Not all destinations around the USA guarantee snow on December 25th, but North Carolina is a safe bet! In fact, snow is seen regularly during the winter season in plenty of areas of the state. Are you celebrating Christmas in Carolina? Here are some of the top places to visit around North Carolina where you can step into a postcard-worthy white Christmas!
Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain is located in Watauga County in North Carolina and is considered one of the coolest towns in the state. During the winter season, the town becomes a hot spot for visitors who wish to explore the many winter activities available.
There are plenty of chances of seeing snow during your visit since this town also receives the most snow in the state, so expect a white Christmas if you are sticking around! Some popular activities around here include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and sledding. For accommodations, you will find a variety of inns, condos and mountaintop homes.
Sugar Mountain
Sugar Mountain is a town nestled within Avery County in North Carolina. It is best known for being the home to the state’s largest ski slope! With a population of just 189, the town is quaint with gorgeous mountain views. Winter is one of the most popular times to visit. With an average of 78 inches of snow each winter, you may very well experience a white Christmas.
The town also offers plenty of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, tubing and much more! The nearby Sugar Mountain Resort is one of the premier snow sports destinations in the state.
Highlands
Make your way to the quaint town of Highlands in North Carolina to enjoy a warm and engaging Christmas. It is amongst America’s best small mountain towns, thanks to its beautiful waterfalls, fantastic resorts and remarkable landscape. The Highlands receive around 13 inches of snow a year, most of which descends in December.
Along with the never-ending list of activities, snow is what attracts hundreds of people to the town every year. You can hike through the mountains, explore frozen waterfalls, go snow tubing, try ice skating, or even explore the many quaint shops lining Main Street.
Blowing Rock
The town of Blowing Rock is named after the 4000 ft cliff overhanging the Johns River Gorge, located within Watauga County in North Carolina. It receives around 34 inches of snow yearly, so expect a White Christmas for the books! It is simply one of the top white Christmas decorations.
The town also offers a wide variety of winter activities, including skiing on the Appalachian Ski Mountain, taking a hike through the mountain trails, visiting North Carolina’s oldest outdoor attraction “Blowing Rock” after which the town is named, stopping at the Chetola resort for their bonfire nights, and going sledding across the Blowing Rock hillsides.
Little Switzerland
Little Switzerland is a community located in the McDowell and Mitchell counties, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This charming Swiss-inspired village features charming wooden cottages, log fires and horse stables, making it the perfect setting for a fairytale holiday. The town also receives an average of 42 inches of snowfall yearly, particularly close to Christmas. It is simply one of the top places for North Carolina snow Christmas.
During your visit, there are several things to do, including skiing through the mountains, snowboarding with your loved ones, trying local ciders, enjoying fine dining, or taking a day trip to explore the nearby waterfalls.
Spruce Pine
Spruce Pine is one of the largest towns in Mitchell County, North Carolina. The town receives, on average, 13 inches of snow per year, especially close to the holidays. Spruce Pine is located between the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, offering a mix of vibrant traditional and contemporary crafts, local experiences and recreational facilities.
It offers a wide array of activities, including tubing, hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, rappelling, and much more! With Christmas 2023 coming up, you can also expect plenty of Christmas shows and holiday-themed events.
Bryson City
Bryson City is a small North Carolina town housed within Swain County. The town is decked out with garland and holiday lights and a central Christmas tree in the town hall during the holidays. While it is rare to see snow in Bryson City, you can expect it during the winter months.
The town offers several family-friendly activities to enjoy over the holidays. One of the most popular is a trip on the Polar Express Train, a 1 plus hour round trip through the Great Smoky Mountains. You can also go ice skating, holiday shopping, or simply feast on warm holiday delights during your stay.
Banner Elk
Banner Elk is located a short distance from Beech Mountain and is a popular getaway in the North Carolina high country. It is also one of the most popular destinations for those who seek a small-town Christmas. While February is the snowiest month for the town, it also receives plenty of snow close to Christmas time.
There are plenty of winter sports available in the mountain town, including a mix of skiing, ice skating, and snow tubing. The city also hosts several Christmas events, including Christmas tree lightings, musical variety shows, visits from Santa, Christmas parades, holiday markets, and much more!
Brevard
Brevard is located in Transylvania County in Western North Carolina. Although it is a small mountain town, it is known for its outdoor adventure, charming shops, and delicious restaurant food, best for visits during the holidays. It is also regarded as the “Land of Waterfall” since it is home to over 250 waterfalls!
The Christmas season in Brevard is usually met with holiday cheer. Head to Main Street, and you will find shops filled with treats, holiday gifts, local crafts, and more.
Boone
Boone is a small town in Watauga County, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West North Carolina. The town receives an average of 40 inches of snow annually, so you can expect to see some snow during your visit.
Of course, like most towns, Boone also offers a variety of winter activities. You can go on scenic drives, head to nearby ice skating rinks and ski resorts, go snow tubing, or go on a winter hike. The Christmas holidays will also feature annual parades, tree lightings, train rides, and other festive activities.
Asheville
Asheville is the largest city in the west of North Carolina, known for its eclectic culture, antique shops, trendy breweries, and vibrant art scenes. But does Asheville NC get snow? The chances of a white Christmas in Asheville are pretty low, just around 10%-15%, but keep your hopes up!
But regardless, Asheville is one of the best cities to celebrate Christmas. The city puts up elegant displays, hosts carriage rides through the city, and arranges a multitude of festivities. Christmas at the Biltmore Estate is a must-see during your visit!
Sapphire
Sapphire is a lovely resort town nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains within Jackson County. It receives 34 inches of snowfall annually, mostly during late December, making it the perfect destination for your holidays. It is one of the top white Christmas decorations you must not miss.
Besides offering beautiful scenery, the winter months provide several recreational opportunities for visitors. You can go hiking, explore frozen waterfalls, or even head to the Ski Sapphire Valley resort for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
Cashiers
Cashiers in a beautiful village in Jackson County in western North Carolina, popularly known as “The Heart Of The Blue Ridge Mountains.” This mountain community provides you with the perfect setting for an idyllic holiday. It receives around 11 inches of snow a year, particularly during December through January.
The village boasts a contemporary lifestyle, an impressive music and art scene, and plenty of outdoor winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, winter fly fishing, hiking, and more. Several events, light displays, and festive decorations are also part of the holiday traditions.
Jefferson
Finally, we have the town of Jefferson, located in the heart of Ashe County. On average, the town receives 21 inches of snow a year, so you may enjoy a white Christmas during your visit.
Some of the most popular pastimes in the town include hiking and fishing and, of course, exploring the 1600 ft Mount Jefferson. Apart from the outdoor excursions, head to downtown Jefferson to explore their Museums or shop at the Ashe County Farmers Market for the holidays. Dine at eateries, visit the galleries, or simply enjoy the sights!
Final Thoughts
The festive atmosphere that snow creates is truly magical and can put you into the season’s spirit. If you hope to spend your Christmas holidays amidst snow-laden lands, head to any of the destinations listed above and enjoy a white Christmas in North Carolina.
