Best Things to Do in North Carolina in January 2025
Looking for Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in January?
Explore all the exciting activities happening across the state this January, from the scenic Mountain Region to the vibrant Piedmont and the picturesque Coastal Region.
Things to Do in North Carolina in January
Mountain Region
New Year’s Resolution Runs 5K and 10K
🗓️ January 1, 2025
📍 Downtown Asheville, NC
Kick off the new year with a burst of energy at the New Year’s Resolution Run in downtown Asheville. Offering both 5K and 10K options, this family-friendly event draws fitness lovers and those looking to start 2025 on a healthy note. Races begin at 10 a.m., with kids under 12 participating for free.
New Year’s Sunrise at Grandfather Mountain
🗓️ January 1, 2025
📍 Mile High Swinging Bridge, Linville, NC
Start 2025 with an unforgettable sunrise from the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Gates open at 6:30 a.m., with the sunrise at 7:38 a.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot beverages and doughnuts in the Top Shop, along with restroom access.
Tickets: $50 for adults, $35 for children (4–12), and $25 for Bridge Club members (plus tax). Includes all-day park access. Limited to 150 participants. Tickets are on sale now.
Christmas at the Biltmore
🗓️ January 1–5, 2025
📍 Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
Celebrate the final days of the holiday season at the Biltmore Estate. Wander through its lavishly decorated halls adorned with twinkling lights and festive displays. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of fireplaces and holiday music one last time before the season ends.
Winter Trails Day
🗓️ January 3, 2025
📍 Sugar Mountain Resort, Banner Elk, NC
Discover the joy of snowshoeing at Winter Trails Day! This free event offers 45-minute guided snowshoe tours and equipment rentals for all ages from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s the perfect way to embrace the snowy season with family and friends.
Winter at the Biltmore
🗓️ January 6–March 20, 2025
📍 Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
Experience the peaceful charm of the Biltmore Estate in winter. Enjoy wine tastings, guided tours, nature walks, and seasonal activities in a tranquil setting without the usual crowds.
Lake James Ice Sculpture Showcase
🗓️ January 11, 2025
📍 Paddys Creek Area Visitor Center, Lake James State Park, Nebo, NC
Experience the magic of ice artistry at Lake James State Park! On January 11, 2025, the Paddys Creek Area Visitor Center will host a stunning showcase of intricate ice sculptures. This unique event celebrates winter’s beauty, providing a perfect outing for families and art enthusiasts alike.
Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort
🗓️ Through January 26, 2025
📍 Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, NC
Take in the magic of the Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort. Walk or drive around Chetola Lake to see stunning light displays, ice skaters, and festive decorations. This free event is the perfect way to extend the holiday cheer.
Family Day at Cataloochee Ski Area
🗓️ January 8–End of season 2025 (Wednesdays)
📍 Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley, NC
Encourage kids to embrace winter fun at Family Day, where children under 17 receive a free lift ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket. Available every Wednesday, not valid on holidays. Here are more details on locations for skiing and snow tubing in North Carolina.
Blowing Rock WinterFest
🗓️ January 23–26, 2025
📍 Blowing Rock, NC
Celebrate over 25 years of winter fun at Blowing Rock WinterFest! Highlights include the Polar Bear Plunge, ice carving demonstrations, a beer garden, and “WinterFeast,” showcasing local High Country cuisine.
NC Smokies Ice Fest
🗓️ January 30–February 2, 2025
📍 Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, NC
End January with a weekend of icy fun at the NC Smokies Ice Fest. Enjoy ice sculptures, games, skating, and special dining events across several mountain towns.
Snow Fest at 4118
🗓️ January 25–26, 2025
📍 Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park, Highlands, NC
Head to Highlands for snowy fun at Snow Fest! Activities include snowball tosses, a snow tube merry-go-round, an ice-skating rink, and more. Most activities are free, with ice skating tickets available for $5.
Piedmont Region
First Day Hikes
🗓️ January 1, 2025
📍 Various NC State Parks
Start the new year with a guided hike through some of North Carolina’s beautiful state parks. In the Piedmont, hikes in the past years have been available at Lumber River State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Norman State Park, and Jones Lake State Park. Lace up your hiking shoes and enjoy the crisp winter air! I haven’t seen anything announced yet for 2025.
Animate! Raleigh
🗓️ January 3–5, 2025
📍 Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC
Anime enthusiasts, rejoice! Animate! Raleigh is a three-day festival celebrating anime, animation, and cosplay. Highlights include engaging panels, Q&A sessions with industry guests, gaming, contests, and live entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the world of anime, this vibrant event promises fun for all ages.
Outdoor Ice Skating at “Camp North Pole”
🗓️ Through January 5, 2025
📍 Camp North End, Charlotte, NC
Enjoy Charlotte’s first outdoor ice skating rink at Camp North End! Open daily through January 5 (weather permitting), this rink offers a festive winter experience. After skating, warm up with hot drinks and snacks at the lodge.
