Check out our calendar of events to discover great ways to escape cabin fever in North Carolina.

North Carolina has a Native American population of more than 300,000. During November, there are many events celebrating Native American Heritage Month statewide, including these options. 

28th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration

On Nov. 18 at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, music and dances fill the lobby and plaza as workshops on oral history, crafts, and literature go on throughout the day. 

Museum of the Cherokee People 

This museum in Cherokee offers a glimpse into the tribe’s long history and the “Disruption” art exhibition (through December). On Nov. 10, Cherokee journalist and podcaster Rebecca Nagle hosts a free reading. 

Honoring Native Foodways

Sample Southeastern Indigenous cuisine at this event, hosted by the Department of American Indian Studies at UNC Pembroke on Nov. 2 in the University Center Annex. 

Now–Nov. 19 
The 56th Annual Southern Christmas Show

One of the largest Christmas shows in North America, this event showcases craftspeople and vendors from around the country at The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte. Choirs and entertainers perform onstage, and gourmet goodies add to the seasonal fun. 

Now–April 6
Guardians of the Land: Discovering Indigenous Americans

This important, kid-centric exhibit looks at the roles land and nature have played in the lives of Native Americans on North Carolina’s coast. The exhibit includes artifacts from the Meherrin and Roanoke-Hatteras Indian tribes, the Chowanoke Indian Nation, and Yeopim descendants at Elizabeth City’s Museum of the Albemarle.

Nov. 18–19
16th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters Fall Festival and Studio Tour

Potters and pottery studios will sell their wares at Historic Luck’s Cannery in Seagrove and open their doors and kilns for free visits. 

Nov. 18–19
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market

Local and regional artists, artisans and makers gather in downtown Durham for an art walk and holiday market. In addition, you’ll enjoy live music, restaurants and strolling downtown. 

Nov. 18–19
Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair

Celebrating 60 years, this fair in Winston-Salem brings more than 100 renowned craftspeople from across the country to display their fine functional artworks. 

Nov. 22
Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade

Gather in Charlotte for a parade full of floats and balloons, bands, and costumed merrymakers that’ll put you in a holiday mood. 

Nov. 25
Kites With Lights

Kites festooned with holiday lights will fill the sky above Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head in a festive display. Some of the kites are huge—up to 30 feet—making an impressive sight. 

Nov. 25
NC Holiday Flotilla

Don’t miss the 40th anniversary of the NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach, a festive boat parade and fireworks show. Line Motts Channel and Banks Channel to watch the procession of decorated and light-festooned boats motor past. 

Dec. 2
Annual Christmas Bazaar

More than 70 vendors will be on hand selling arts and crafts, including pottery, jewelry, clothing and more, to help you complete your shopping list at Nashville’s Rock Creek Baptist Church. Food trucks will be just outside should you want a tasty treat. 

Dec. 3–Feb. 17
GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art Winter Show

Works by more than 75 artists from North Carolina or with lasting ties to the state display their finest works in an installation in Greensboro. With paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, woodwork, ceramics and nearly every medium imaginable to choose from, you’ll find something to take home. 

Dec. 9
Durham Holiday Parade

Santa makes his appearance in Durham as part of a parade full of floats, hometown bands, drill teams, and community and school groups celebrating the holidays and spreading good cheer. 

Dec. 15–16
Shuck Hatteras II Oyster Festival

Fresh local oysters, oyster-shucking and cooking competitions, and the live music and vendors you expect to find at a fair make this a pearl of an event in Rodanthe. Don’t forget your ticket for the all-you-can-eat oyster roast. 

Dec. 17
Wright Brothers Day

It’s been 120 years since the Wright Brothers made history in Kill Devil Hills. Celebrate their achievement with the First Flight Society on a day of speakers and activities at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. 

Jan. 2–7
Girl From the North Country

This Tony Award-winning musical reimagines 20 songs by Bob Dylan to tell the stories of a group of travelers in 1934 Minnesota at the Durham Performing Arts Center. 

Jan. 13
Queen City Outdoor Classic: Charlotte Checkers vs. Rochester Americans

The Charlotte Checkers hit the ice for the team’s first Queen City Outdoor Classic—an alfresco hockey game—at Charlotte’s Truist Field.