North Carolina is arguably one of the best states in the nation because of our ability to visit different regions, all within the same state. We have mountains, beaches, cities, and everything in between. Each of these areas could host their own list of activities to check off around the holidays, but here are some tried-and-true (as well as new) things to complete this season.
1. The Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte
For all of you die-hard Christmas fans who love to see the newest toys, traditional ornaments, and ridiculous decorations all in an enormous expo center, the SCS is a 48-year-old tradition. You will find more than 400 vendors of all kinds of Christmas gifts and delicious foods. The Show hosts off-the-wall vendors, such as a vintage Christmas sweater shop, monogramed shops, kitchen gadgets, toy train kits, soaps and lotions, artists of all sorts, wineries and custom ornament creators. You have to pay an entry fee of $12 at the door (or $10 in advance) but the endless supply of free samples, local entertainment, and Christmas overload is worth it if you like to shop and can stand the crowds. For first time show go-ers I would recommend going on a Monday or Tuesday, with Saturday being the most hectic day to attend.
2. Drive-Through Christmas Lights in McAdenville and Tanglewood
We are blessed in North Carolina to have so many options for this item on the list. Many people will point you towards McAdenville, otherwise knowns as Christmas Town USA. As a veteran of the drive-through light scene, I would recommend skipping the traffic and "much to be desired" attitude of McAdenville, and heading to Tanglewood. You pay per car, usually $15 per car, but Tanglewood does offer special discount nights where the price drops to $5 per car. The festival of lights is worth the drive, and is great for groups or as a date night. Mcadenville is free of charge, but I think that Tanglewood is worth the extra dollars.
3. Volunteer Opportunities
The holidays get everyone into the giving spirit, and there are endless opportunities to impact your community this season. With temperatures dropping, families are in need of warm clothes, hot meals, and toys under the tree. At every local Walmart, Target, and drugstores charities will host coat and toy drives. Most often the items that are donated go to families in your local community, meaning that your impact will be felt close to home. Some of my favorite charities that are great for holiday helpers are Operation Christmas Child, the Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Homeless Shelter Directory NC.
4. Christmas Tree Hunting
North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful mountains whose high elevations provide the perfect breeding ground for Christmas trees. Putting together a five-year-old artificial tree from the attic doesn't have the same excitement that comes from picking out your own living tree. Making the trip up to the mountains is exciting on its own, but traveling through the "forest" of Christmas trees at a tree farm and sipping on hot cocoa is a magical experience. My family has been making the trip up to Blowing Rock every year and it is a time-honored tradition in our family. Research a tree farm close to you, dress in outrageous Christmas-wear and head out on the quest for the perfect addition to your living room. Bonus: they smell AMAZING.
5. Tacky Christmas Sweater Parties
You and I both know that finding the most outrageous, lit-up, jingle-bell embellished, embroidered Christmas vest is a feeling like no other. Rocking a turtleneck and sweater while "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree," is a bonding experience like no other.
6. Blowing Rock Christmas in the Park
Blowing Rock at Christmas time comes alive to mirror a Christmas village you might find on your grandmother's mantel. Every year they host their annual tree lighting with live music, hot chocolate, caroling, and Santa! Even if you can't make it up for their main event, the town itself is adorable and full of shops that are both walkable and easy to shop. If you do head up that way, I recommend checking out The Canyons restaurant, which overlooks the mountains and has one of the best views in all of town.
7. The Biltmore Estate Christmas
For History Buffs, romantics, or adventure seekers, the Biltmore Estate provides Christmas whimsy in a way that pulls people from all over the state (and out of state) to visit. The entire house and grounds are decorated with trees fit for giants and the different restaurants on the property are to die for. If you feel like splurging for an even more festive than a night at Biltmore, I recommend the Candlelight Christmas Evenings which offer an exclusive tour of the house at night by candlelight, whereas the house is never open at night. They light the fireplaces, luminaries, and "candles," to provide and authentic step back in time. It is a little higher on the price side of this list, but as a gift it really is worth it. Bonus: if you're twenty one, the Estate has a winery on site that includes tours and tastings in the cost of your admission.
8. The Polar Express
For Families with children or groups who love the classic children's story, every year the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad transforms into the Polar Express Train for Christmas. Children wear their pajamas and robes, just like in the book. Your ticket includes a magical ride aboard the Polar Express with a reading of the book, homemade hot chocolate, entertainment along the ride, and a final destination of the "North Pole." People from outside of North Carolina visit just to ride the Polar Express and speaking from experience it truly is worth the trip. You might even get to see Santa!
9. Christmas Shows
Holiday favorites like the Nutcracker ballet are shown all over the state at places like the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and the Carolina Ballet. If you check in your area, local theaters are always hosting children's choirs, plays, and ballets themed around the holiday season. There is something to be said about attending a live performance, hearing an orchestra play and getting dressed up to celebrate a beautiful Christmas tradition.
10. Christmas Parades
Almost every town hosts one, but not every parade is created equal. Research parades in the larger metropolitan areas near you and see what performers and locations intrigue you the most. I make it a habit to attend both larger scale holiday parades and the local one closest to home. Nothing comes close to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, so be sure to tune into that while you work yourself into a turkey coma!
No matter what you do this holiday season, spend time with your family, take a break from the hustle and bustle of work life, and take advantage of the mountains (of free food.)
