Holiday Getaways in Greensboro

Holiday Lights, Festive Traditions & Seasonal Experiences in Greensboro

There is something about the holiday season that makes a little time away feel especially meaningful. Maybe it’s the glow of twinkling lights, the anticipation of a favorite holiday performance or the simple pleasure of discovering a new shop along the way.

In Greensboro, North Carolina, the season brings plenty of reasons to get out and explore. From outdoor ice skating and neighborhood Christmas lights to holiday markets, live performances and seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Make O.Henry Hotel or Proximity Hotel your home base, and discover a few of our favorite ways to enjoy Greensboro during the most wonderful time of the year.

Take in the Holiday Lights

Some holiday traditions are worth returning to year after year. In Greensboro, a few favorite places make it easy to enjoy the season after the sun goes down.

Sunset Hills Neighborhood Christmas Lights | Late Nov.-Dec.

A Greensboro holiday tradition, Sunset Hills is known for its enormous illuminated Christmas balls suspended from neighborhood trees. Take a leisurely evening drive through the neighborhood and enjoy one of the area’s most recognizable holiday displays.

Running of the Balls | Dec. 12 | If you are up for a festive gaunt, engage in the night-time 5k, Running of the Balls, where participants, often festooned with holiday-themed attire, stroll beneath a canopy of thousands of brightly lit, colorful Christmas balls that adorn the trees along the route. Learn More

Winter Wonderlights | Nov. 18-Jan. 3 | Greensboro Science Center

More than one million twinkling lights transform the Greensboro Science Center into a festive evening experience. Wander through illuminated displays, enjoy the atmosphere and take in the magic of the season. Learn More

Downtown Annual Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 4

Join the community for Greensboro’s annual holiday tree lighting, complete with live music, carolers, Santa and an evening of holiday shopping and dining along Elm Street. Learn More

McLauren Farms Christmas Festival | Dec. 10-23

Make an evening of holiday lights and seasonal festivities at McLaurin Farms in Greensboro. Check the festival calendar for operating dates and details. Learn More

Enjoy a Little Holiday Entertainment

The holidays bring a wonderful lineup of performances and entertainment to Greensboro. Whether you prefer live music, dance, Broadway productions or a favorite Christmas movie, there are plenty of ways to make an evening memorable.

Lady A: This Winter's Night — Pictured: Lady A | Photo Source: tangercenter.com

The Tanger Center—From Broadway touring productions to concerts and special performances, Tanger Center offers an opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment in downtown Greensboro. Learn More

Lady A. : This Winter’s Night | Dec. 19
Home Alone in Concert | Greensboro Symphony Orchestra | Dec. 12
Matthew West: Come Home for Christmas | Dec. 13
Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet | Dec. 17
Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour | Dec. 18
Cirque Dreams Holidaze | Dec. 23-24

O.Henry Hotel Holiday Jazz | Nov.-Dec | View Jazz Schedule of Artists

Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve Jazz | Nishah DiMeo & The O.Henry Trio, 6-9 PM
Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Jazz
- The O.Henry Trio performs with Jessica Mashburn from 6-8PM and Clinton Horton from 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
- The Matt Reid Trio finishes the night with Diana Tuffin from 10:30PM – 12:30AM!

Live Music at Lucky 32 with The Olsons | Every Wednesday | 6-9 PM | Learn More

The Pyrle—Holiday Shows

JohnnySwim Christmas | Dec. 2
The acclaimed folk-pop duo of Abner and Amanda Ramirez, captivates audiences with heartfelt storytelling and soulful melodies. Learn More

The 2026 Christmas YARN Ball | Dec. 16
Brooklyn- and Raleigh-based band Yarn is known for its storytelling-driven blend of Americana, folk, rock, and bluegrass influences. Their live shows celebrate the art of songwriting, heartfelt stories, and musical spontaneity. Learn More

Hallmarkish_KeyArt_900x600 — Source: carolinatheatre.com

Carolina Theatre: Enjoy the sounds of the season! View All Carolina Theatre Programming

The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical | Dec. 2
A hilarious musical parody celebrating the beloved tropes of holiday romance movies! Follow Holly as she returns to her quirky hometown, rekindles an old romance, and uncovers a Christmas cookie contest conspiracy involving a runaway moose. Featuring original pop songs, festive surprises, and plenty of holiday humor, this is a joyful seasonal treat for Hallmark movie fans. Learn More

Live Music—Spirited musical celebrations to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
- Jazz, Blues, & Carolina Grooves: A Soulful Celebration | Dec. 11
- Depue Brothers Band: A Magical Grassical Christmas | Dec .14
- Christmas at Motown | Dec. 19

Greensboro Ballet — Source: carolinatheatre.com

Movies—Settle in for a holiday classic or discover something new at Carolina Theatre.
- Almost Christmas | Nov. 30
- Die Hard | Dec. 3
- The Muppet Christmas Carol | Dec. 6
- The Last Holiday | Dec. 15
- Home Alone | Dec. 16
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | Dec. 17
- Elf | Dec. 21
- White Christmas | Dec. 22
- It’s a Wonderful Life | Dec. 23

Ballet—
- Greensboro Ballet: The Nutcracker | Dec. 10-13
  Experience the magic of the holidays with Greensboro Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker, featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Greensboro Ballet Orchestra. Learn More
- Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights- Grand Kyiv Ballet | Dec. 20
  Swan Lake reimagined through breathtaking light displays, illuminated costumes, and world-class ballet. Learn More

Get Outside & Enjoy a Holiday Tradition

Sometimes the best way to celebrate the season is to get outside and enjoy something a little unexpected.

