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Holidays here are merry and bright.

Everywhere you turn this season in North Carolina, you're bound to find some holiday spirit. Grab your friends and watch Santa rappel 315 feet down Chimney Rock or take a drive around the Charlotte Motor Speedway while gazing at three million lights. Show your family why McAdenville is named Christmas Town, USA or create a larger than life tradition strolling the decorated halls of the Biltmore. No matter where you go or what you choose to do, one thing's for sure — lasting, holiday memories will be made.

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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.

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.

Holidays Sparkle in Signature Events Across North Carolina

Find everything from Santa on the Chimney to a Jonkonnu in picture-perfect destinations throughout North Carolina.

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.

Shop Local and Bring Home Keepsakes from Your Travels

Whether you’re visiting the coast, one of our cities or the mountains, local gift shops and specialty stores offer lasting mementos from your trip.

6 Destinations for Holiday Wonders

From the National Gingerbread Competition to the lighting of the Crab Pot Christmas Tree, these traditions are full of holiday spirit.

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.

Ring In the New Year from Mountains to Cities to Beaches

Say farewell to 2015 and hello to 2016 at some of North Carolina’s most popular New Year’s Eve and Day events, from family fun to parties to polar plunges.

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.

7 North Carolina-Inspired Books to Read on Vacation

Relaxation is important to your vacation, so get lost in a great book – with a North Carolina setting in the pages and in your real-life getaway.

Holiday Light Shows Glow with Seasonal Cheer

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

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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 »
Moravian stars are a tradition from German settlers at Old Salem that date back more than two centuries. See more »
Santa showcases his rappelling skills on select Saturdays in December at Chimney Rock. See more »
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Speedway Christmas is one of the nation's largest light shows, featuring 3 million lights in 800 displays. See more »
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 »
The Biltmore Company
Biltmore is one of the Southeast’s most elegant and awe-inspiring holiday destinations. See more »
Crystal Coast Tourism Authority
Travel + Leisure named Beaufort one of “America’s Best Towns for the Holidays” in 2015. See more »
Take a weekend trip to the mountains to choose and cut the perfect Christmas tree. See more »
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla brings lights and a boat parade to Wrightsville Beach. See more »
Edenton Historical Commission
Get in the Christmas spirit with a walking tour of historic Edenton. See more »

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Holiday Videos

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.
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.
National Gingerbread Competition
Each holiday, dozens of intricate gingerbread creations vie for attention at the Omni Grove Park Inn and Grove Arcade in Asheville.
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.
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.