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
exploreboone.com/festival-of-lights-at-chetola-resort
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
romanticasheville.com/dillsboro_festival_luminaries
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.
townofmcadenville.org/christmas-town-usa
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
Mark our words: Whether they nod to North Carolina or were penned by its residents, these notable, quotable passages remind us of the power of speech inspired by our state.
When one stream flows into another, the two chart a new course for the future — together.
When the weather outside is frightful, one chef serves loved ones dishes so delightful.
A historic Rose Bowl pitted Duke University against Oregon State in Durham. Then, in the dark days of World War II, those same football players — and a legendary coach — joined forces to fight for freedom.
