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, with new design elements added every year. 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.

Tours run through New Year’s Eve, so you can book tickets to entertain family and friends visiting over the holidays. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU

Attend a Holiday Tour at Linbrook Heritage Estate

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 and Christmas Teas that kick off select holiday tours.

“We partner with local performers for mini holiday concerts,” Martin says. “We’ll have all genres of music — piano, folk, country, jazz.”

Tours include the formal dining room, adorned in gold accents and emerald-green beaded ribbon, along with Martin’s favorite: “The master bedroom will feature a new 12-foot 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 number of participants in each tour lower so people can ask questions and get to know each other. The atmosphere is very engaging,” she says.

“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 28 to December 31. Surprise your loved one with tickets for one of the holiday tours. Click here to reserve yours or, for groups of 10 or more, call (336) 861-6959 to make reservations.

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

Join in the Celebration of Seagrove Potters

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. In 2024, donations went to artists in western North Carolina.

Gift it: Shop for Kelly’s artfully made clay jugs, vases, dishware, and more during one of his open studio days or online.

Craft Christmas Wreaths at Millstone Creek Orchards

Spending the day at Millstone Creek Orchards’ Christmas Wreath Workshop feels like pressing pause on the holiday rush and unwrapping a gift of creativity and holiday cheer. “The idea behind the workshops actually started pretty simply,” owner Beverly Mooney says. “We’ve sold fresh Christmas trees for years, and when we trimmed the trees for guests, we always had piles of beautiful greenery left over. Instead of letting it go to waste, we thought, why not give people the chance to turn those cuttings into something special? Our guests have always loved interactive activities they can do together — the workshops just grew naturally from there.”

Millstone Creek Orchards provides the greenery, accents, and ribbon — just bring your creative spirit and you’re on your way to a handcrafted wreath. Photography courtesy of Millstone Creek Orchard

Set on the front porch of The Cider House, workshop participants begin with a wreath frame that quickly comes to life as they layer in Fraser Fir, cedar, and holly. With pinecones, berries, and decorative accents added for personality — and a festive bow to tie it all together — every wreath is unique. Mooney shares, “That’s the beauty of it — you leave with something truly one-of-a-kind, crafted with your own hands and a whole lot of heart.”

During the workshop, guests can sip hot cocoa or the orchard’s fresh-pressed apple cider while ordering cozy, seasonal dishes from The Cider House kitchen — or indulging in fresh apple cider doughnuts from Granny’s Goodies. “We love to change up the Cider House menu in November and December with warm comfort food,” Mooney says. “Pair that with a glass of cider, and the whole experience feels extra cozy.”

The workshops are fun for all, from families gathered around one wreath to groups of friends crafting side by side. “It’s not just about the wreath,” Mooney says. “It’s about slowing down, laughing together, and carrying a little piece of the holiday season home with you.”

Whether you craft a wreath to take home or give to family or friends, all ages can enjoy taking part in the Wreath Workshop experience. Photography courtesy of Millstone Creek Orchard

Gift it: Millstone Creek Orchards’ Wreath Workshops take place November 28, 29, and 30 and December 6, 7, 13, and 14, with small and medium wreath sizes available. The cost is five-dollars per participant (which includes a cup of hot cider or cocoa), plus the price of your wreath. For many, it’s less about the finished product and more about the memory of building it side by side. “You may see people pull out their phones,” Mooney adds, “but it’s usually to take a picture of their wreath, their friends, or that moment. It’s simple, joyful, and just what the holidays should be.”