Greensboro’s Downtown in December events kick off Nov. 30 and include a holiday parade, outdoor skating and visits from Santa
More than two dozen boats light up the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, kicking off the season in Wrightsville Beach Nov. 23-24, 2018
Biltmore goes all out for the holiday season, adding dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of poinsettias and thousands of lights
Glide with your friends and sip hot cocoa in Uptown Charlotte when the Ceremonial Plaza at the NASCAR Hall of Fame transforms into a skating rink
With the glow of the gardens, holiday décor and fantastical displays, Winter Lights at The Elizabethan Gardens is a sight to behold
Enjoy live music, shopping, crackling fires, children’s activities and, of course, beautiful lights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
Travel back in time at Tryon Palace and see how the holidays were celebrated centuries ago in New Bern
Watch Santa prepare for his deliveries by rappelling down Chimney Rock Dec. 1 and 8, 2018
Take in the extraordinary decorations at the Governor’s Mansion in Raleigh when it opens its doors for a holiday open house Dec. 6-9
The flotilla, tree lighting and parade are the highlights of Christmas in Downtown in Morehead City Dec. 1, 2018
Hop aboard the Polar Express in Bryson City and enjoy a read-along ride to the North Pole, where Santa greets children with gifts

Holiday

All is Merry and Bright

As the air turns crisp and vibrant foliage fades to twinkling lights, celebrate the season at holiday events that sparkle across North Carolina. Practice your axels at the ice skating rink outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte or delve into history with candlelight tours at Old Salem Museum & Gardens around Thanksgiving. Hop a train and enjoy jovial Christmas rides in Blowing Rock or Bryson City. Watch a parade of colorful boats float past at the Holiday Flotilla in Wrightsville Beach or stroll through coastal gardens lit up for the season. No matter how you spend your days, return home to a hand-picked Christmas tree from the High Country, America’s Christmas Tree Capital.

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Trip Tips

Hold on to your skate passes at the Holiday on Ice in Charlotte – same day re-entry is accepted
Be sure to arrive at least one hour before your departure on The Polar Express in Bryson City
Can't make it to the coast before the holidays? Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo extends all the way through Jan. 19, 2019
A musically orchestrated topiary display, an illuminated prairie garden display and more lights than ever are new this year at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Dress warm for Tweetsie Christmas at Tweetsie Railroad – the cars have open windows
Kites with Lights Nov. 24 at Jockey’s Ridge features 19- to 30-foot holiday kites for a one-of-a-kind light display
If you’re not a guest at the Omni Grove Park Inn, you can view the Gingerbread House Competition Display anytime Monday - Thursday or after 3 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 25 - Jan. 3

Holiday

All is Merry and Bright

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