A Christmas tree lights up the front of the State Capitol in Raleigh. Here are 16 local Christmas tree lightings to check out in 2024 in North Carolina. (Shutterstock)
Whenever you like to ring in the holidays, North Carolina communities from the Outer Banks to the mountains are getting together in the coming days and weeks to officially light their Christmas tree. Here’s what to know.
It’s not clear who invented the Christmas tree. This winter symbol of light and joy started showing up sometime in the 16th century, and it’s a ubiquitous symbol around the holidays.
But North Carolina has a special claim to it, being the second-biggest producer of them. Western NC’s cooler temperatures and relative moisture make it a prime spot for growing Fraser firs, which is probably why a North Carolina tree has been chosen to be the official White House tree three out of the last four years.
Either that or NC is a swing state and Oregon isn’t.
READ MORE: A North Carolina holiday gift guide, with an emphasis on the western NC businesses who need your help
Fittingly, this time of year is when North Carolina communities light their holiday trees. We’ve compiled some of the biggest celebrations across the state below. All of these events are free. For the exact time of the tree lighting, click the included links on each because many of these events are bundled with parades, concerts, holiday markets, and more.
Happy start to the holidays, North Carolina.
Friday, Nov. 22
5:30-8pm | Free | Lichtin Plaza, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, Nov. 22, 6-8:30 pm, Courthouse Plaza
CCB Plaza, Saturday, Nov. 23, 1-7 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 26, 6:30 pm, Bank of America Stadium
Friday, Nov. 29, 6-8 pm, Harbor Centre & the Waterworks Building
Saturday, Nov. 30, 4-9 pm, Grove Arcade
Saturday, Nov. 30, 5-7 pm, Dowdy Park
Saturday, Nov. 30, 4-6 pm, Downtown Burlington
Sunday, Dec. 1, 5 pm, Downtown Gastonia
Thursday, Dec. 5, 6-8 pm, Riverfront Park
Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30-9 pm, Center City Park
Friday, Dec. 6, 7-9 pm, Shallowford Square
Friday, Dec. 6, 5-8 pm, Downtown Boone
Friday, Dec. 6, 6-8 pm, Near Town Hall
Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-9 pm, Riverwalk Park
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2-10 pm, Downtown Cary Park
Author
Support Our Cause
Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for North Carolinians and our future.
Since day one, our goal here at Cardinal & Pine has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of North Carolina families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.
Rafting in North Carolina: What to know & where to go
For nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, rafting is this summer’s must-try. Here are the best spots and basics for rafting in North...
The 7 biggest waterparks in North Carolina, ranked
Are you ready for a carefree day under the summer sun? Check out these big waterparks in North Carolina, which we’ve ranked from worst to best. It’s...
Phenomenal Fourth of July fireworks shows in North Carolina
Check out these magnificent Fourth of July fireworks shows in North Carolina over mountains, cityscapes, or the sea. Apple pie and vanilla ice...
Get ready for summertime fun with this line-up of Asheville and western North Carolina festivals
From music to food to arts and crafts, here is a list of festivals to include in your summertime fun in Asheville and western North Carolina. School...
