The Ultimate greensboro holiday Bucket List
The holiday season in Greensboro is truly magical. If you’ve been asking yourself, “What fun holiday things can we do near me?” or “How can our family enjoy the holidays in Greensboro?”, you’re in the right spot. From sparkling light displays and festive markets to cozy at-home traditions and meaningful ways to give back, this holiday bucket list has something for everyone. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, gather the family, and let’s make some holiday memories!
Holiday Outings and Local Adventures
Even if you’re staying close to home, the Triad is packed with holiday fun. You don’t have to travel far to feel that festive magic. Here are some local must-dos:
Visit a Historic Holiday Home in Kernersville
Step back in time at Körner’s Folly, a whimsical historic home decked out for the holidays. It’s full of unique decorations and seasonal events that delight both kids and adults. Check their website at kornersfolly.org for event details.
Pick Out a Christmas Tree at a Tree Farm
Nothing smells more like the holidays than fresh pine! Bundle up, sip warm apple cider, hop on a hayride, and take the kids to a local tree farm. It’s a simple, classic tradition that makes the season feel magical.
Experience a Polar Express Train Ride
Cozy up in pajamas and climb aboard a holiday-themed train ride. These rides, like those at the NC Transportation Museum, Tweetsie Railroad, or Bryson City, are perfect for creating a new family tradition.
Drive Through McAdenville—Christmas Town, USA
Just a short drive from Greensboro, the town of McAdenville lights up like a winter wonderland every December. The streets are full of twinkling lights and festive cheer—perfect for a holiday evening drive. More info at mcadenvillenc.com.
Cozy At-Home Traditions
Sometimes, the best holiday memories are made right at home. Here are a few ideas to make your season extra special:
- Holiday Movie Night & Cozy Pajamas: Pick a holiday favorite, pop some popcorn, and snuggle under blankets.
- Bake & Decorate Cookies: Let the kids frost, sprinkle, and get creative. Bonus points for sharing cookies with neighbors!
- Ornament Crafts: Make ornaments with paper, glitter, or old photos. Each one tells a story and adds personal meaning to your tree.
- Holiday Bucket List Bingo: Download a bingo sheet filled with activities like decorating cookies, ice skating, visiting a tree farm, or caroling. It’s a fun way to check off memories as you go.
Local Holiday Events in Greensboro and the Triad
If you’re ready to get out and about, Greensboro and nearby cities have no shortage of festive events:
Tree Lightings & Holiday Parades
Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem all host tree-lighting ceremonies and holiday parades. These events are great for families to soak in local holiday spirit.
Holiday Light Festivals
- Tanglewood Festival of Lights: Drive through dazzling displays or stroll among festive scenes.
- Winter Wonderlights: Another immersive light experience perfect for a family outing.
Santa Sightings & Holiday Markets
Get your photo with Santa at one of the many Triad locations and browse local craft markets for unique gifts. Some favorites include:
- High Point Holiday Market & Craft Bazaar
- Christmas on State Street (Greensboro)
- Salem Saturdays at Christmas (Winston-Salem)
Indoor Theatre & Family Performances
Warm up inside with a show! Check out performances of The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, or other holiday-themed theatre in Greensboro or Winston-Salem. These performances are a wonderful way to enjoy the season with a little culture.
holiday events near greensboro
| Event / Light Show / Activity | Dates / Time Frame (2025–2026) | Location (City / Venue) | What to Know / Kid‑Friendly Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Wonderlights | Nov 19, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (evenings) | Greensboro Science Center — Greensboro, NC | Stroll through zoo + aquarium grounds lit with immersive holiday lights, animal‑inspired lanterns, music & seasonal treats — great for families with kids. |
| Festival of Lights (Downtown Greensboro) | Dec 5, 2025 — 5:30pm–9:00pm | Center City / Elm Street / Center City Park — Greensboro, NC | Community tree lighting, carolers, festive atmosphere downtown — ideal for a night out with kids or a cozy couple’s stroll. |
| Tanglewood Festival of Lights | Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026; nightly 6:00pm–11:00pm | Tanglewood Park — Clemmons, NC | Drive‑ or ride-through light show with over a million LED lights, hayrides, carriage rides, marshmallow roasting at “S’moresville” — fun for all ages. |
| Christmas Town U.S.A. (McAdenville) | Dec 1 – Dec 26, 2025; lights on 5:30pm–10:00pm | Downtown McAdenville, NC | Hundreds of decorated homes, half‑million lights, stroll‑or‑drive options — a must‑see classic holiday display, especially nice for families and couples. |
| Historic Home Holiday Tour — Körner’s Folly (Kernersville) | Seasonal holiday period (Nov–Dec; check site for exact dates) | Kernersville, NC | A festive tour of a quirky, historic home decked out for the season — perfect for history buffs, photo ops, and a family outing. |
| Tree Farm Visit & Cut‑Your‑Own Christmas Tree | Select weekends Nov–Dec | Area tree farms within driving distance of Greensboro | Fun holiday tradition: hayrides, hot cider, Christmas tree shopping; nice for families, especially younger kids. |
| Holiday Movie Night at Home + Baking Traditions | Anytime during December | Your home | Cozy and budget‑friendly: watch holiday films, bake cookies, make ornaments — easy win for families or couples wanting a relaxing night in. |
| Holiday Shopping & Holiday Markets in Triad | Throughout December (weekends/market dates vary) | In Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Winston‑Salem | Great for last‑minute gifts or festive finds; many holiday markets have local vendors, handmade items — good for adults and older kids. |
| Volunteer / Giving-Back Nights & Community Drives | Varies — many start early November | Local shelters, nonprofits, churches across the Triad | Meaningful family or adult‑focused activity: toy drives, food donations, volunteering opportunities — teaches gratitude and community spirit. |
| “Holiday Memories & Gratitude Night” at Home | Anytime during holiday season | At home | A special night for families to reflect: photo sharing, holiday stories, gratitude conversations — simple but heartfelt holiday tradition. |
Meaningful Holiday Activities
The holidays are also a great time to give back and reflect on what matters most:
- Volunteer Locally: Help at a shelter, collect toys, or pack food boxes. Check out Greensboro area nonprofits and community centers for opportunities.
- Write Holiday Cards: Take an evening to write cards for family, friends, or seniors in the community who may be alone this season.
- Family Gratitude Night: Look through photos, share favorite memories from the year, and discuss hopes for the next. It’s a warm, reflective tradition to add to your holiday bucket list.
Extra Holiday Ideas in the Triad
A few more ways to celebrate the season in Greensboro and surrounding areas:
- Reynolda Village Holiday Stroll
- MAKRS Holiday Fest
- Spectacular Holiday Blooms
- Piedmont Winterfest
- YMCA Annual Mistletoe Run
For more ideas, check out the TMoM Holiday Lights & Parades Directory and Santa Sightings Directory.
Make It Fun: Holiday Bucket List Bingo
Keep kids engaged and make your holiday bucket list interactive. Print a bingo sheet filled with seasonal activities, and let each family member cross off squares as you go. Give a small prize for a bingo winner or aim to complete the entire sheet before the season ends. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved!
Greensboro and the Triad are bursting with holiday magic. Whether you’re strolling through sparkling lights, baking cookies at home, or volunteering with your family, there’s something to create lasting memories for everyone. Bundle up, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the festive season to the fullest. Happy holidays!
