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Festive Lights & Twinkling Towns

North Carolina’s holiday season shines with everything from small-town light displays to mountain getaways filled with festive charm. Plan ahead for tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday markets and special winter events that bring the season to life across the state

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    Your Guide to December Holiday Events in North Carolina

    There are several reasons the Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. Not only are you likely looking forward to holiday vacation and spending time with loved ones, but for several weeks leading up to Christmas Day (and after), many attractions across North Carolina become holiday destinations and winter wonderlands.

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    Holiday Light Shows Glow with Seasonal Cheer

    Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like going to see arrays of sparkling lights and ornaments. Experience the magic of seasonal light displays in gardens, at museums and resorts, and in small towns and downtowns across North Carolina. For a complete list of holiday light displays throughout the state, visit our events calendar.

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    7 Spots to Host the Whole Family for the Holidays and Beyond

    Maybe grandma’s house just isn’t big enough to host a holiday gathering for the whole gang anymore. Or perhaps it’s time to bring the entire clan together for an old-time family reunion. Regardless of the need — but especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and long winter weekends — there are plenty of sizable lodging options ranging from charming B&Bs to welcoming resorts that cater to large groups with fun plans that only North Carolina can provide.

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Sponsored by: Belmont TDA
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Make holiday memories in Belmont

Stroll twinkling streets, shop local gifts and make time for festive events in a historic town that knows how to make the season feel special.

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Christmas Town U.S.A

Every December, the town of McAdenville flips the switch and becomes Christmastown, U.S.A., with more than half a million lights draped across homes, trees and downtown streets. It’s a dazzling, walkable celebration of community and holiday spirit that’s been shining for more than 65 years.

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A Coastal Holiday Tradition

The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla turns the waterfront into a floating parade of dazzling, decked-out boats. Bundle up and arrive early for the best viewing spots, stay for the fireworks and soak in the coastal holiday magic.

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All Aboard for Holiday Magic

Hop aboard the Polar Express in Bryson City and enjoy a read-along ride to the North Pole, where Santa greets children with gifts or enjoy Wild West Christmas town at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock.

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Your Tree, Your Tradition

North Carolina’s tree farms turn holiday shopping into an experience, where crisp mountain air and rolling fields of evergreens make finding the perfect tree unforgettable. Plan your visit early, bundle up, and don’t forget the twine — hauling your own tree home is half the fun.

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Holiday Events

North Carolina shines a little brighter during the holiday season, from twinkling light displays to festive parades and candlelit tours, these events invite you to experience the season in unforgettable ways.

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Grab Your Gear: Adventurous Winter Mountain Getaway

Kick cabin fever with a range of winter activities in the North Carolina mountains like hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice climbing. A convenient base camp for launching a winter assault is Black Mountain, located just off Interstate 40 east of Asheville.

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Winter Wonderlands: 7 Instagrammable Spots Across North Carolina

Make the most of the chill in the air and wind your way from one of the highest points in North Carolina — with 360-degree views made all the more beautiful with blankets of snow during winter months — to staring across the seemingly endless expanse of peaceful shoreline, where more than a hundred wild horses scamper across the sand year-round.

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7 Spots to Host the Whole Family for the Holidays and Beyond

Maybe grandma’s house just isn’t big enough to host a holiday gathering for the whole gang anymore. Or perhaps it’s time to bring the entire clan together for an old-time family reunion. Regardless of the need — but especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and long winter weekends — there are plenty of sizable lodging options ranging from charming B&Bs to welcoming resorts that cater to large groups with fun plans that only North Carolina can provide.

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