30+ Wonderful Things to Do in North Carolina in November (Updated for 2024)

There are so many things to things to do in North Carolina in November, that we had to create this guide to keep your excitement and overwhelm under control!

November in North Carolina is the last full month of fall and sets up the festive winter season. There are tons of local holiday and Christmas events kicking off, leaving plenty of things to do in North Carolina in November.

With years of help from readers, social media followers, and members of North Carolina Travel Facebook Group, we’ve come up with more than 30 local events throughout the state.

In case you’re looking for something specific, we’ve separated this guide into two sections. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Things to Do in North Carolina in November (Holiday Events and Christmas Events)
• Non-Holiday-Themed November Events
• More Things to Do in November (NC Travel Guides)

As we’ve done with previous monthly roundups, we’ve ordered these November events by starting date and alphabetized by city.

Note that many November events in NC may decide to cancel or alter times/dates, sometimes at the last minute. Please visit the links we’ve provided to each event to confirm details and also, to lend your support in cases of cancellation.

Read More: Winter Things to Do in North Carolina

Featured NC Events in November

If you represent a tourism bureau, destination marketing organization, local business, or PR agency and want placement here, please visit this page for more info. 

Things to Do in North Carolina in November (Holiday and Christmas Events List)

This first section offers the best holiday and Christmas-themed things to do in North Carolina in November.

You can skip ahead to your favorites via our alphabetically ordered list. Scroll past the list, you’ll find November events ordered by the date they start:

Read More: January in North Carolina

Skiing and Snow Tubing in NC

2024 Dates: Depends on Location
NC Tripping Guides to Skiing and Snow Tubing

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Skiing and snow tubing in North Carolina typically both begin in late November around Thanksgiving and lasts until the end of February, with some exceptions.

You can go snow tubing in Western North Carolina, with many parks near Asheville and Boone. You can use them and multiple other mountain towns as your base for adventures.

Our map of snow tubing parks in North Carolina was created with Google Maps.

Note: If temperatures are too warm, snow tubing parks in Western North Carolina will close.

Read More: Great Things to Do in Beech Mountain (+More Nearby!)

Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville

2024 Dates: November 2, 2024-January 4, 2025
Event Info

While it’s largely associated with December, Christmas at Biltmore is also one of the most popular activities during November in NC. It’s one of the largest displays of Christmas lights in North Carolina.

During its Candlelight Christmas Evenings, you’ll see a massive and lit-up Norway Spruce on the front lawn and pathway luminaries to guide your walk.

Inside Biltmore House, decorated Christmas trees and 135,000 LED and mini lights twinkle around the property. A visit to Antler Hill Village and Winery (one of the best in NC!) is included with your admission, with more Christmas lights displays and wine tastings waiting.

Read More: How to Help Businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County

The Polar Express Train Ride in the Smokies in Bryson City

2024 Dates: November 7, 2024-December 31, 2024
Event Info

Feel the holiday magic with a warm cup of cocoa along the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad! The Polar Express Train Ride has been taken by over 90,000 North Pole lovers per year!

The 75-minute Christmas train ride starts in Bryson City and reenacts the classic story, and rumor has it that Santa himself makes an appearance!

Read More: Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City (10 Essential Things to Do)

High Country Christmas Tree Farms Choose & Cut Season in West Jefferson

2024 Dates: Mid-to-Late November-December, 2024
List of Ashe County Christmas Tree Farms
List of Boone Christmas Tree Farms

Take home the perfect Fraser Fir from a Christmas tree farms in the High Country, starting with Ashe County and the mountain town of Boone.

Choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree is a popular family tradition. For those getting ready to celebrate the holiday season, it’s one of the best things to do in North Carolina in November.

Read More: Hiking Roan Mountain for Beautiful Appalachian Trail Views

Merry Merry Market in Greensboro

2024 Date: November 13, 2024
Event Info

The best artisans from the Triad assemble in Greensboro during the Merry Merry Market. This exclusive boutique holiday shopping market guarantees that you’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! It costs $5 to enter and parking is free.

Check it out at the Revolution Mill Colonnade Events Center.

Read More: 25 Best Restaurants in Greensboro, North Carolina

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum in Asheville

2024 Dates: November 15 – December 31, 2024
Event Info

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum is one of the best things to do in Asheville in winter. Light displays, new and old, will greet both Arboretum members and guests. The traditional 50-foot tall lighted tree and Quilt Garden make an appearance again as well.