Speedway Christmas
🗓️ Through January 5, 2025
📍 Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, NC
Drive through a dazzling four-mile holiday light display featuring over 5 million lights. Stop by the infield for more holiday magic, including Santa’s workshop, an ice maze, a tree-lined pathway, and food vendors. Click here for more Christmas and Holiday Events near Charlotte NC.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
🗓️ Through January 12, 2025
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary, NC
Marvel at over 40 larger-than-life lantern displays created by Chinese artists at this annual festival. Highlights include animatronic displays, live performances, and stunning colors that brighten the winter nights.
Outdoor Ice Skating at Birkdale on Ice
🗓️ Through January 31, 2025
📍 Birkdale Village, Huntersville, NC
Skate into January at Birkdale on Ice, a Rockefeller-inspired outdoor rink at Birkdale Village. Perfect for all ages, this premium skating experience is a great way to continue the holiday fun.
Outdoor Ice Skating at US National Whitewater Center
🗓️ Through Mid-February 2025
📍 US National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, NC
Skate across a 24,000 sq. foot rink with twinkling lights and scenic pathways at the US National Whitewater Center. Take a break at the cozy Airstream café for hot chocolate and other refreshments.
Hamilton
🗓️ January 7–February 2, 2025
📍 Belk Theater, Charlotte, NC
Don’t miss the Broadway sensation Hamilton live at the Belk Theater in Charlotte. This critically acclaimed production brings history to life with music and storytelling.
The Rink Presented by UNC Health
🗓️ January 1–20, 2025 (select dates)
📍 Downtown Raleigh, NC
Skate on a natural ice rink with picturesque views of the Raleigh skyline. New this year: The Igloo Lounge, offering private group spaces with food and beverages. Advance reservations are recommended.
Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Games
🗓️ Various Dates in January 2025
📍 PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC
Cheer on the Carolina Hurricanes as they face off against top NHL teams this January. Enjoy an exciting evening of hockey at the PNC Arena, a top destination for sports fans.
Charlotte Hornets Basketball Games
🗓️ Various Dates in January 2025
📍 Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Catch the Charlotte Hornets in action at the Spectrum Center. Games this month include matchups against the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and other NBA teams.
Charlotte Checkers Hockey Games
🗓️ Various Dates in January 2025
📍 Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, NC
Watch the Charlotte Checkers bring the heat on the ice this January at Bojangles Coliseum. This minor league team offers thrilling games perfect for hockey fans of all ages.
Carolina Thunderbirds Hockey Games
🗓️ Various Dates in January 2025
📍 Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex, Winston-Salem, NC
Enjoy fast-paced hockey action with the Carolina Thunderbirds, an FPHL minor league team. Games this month are against teams like the Mississippi Sea Wolves and the Port Huron Prowlers.
Coastal Region
First Day Hikes
🗓️ January 1, 2025
📍 Various NC State Parks
Start the new year with fresh air and exercise at state parks across the Coastal Region. Join a free guided hike at Jockey’s Ridge State Park or Carolina Beach State Park to experience breathtaking trails and scenic views.
Penguin Plunge
🗓️ January 1, 2025
📍 Atlantic Beach, NC
Dive into the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean at the annual Penguin Plunge. Dress in a costume for a chance to win the best-dressed prize and kick off 2025 with an icy adventure!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
🗓️ January 20, 2025
📍 Downtown Wilmington, NC
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a lively parade in Wilmington. The event features floats, food trucks, live music, and a gospel concert, creating a day of celebration and reflection.
Wine and Brine Seafood Festival
🗓️ January 17, 2025
📍 Morehead City, NC
Celebrate the North Carolina Oyster Trail with local seafood, wine pairings, and interactive experiences with shellfish growers. Perfect for food lovers of all ages!
East Coast Shag Classic
🗓️ January 30–February 2, 2025
📍 Carolina Beach, NC
Dance the weekend away at this beachside classic! Enjoy live music, comedy shows, and themed parties, plus beach walks and luaus to brighten your January.
The Sky Tonight
🗓️ Various Dates in January 2025
📍 Ingram Planetarium, Sunset Beach, NC
Explore the night sky with a live star presentation at Ingram Planetarium. Learn about constellations, planets, and celestial wonders visible in the North Carolina skies this winter.
Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Games
🗓️ Various Dates in January 2025
📍 Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, NC
Catch the Fayetteville Marksmen in action as they compete against other SPHL teams. The lively atmosphere at Crown Coliseum makes for an exciting family outing.
North Carolina in January: FAQs
📌 Is January a good time to visit North Carolina?
Yes! With fewer crowds and a variety of winter activities, January is a peaceful and enjoyable time to explore the state.
📌 How cold is North Carolina in January?
Temperatures range from 34–52°F, with cooler weather in the mountains and milder conditions near the coast.
📌 Will North Carolina get snow in January?
The Mountain Region frequently sees snow, while snowfall in the Piedmont and Coastal areas is less common.
Final Thoughts
January in North Carolina offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and winter festivities. From snowy mountain getaways to vibrant city events, the state promises something for everyone to enjoy this season.
