Looking for a family-friendly winter activity? Check out Moonshine Mountain snow tubing park in Hendersonville, NC. KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez brought her children for a day of tubing down the mountain. Check out her review so you’ll know what to expect and plan your visit to Moonshine Mountain.
The park is projected to open on December 19th for the 2025-2026 season.
If you see the giant pink elephant, you know you’ve made it to Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville, NC. Get used to the feeling of being watched by all kinds of mismatched statues of dinosaurs, bears, and the Blues Brothers. It’s all part of the thrilling fun of this snow tube mecca in Western North Carolina.
Only an hour from Greenville, Moonshine Mountain offers super fast snow tubing for any age. They have a cozy lodge with games, hot chocolate, snacks, and coffee. If you’d rather skip the tubing part or are done with your time, you can watch all the action from the deck at the lodge or head to the bridge over the tubing area to take photos of your family speeding down the lanes.
Moonshine Mountain is set to open on December 19th for the 2025-2026 season, which extends through February depending on the weather. Before you go, definitely head to their Facebook page for the latest updates on weather, snow report, and wait times. They have the capability to create their own snow so you’ll be fine even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate with the fluffy white stuff.
There are bathrooms onsite, but they are port-a-potties so don’t go there expecting the Ritz of bathrooms. The place is rustic and eclectic, not a fancy ski lodge.
Tickets, Tube, and Lift
Tickets are $40 for each tuber no matter the age and you have to sign a waiver upon arrival. Head right to the “Form Shed,” and then take your waiver to the lodge for payment and your sticker. You’ll get two hours of tube time.
Reservations are now required, but you still need to pay in cash when you get there. There is an ATM onsite if needed.
After leaving the lodge, go to the building with the airplane on top to pick up your giant tube. I don’t know how much they weigh, but they aren’t light (I definitely tripped over them a couple of times!). Then head to the mountain after the lodge. There is a pulley system that acts as a lift to get you up. It’s easy and fast.
Your other option, if the line is long, is to take your tube and walk up the mountain. I don’t recommend this if the conditions are icy like they were when we went. I got about 80 percent up and got stuck because I couldn’t get a good grip on the ice. It all worked out, but the lift is easy and you don’t get stuck!
Going Down the Mountain
Once you’ve reached the top, you get to choose one of the three lanes. Having never snow tubed before, my two little kids (ages 7 and 4) and I just chose the first lane, which was a good choice since it seemed like the other two were even faster. Moonshine Mountain claims one of the steepest slopes in Western North Carolina. I’m not disputing that after day of snow tubing here.
My kids are small enough for me to hold onto both of their tubes and go down together, which made me feel a bit safer. Every tuber, no matter their age, gets their own tube. The employees are all great and very friendly. They get you up the mountain and down it safely while having a lot of fun.
I saw a lot of other groups go down in “trains”, where you hook your feet under the arms of the person in the tube in front of you and then slide down together. It looked awesome.
Mom Review of the fun at Moonshine Mountain
We got there before Moonshine Mountain opened, so we had plenty of time to get in several runs until a bigger crowd showed up. The most we waited to get to the lift after sliding down was 15 minutes and that was at the most crowded part of the day. It was run efficiently, they play music, have a bonfire near the mountain so you can warm up, and have an onsite photographer to grab your best photo (which we absolutely bought).
The place is very family-friendly and caters to all ages. We saw people on dates, families, big groups, and friends just having fun together. There are also plenty of things for the kids to play with, or on. There is a little igloo they can explore or climb on the backs of dinosaurs or sit by the fire and enjoy hot chocolate.
Moonshine Mountain runs things in a way that keeps people moving and gives everyone plenty of chances to ride while still keeping safety front and center. It’s a fun pick for families this winter. It also works well when you want to show out-of-towners something a little different.
Check hours on website as they are mostly open on weekends and school breaks. They do not offer group rates.
Tips for Moonshine Mountain in North Carolina
Bring cash. Moonshine Mountain doesn’t accept credit cards, so you need enough money for the tickets, plus whatever snacks or hot chocolate you want. Tickets are $40 per person. If you purchase photos, bring an extra $30-$40. I loved the photos since I couldn’t go down the mountain and take snapshots at the same time.
While there isn’t an age requirement, there is a minimum height requirement of 36” to tube and a 250-pound limit on the lift. Tubes can hold up to 300 pounds, but you’ll need to walk up the mountain. Ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Check the weather and snow report before you go on their website and/or Facebook page. Rain will usually necessitate closing. You don’t want to drive all the way up there and not be able to go tubing.
Make a reservation. Reservations are required, which you need to make online.
Bring a change of clothes. There are changing rooms onsite, and you may get wet or muddy. It’s just more comfortable to change before you head home. You don’t need snow bibs or pants. Just dress warm.
Don’t forget winter hats and gloves, and layers are your friends. It can get chilly sobe prepared. You can always ditch layers in the car if you warm up. We don’t have snow gear, so we layered leggings under pants and jeans and did the same with shirts. It worked out well.
If you have experienced a Greenville, SC winter, free things to do are everywhere! We’ve gathered up our favorite free winter activities near Greenville, SC. And others listed are inexpensive… which in this case means the total cost of the activity is less than $20 for a family of four to do.
