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Our home is your home for the holidays.

The Old North State is ready to impress this holiday season. Skate yourself into the holiday spirit at Holiday on Ice at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza in Charlotte. Or find enchanted solitude among the 87 magnificent acres of Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. If you’re looking for a fun family outing, choose and cut your own Christmas tree at farms across the state, or walk among the perfectly manicured Airlie Gardens in Wilmington. No matter how you spend your holidays, from unparalleled shopping to holiday light shows to our world-renowned New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s nothing quite like this season in North Carolina.

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Holidays Sparkle in Signature Events Across North Carolina

Find everything from Santa on the Chimney and The Polar Express to a Jonkonnu and Old Salem Christmas at holiday destinations throughout North Carolina.

Choose, Cut and Stay in the Christmas Tree Capital

Each year, families travel to our choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in search of the perfect evergreen and overnight adventures.

Vivian Howard on the Holidays in North Carolina

Chef Vivian Howard loves spending the holidays in her home state, and she’s sharing her favorite seasonal activities and traditions with you.

Ring In the New Year from Mountains to Cities to Beaches

Say farewell to 2016 and hello to 2017 at some of North Carolina’s most popular New Year’s Eve and Day events, from family fun to parties to polar plunges.

Holiday Light Shows Glow with Seasonal Cheer

North Carolina celebrates the holiday season with glowing gardens, festive neighborhoods, decked-out downtowns and star-bright boat parades.

Be Inspired at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte

Visit the birthplace of world-famous evangelist Billy Graham, tour the iconic venue that chronicles his life, and discover lots to do in the Queen City.

6 Destinations for Holiday Wonders

From the National Gingerbread House Competition in Asheville to Kites With Lights on the Outer Banks, enjoy these holiday traditions in North Carolina.

Christmas at Biltmore

Christmas at Biltmore is an awe-inspiring holiday destination featuring miles of garland, hundreds of poinsettias and dozens of Christmas trees.

Hit the Slopes at Winter Sports Resorts

Visit our winter sports resorts to enjoy the highest ski peak in the East, the gentlest of beginner slopes, ice skating, snow tubing and more.

Have a Merry Time Ice Skating Under City Lights

From the state capital to a coastal town, these ice skating rinks – and accompanying special events – are sure to get you in the holiday mood.

Holiday Shopping, North Carolina Style

From Seagrove pottery and Moravian treats to whitewater rafting and other adventures, we have local gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Show more stories

The holiday festivities at Tryon Palace, in New Bern, harken back to colonial times. See more »
Brightleaf Square features shops and restaurants in former tobacco warehouses in Durham. See more »
Santa showcases his rappelling skills on select Saturdays in December at Chimney Rock. See more »
The Biltmore Company
Biltmore is one of the Southeast’s most elegant and awe-inspiring holiday destinations. See more »
Holiday decor line the streets of Uptown Charlotte, including a towering Christmas tree. See more »
Crystal Coast Tourism Authority
Travel + Leisure named Beaufort one of “America’s Best Towns for the Holidays” in 2015. See more »
Now in its second year, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Cary. See more »
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, in Belmont, transforms into a holiday wonderland for six weeks. See more »
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Bellamy Mansion Museum, in Wilmington, offers "A Christmas Stroll Through the Past". See more »
Edenton Historical Commission
Get in the Christmas spirit with a walking tour of historic Edenton. See more »
NHCTV
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, Airlie Gardens in Wilmington transforms into Enchanted Airlie. See more »
Take a weekend trip to the mountains to choose and cut the perfect Christmas tree. See more »

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Holiday Videos

12 Days of Christmas at The Carolina Inn
This historic Chapel Hill hotel hosts an entire month of holiday events ranging from crafting to brunch with Santa to afternoon tea.
National Gingerbread Competition
Each holiday, dozens of intricate gingerbread creations vie for attention at the Omni Grove Park Inn and Grove Arcade in Asheville.
McAdenville, Christmas Town USA
In this mill town west of Charlotte, the 375 Christmas trees on view outnumber the households in a celebration that started in 1956.
Tuba Christmas
At the height of holiday shopping season, take in the music of 120-plus tubas at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro.
Holiday Traditions in Winston-Salem
Step back in time during holiday celebrations at Old Salem and Reynolda House, or take a tour through the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park.
Vivian Howard's Holiday Traditions
North Carolina native and star of PBS’ A Chef’s Life Vivian Howard talks about some of her favorite things to do here during the holidays.
Choose and Cut Christmas Trees
Plan a weekend getaway to the North Carolina mountains, where you can choose and cut the perfect family Christmas tree.