Holiday lights on a Carolina home with McAlpine Team event graphic.

Local Holiday Events in the Carolinas: 5 Must-See Celebrations Coming Soon

Kick Off the Holiday Season with These Local Carolina Events This Month

As Thanksgiving week settles in, the Carolinas begin to shimmer with lights, music, and the unmistakable warmth of the holiday season. Neighborhoods feel a little cozier. Local shops start dressing their windows. And across both North and South Carolina, communities are getting ready to host some of the most beloved celebrations of the year.

If you’re searching for local holiday events in the Carolinas, the final days of November offer some truly magical experiences — from glowing botanical gardens to coastal craft markets and an iconic parade that floats across the water.

Here are five festive events happening later this month, each offering a beautiful glimpse into the community spirit that makes the Carolinas feel like home.

Corolla Village Holiday Market — Corolla, NC

November 28–29, 2025
On the northern tip of the Outer Banks, Historic Corolla Village transforms into a glowing coastal Christmas village where wooden walkways, restored buildings, and simple string lights create a nostalgic holiday backdrop. Visitors wander through artisan stalls offering handmade gifts, pottery, baked treats, and coastal décor. The Currituck County tourism site at visitcurrituck.com shares how this event has become one of the most charming ways to welcome the season along the coast — and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is warm, local, and deeply Carolina.

Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular — Charlotte, NC

Opening November 28, 2025
Charlotte welcomes the holidays with an immersive light experience that stretches across Ballantyne’s Backyard, where glowing tunnels and towering displays turn the night into a shimmering playground. The organizers behind goballantyne.com describe this event as one of the city’s most anticipated traditions — and families return year after year for the glowing trees, oversized ornaments, and playful scenes that brighten the winter nights. It’s the kind of event that captures both the modern energy of Charlotte and the community connection that keeps people rooted here.

Holidays at the Garden — Belmont, NC

Opening November 28, 2025
Just outside Charlotte, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden offers a more serene way to step into the holiday season. As described on dsbg.org, the garden becomes a peaceful winter landscape, with illuminated archways, sparkling fountains, and gentle lights woven through the natural pathways. Couples wander hand-in-hand, families sip warm drinks, and friends gather near the glowing fountains for photos. It’s a soothing, beautiful reminder of how nature and community blend so seamlessly in the Carolinas.

Christmas Craft Village & Holiday Market — Corolla, NC

November 28–29, 2025
For those who love handmade gifts and supporting local artists, the Christmas Craft Village in Historic Corolla Park is a coastal favorite. Vendors fill the park with holiday décor, jewelry, artwork, and unique Carolina-made treasures. The event is highlighted on the Currituck County events page through visitcurrituck.com/events, where it’s celebrated as a gathering that brings together both locals and visitors to enjoy the creativity of Outer Banks makers. It’s festive, down-to-earth, and full of small touches that make holiday shopping feel special.

North Carolina Holiday Flotilla — Wrightsville Beach, NC

November 29, 2025
Along the southeastern coast, Wrightsville Beach hosts one of the most iconic holiday traditions in the region: the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla. Dozens of boats drift along the waterfront, covered in bright lights and imaginative themes that reflect across the water. The official flotilla site at ncholidayflotilla.org captures the excitement and long-standing history of the event, which draws thousands each year. It’s a joyful, distinctly coastal celebration — something you truly won’t find anywhere else.

Corolla Historic Village sign at night with holiday lights and McAlpine Team branding.

These local holiday events in the Carolinas showcase what makes our region so special: warm communities, local creativity, and traditions that bring people together year after year. Whether you're enjoying the holidays in your own Carolina home, exploring neighborhoods for a future move, or simply soaking in the beauty of the season, these celebrations offer meaningful ways to connect with the places you love.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in North or South Carolina — or want to learn more about the communities behind these events — The McAlpine Team is here to help.
Visit us anytime at mcalpineteam.com and start your next move with confidence.