Holly has a year-round draw because of its location: lakes for the warm months, ski slopes and a particularly photogenic Christmas downtown for the cold.
Late summer through early autumn is the prettiest time. Temperatures sit in the 70s F (low-mid 20s C), the swimming and boating at Seven Lakes is at its peak, and Holly hosts the Carry Nation Festival in August — a craft show, kids' carnival, parade, and beer tent, named after the temperance crusader who once raided the Holly Hotel saloon. The Renaissance Festival in the Holly Recreation Area runs weekends from late August through early October.
Winter brings reliable snow for skiing at Mt. Holly and an old-fashioned Dickens-Festival Christmas in Battle Alley, with carolers in costume, horse-drawn carriages, and the tree lighting at the start of December. Layer up — January temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Spring and early summer are quietest, with mild weather, blooming dogwood and lilac, and far fewer visitors at the state parks.