Rising from a 600-acre farm set amid Trinity’s rolling landscape, the classic revival-style Linbrook Hall hosts a grand Christmas tradition that participants anticipate all year. Annette Neal Martin, whose parents built the house, starts decking the halls weeks in advance. “Last year, we spent 360 hours decorating,” she says.
Volunteers from the community join Martin in her preparations. “People in our county call us Little Biltmore because of the space and the antiques,” she says. “They like to participate in something the whole community will enjoy.”
When the last strand of lights goes up and the house glows with warmth, the holiday tours begin. It’s a tradition for many. This time for fellowship with family and friends, time to press pause on December’s busy schedule, time to savor the moment — these moments are gifts that you can look forward to giving and sharing in during the holiday season. Across the heart of North Carolina, giftable experiences like Linbrook’s holiday tour capture the true spirit of the season. Here are a few favorites.
Marvel at the festive scene that unfolds across the 36,000-square-foot home’s three floors. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
Even though it was built and furnished in full splendor, Linbrook Hall has never served as a residence. When Martin’s father, Jerry Neal, built it on his working farm in 2004, he imagined it as a place for the community to gather. That’s why the space feels well suited for the musical performances that kick off select holiday tours.
“We partner with RhinoLeap Productions to perform,” Martin says. “We’ll have all genres of music — piano, folk, country, jazz.”
After the concert, tours include the formal dining room, adorned in gold accents and emerald-green beaded ribbon, along with Martin’s favorite: “The master bedroom has a flocked tree with accents that complement the dark blue palette and mahogany wood tones.”
Tours are limited to groups of fewer than 30 people so that attendees can ask questions and get to know each other. And for those who want a keepsake to take home, there’s time to browse the goods from local artisans in the gift shop. “When you come in for the tour, we get you settled in with hot coffee, cider, coffee, and samples from things we sell at the gift store — like candies from Old North State Candy Company and Asheboro Popcorn’s gourmet popcorn,” Martin explains.
In addition to Martin, her sister, Margaret Riddle, and her dad lead the tours. “We keep the numbers below 30 so people can ask questions and get to know each other. The atmosphere is very engaging,” “My dad talks a lot about how houses built during the Classical Revival were used as an instrument for positive change in the community … When this house was built, they discovered right away that the best way to use it was to raise money for the community,” Martin says. “That’s why we call it a Giving House.”
Gift it: Tours run three times a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from November 22 to December 31. Surprise your loved one with tickets for one of the holiday tours. Click here to reserve yours.
Artist Matthew Kelly works months in advance to make his annual signature ornaments in addition to his functional pottery pieces. Photography courtesy of Matthew Kelly Pottery
Other people’s energy fuels Matthew Kelly, which is why the Celebration of Seagrove Potters holiday event is one of his favorite weekends of the year. “I love the event because it gives me a chance to see other potters and to feel the joy customers have when they truly connect with a piece of my art. I’ve spent so much time and energy making the one-of-a-kind pieces, and to see that people are thrilled is pretty satisfying.”
Held the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Luck Comer Lail Center, the event buzzes with repeat visitors who make it a tradition to browse works on display from 30 or so potters. Another 20 or so open their nearby studios for visiting and shopping.
Visit Kelly’s Seagrove studio during open studio days. Photography courtesy of Matthew Kelly Pottery
Kelly, who started making pottery when he was 16, is known for his wood-fired, salt-glazed style. And while they may not know him, a lot of people around the Seagrove area hang one of his annual signature ornaments on their tree each year. The ornaments began six years ago as a fundraiser for the Hospices of Randolph and Piedmont. “I’ve made everything from snowflakes to angels and pinecones,” he says. “I usually start working on them around springtime.”
A strong sense of giving unites the Seagrove pottery community. “For the last few years, we’ve donated 25 percent of our live auction proceeds to Hospice,” Kelly says. “This year, we’re donating money to the relief efforts in western North Carolina.”
Gift it: Kelly’s 2024 Hospice Ornament is currently sold out, but in the meantime, you can shop for his artfully made clay jugs, vases, dishware, and more during one of his open studio days or online.
Take youngsters to Ramseur to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photography courtesy of Millstone Creek Orchard
Held during weekend days leading up to December 25, Christmas with the Kringles offers special programming for all ages. Photography courtesy of Millstone Creek Orchard
Spending a day at Millstone Creek Orchard on one of its Christmas with the Kringles days is like watching a child unwrap one joy-filled gift after another, all day long. “Back in the day, we did lights,” Beverly Mooney says, who runs the orchard. “But a lot of our people have young children who are in bed by eight, so we decided to do a daytime event.”
After a brief welcome to the farm, Millstone Creek Orchard’s youngest visitors get a card with activities to check off as they explore. In the Santa Shed, an elf makes introductions to the Man in Red. “If the whole family wants to get in with Santa and Mrs. Claus, that’s what the elf is for,” Mooney says.
The farm’s baby Highlands cows —“they’re now 11 months old and 485 pounds each!” Mooney says—also make for great photo ops. “Dooly and Rooster will be dressed appropriately. They’re wonderful and docile. You can feed them, and they loved to be brushed.”
Embrace your inner chef by crafting your personal blend of reindeer food — Chex mix, powdered sugar, and sweet treats mixed in. Photography courtesy of Millstone Creek Orchard
One of Mooney’s favorites is the reindeer food creation station, manned by an expert elf trained in the reindeer culinary arts. “The children can pick the toppings they want to include, like cocoa powder, marshmallows, and oats,” Mooney says. “They get their own little bag with a card they can write their name on.”
This summer, the orchard opened The Cider House, which serves a full menu Saturday and Sunday. “My specialty is homemade shrimp and grits, which are out of this world. And we’re carrying our own hard cider now, made with the apples from our orchard,” Mooney says.
Gift it: Christmas with the Kringles welcomes visitors to Millstone Creek Orchard on November 30 and December 14, 15, 21, and 22. When families and friends gift each other a visit, they receive a day that’s a little easier, a little lighter. “You may see people on their phones, but they’re typically taking pictures,” Mooney says. “People like to come out and walk the land, and they love to see the kids running or throwing a rock in the pond. It’s just a little slower in a fast world.”
The best news: We’re just warming up. There’s much more to experience in the heart of North Carolina during the holiday season. From small-town parades to grand illuminations and caroling, you’ll find festivities to delight all ages. Click here to see the calendar of holiday events and start filling your wish list.
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