info: Durham ArtWalk Holiday Market
Huntersville Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Free holiday activities and shopping with local vendors.
Description:
Huntersville Holiday Market features free activities including children's rides, Artisan Ice Sculptures, holiday performances, and shopping from 50 local vendors. Enjoy festive music, glitter tattoos, balloon twisters, and roaming holiday characters.
Where: Huntersville | More Info: Huntersville Holiday Market
Lost Worlds Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday market with craft beers and local vendors.
Description:
Join us at Lost Worlds Brewing for a holiday celebration featuring local artisans, seasonal beers, and festive atmosphere.
Where: Cornelius | More Info: Lost Worlds Christmas Market
Celebration of Seagrove Potters
What to Expect:
Unique handmade ceramics by 80 local potters.
Description:
The Celebration of Seagrove Potters is a premier event showcasing the unique handmade ceramics of 80 potters living and working in Seagrove, North Carolina. The event features a self-guided studio tour, an indoor show at Historic Luck's Cannery, and various activities including a Ribbon Cutting, Preview Market, Gala, and Auction.
Where: Seagrove | More Info: Celebration of Seagrove Potters
Sleigh: A Winter Market
What to Expect:
Local handmade artists and festive winter activities.
Description:
Sleigh: A Winter Market at Zinc House Winery & Brewery in Durham, North Carolina, features local handmade artists, food trucks, games, music by Rocket Music Booking, a visit from Santa, and winter-themed activities.
Where: Durham | More Info: Sleigh: A Winter Market
Christmas on Main
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with crafts, food, and entertainment.
Description:
Christmas on Main is a festive event in Downtown Laurinburg featuring crafts, food, entertainment, carriage rides, and ice skating, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 PM.
Where: Laurinburg | More Info: Christmas on Main
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)
What to Expect:
German-style Christmas Market with live music and festive lights.
Description:
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery transforms into a German-inspired Christmas Market, featuring over 40 vendors selling gifts and baked goods. Enjoy hot cocoa, fire pits, and live music amidst mesmerizing lights.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)
Cashiers Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Collaborative initiative where participating nonprofits benefit from item sales.
Description:
The Cashiers Festival of Trees is a family-friendly event featuring decorated trees, wreaths, gift baskets, holiday shopping, children's crafts, story time, and rivalry weekend football viewings. It brings together families, friends, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to celebrate the holiday season with one-of-a-kind shopping and programming for all ages.
Where: Cashiers | More Info: Cashiers Festival of Trees
“Hard Candy Christmas” Arts and Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Unique blend of traditional crafts and local mountain delights.
Description:
The Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show features an exclusive selection of handcrafted creations by Southern artisans, including Regenia Ford's hand-painted mountain scenes and original Christmas ornaments. The event is held at the Liston B. Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, offering a climate-controlled venue with a wide variety of heritage crafts and local specialties.
Where: Cullowhee | More Info: “Hard Candy Christmas” Arts and Crafts Show
Christmas in the Ferry
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with tree lighting, chili cook-off, and Santa breakfast.
Description:
The Christmas in the Ferry event features a traditional weekend with a Friday night lighting of trees, a chili cook-off, breakfast with Santa, vendors, crafts, and performances.
Where: Sneads Ferry | More Info: Christmas in the Ferry
Salisbury Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas in Davidson
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with live performances and local vendors.
Description:
Christmas in Davidson is a festive holiday event featuring live music, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Enjoy visits with Santa, holiday light shows, and a variety of food and shopping options.
Where: Davidson | More Info: Christmas in Davidson
North Carolina Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Free activities and entertainment for all ages.
Description:
The North Carolina Christmas Festival is a family-friendly event featuring free activities like Santa pictures, toy giveaways, face painting, and a pie-eating contest. Enjoy dance performances, free gift wrapping, and a kids' zone with various holiday-themed activities.
Where: Concord | More Info: North Carolina Christmas Festival
Salisbury Other Holiday Activities
Autumn Jubilee
What to Expect:
Family-friendly festival with diverse craft vendors and live entertainment.
Description:
The 43rd Annual Autumn Jubilee at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury, NC, celebrates the season with family fun, food, and craft vendors, attracting over 50,000 visitors.
Where: Salisbury | More Info: Autumn Jubilee
Bell Tower BREWFEST
What to Expect:
Unique blend of craft beer, live music, and local food.
Description:
Bell Tower BREWFEST is a celebration of North Carolina's craft beer scene, featuring over 15 local breweries, live music, and delicious food trucks at Bell Tower Green Park in Salisbury, NC.
Where: Salisbury | More Info: Bell Tower BREWFEST
Lost Worlds Procrastinators Market
What to Expect:
Unique taproom with global artifacts and adventure-themed beers.
Description:
Lost Worlds Brewing offers a variety of craft beers and a unique taproom experience with artifacts from around the world. Enjoy their Adventure Series beers, which are inspired by famous world explorers, and explore their basecamp atmosphere.
Where: Cornelius | More Info: Lost Worlds Procrastinators Market
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Kannapolis (15 miles)
- Concord (19 miles)
- Mooresville (20 miles)
- Statesville (24 miles)
- Cornelius (25 miles)
- Thomasville (26 miles)
- Huntersville (27 miles)
- Winston-Salem (32 miles)
- High Point (33 miles)
- Mint Hill (35 miles)
- Charlotte (37 miles)
- Asheboro (37 miles)
- Kernersville (38 miles)
- Matthews (41 miles)
- Indian Trail (42 miles)