Ice Skating Downtown — Pictured: Piedmont Winterfest Ice Skating | Credit: Visit Greensboro

Festival of Lights | Credit: Visit Greensboro

All Downtown December Events

Winterfest Ice Skating in LeBauer Park | Nov. 20–Jan. 31 | Lace up a pair of skates and enjoy outdoor ice skating in downtown Greensboro. Winterfest features public skating, themed skate nights and curling on select evenings. Admission is $15 per person, including skate rental.
Greensboro Downtown Holiday Parade | Dec. 5 | 11 AM | Giant balloons, marching bands, festive floats and community groups bring holiday cheer to downtown. Arrive early, find a favorite viewing spot and enjoy a morning of holiday tradition.
The Downtown Jingle Jog 5K & Fun Run | Dec. 6 | Bring your holiday cheer to the streets of Greensboro! Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to don their festive gear and enjoy a spirited 5K or one-mile fun run through downtown, with a post-race celebration at SouthEnd Brewing. Learn More

Handmade Activities & Gifts

For an outing beyond the usual holiday shopping, consider making art together or find a local artisan.

Image of potter with wheel fashioning a bowl

Seagrove Pottery | For an outing beyond the usual holiday shopping, consider a visit to Seagrove, North Carolina, a community known for its pottery tradition.

The Seagrove Pottery Festival takes place Nov. 21–22. | Learn more about the Seagrove Pottery Festival
Holiday Open Houses & Self Guided Tours | Dec. 5-19 | Learn More

Vintage Christmas Trees | Nov. -Dec. | Mad Splatter Greensboro

Join Mad Splatter for a relaxing evening painting your very own ceramic light-up tree! Learn More

The Forge | Raku Pottery – Bake, Make, Take, Social | Nov.-Dec. | The Forge Makerspace

Come to Forge Greensboro Makerspace for a fun evening decorating pottery in our make, bake, and take workshop! Bring your own snacks and drinks (BYOB) and come have a great time. Learn More

The Forge | Holiday Ceramic Ornament Workshop | Nov. 17 & Dec. 3 | The Forge Makerspace

Make some hand-made ornaments. This workshop lets participants cut out and decorate/paint 3-4 ornaments from a variety of shapes (cookie-cutter shapes). Learn More

Holiday Plate Workshop | Nov. 28 | Ctr. for Visual Arts

Join Victoria Mercado‑Lues for a hands‑on pottery workshop where you’ll learn fundamental techniques and create a perfect handmade pottery piece for you. Learn More

Holiday Shopping

A little holiday shopping can be an experience all its own, especially when it involves discovering independent boutiques, local makers and thoughtfully selected gifts. Greensboro offers a variety of places to browse, whether you’re looking for something handmade, a special find for someone on your list or simply an afternoon of exploring.

O.Henry Hotel Large Soaking Tub - In each room is a large cast iron soaking tub with a separate Terrazzo shower. The walls are tiled floor to ceiling with etched mirrors set a half inch into the tile.

Start with a Little QW Hospitality

Looking for a gift that is a pleasure to give and even better to receive? Start with QW Gift Central, your online destination for gifts from Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels. From memorable hotel stays to restaurant gift cards and more, there’s something special for the people on your list.

River Rye Boutique | Friendly Center | Web: riverryeboutique.com

Discover Greensboro’s Local Shops

Explore Greensboro’s independent boutiques and distinctive shopping destinations. From thoughtfully selected home accents to North Carolina-inspired gifts, you’ll find plenty of inspiration along the way.

A few of our favorites:

Friendly Center – An open-air shopping destination with a wonderful mix of familiar retailers, specialty shops and places to pause for a bite.
Hudson Hill – Discover distinctive gifts, home accents and interesting finds.
Carolyn Todd’s – Browse a thoughtfully selected assortment of gifts and distinctive finds.
Red Collection – Explore fashion, accessories and gifts with personality.
Replacements, Ltd. – A special stop for collectors and entertainers, with an extraordinary selection of china, crystal, silver and tableware.
Just Be – Find unique gifts and personal discoveries.
Our State Exclusive Shop – Bring a little North Carolina home with gifts inspired by the people, places and traditions of our state.