Weekend drive · Nov 6–8, 2026
Asheville to Charlotte Veterans Day weekend road trip 2026
Start with Biltmore lit up for Christmas in Asheville on Friday night, then drive down to Charlotte for a free Veterans Day festival on Saturday. Saturday night is the closing night of a big haunt in Hickory, and on Sunday you can spend the day at the Carolina Renaissance Festival north of Charlotte. November 6–8, 2026.
The four stops
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Friday night · Historic estate at Christmas
Christmas at Biltmore Candlelight Evenings
Friday, November 6 · Asheville, North Carolina · event dates: November 3, 2026 - January 10, 2027
Biltmore House and the estate are decorated and lit for Christmas, and Candlelight Evenings run November 3 through January 10. Tickets are sold for set dates and times, so book ahead. Antler Hill Village Illumination is included with admission and glows from 5 pm to midnight.
- Drive about 2 h (about 130 mi) to Charlotte.
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Saturday daytime · Veterans Day festival
Carolinas Veterans Day Festival
Saturday, November 7 · Charlotte, North Carolina · event dates: November 7, 2026
Charlotte celebrates Veterans Day early with service members, veterans and their families at Romare Bearden Park, 300 South Church Street. Expect live music, activities for kids and a hot dog eating contest. It runs 11 am to 3 pm, and it's free.
- Drive about 1 h (about 60 mi) to Hickory.
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Saturday evening · Haunted attraction
Lake Hickory Haunts
Saturday, November 7 · Hickory, North Carolina · event dates: September 12 - November 7, 2026
November 7 is the last night of the season. The box office is open 7 pm to 9:30 pm, and the haunt keeps going until the last ticket holder is through. The band Contagious plays 8 pm to 9:30 pm, included with admission. It's at 520 Carolina Avenue, with the new entrance on Lake Hickory Haunts Drive.
- Drive about 50 min (about 45 mi) to Huntersville.
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Sunday on the way home · Renaissance festival
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Sunday, November 8 · Huntersville, North Carolina · event dates: October 3 - November 22, 2026
Gates open 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, rain or shine, with a pre-opening gate show at 9:05 am. The festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through November 22. Parking is free, there are no pets, and costumes are for rent just outside the gates. It's at 16445 Poplar Tent Road.
Drive home to Charlotte, NC: about 25 min (about 18 mi). Gas prices near Huntersville
Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.
At a glance
| Stop | Type | Dates | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Christmas at Biltmore Candlelight Evenings | Historic estate at Christmas | Friday, November 6 (runs November 3, 2026 - January 10, 2027) | Start |
| 2. Carolinas Veterans Day Festival | Veterans Day festival | Saturday, November 7 (runs November 7, 2026) | about 2 h |
| 3. Lake Hickory Haunts | Haunted attraction | Saturday, November 7 (runs September 12 - November 7, 2026) | about 1 h |
| 4. Carolina Renaissance Festival | Renaissance festival | Sunday, November 8 (runs October 3 - November 22, 2026) | about 50 min |
Event websites
- Christmas at Biltmore Candlelight Evenings
- Carolinas Veterans Day Festival
- Lake Hickory Haunts
- Carolina Renaissance Festival
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.