See Biltmore at its most enchanting as you stroll past glowing luminaries, flickering candles and fireplaces, and thousands of glittering Christmas lights.
1 Lodge Street
(800) 411-3812
biltmore.com/christmas
From dusk to midnight, the grounds of Chetola Resort are illuminated by 30,000 lights. Tour the joyful displays in a car or on foot for free.
185 Chetola Lake Drive
(800) 243-8652
chetola.com/events/festival-of-lights
The first two weekends in December are a magical time for downtown Dillsboro, where more than 2,500 luminaries light up the streets.
Front Street
facebook.com/dillsboroluminaries
Take a nighttime drive through this historic neighborhood and look up: Balls of light in all sizes and colors are strung up high in nearly every tree.
Every December, residents of McAdenville string up thousands of twinkling lights, transforming their village into Christmas Town USA — and cars line up for miles to catch a glimpse.
Charlotte Motor Speedway turns into the slow lane at Christmastime, when even NASCAR drivers downshift to take in the sights. The four-mile track is decked in four million lights and includes a fully synchronized light show.
5555 Concord Parkway South
(800) 455-3267
charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/speedway-christmas
Once the Thanksgiving table is cleared, Lu Mil Vineyard starts its light show with a stacked country buffet, visits with Santa, and an old-fashioned candy shop.
438 Suggs-Taylor Road
(910) 866-5819
lumilvineyard.com
Take in the gorgeous display of art and flowers on the grounds while listening to live music at Airlie Gardens, which is draped in more than a million lights.
300 Airlie Road
(910) 798-7700
airliegardens.org/enchanted-airlie
Nutcrackers stand guard in front of pathways, while giant stars and bundles of lights hang over visitors as they stroll through these enchanted gardens.
1411 National Park Drive
(252) 473-3234
elizabethangardens.org/winterlights
’Tis the season for sweets! If you’re too busy to bake your festive favorites this year, these local bakeries across the state have pastry cases brimming with delectable holiday treats.
Make it a Carolina Christmas: From the mountains to the coast, we found our state’s icons — official and honorary — in their best holiday dress.
Each year, the post office in the tiny town of Star holds a contest to determine the design of its holiday postmark, which brings visitors from near and far to Montgomery County to add a bit of Christmas cheer to their mail.
Give thanks for pie! Creamy chocolate walnut; sweet potato covered in a buttery, crunchy topping; classic, custardy pumpkin — these favorites are fit for a feast.