In addition, two locations will have food and drinks for purchase: The Cocoa Shack, located in the Gardener’s Shed, and The Bent Creek Bistro, located in the Educational Center.

Snacks, alcoholic beverages, hot cocoa, treats, and s’mores kits will be available for purchase.

Read More: 15 of the Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in North Carolina

Mike’s Farm Holiday Events in Beulaville

2024 Dates: Starting November 16, 2024
Events Info

Mike’s Farm (near the Duplin and Onslow County line) goes all out for the holiday season and offers a packed event page of family activities on its own. Tickets include a Festival of Lights Hayride.

• Wilmington Show Choir (November 16, 21, 22, 23)
• Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Show (Wednesday-Saturday from November 29-December 20 and December 26-28)
• Supper with Santa (Sunday-Tuesday from November 17-December 23)

Dinner & Hayride Reservations are required to eat at their family-style restaurant during this season.

You can also reserve a time for a private romp in the hayride, accommodating up to 8 people.

Read More: Great Things to Do in Jacksonville (+ Our Top 5)

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary

2024 Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Event Info

Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary lights up again when the Chinese Lantern Festival returns. The cultural festival is heading into its 8th year with larger-than-life displays and evenings filled with cultural performances, music, hot cocoa, and more fun.

Read More: The Mayton in Cary (+ 7 Things We Love About Staying Here!)

Festival of Trees in Pinehurst

2024 Dates: November 20-23, 2024
Event Info

Stand in a sea of holiday delight at the annual Festival of Trees in Pinehurst! The Carolina Hall at the Carolina Hotel will be filled with loads of trees of various sizes decorated in a unique way.

Visit for the silent auction, gift shop, angel tree shopping event, and raffle, and tap your toes to live entertainment. This event in Moore County will be one of your favorite things to to during November in North Carolina.

Read More: Things to Do in Southern Pines

Christmas Parades

2024 Dates: Weekends in Late November/Early December 2024

Starting November 22, Christmas parades kick off in North Carolina. Here are a few of them:

• Downtown Hickory Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (November 22)
• Raleigh Christmas Parade (November 23)
• Mooresville Christmas Parade (November 26)

More NC Christmas parades will take place in December.

Read More: Visiting the Henry River Mill Village

Meadow Lights in Benson

2024 Dates: November 22-December 31, 2024
Event Info

Meadow Lights in Benson is the largest and oldest Christmas event in Eastern North Carolina. The 30-acre land is decorated with a stunning display of lights, 10 acres of which can be viewed from a train ride.

Hop on the carousel or grab some old-fashioned candy from the old country store before you enjoy the beautiful twinkling lights!

Read More: Interview with Redneck BBQ Lab Owner Jerry Stephenson

Speedway Christmas in Concord

2024 Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Event Info

With more than 4 million lights twinkling around the 3.75-mile course that includes the oval and the ROVAL, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord invites you to celebrate the season at Speedway Christmas!

Drive through this iconic track and turn on 101.3 FM and enjoy the festive lights. Stop by the Christmas Village which includes a 100 foot slide, carousel, Ferris wheel, and fun for the whole family.

Read More: The Best Restaurants and Awesome Breweries in Concord and Cabarrus County

Winterlights in Manteo

2024 Dates: November 22-23, 29-30, December 4-7, 11-14, 19-21, 27-28
Event Info

Grab your sweetie and stroll through one of the most romantic displays in the South. Winterlights at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is a radiant glow of holiday décor and festive displays. Warm your hands at the open-air fire on the Great Lawn or check out the holiday gifts and plant sales.

Season passes are available and worth it if you’re planning to attend more than one night!

Read More: 30 Amazing Outer Banks Restaurants for Your Next Beach Trip!

Christmas on Main in Andrews

2024 Date: November 23, 2024
Event Info

Kick off the holiday season in Andrews with Christmas on Main! With over 100 craft vendors, a bake sale, a car show, and live entertainment, this holiday event is full of family fun.

Stop by for photos with Santa, watch the children’s Christmas play, or smile as the tree is lit!

Read More: 100+ Places to Visit in Western North Carolina

National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville

2024 Date: Cancelled due to impacts of Hurricane Helene
Event Info

One of the most exciting things to do in North Carolina in November is to see the Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition. The winner of this interesting event in Asheville receives a monetary prize and their creation is displayed throughout the following year in the Vanderbilt Wing.