Winter can put a damper on outdoor activities because of the cold but do not fear, here’s a list of free and inexpensive things to do in the Upstate, South Carolina that will keep you and your kids from crying boredom and will help relieve that cabin fever.
Typically staying in your neighborhood is a good idea, especially if the roads are bad (and it’s free). Ideas for improvised sleds: tape up the seams of larger cardboard boxes with duct tape, use pool toys, a large cookie sheet, lunch tray, tops of garbage cans, an old car hood, laundry basket, or plastic kiddie pool. [disclaimer: don’t blame us if these ideas don’t work] But if you’re looking for something more (that does cost money) KAG readers recommend Maggie Valley, Moonshine Mountain, and Jonas Ridge, which are all in North Carolina.
Winter Hikes are free (depending on your hiking location) and offer lots of fun. Enjoy the crisp, fresh air and a hike without the sweltering summer heat! Caesars Head State Park has particularly stunning views year-round. We have 7 Upstate Winter Hike locations for you to try.
Explore Falls Park on the Reedy in Downtown Greenville to watch the ducks and geese swim around, they are usually there all year. Then you can stroll the streets of Downtown Greenville and window shop. Camperdown Plaza is also pretty fun to walk about, with art in every corner.
Library: Both the Spartanburg and Greenville County library systems are enormous and they have a ton of free stuff to do – virtual storytimes, craft kits, and special online events. Most branches have free parking but the ones downtown do charge anywhere from $1-$2 per hour.
Enjoy the fish at the small aquarium at Bass Pro Shops on Woodruff Road and have your kids pick out their favorite wild animal on display all around the massive store.
Continue kindness! Just because the holiday season is coming to a close, shouldn’t mean the end of being kind and thoughtful. Write a nice note for a service member and send it with a care package, bake cookies for your local firefighters, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and catch up on thank you notes for all those Christmas gifts.
Inexpensive Things to Do During the Winter in Greenville
On sunny days, take your young kids to play in the enclosed outdoor playspace at Swamp Rabbit Cafe after a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can grab a hot chocolate or snack from the market to enjoy.
Family Fun Gym at Acrosmith Gymnastics is offered several times throughout the week.
It is an open gym with parent participation so you can remain within the arm’s reach of your child. Kids get to bounce around on trampolines, try the balance beams, and test their ninja skills on the obstacle course. You must pre-register. Registration closes at the start of Tot Time. The cost is $8 per session, and sessions are limited to 50 children – winter schedule is available online.
Spend time at the TRee House Cafe & Art Studio in Travelers Rest where your kids can make art right at the table while you enjoy a warm cup of coffee.
Visit a Trampoline Park: Take children ages 6 and under to SkyZone, for Little Leapers hour every Saturday from 9 – 11 am. It’s $15.99/child and parents/caregivers jump for free.
If you buy a membership pass to BigAir, it works out to be inexpensive fun. They offer open jump as well as Toddler Time, Homeschool Jump, and Cosmic Nights! That coupon book we mentioned earlier can really save you a good bit at Big Air too.
Head to Kids Play & Cafe, where your kids can play dress up and make-believe, climb the indoor play structure, slide, and run around all within the safety of the indoor play place. Younger children and babies may enjoy Village Play in Fountain Inn.
If you live near Greenville, SC, what winter free things to do are you most excited about?
Imagine a space where working parents can have a quiet area to work and check off that long to-do list while their kids play and get out energy – all in the same building. That’s exactly what is offered in Mauldin at the After School Plus facility. We checked it out and have all the details.
With remote work the standard for many jobs and the high cost of childcare, many parents are trying to figure out ways to keep their kids home while also trying to meet deadlines. Add in the explosion of homeschooling and a co-working space for parents is truly needed.
So that’s exactly what the massive space at After School Plus in Mauldin, called The Rhythm, is now set up for on Fridays. Parents can come and work in a quiet spot while their kids are in the same building under adult supervision.
Gym area
The Co-Working Space & Play Space
Carrie Turner runs Acton Academy, a type of homeschool co-op, in the space on the other days of the week. She wanted to offer something on Fridays that she has been asked for over and over again: a co-working spot where parents could work while their kids would be entertained for a few hours. She answered the call and created The Rhythm.
The spot where this co-working space is located is right off 385 and just an ideal area for bringing kids to get out their energy. Greenville Gymnastics is right next door and there’s an enormous gym with plenty of space for games, crafts, or just hanging out on super comfy chairs.
The space also has a big cafeteria where kids can eat lunch, either with their new friends or with their parents, who are right upstairs.
Cafeteria
There is no outdoor area for play yet, but it is in the works and plans are being discussed.
The rooms for co-working are honestly adorable. Comfortable chairs and couches line the walls. There are tables and desks if parents need them plus a separate private room for conference calls and Zoom meetings.
And what would a co-working spot be without a coffee machine? There’s a coffee maker, plus water and a fridge if you want to bring your lunch or other snacks.
Who knows, you could meet your next BFF here who is also just trying to manage working and raising her kids.
