14 Amazing Things to do in Boone NC Winter 2024/2025
Boone, NC, is in Watauga County, located in northwestern North Carolina in The Blue Ridge Mountains. Boone is home to the Appalachian State University Mountaineers. Here, you will find so many amazing outdoor activities throughout the year.
The elevation in Boone is 3,333 ft; the weather here can be comparable to some cities in the Northeast and also helps when it comes to winter activities and snow. Boone is named after Daniel Boone, who was said to set up camp often here within the town’s city limits on hunting trips. There are many things to do in Boone NC Winter.
Nearby towns that are also worth checking out include Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. You can take a drive on The Blue Ridge Parkway, which passes through town, and enjoy places like Grandfather Mountain, Elk Knob State Park, Rough Ridge Trail, Beacon Heights Trail, and more!
Winter activities are very popular here due to the elevation and climate. Appalachian Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Beech Mountain Resort are all nearby and are the area’s most popular places for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing!
Things to do in Boone NC Winter
Below, we have listed several events and things to do in Boone NC this winter. In addition, you can get outside in between all these events and enjoy yourself.
THINGS TO DO IN BOONE, NC Winter
include Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing
Several local favorites include snow skiing at the local ski resorts; you can check out our page here for more details. Snow tubing is another fun activity; we give you all the details here.
The ski resorts offer lots of things to do in Boone NC during the winter.
1. Winter Hiking near Boone NC
Who says you should only hike in the summer? Winter hiking is a fantastic activity to enjoy as well; you’ll get to experience the locations in a totally different way, and you might even come across a frozen waterfall.
Some popular local hiking spots include:
Moses Cone Park
Hiking off The Blue Ridge Parkway
Elk Knob State Park (temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene clean-up)
Boone Greenway
2. Tweetsie Christmas at Tweetsie Railroad
Dates:
November 29 and 30
December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30.
Closed Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Location: Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
At Tweetsie Christmas, you’ll find activities for everyone to enjoy! Take the 20-minute nighttime train ride on a three-mile route lined with over 1 million Christmas lights. Along the journey, you will sit in an open-air car pulled by a steam locomotive.
The train leaves every 30 minutes, starting at 5:30 p.m. Make sure you dress warm! Also, the seats are first come, first serve, so you cannot reserve a certain spot on the train in advance, only your assigned train ride times.
They also have the opportunity to meet with Santa, watch a live Christmas show, kid-friendly amusement rides, and roast s’mores over the open fire.
Tickets
Adults (13 & up) $60
Children (3 – 12) $40
Children 2 & under are free.
Purchase your tickets here
3. The “Festival of Lights” at Chetola Resort
Dates: Open to the public starting November 29 through Blowing Rock’s WinterFest in Jan.
Time: At Dusk
Location: Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Chetola is hosting a free event that is open to the public; they will be displaying their amazing lights display around the resort and lake. Come drive or stroll around Chetola Lake and view all the festive lights and scenes. It starts each evening on the above dates at dusk. It’s a great thing to do near Boone, NC in the winter.
4. Boone’s Festive First Friday Celebration & Solar Tree Lighting
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
Location: Downtown Boone, King Street, Boone, NC 28607
On December 6, come join the town in the celebration, and Solar Tree Lighting, downtown galleries, and shops will be open. Every first Friday of the month, the downtown area is open for the Art Crawl; this one will just be extra festive!
Come meet Mrs. Claus and write your letters to Santa, and enjoy some milk and cookies. Also available will be horse-drawn carriage rides or a snowball fight with marshmallows! How fun!
At the Jones House, you can find food trucks from Betty’s Biscuits, The Cardinal, and Just Wing It. They will be doing a Menorah lighting with the Temple of High Country, caroling on the porch, and free hot chocolate and cookies on the lawn.
Free Admission.
5. SugarFest
Dates: December 13 – December 15, 2024
Times:
Saturday 8:30 am to 5:45 pm
Sunday 8:30 am to 7 pm
Location: Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
Want to try out the newest ski and snowboard equipment? SugarFest will be starting their days off with a pre-season ski clinic all weekend. Following that, they will have live music and fireworks at the end of the day on Saturday at 5:45 p.m.
There are so many fun activities to enjoy, including ice skating and snow tubing. Lunch will be offered, and a hot chocolate bar will be offered both Saturday and Sunday.
Website for details and schedule
6. Boone Holiday Parade
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 6 pm
Location: Downtown Boone, King Street, Boone, NC 28607
The downtown parade starts at 6 p.m. Come watch and enjoy all the decorated floats, marching performances, and Santa himself! The route will start on King St, traveling east beginning at the Poplar Grove Connector and ending at Hardin St. After the parade, stop by the Jones House for a free hot chocolate and holiday treats!
7. Christmas Day Skiing
Date: December 25, 2024
Time: 1 pm to 10 pm
Location: Appalachian Ski Mountain, 940 Ski Mountain Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Want to get out on the slopes on Christmas Day? Join Appalachian Ski Mountain for some fun and snow. You will need to make reservations; if you purchase your ticket before Noon on 12/24, you will receive a 50% discount. All of the proceeds from this will go towards building a new ski patrol facility.
Purchase your tickets here
8. Boone Ball Drop
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 7 pm
Location: The Horton Hotel, 611 W King St., Boone, NC 28607
Come watch as the Horton Hotel hosts its annual New Year’s Eve ball drop from the rooftop. There will be limited walk-in space available on the rooftop, but come to enjoy drinks and celebrate. You are also welcome to bring chairs and join the fun from the lawn at the Jones House across the street to watch the ball descend.
9. New Year’s Eve Sugar Mountain
Date: December 31, 2024
Time:
The indoor celebration is from 9 pm to 1 am
Outdoor only starts at 11:45 pm
Location: Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
Come close out the year at Sugar Mountain. They will have an alpine torchlight parade that starts at 11:45 p.m. and fireworks at midnight. No fee to participate.
If you would like to join in for some fun indoor celebrations, you can make reservations to join them. They will feature live music and dancing. A basket of hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight, plus don’t forget the party favors included! You can call to make reservations at (828) 898-4521 ext 261. All ages are welcome.
Price
$110 per couple
$70 per single
If you are looking for something for 21-year-olds and up, then join them in the Last Run Lounge, which includes a champagne toast at midnight.
Price
$70 per couple
$50 per single
Stay safe that evening and book your accommodations nearby at this townhouse.
10. New Year’s Eve Beech Mountain
Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 7 pm to 2 am
Location: Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
They will also have a free, family-friendly celebration with a DJ, a photo booth, and games for all ages in the Lodge. Food, drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase. No need to pre-register.
Need a place to stay? Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk is a great choice or a chalet right near the slopes.
11. New Year’s Day Sunrise at Grandfather Mountain
Date: Not announced for 2025
Time: 6:30 am
Location: Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646
Come join a very special event to visit Grandfather Mountain outside of normal operating hours. Come view an amazing sunrise atop Grandfather Mountain. Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m., and gates will open at 6:30 a.m. You will only be able to visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge during this event.
They will be offering complimentary hot beverages and doughnuts; restrooms will be available as well in the Top Shop. Please bring a flashlight and dress appropriately; it will be cold! You also will be allowed to leave the park after sunrise and come back later in the day for no additional cost.
It’s limited to 150 people and will sell out. Last year, tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov 21st. If there is inclement weather and they need to cancel, full refunds will be given. Check out more details here.
Price:
$50 for over 12 yrs
$35 for 4 -12 yrs old
$25 for Bridge Club Membres
12. First Day Hike at Elk Knob State Park (temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene clean-up)
Date: Not announced due to temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene clean-up
Time: 1 pm
Location: Elk Knob State Park, 5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, NC 28684
Come hike with a Ranger at Elk Knob State Park and start your New Year off right. Free to attend.
13. Blowing Rock Winterfest
Dates: January 23 – January 26, 2025
Time: Varies
Location: 132 Park Avenue, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
You can check out their website for the list of scheduled events. Come enjoy outdoor fun, ice sculptures, a polar plunge, a chili challenge, wine tasting, hayrides, and even learn how snow is made.
After dark, enjoy the outdoor firepits, stroll along, and view the lights and ice sculptures. The number of events and activities goes on; make sure to check out their page for all the details. Make sure to book your stay for the Winterfest at The Lodge at Chetola Resort.
14. Spa Time
Want to be warm indoors and spend a day relaxing? There are several location options to enjoy, including The Spa at Chetola Resort and Westglow Resort & Spa. The Chetola Resort is located right in downtown Blowing Rock; they also have lodging options, including condos.
They offer a variety of services, including massage, facials, nails, cosmetics, and a hair salon; you’ll also find a relaxation room. Connected to the spa, you will find the resort’s heated indoor pool, sauna, and fitness room.
A few minutes from downtown, you will find Westglow Resort & Spa which is a Relais and Chateaux property. The spa is located on a 42-acre estate inside the mountain mansion of artist Elliott Daingerfield.
If you want to explore a high-rated spa, Westglow Resort & Spa was rated the #4 Destination Spa in the World by Travel & Leisure back in 2013. The views are incredible, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The homes on the property have recently been converted to private home rentals, and the property has become a popular wedding venue destination.
If you want a top-class experience, add this to your things to do in Boone, NC winter.
Restaurants in Boone NC
Wild Craft Eatery
Proper
Coyote Kitchen & Lost Cantina
Troy’s 105 Diner
Sunrise Grill
The Red Onion Cafe
Casa Rustica
The Pedalin’ Pig
Peddler Steak House
Vidalia
The Local
Gamekeeper Restaurant
Hotels and Lodging Near Boone NC
The Lodge at Chetola Resort
Chetola Premier Condominiums
Holiday Inn Boone
Country Inn & Suites
Courtyard Boone
The Village Inn
Weather in Boone NC
Average weather in Boone, NC, during the winter, can be highs of up to mid-40s to lows in the 20s. January is usually the coldest month. Snowfall can come as early as October and last until May; on average, the snowfall is around 33 inches per year. Bring lots of layers with you when enjoying the outdoors in Boone, including your hats, gloves, and scarves!
Final Thoughts
Don’t let winter stop you; there are so many ways to continue the fun. Get out and enjoy the things to do in Boone NC winter. I promise you’ll have lots of fun, just dress appropriately!
