Drive or stroll through a whimsical lightshow at Tryon International from mid-November through December. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and some of your other favorite Christmas characters arrive on the scene after Thanksgiving, transforming Tryon International into Winterfest, complete with a Holiday Village, Rudolph’s Petting Zoo, Christmas tree farm, and carriage rides through the light show.
25 International Boulevard
(828) 863-1000
resort.tryon.com
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
From mid-November through the new year, thousands of fanciful lanterns in ranging from small luminaries to sprawling creations transform Koka Booth Amphitheatre into a vibrant wonderland. Stroll through illuminated silk tunnels and past captivating displays that change each year, each one a colorful reflection of Chinese culture and heritage.
8003 Regency Parkway
(919) 462-2025
boothamphitheatre.com
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
Step into Christmas past by taking a candlelight tour of Whalehead on weekend nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas. See the magnificent estate dressed in holiday decor as it would’ve been in the 1920s, sing carols by the Steinway piano, and enjoy a holiday treat at the end. Advance reservations are required.
1100 Club Road
(252) 453-9040
outerbanksvacations.com/whaleheads-christmas-candlelight
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
A cake first made in Depression-era kitchens using household staples now helps us savor the season, no green thumb necessary.
From woodsmoke to salt air, certain scents carry memory, tradition, and comfort across North Carolina.
Visit a renowned writer’s home, catch a show, and wander Little Rainbow Row with our springtime guide to Flat Rock.
Across the Carolina coast, silvery strands offer texture, shelter, and quiet wonder.
