Experience the Traditions of the Season at NC Holiday Events

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! That’s how the classic Christmas carol goes, and many NC residents would agree. Since you have chosen a new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve, you will be in a great location to experience some of the fantastic tradition and iconic NC Holiday Events that people look forward to year after year. Likewise, you probably will feel the same once you’ve experienced the “yuletide” fun.

There are a good variety of NC Holiday Events and traditions and they literally span across the entire state. There are light shows, tours of decorated holiday gardens, outdoor ice skating, and much more. Below, we look at some of the annual NC Holiday Events that are cherished by families every winter about this time of year.

NC Holiday Events: Holiday Light Shows

Once the holiday season is upon us here in North Carolina, one decoration that “brightens up” everyone’s spirit is lights. Among the many traditional NC Holiday Events, some of the most breathtaking and impressive displays are at the annual holiday light shows. Below, we will detail a few of the iconic and spectacular light displays that have become traditional NC Holiday Events.

Speedway Christmas , Concord, NC

The first of our NC Holiday Events is actually one of the most anticipated light shows nationwide. Speedway Christmas is a 3.75-mile course that boasts more than 3.5 million lights. As if that was not enough, the infield turns into “Christmas Village, “with live actors, animals, Santa’s Workshop, and a 50-foot Ferris wheel make this a special time for the whole family.

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, NC

A 3-acre nightly walking tour in Asheville is the next stop among our NC Holiday Events. This is much more than just a stroll in the park, however. The arboretum’s nationally known gardens including the Quilt and Bonsai Exhibition Garden displays are part of the tour. In addition to many other fun holiday activities, crafts, and games the displays at “Winter Lights” are all programmed to follow with specific corresponding holiday tunes.

Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo, NC 

Another spectacular annual entry to our classic events. Each winter, in Mateo, the Elizabethan Gardens are the home to numerous animals, birds, and such that are brought in to be part of their Winter Lights celebration. 

It isn’t strange to see butterflies, peacocks, order amongst the enchanting lights in this wonderful display. In addition to all this are the gorgeous flowers and natural elements of Elizabethan Gardens, which only add to the festive atmosphere.

NC Holiday Events: The Classics

The last two NC Holiday Events that we will document take us to a couple of classic holiday themes. No matter where you live or what traditions you have, a certain train ride and lacing up skates in an outdoor setting scream the holidays. Especially when done in the spectacular fashion that each of these destinations produce every winter.

The Polar Express, Bryson City, NC

The next of our NC Holiday Events was one that was actually a bit ahead of its time, given its name. Obviously, most know of the movie, “The Polar Express, ” however, years before that title hit the screens, The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City’s own “Polar Express” was a family favorite of the season. The once-popular train ride turned into a Christmas-time phenomenon after the movie release over a decade ago. Thousands now call and book reservations for this event annually and enjoy every inch down the tracks right up until Santa greets them at the “North Pole.”

Holiday on Ice, Charlotte, NC 

Another classic Christmas time activity that as part of the NC Holiday Events has an amazing setting is Holiday on Ice in Charlotte. This tradition sees Ceremonial Plaza at the NASCAR Hall of fame turn into a 7,000 square foot ice rink. The backdrop for the seasonal rink is breathtaking, with a striking view of the Charlotte skyline. The skating surface sees several different events in its time open each year. Be sure you don’t miss out on this classic wintertime activity.

You’re Never Too Far from NC Holiday Events

One of the major selling points of Belmont Lake Preserve and a new home in Rocky Mount is location. As we state on our website, at Belmont Lake Preserve, “when you’re here, you’re never too far from.”, meaning basically you are not too far from anything in NC. To see more on the location of BLP in regard to other NC attractions, visit belmontlakepreserve.com