This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wake Forest chapter.
Winston-Salem and Greensboro
- Tanglewood Festival of Lights– If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit but you don’t have time to make a day of it, check out Tanglewood Festival of Lights. About fifteen minutes from campus, this holiday light presentation should take you no more than an hour to enjoy.
Admission: $15 per car
- Grigg’s Family Christmas Tree Farm– Take your friends to this Christmas tree farm just twenty minutes from campus. With pick-your-own and precut-style trees and wreaths, the Grigg family provides something for everyone. Take some pictures and/or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Admission: free
- Dorm Room Holiday– Gather some friends, bake (or buy) some Christmas cookies, make hot chocolate, and watch Christmas movies. If you’re looking for a little more activity, try making your own ornaments and decor.
- Ice-skating and Festival of Lights– Downtown Greensboro hosts its annual festival of lights, where you can enjoy Christmas lights, vendors, and activities—ice-skating! Only a thirty-five-minute drive from campus (with no traffic), this is a great option for those looking to spend a little more time out and about.
Admission: free, activity prices will vary
Charlotte
- Speedway Christmas– Head down to the Charlotte Motor Sports track for an incredible drive-through holiday light exhibit. Park and enjoy the food/craft vendors and activities, or hit the drive-in movie starting at 6:30 every Thursday-Sunday.
Admission: $30 per car (includes up to 8 passengers).
- Christmas Town USA– McAdenville, North Carolina, is renowned for its extravagant Christmas displays. Known as “Christmas Town USA,” the entire town transforms into a Christmas village. With tons of lights to see and activities to enjoy, make sure you drive through—or park and explore—McAdenville in December.
Admission: free, activity prices will vary
- Winterfest at Carowinds– Charlotte’s premier theme park annually becomes a Christmas wonderland. With over five million lights, public shows, themed dining experiences, rides and other activities, you could spend hours here.
Admission: $36 (may receive a discount on select nights)
Asheville
- Christmas at the Biltmore– Explore one of the most historic properties in the US during December to experience the mansion’s holiday decor. Take a tour through the house, a walk around the grounds, even a horseback riding lesson or carriage ride.
Admission: $65, includes self-guided home/grounds tour and complimentary wine tasting