During the Gingerbread House Competition season, the Omni Grove Park Inn donates a portion of parking proceeds to the local community and nonprofits.

Read More: 80+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (The Asheville Bucket List)

Downtown Lights Up! – Holiday Lighting in Goldsboro

2024 Date: November 26, 2024
Event Info

Downtown historic Goldsboro kicks off the holiday season with Downtown Lights Up!

Flip the switch and watch the lights with a visit from Santa, real snow, hot cocoa, and trolley rides. Keep an eye on Goldsboro’s Official Facebook Page for more details.

Read More: 13+ Restaurants in Goldsboro and Wayne County for Foodies

Korner’s Folly Victorian Candlelight Tours in Kernersville

2024 Dates: November 26 – January 4, 2025
Event Info

Korner’s Folly in Kernersville (near Winston-Salem) is a unique historical home built and owned by interior designer Jule Gilmore Korner. This home was a display to show potential clients an in-person portfolio of his work.

You can visit throughout the year, but the site’s volunteers begin decorating for their Candlelight tours in November. Starting November 25, you can see and be taken you back to the Victorian Era, with lights and magical sights all around!

Read More: How to Enjoy Tanglewood Festival of Lights near Winston-Salem (+ 10 Pro Tips)

Tweetsie Christmas in Blowing Rock

2024 Dates: Select Evenings between November 29 – December 30, 2024
Event Info

Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s premier fun destination for train lovers, gets decked out for the holidays for Tweetsie Christmas. Ride the nighttime Christmas-themed train surrounded by beautiful lights, say “Hello” to Santa and his Gingerbread House, and take photos inside large snow globes!

If you’re hungry after riding the train at Tweetsie Railroad, check out these restaurants in Blowing Rock and Boone!

Tickets are limited for this High Country event, so grab yours today before the train takes off.

Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!)

Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Tree in Blowing Rock

2024 Date: November 29, 2024
Event Info

Every Friday after Thanksgiving, Blowing Rock’s downtown thrums with people wanting to celebrate the season together at Christmas in the Park! With free hot chocolate, caroling, and of course a visit from Santa, there’s fun and romance for everyone.

The action carries on through the weekend with the Blowing Rock Christmas parade Saturday morning. This weekend also marks the official start of choose and cut Christmas tree season, so be sure to pack the roof straps and enjoy a three-day holiday itinerary.

Read More: Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock (17 Things We Love About It!)

Santa on the Green & Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting in Cashiers

2024 Dates: November 29, 2024
Event Info

Get to know Santa a little more intimately at The Village Green, a 13-acre park in the heart of Cashiers. With glistening lights and decorations, the park becomes a winter wonderland for Christmas on the Green! Reservations are required to make sure you maximize the kid’s quality time with Santa.

Both Santa on the Green and the tree lighting are on November 24. Santa will be sat out on the green starting at 2:00 pm, and the tree lighting caps things off at 5:30 pm. There will also be an all-day Mistletoe market.

Read More: Silver Run Falls near Cashiers

Hangin’ with Santa & Kites with Lights in Nags Head

2024 Dates: November 29-30, 2024
Event Info

Sure, Santa can sleigh, but did you know he can also fly a kite like a boss too? Join Santa and his elves at Jockey’s Ridge to light the Solar Christmas tree and fly large kites decorated for the holiday season for Hangin’ with Santa & Kites with Lights.

Read More: Things to Do in the Outer Banks

Enchanted Airlie in Wilmington

2024 Dates: November 29 – December 21, 2024
Event Info

Since 2005, lights have sparkled at Airlie Gardens for Enchanted Airlie, bringing guests from all across the world. This Hanover County staple will be shimmering with holiday lights, music, and special displays!

Tickets are charged by the carload, but this is a walking event so please plan accordingly.

Read More: Family-Friendly Activities in Wilmington

NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach

2024 Date: November 29 – December 1, 2024
Event Info

How about a holiday parade, but on the water? The NC Holiday Flotilla has been an annual event since 1983 and adds a beachy twist on the traditional holiday twist.

This year marks the flotilla’s 41st anniversary, so expect nothing less than beautiful boats decorated with festive lights to glide over the coast. The festival accompanies the boats with live music and good food for a great experience.