Mom Review
If there’s anything that parents ask for in the local mom groups over and over again, it’s a co-working space for parents. Carrie delivered it, and if parents really want this, they should show up and use it. The co-working spot is still in its infancy, but the hours could expand and more attractive options could be offered if the demand is there.
Cozy spot for parents to work
The space is huge for kids who want to either run around and play more active games or just hang out and play games or chat with friends. The space is beautiful for parents to work with comfortable chairs, coffee, and tables. I love the option of a private room for calls.
Hours & Cost
Currently, the hours of The Rhythm in Mauldin are Fridays (except for the week of Christmas and New Years) from 10 am – 2 pm. The cost is $30/four hours or $20/two hours per kid. An hour is $15/kid and $10/per sibling. Parents are welcome to bring their children ages 4-14, and since it is a co-working spot, they are asked to stay on the premises, as there is not a drop-off childcare option. You can sign up at the website.
Coffee, wifi, and printing is all included. There are light snacks and drinks available for purchase.
255 Service Bay Road, Mauldin SC Website | Email: carrie@actongreenville.com
Are you thinking about snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC? Western North Carolina has great snow tubing and Black Bear Snow Tubing is a stellar option for families! They have a huge mountain to get your winter in high gear with a fun snow tubing trip for the whole family!
We took a trip up to try out that snow-tubing mountain and it was so much fun! Now we have all the details to share so you can plan your trip!
Media tickets were provided for this review, and the opinions are solely those of the author.
While there aren’t any places to snow tube in the Upstate, SC, there are definitely options nearby and one of them is Black Bear Snow Tubing in nearby Hendersonville, NC, just over an hour from Greenville, SC. The snow tubing family-owned operation has been in business for over eight years and they really have a good thing going there, which I’m going to tell you all about in this story.
Black Bear Snow Tubing opens on December 20, 2025 for their 2025-26 season. This is a great way to support local Western NC businesses still struggling after Hurricane Helene.
Scenes From the Slope
Take a sneak peek at this video at Black Bear Snow Tubing.
Snow Tubing at Black Bear
The slope at Black Bear Snow Tubing is 600 feet long with an 80-foot drop and it’s pretty fast. They make their own snow (unless they get a big snowstorm, which doesn’t happen too often) and the hill is well-maintained by their attentive staff.
How it works is that when you get to Black Bear, you go to a little shed to watch a short safety video, where you learn how to get out of your tube on the run and not to start snowball fights, sign a waiver, and head inside the cozy lodge to pay. Then you get your tubes and head to the hill.
They have a pulley system to get you to the top of the hill, which works by slipping the handle of your tube on a cable that takes you, while sitting inside your tube, right up the hill to the top. Once at the top, you’ll wait for a few minutes before being situated into your group by the staff and then sliding down the hill.
Black Bear Snow Tubing Pulley System
Why Black Bear is Different
I’ve snow tubed at many places in our area and I think Black Bear Snow Tubing is pretty fantastic. Here’s why:
You can (and should) make a reservation ahead of time, which is crucial for us in Greenville who need to travel out of state to go snow tubing. It’s quite a bummer to get to our snow tubing place and either find out that they are sold out or having to wait hours for an open slot.
The staff is attentive and efficient. They were always around watching the hill to make sure things were running smoothly and safely. When there was a slight backup at the top of the hill, they figured out how to manage to get us all down the hill and back up to keep snow tubing without interruption.
The lodge is super cozy and warm and has reasonable concessions. I got a $2 hot chocolate and it was amazing. Plus, they have food, including apple cider donuts, that is affordable and you can get warm by the wood-burning stove inside or watch on the deck if you don’t want to go tubing.
The setup takes into account smaller kids. There is playground next to the place where you wait in line to go up the hill so smaller kids can get out their energy and there is a big fire pit also near the waiting area where you can warm up.
If you forgot a hat or gloves, they have them for sale inside the lodge. I feel like us parents can relate when our kid gets out of the car to go snow tubing and forgot his or her winter hat.
The check-in is fast. This is important because you want to get on the hill and start having fun as soon as possible!
Black Bear has excellent communication. They post daily on their Facebook page about current snow conditions, which is super helpful when you’re unsure about the weather.
The snow is real. They don’t have any synthetic chemicals in the snow – it’s the real deal.
My kids, ages 11 and 8, and I had such a blast snow tubing at Black Bear Snow Tubing. We went down the hill about 10 times (maybe more, I lost count honestly) and had so much fun together. I really love places where adults can carelessly be kids again. My kids are already asking to go back. The hill was super fast and seeing my kids faces light up with joy was special. I love those moments.
Tips on How to Enjoy Snow Tubing at Black Bear
Winter being winter, it’s usually cold when you go snow tubing. I’ve found that bringing hand and foot warmers is a really good trick to keeping everyone warm and comfortable. You can get them at Wal-Mart, Amazon, or most drug stores and they stay warm for hours.
It’s also really important to make a reservation when you know you want to go snow tubing. This is especially true during school breaks and holidays. Snow tubing is an awesome family activity on a day off but a lot of people also have the same thought. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
You don’t need to wear snow bibs or snow pants. I had on fleece leggings, hiking boots, and a couple layers of tops with a heavy coat (it was really cold when we went!) and I was fine. I saw people wearing all kinds of clothes that worked for them like pants, leggings, jeans, and sweatpants. The snow wasn’t wet at all when we went but if you go on a warmer day, you may want to bring a change of pants in case they get wet.
There are port-a-potties outside the lodge to use, and no bathrooms indoors.
Double-check Black Bear’s Facebook page before heading out. Snow tubing is very dependent on weather, which changes often in the mountains. They will post current conditions and if they are open or closed most days.
Ticket Prices and Policies at Black Bear Snow Tubing
Tickets are $30/hour or $40/two hours for snow tubing. Kids must be 4 years old in order to go snow tubing. You can either sign a waiver when you get to Black Bear Snow Tubing or print one out online ahead of time. Either is fine.
While Black Bear Snow Tubing does take walk-ups, it is much better to make a reservation ahead of time instead of getting there and finding out they are full. Online reservations are fantastic for this very reason so definitely make use of them.
And be sure to check Black Bear Snow Tubing’s Facebook page before heading out to double check they are open and running. Winter tubing runs mid-December through February usually depending on the weather, of course.
And if you want to tube during other times of the year, you totally can! They have warm-weather tubing in the fall.
For a unique and completely charming holiday experience, Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries in Western NC is a place the whole family will love.
It’s just two hours from Upstate, SC and three hours from Charlotte, NC. Go make some magical Christmas memories in Dillsboro, NC.
Thank you to Discover Jackson NC, Jackson County for inviting us to experience Lights & Luminaries.
Watch! Take a peek at Lights & Luminaries in Dillsboro
Taking time to slow down during the weeks leading up to Christmas can seem like an impossible task. When you make the decision to do so and really experience the joy of the magical season, that’s when special memories happen. And those moments await you and your family in the small, mountain town of Dillsboro, North Carolina, just a beautiful two-hour drive from the Upstate in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Dates for the 2025 Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries are December 5-6 and December 12-13.
Lights & Luminaries in Dillsboro
Dillsboro’s Lights & Luminaries is the Hallmark experience you’ve been searching for. The quaint town twinkling by the light of sparkling radiance. The candles along the streets. The shops that carry all kinds of unique, locally made goods only available in Dillsboro. The kindest people you’ll ever meet who are happy to see you.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries encompasses all of that and more. The festival started in 1983 as a way to celebrate the holidays and has been going strong for 40 years.
There is a calming, magical ambiance at this festival. There are white lights Christmas lights everywhere, plus 2,500 candles in white paper bags along every street. It’s like you stepped out of your life and into a time from many years ago. The bagged lights are taken from a Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ Child.
There are carolers and horse and buggy rides. Santa & Mrs. Claus are available for timeless Dillsboro, NC Christmas photos. Nearly every shop sells handmade goods from local artists or vintage items like cast iron cooking pans, antique furniture, and iron-wrought bed frames.
There are shops that look like the North Pole exploded inside. Think cookies, hot apple cider, and candy. I finally had to put a stop to my kids eating their monthly allotment of cookies all in one night.
And for myself, I was elated to find a grown-up nativity set while browsing at one of the Christmas-themed shops. Everyone was so kind and helpful and wishing us “Merry Christmas”.
It all felt authentic and genuine and just lovely.
Where to Eat During Lights & Luminaries
There are a handful of restaurants in the small town that have everything from BBQ to pub grub to Greek and Italian cuisine. We chose the Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro because it looked really cute. We walked into a very cozy dining room with friendly employees. We had nachos, vegetarian chili, pizza, and grilled cheese. It was great! The nachos were my favorite as they had guacamole, cheese, chili, and sour cream. I thought the prices were reasonable, around $7-$12/person.
Dillsboro is small but mighty when it comes to food. Haywood Smokehouse is one of the Top 25 BBQ Restaurants in the country. We weren’t able to try it, but it looks amazing. Next time!
Be sure to stop by the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory where you’ll be greeted by an array of handmade chocolates, fudge, and coffee.
Where to Enjoy the Outdoors in Dillsboro
Dillsboro is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to nearly 900 miles of hiking trails. It’s also only a 20-minute drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you get to places like Waterrock Knob, the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States.
Cashiers, the Land of the Waterfalls, and a big favorite of us at Kidding Around, is about 40 minutes from Dillsboro. There are no shortage of gorgeous hikes and waterfalls to explore there.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
As we pulled into our hotel, the Best Western Plus River, we saw the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train, and it was so cool! It was chugging along right in front of us, smoke billowing out from the top. It turns out the railroad is only 20 minutes away in Bryson City.
If your family goes on the Polar Express ride during November and December, Dillsboro is the perfect spot to enjoy time together, especially if you make the trip during the Lights & Luminaries festival.
Where to Stay in Dillsboro
Make it a weekend getaway! Use the map from Stay22 below to find great lodging options for your family. Through an affiliate relationship, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
Discover Jackson NC put us up in the Best Western Plus River Escape right on Tuckasegee River. Our room overlooked the river, and it was so calming and peaceful.
The hotel is beautiful, and you could walk to the town of Dillsboro if you wanted to. They have a heated indoor pool and hot tub, which we made good use of after eating all those cookies at the festival.
They also have a free, hot breakfast in the morning, which is pretty much equal to Christmas for my kids. They have eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, yogurt, and oatmeal. They also have a coffee maker that will make pretty much anything you want, juices, pastries, and our favorite: a pancake maker that looks like it came from The Jetsons. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the lobby has a beautiful fireplace and cozy chairs.
Planning Your Own Trip to Dillsboro
Lights & Luminaries takes place the first two weekends of December every year, each Friday and Saturday from 5-8 pm. The dates for 2025 are December 5-6 and December 12-13.
There is no cost to attend Lights & Luminaries, which makes it a wonderful Christmastime adventure with your family.
I think the thing I loved most about Lights & Luminaries was that it was the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy the magical season, and spend that quality time with my kids that I strive and long for. As I’m sure many parents can relate, the time we have with them goes so quickly. I want to make the most of that time, and this was a weekend well-spent.
Thinking about planning a getaway this winter? Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers celebrates the Christmas season and wintertime. You’ll find winter-themed shows, holiday lights, amusement rides and so much more!
KAG Contributor Kristina traveled to Pigeon Forge with her daughters during Winterfest. In this review, she’s sharing the many activities they enjoyed and many more that are available for Pigeon Forge visitors during Winterfest.
❤️Quick Look: Meaningful ways for your family to volunteer in Greenville, SC, including soup kitchens, food rescue, donation sorting, holiday volunteering with your family, and more.
Looking for meaningful ways to get involved with volunteering in Greenville, SC? Giving back is a powerful way to teach kids kindness, compassion, and generosity, while making real impact in our community. To make it easier, KAG Contributor Kristina Hernandez rounded up family-friendly volunteer opportunities, from preparing meals to donating toys and delivering essentials. Dive in, get inspired, and thank you for choosing to serve your community!
If you are dreaming about a carriage ride, Greenville, SC has a couple of magical events to check out this holiday season! There are few things as exciting for little kids or as romantic for grown-ups as cozying up in a horse-drawn carriage during Christmastime.
We wanted to make sure our readers have every opportunity to hear that clickety-clock of hooves on pavement and feel the magic of this experience during the holiday season so here are all the places around Greenville to ride in a horse & carriage.
These South Carolina towns are hosting some of the most magical holiday events during the month of December, including carriage rides through the holiday lights of the downtown areas of their cities. We also included one North Carolina destination that will take the horse-drawn carriage ride to another level of magic!
Depot Street in Fountain Inn December 4th-18th, 2025 6:30-9:30 pm
Tickets for Holiday Carriage Rides are $15/person and free for kids three and under if they ride on your lap. Rides are about 40 minutes long and start at Commerce Park on Depot Street.
One of the many holiday activities to enjoy at Spartanburg’s Victorian Christmas Celebration is Dickens of a Christmas is a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
The event is on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 from 6-9 pm in Downtown Spartanburg.
Tryon Equestrian Center Shadrack’s Christmas Lightshow
You can take a carriage ride through the holiday lights at Shadrack’s Christmas Lightshow at the Tryon Equestrian Center on Fridays through Sundays from December 5th – January 4th, 2025. Tickets are $35 – $45 per person. Children 2 and under are free. The carriage rides depart from the General Store which is located beside the petting zoo.
Yes, we know this isn’t Greenville but it’s so awesome we had to include it. You can ride in a carriage drawn by Belgian draft horses around the Biltmore for about 30 minutes and it’s so beautiful and romantic and memorable. The cost is $40/person and one child five years old or younger is free if they sit on an adult’s lap for the duration of the ride. They have an hour-long carriage ride for $95/guest as well. The carriage rides are on the estate so you need to purchase an admission ticket.
Again, yes, we know this isn’t in Greenville but is so worth the drive AND it’s FREE. Get into the holiday spirit with carriage rides on Hendersonville’s beautiful Main Street. Experience the twinkling Christmas lights and decorations of downtown Hendersonville at the leisurely pace of a horse-drawn carriage. The schedule can be found on the Carolina Horse & Carriages social media page. They will be in Downtown Hendersonville on Dec 5th 5 pm – 7 pm, Dec 12th 4 pm – 6 pm, Dec 14th 5 pm- 8 pm, and December 20-21st, 2025, 5 pm -8 pm.
Carriage rides begin in front of the Historic Courthouse. They are free on a first-come, first-serve basis. The rides are part of the Olde Fashioned Christmas celebration by downtown merchants. Stores, shops and boutiques stay open late and Ol’ St. Nick makes an appearance.
Looking to hit the slopes this winter? Head north for skiing and snow tubing in North Carolina. You’ll find many great ski and snow tube options including huge North Carolina ski resorts and super family-friendly North Carolina snow tubing parks. Of course, there are some great spots throughout the mountains for skiing and snow tubing in Tennessee and Georgia, too. Use our guide to find the best snow tubing near you, or a great ski slope closest to you. We’ve visited lots of these ski and snow tube places and you’ll find our reviews linked in each listing.
Are there places to go snow tubing in South Carolina? Are there any South Carolina ski resorts? Where are the ski slopes near me?
The short answer is “No.” If you want to ski, snow tube, or snowboard you’ll need to head out of South Carolina. But, the good news is that there is most definitely skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing very near South Carolina. You’ll just need to head up to North Carolina for most of it.
There are some great spots just an hour or two from Upstate, SC, and two to three hours from the Midlands, SC.
Blackbear Snow Tubing
Snow Tubing North Carolina
Check out this video of our trip to Blackbear Snow Tubing.
Quick Guide: Ski and Snow Tube Near You!
Here’s a quick list of locations by activity. Scroll down for a description of each park and resort! *Tubing Only Parks
Some resorts have closings when the weather gets too warm. Be sure you check the resort website before planning your trip.
Our visit to Moonshine Mountain
Ski, Snowboard, and Snow Tube: North Carolina
Western North Carolina Ski Slopes and Best Snow Tubing in NC
Looking for the closest ski slopes to Greenville, SC? The ski resorts and slopes in Western North Carolina are nearest to Greenville, SC. You’ll find several options in the Asheville, Hendersonville, and Sapphire Valley areas. Here are the nearest ski slopes to Upstate, SC.
Hatley Pointe Resort
Hatley Pointe, formerly Wolf Ridge Snow Tubing Park and Ski Resort, in Mars Hill, NC brands itself as a boutique mountain resort with slopes, restaurants, and bars. 2025/2026 season opens in December.
Hatley Pointe 578 Valley View Circle, Mars Hill, NC 828.689.4111
Moonshine Mountain
Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville, NC was mentioned by several Kidding Around Greenville readers when we asked you where to go tubing. Located just over an hour from Greenville, this snow tubing-only park offers 1 hour and 45 minutes of tubing for $40 per person. Be sure to check their current hours before making the trip. Minimum height is 36″. Note: This is a cash-only business, with an ATM on site. Reservations are required. Read our Moonshine Mountain review for special tips on making the most of your time there. Opening date is December 19th, 2025.
Sapphire Valley, North Carolina was also mentioned as one reader’s go-to for fun in the snow. Sapphire Valley offers ski school, Frozen Falls Tube Park, The Vordach Zipline Experience, and, of course, snow skiing. Plus Sapphire Valley is under two hours from Greenville so it makes for an easy day trip. There are no height or weight restrictions. There target open day is December 13th, 2025. Read our Sapphire Valley review here.
Sapphire Valley 127 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire Valley, NC 828.743.7663
Our snow tubing trip to Sapphire Valley
Zip n Slip
Located just outside Asheville in Mars Hill, NC, Zip-n-Slip is open daily starting on December 18th, 2025, and running until January 6th, 2025. They will be closed on Christmas Day. They are open weekends through Presidents’ Day. They’ve got a fire pit, hot chocolate, nachos, and hot dogs on-site.
Prices start at $35/pp for an hour (it’s $27.50 for military, police, fire, and EMS persons), go up to $50/pp for two hours, and $65 for 3 hours. . Unlike other snow tubing places, Zip-n-Slip allows kids ages 3-5 to ride in the same tube as an adult. Kids must be at least 3 years old for tubing. Kids 5 and under are free. You can easily book your ticket online.
Check their website or Facebook page for the latest info on weather and hours.
Zip n Slip 10725 US Highway 23 North, Mars Hill, NC 828.689.8444
Tubing at Zip ‘N Slip
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
About two hours from the Upstate, the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center has snow tubing all winter long for $35-40 per person for two hours for adults and kids. Snow tubing is open now as of November 28th, 2025.
Kids must be at least 5 years old and 42 inches tall to ride. Scaly Mountain has a kiddie snow tube area for two hours for $20. Scaly Mountain is near Highlands, NC and they also have ice skating available. A combo two-hour tubing ticket plus one hour of ice skating is $50/person. Snow tubing is open now.
Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World in Maggie Valley, NC is another reader favorite. Also offering tubing, ski school, and skiing, this is a great option for families who don’t want to drive that far. Kids must be 42″ tall to snow tube. They do offer an area where kids under that height can pay to play with tubes but not go down the slopes. They are open as of November 30th, 2025.
Tubing costs around $40 per person.
Cataloochee 1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC 828.926.0285
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing is also a two-hour drive from Greenville and offers snow tubing that even the little ones will love. This snow tubing destination has staff photographers to capture action shots of your family so you can remember your fun day long after it’s over. They open on December 19th, 2025, and require reservations.
Rates are $30/ages 7+ and $25/age 6 and under for an hour of tubing or $45/person and $40/age 6 and under for two hours of tubing. Kids must be able to sit up on their own to go down in a tube. No lap riding.
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing 9472 Highway 181, Jonas Ridge, NC 828.733.4155
Black Bear Snow Tubing
Black Bear Snow Tubing in Hendersonville is pretty close to home and a lot of fun. Check out our Black Bear Tubing review for all the details. Tickets are $40 per 2 hours of tubing or $30 for one hour. Children under 4 or under 40 lbs are not permitted to tube and kids ages 4-6 must be accompanied by an adult but every tuber gets their own tubes, even kids. They accept cash and credit cards and, to save time, sign your waiver online. Opening day is December 20th, 2025.
Check out our Kidding Around review of Black Bear Tubing for all the information.
Hours vary so check their Facebook page or website before you go. You can reserve tickets online (which we recommend).
Hear us out: this place has snowless snow tubing at their camp, which they call Chutes. It looks really fun and is only an hour and 20 minutes from Greenville. They have four lanes, which are 225 feet long and you can go pretty fast, up to 15 mph. You need to make reservations in advance, which you can do through their website. The tubing is all outdoors so dress accordingly.
Each ticket includes 3 hours of tubing time and proceeds support the camp. There is no official age limit but they suggest kids need to be at least five years old (younger kids can tube at the discretion of their parents). Tickets are $25/person. Hours are Friday & Saturday nights with slots at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 pm.
Skiing and Snow Tubing in North Carolina High Country
Looking for a great ski resort in North Carolina? Head to the North Carolina High Country where you’ll find a variety of resorts offering all kinds of winter fun. You will have no trouble finding someplace great to ski, tube or even ice skate. If you’re ambitious, you could even hit more than one ski resort in a single weekend.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Appalachian Ski Mountain is located just outside downtown Blowing Rock and offers a little bit of everything. Not only can you ski or snowboard, but you can also ice skate too! Appalachian Ski Mountain is open for the 2025 season as of November 29th, 2025.
Appalachian Ski offers three different ski school options for kids. Choose either Ski Wee for kids as young as 4 or Cruiser Camp for kids 7 – 12 who want to give snowboarding a try. Both of these camps offer 2 and 4-hour sessions. The newest program, Mountain Challengers, is for kids who are a bit more experienced and want to try intermediate terrain.
While App Ski Mountain has a rustic lodge with dining and shopping inside, there is no inn so you’ll have to head down the mountain after your day on the slopes is over. The slopes end very close to the ski school area so parents can check in on kids at ski school every so often.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing is 2.5 hours from Greenville and worth the drive. There is no hiking up the slopes here as they have magic carpets that allow you to save your energy for the tubing. Hawksnest Snow Tubing is planning to open December 5th, 2025.
Hawksnest is the largest snow tubing park in the east with 30 lanes of fun. You can make online reservations here and they are open now. Tubers must be at least three years old and tickets are $42/person for an hour and 45 minutes of tubing on Mon-Thurs, Friday is $50, Saturday and Sunday is $56.
Hawksnest Tubing Park 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC 828.963.6561
Sugar Mountain
With 20 slopes and trails, plus four tubing runs many think of Sugar Mountainfirst when planning a ski trip close to home. Sugar Mountain also offers multiple lodging options, some slope side, so you don’t have to pack up the car when you’re done skiing for the day.
Tickets are $37-51 per person during weekdays and weekends are $44-99 per person. Ages three and four are free with a ticketed adult. Sessions are an hour and 45 minutes long. Kids must be ages 3 and up to tube. Tickets are sold first come first serve and will likely sell out.
They also offer half or full-day ski or snowboard school for kids as young as five years old. Kidding Around Greenville reader Kim warned that holiday weekends can get pretty crowded so be prepared if you’re planning a trip to Sugar over Presidents’ Day Weekend this year. They are open but snow tubing will be opening early December 2025.
Sugar Mountain Resort is just 10 minutes from Banner Elk, NC.
Just up the road from Sugar Mountain is Beech Mountain Resort, the highest ski resort in the Eastern United States. Beech Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, a terrain park, tubing, and ice skating. Their opening day is early December 2025 due to warmer weather than usual in November.
Little ones as young as 3 can get in on ski school at Beech so the whole family can ski! Ski school students are placed into groups based on age and skill levels. Like Sugar, Beech Mountain offers multiple lodging options if you prefer to ski right out the door and onto the slopes.
Tubing guests must be at least 42″ tall and tickets are $40/weekdays and $48/weekends and holidays. Tickets are sold the day of starting at 9 am on a first come first serve basis.
There is also a free sledding hill right in the center of town. You can’t miss it as it’s on the main road that goes through the small town.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islandsin Georgia has fast and high runs on Parrot Mountain for snow tubing. They are tentatively open for the 2025 season, but check their website because they regularly close due to weather.. The slide is eight stories high and 575 feet long. The minimum height for snow tubing is 42″ inches tall and one person per tube is allowed.
Tickets are sold to the entire “License to Chill” area which includes snow tubing, ice skating, the snow play area, and amusement rides. They offer day and winter passes. There are also discounts when purchasing online.
This snow tubing place is open all year round because it’s indoors! This place has real snow for the tubing lanes plus a snow area where kids can build forts and snowmen. Plus, it’s always around 60-70 degrees inside so you aren’t freezing. Kids must be 38″ tall to tube. If not, you can buy them a ticket just to play in the snow.
Tickets start at $29.99 for an hour of snow tubing and at $36.99 for tubing plus 30 minutes of snow play. No reservations are needed.
Ober is one of the oldest entertainment areas in Gatlinburg that gets mixed reviews. They have snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding over the winter. Book online because they do sell out. Also note that parking is an extra fee. Kids need to be at least 3 years old to tube.
Tubing sessions are 90 minutes long and start at $35/person. Prices are higher on weekends.
Ober Gatlinburg 1001 Parkway Suite 2, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 865.436.5423
Ski Vacations on the East Coast
So, you’re looking for a serious ski vacation without having to book a flight?Snowshoe Mountainin West Virginia offers 251 acres of fun and a total of 57 trails! Snowshoe offers everything you’ll need for a fantastic ski vacation, all at the top of the mountain!
This West Virginia hot spot offers a lot; everything from ski school to a tube park, snowmobiling, shopping, dining, entertainment, lots of lodging options, and even an inn and spa. Snowshoe offers some pretty great package deals on skiing.
Looking for ice skating in Greenville, SC? Don’t miss Skating on the Big Ice at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
I love ice skating , and I stay on my feet most of the time. I just can’t stop. That’s why I’m eternally grateful for the wide open space (and the sideboards) at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. My kids and I have had plenty of chances to practice at Skating on the Big Ice in December. We loved it, and so will you. This year’s dates are December 22 and 23 and December 29 and 30, 2025.
What will you see when you head to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for ice skating this December? Take a look at this video for a sneak peek.
Skating on the Big Ice
The Bon Secours Wellness Arena has offered Skating on the Big Ice for several years, and I’ve always had such a great time with my family. The ice rink is enormous. It’s the same rink the Swamp Rabbits use for hockey games. And there is plenty of space no matter how many people are skating.
The atmosphere is quite festive with Christmas music pumped into the arena. Feel free to sing along to the tunes. It’s fun! Even if you are awful at ice skating, you can use a complimentary ice walker to push along in front of you as you skate. Or you know, cling to the sides as you test your skating skills.
There are also fun sleds you can use to pull younger kids along the ice. I tried this solely for the reason of writing about it. It looked hard because you can’t fall while dragging a kid along. It wasn’t exactly easy, but it wasn’t hard either. The sled slid easily along the ice, and the hardest thing was trying to make sure I didn’t hit anyone else while dragging the sled along (mission accomplished).
Two Hours of Skating + Skate Rentals
Admission to Skating on the Big Ice is $16.88 and includes two hours of skating time and skate rentals. The employees at the arena are incredibly kind and helpful. We had to switch out our skates a few times to find the right size, and they were accommodating and patient.
The woman at the rink helping people with the ice walkers was totally on top of her game, switching them out quickly and helping people on and off the ice. I cut my finger while tying the skates onto one of my kids, and an employee quickly got me a Band-Aid. Everyone was wonderful and I want to give a shout-out to all the employees helping to make thae experience a good one for all the people participating.
Parking at the Arena for Bon Secours Ice Skating
You get to be a VIP when you go skating at the arena because you can park in the VIP lot right off Church Street. It’s exciting, I promise. And parking is free, so even better.
Entry to public skating is located in the loading dock below the VIP lot. When you pull into the lot, park all the way to the left near the fence and look for signs pointing to the back entrance of the arena. Don’t go up the stairs like you would for an event. You’ll walk down a ramp on the left into the back entrance and begin your adventure.
Skate, Roll & Stroll Sessions
The arena also offers Skate, Roll & Stroll sessions with accommodations for people of all ages with disabilities. These sessions are totally free, and equipment is provided. The 2025 dates are December 22 and 29 from noon-2 PM both days.
Santa at Skating on the Big Ice
Not only can you go ice skating, you can also get photos with Santa. He’ll be ready to pose for free photos (bring your own camera) next to a pretty Christmas tree. Santa will be onsite for the December 22 and December 23 sessions.
There are also concessions available for purchase like hot chocolate and soft pretzels. Yum.
Tickets and Skates
Tickets are $15 per person ($16.88 with fees) and include skate rentals. You can also bring your own skates. We saw plenty of expert skaters whizzing past us on their own skates.
You can purchase Skating on the Big Ice Tickets online, or just buy them when you arrive. Spectators do not need tickets. You’ve got two full hours of skating per session, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the ice. Ice walkers and sleds are first come, first serve. Tickets are card only. Cash is not accepted.
Tips to Enjoy Skating on the Big Ice
Here are a few ways to get the most out of your time at Skating on the Big Ice:
Wear socks that go way above your ankle. Skates go up high and need to be tied tight. To keep the skates from rubbing against skin, be sure to wear crew socks or the like.
Go to the bathroom before you start skating. They have restrooms onsite.
It’s chilly at the rink. Wear layers. Bring a hat and gloves, and maybe a scarf. I hate being cold, so I brought all the things just in case I needed them!
Parents/non-skaters can sit and watch in the stands if they don’t want to skate. This is great if you’ve got grandparents in town that aren’t that active. It’s still fun since they can hang out and watch their grandkids attempt to skate.
Get there around 10 minutes early before your session so you can pay and get your skates on. That way, you’ll get the most out of your two hours skate time.
2025 Skating on the Big Ice Dates
Monday, December 22: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday, December 23: 12:00 – 2:00 PM and 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Monday, December 29: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday, December 30: 12:00 – 2:00 PM and 3:00 – 5:00 PM
