Kinston Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Kinston and surrounding areas
Kinston lights up the Christmas season with holiday attractions, festive events, and community highlights such as the Kinston Christmas Parade & Christmas Card Lane. Streets and parks host seasonal performances, markets, and family activities near familiar downtown spots. From Christmas lights to holiday activities and seasonal entertainment, Kinston provides many things to do that welcome families and visitors to celebrate together.
Find the best Kinston Christmas happenings this year!
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Editor's Picks (6)
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Rocky Mount Christmas Parade
(Rocky Mount)
Annual downtown Christmas parade with Santa
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Goldsboro Christmas Parade
(Goldsboro)
Annual community Christmas parade
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Beary Merry Christmas Events
(New Bern)
Themed Thursday night shopping with live music and snowfall
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Festival of Trees
(Greenville)
Nearly 100 decorated trees and Storytime with Santa
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Kinston Christmas Parade & Christmas Card Lane
Sponsor a lighted Christmas Card with your business logo and QR code.
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Boomerang's Christmas Kickoff
(New Bern)
Dinner, show, and Festival of Lights hayride experience.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Markets Near Kinston
Additional holiday activities and unique Christmas experiences in Kinston.
Small Town Christmas Market
Discover a unique holiday shopping experience at the Small Town Christmas Market. This...
View full details →Woodall's Christmas Extravaganza
Experience the magic of the Woodall's Christmas Extravaganza, a festive market designed to...
View full details →Wendell Wonderland
Wendell Wonderland is a cherished community event that beautifully ushers in the Christmas...
View full details →Christmas Parties Near Kinston
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Kinston.
Wilmington Celebration Choir Special Holiday Performance
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening featuring a soul-stirring performance by the...
View full details →Boomerang's Christmas Kickoff
Experience an unforgettable musical Christmas event featuring Boomerang, New Bern's top stage show....
View full details →Christmas Shows Near Kinston
Christmas shows, theater performances, and holiday entertainment in Kinston.
Have Yourself a Swingin' Little Christmas
Get into the holiday spirit with the Tar River Swing Band's "Have Yourself...
View full details →Kinston Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Kinston
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Kinston!
Kinston Christmas FAQ
Kinston often hosts several large annual Christmas events, including community tree lighting ceremonies and various holiday markets. These events typically draw significant crowds and feature festive activities for all ages.
While specific traditions evolve, Kinston often embraces community gatherings and local craft showcases as key holiday traditions. The emphasis is usually on supporting local artisans and enjoying shared festive experiences.
Established residential neighborhoods throughout Kinston are often the best places to see Christmas lights. Areas known for their well-decorated homes include the historic downtown and surrounding older neighborhoods where residents take pride in their displays.
Christmas markets and local makers can typically be found in Kinston's downtown area, at community centers, and sometimes in local parks. Keep an eye on local event listings for pop-up markets and craft fairs throughout the holiday season.
Enjoying the neighborhood Christmas lights, attending free community events like tree lightings, and browsing local markets are excellent free or budget-friendly options in Kinston. Many churches also host free holiday concerts or gatherings.
Families with kids in Kinston can enjoy visiting Santa, exploring Christmas light displays, attending local holiday shows, and participating in craft activities often found at Christmas markets. Many community events are specifically geared towards younger audiences.