Read More: The Best Beaches in North Carolina

Light Up Cornelius

2024 Date: November 30, 2024
Event Info

Bring your camera and get ready for a rocking good time celebrating Christmas at Light Up Cornelius.

With entertainment by local performers, carriage rides, food and craft vendors, and plenty of children’s activities, this Lake Norman-area event is a beautiful holiday tradition in North Carolina.

Read More: Lake Norman State Park (8 Great Things to Do!)

Winter Wonderland in Franklin

2024 Dates: November 30 and December 7, 2024
Event Info

Watch as the town of Franklin transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland! Starting with an annual tree lighting ceremony on the square and extended business hours for the downtown shops, there’s nothing quite like this celebration.

With free carriage rides, a candlelight service, and free miniature train rides, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to ring in the holiday season.

Read More: Wayah Bald Tower and the Best Views in Franklin

Christmas in the Country in Rocky Point

2024 Dates: TBD
Event Info

175,000 lights illuminate a mile-long drive in Old Homestead during Christmas in the Country. Make memories and see faces light up in awe and then sip on hot chocolate together while picking out the perfect Christmas tree.

Only 15 minutes from Wilmington, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in North Carolina!

Read More: December in North Carolina

Non-Holiday-Themed Things to Do in North Carolina in November

As with the first section, you can skip ahead to your favorites via our alphabetically ordered list.

Scroll past the list, you’ll find non-holiday-themed November events ordered by the date they start:

Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 – November 24, 2024
Event Info

Huntersville’s annual Carolina Renaissance Festival continues from October and takes place every weekend until November 20.

Nearly 1,000 artists will fill the 25-acre village, along with music, theater, and food. Don’t miss the Tournament Jousting, falconry demos, or their Living Mermaid exhibit, either!

Read More: October in North Carolina

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island

2024 Event Date: November 1-2, 2024
Event Info

Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island is a unique November event. It’s primarily a well-produced historical reenactment that tells the tale of the world’s most infamous pirate and his demise.

Historically accurate encampments of soldiers prepping for the Battle of Ocracoke and weapons demonstrations set the stage for an awesome weekend of fun.

There are also food vendors, a recreated “march” to Springer’s Point, and much more during this event. To keep up the Halloween spirit of this event, don’t forget to don your favorite pirate gear, or else you may just have to walk the plank!

Read More: 15 Tasty Ocracoke Island Restaurants (Best of the Village!)

Veterans Tribute NC in Jacksonville

2024 Dates: November 1-9, 2024
Event Info

With a huge military population living in Jacksonville, it’s fitting that you’ll find a ton of Veterans Day events happening in this Onslow County city. Here’s a breakdown, starting on November 3:

• Red White and Salute with Laser Light Show (November 1)
• Onslow Veterans Pow Wow (November 2-3)
• Freedom Fountain Observance (November 8)
• Veterans Day Parade (November 9)
• Military Basketball Association Tournament (November 9-11)
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Veterans Day Observance (November 11)
• Veterans Walk of Honor (Throughout)
• Lejeune Memorial Gardens Self-Guided Tours (Throughout)

Read More: 20 Amazing Restaurants in Jacksonville, NC and Onslow County

Southport Wooden Boat Show

2024 Date: November 2, 2024
Event Info

Celebrate Southport’s heritage and maritime history at the Southport Wooden Boat Show. Festival-goers can view wooden boat exhibits, hop on a boat ride, or enjoy some of the many hands-on activities for children.

WNC Pottery Festival in Sylva

2024 Date: November 2, 2024
Event Info

Among all these great things to do in North Carolina in November, the WNC Pottery Festival in Sylva is one that you can’t miss! With over 40 master potters from 16 states, this is one of the top arts events in this part of North Carolina.

Admission is $5 and also includes a raffle ticket to help boost your chances of going home from this hand-spun event with a ceramic souvenir.

Read More: Delicious Restaurants in Sylva and Nearby!

NC Pecan Harvest Festival in Whiteville

2024 Date: November 2, 2024
Event Info

Celebrate North Carolina’s pecan growers at the NC Pecan Harvest Festival!

The action kicks off Friday night with the First Responder’s burger brawl at the Vineland Station Depot before the festival takes to the streets of downtown Whiteville on Saturday. Starting with a parade at 10 a.m., the festival includes live music, a pecan run, food, and a car show.

Tickets can also be purchased to tour the historic homes of Whiteville during the festival. If you have kids aged 8-17, you can enter them in the Pecan Harvest Festival Cooking Contest!

Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)

Whirligig Festival in Wilson

2024 Dates: November 2-3, 2024
Event Info

Head out to Wilson for two days of fun at the Whirligig Festival. Stroll through the bucket list-worthy Vollis P. Simpson Whirligig Park while enjoying tons of food, arts, and free fun from hundreds of local vendors.

It’s a great time for everyone in the family (especially the kids) and you might just see us there, too!

Read More: Unique Things to Do in North Carolina

NGK NTK World of Outlaws World Finals in Concord

2024 Dates: November 6-9, 2024
Event Info

Of all the things to do in North Carolina in November, this is one of the loudest!

Rev your engines and get ready for the best dirt racing event in the country. World of Outlaws Finals at the Charlotte Motor Speedway brings the best in the sport to Cabarrus County.

Grab yourself a 3-day Pit Pass or camp for the weekend alongside the track, this clay-slinging race weekend is bound to be wicked fast!

Read More: Things to Do in Concord and Cabarrus County

Outer Banks Marathon in Nags Head

2024 Dates: November 8-10, 2024
Event Info

Beginning on the largest sand dune on the East Coast, the Outer Banks Marathon brings runners from across the state to compete! The event includes a marathon, half marathon, 5k, 8k, and different race options for all runners.

With beautiful scenery all around you during your run, it’s no wonder this event is incredibly popular.

Read More: Off-season On the Outer Banks

Cucalorus Festival in Wilmington

2024 Dates: November 20-24, 2024
Event Info

Film buffs and artists converge in Wilmington for the Cucalorus Festival every November. This is one of the most vibrant things to do in North Carolina in November, with almost 100 international films showcased.

Genres and themes range from social justice, horror, and indie.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Wilmington

Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and  Studio Tour

2024 Dates: November 23-24, 2024
Event Info

With the largest collection of potters in a concentrated area, Seagrove is home to a variety of styles, colors, and studios. See it all on display at the Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and Studio Tour!

The festival has been bringing people from all over the world since 1982 to celebrate the local area potters. Browse the festival, visit a variety of studios, and speak to the craftspeople responsible for the piece that speaks to you!

Read More: Things to Do in Asheboro and Randolph County

Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair in Winston-Salem

2024 Dates: November 23-24, 2024
Event Info

Since 1963, Winston-Salem has showcased the quality craftsmanship and handwork of more than 100 artisans at the Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair.

With exhibitions ranging in media from clay, wood, glass, fiber, and metal, you’ll find some of the best artwork from across the country during this event.

Read More: Delicious Restaurants in Winston-Salem

Small Business Saturday

2024 Date: November 30, 2024

Sleep in on Black Friday and rest up for Small Business Saturday, opening its doors on November 25 this year. To celebrate this holiday, there are several Shop Small Saturday events happening throughout the state.

If your city has anything exciting going on during this special day, please let us know about it! 

No matter where you live, downtown small businesses will have something special planned. Don’t forget about general stores throughout our state, like Leclair’s in Fayetteville, Mast in several locations, and Heritage Farms in Goldsboro.

Read More: 40+ North Carolina Gifts from Amazing Local Businesses
Read More: Why and How to Support Local Businesses

Ready for these Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in November?

This month might not have been as busy as October, but there are still plenty of things to do in North Carolina in November! This is the last full month of fall before we move on to December and Winter.

As always we look forward to sharing all the local events happening in North Carolina. Before looking ahead, we’d love to hear from you. Which of these events and festivals you’ll be attending? We look forward to hearing from you and sharing our fun times exploring the state during November.

Also, what things to do in North Carolina in November do you think we should add to this list? 

Note: If you’re reaching out on behalf of a business, PR agency, or DMO, please visit this page.

More Things to Do in November (NC Travel Guides)

Beyond these amazing November events, here are some travel guides that feature even more fun happening around the state!

The North Carolina Travel Map (with 1000+ Great Places Included!)

20+ Amazing Children’s Museums in North Carolina for All

Looking Glass Falls near Brevard (How to See this Wonderful Roadside Waterfall)

Atlantis Lodge in Atlantic Beach (10 Things We Love!)

How to Visit The NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh

Jazz at the NC Museum of Art Series and Music at the Museum Festival

18 Famous Foods from North Carolina That You Probably Don’t Know Started Here!

How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips)