Looking for holiday cheer? 

The Carolinas are serving it in every form—twinkling light trails, blockbuster performances, artisan markets, fireside cabin retreats, and even a few mischievous trolls hiding in the woods. Whether you want to shop small, chase new experiences, or simply soak in the sparkle of the season, we’ve rounded up the best stories and escapes to make your holidays unforgettable. Let the Carolina magic begin!

Discover 20 Of The Best Holiday Light Displays In The Carolinas 

The Carolinas shine brighter than ever during the holidays, and this year’s lineup of light displays is pure magic. From candlelit gardens and sparkling zoos to small-town streets draped in millions of twinkling bulbs, every corner of the region transforms into a festive wonderland. Whether you prefer a romantic stroll through Brookgreen’s glowing sculptures, a family night at Carowinds’ WinterFest, a drive through dazzling displays in Sumter or James Island, or the classic charm of Christmas Town USA in McAdenville, there’s a light show for every mood and every holiday tradition. With more than 20 standout displays across North and South Carolina, you’ll find endless ways to celebrate—and countless memories waiting to be made.  Read more…

Holiday curtains are rising across the Carolinas—and the stages are packed with magic. 

From dancing snowflakes and roaming mice at The Nutcracker to Buddy the Elf belting out Christmas cheer, this year’s lineup of festive shows is pure seasonal sparkle. Whether you’re craving ballet, Broadway, or a Victorian marketplace straight out of Dickens, we rounded up the can’t-miss performances lighting up the Carolinas.  Click hereto see what’s playing near you—and make your holiday plans shine.

Local Holiday Shopping Destinations For Unique Gifts

Skip the big-box chaos and unwrap the real magic of the season—shopping local in the Carolinas! From Charlotte’s glittering Mistletoe Market and Asheville’s comeback-strong River Arts District to Charleston’s charming City Market and the pottery havens of Seagrove, this guide is packed with festive spots where every gift has a story (and serious “where did you find this?!” energy). Whether you're hunting handcrafted ornaments, mountain-made pottery, gourmet goodies, or quirky treasures from local makers, these neighborhoods and holiday markets deliver pure shopping joy. Click to discover the best places to shop small, support local artists, and fill your gift list with Carolina charm.

🔑 Plan A Cozy Cabin Getaway

Ready to trade the holiday hustle for a crackling fire and a cabin all your own? From eco-friendly hideaways in the Asheboro woods to vineyard barrel stays, cliffside retreats, and snug farmstead cottages, we rounded up seven of North Carolina’s coziest escapes. Each has its own charm, scenery, and winter-worthy adventures nearby. Whether you’re dreaming of starry nights, cocoa by the fire, or a quiet mountain morning, these cabins deliver pure seasonal magic. This article is available to Carolina Traveler subscribers. Click here to read the full article if you’re a subscriber, or subscribe now! 

It’s Time To Go Troll Hunting 

There’s a giant new neighbor moving in. World-famous recycle artist Thomas Dambo is bringing his whimsical wooden trolls to North Carolina. Part art, part treasure hunt, these massive, story-filled sculptures are popping up across the state. There’s a five-troll family in Raleigh, a solo star in High Point, and a whole tribe of “baby trolls” in Asheville. Their vibe? Pure magic. If you love surprise adventures, sustainable art, and a good excuse to explore hidden corners of your city, you’re going to want to meet Charlotte’s shy new resident. Click to uncover the full story—and start planning your troll hunt. Read more…

Events

All across the Carolinas, holiday celebrations are in full swing. Explore Whalehead Candlelight Tours and Corolla markets on the Outer Banks, Currituck’s parade and tree lighting, Topsail and Wrightsville’s festive flotillas, Burgaw’s famous Blueberry Drop, Folly Beach’s Flip-Flop Drop, or Dillsboro’s glowing luminaries. From quirky to classic, these events make it simple to fill your holiday calendar (and look like you planned it all months ago). Check out the best events! 

Carolina Traveler Holiday 2025 Issue

Our Holiday 2025 issue is here—and packed with twinkling lights, bustling markets, cozy cabins, and snowy mountain adventures. Use it to map out your family outings, discover hidden-gem towns, dive into local arts and culture, or escape for a peaceful winter getaway. Whether you’re hosting relatives or trying to escape them (we won’t judge), the Carolinas are overflowing with holiday magic this year.

The Best Wild Horse Tours In OBX

Take the road less traveled — or in this case, the beach less driven! The wild horses of Corolla are one of North Carolina’s most iconic sights, and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Local experts know just where these majestic creatures roam, making every ride a photo-worthy adventure.

Upcoming Events

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this week across the Carolinas — perfect for planning your next adventure!

The Polar Express Train Ride
Nov 6 – Dec 31 | Bryson City, NC
Details

Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Nov 14 – Jan 1 | Clemmons, NC
Details

Christmas At The Farm
Nov 28 – Dec 7 | Easley, SC
Details

Holiday Lights At The Grove
Nov 28 – Dec 21 | Wilmington, NC
Details

The Polar Express Train Ride
Nov 6 – Dec 31 | Bryson City, NC
Details

Holiday Lights Spectacular
Nov 28 – Dec 30 | Charlotte, NC
Details

Christmastime At Tweetsie
Nov 28 – Dec 28 | Blowing Rock, NC
Details

Christmas Town USA
Dec 1 – 26 | McAdenville, NC
Details

Carolina Traveler VIPs Scored $762 in Free Tickets Last Year!

Want in on the perks? Carolina Traveler VIPs enjoy exclusive access to free tickets for events, festivals, and top attractions across the Carolinas. From beer festivals and aquariums to historic tours and adventure parks, we’re unlocking hundreds in savings every year—just for our subscribers. 👉 Sign up now and make this your best summer yet!

Make the most of your summer—discover, explore, and create memories that last long after the season fades.

Compare Hotel Rates & Save

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank! Our newsletter gives you access to the best hotel rate comparisons, so you can save up to 40% on your next stay. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long retreat, we’ll help you find the best deal. Learn more and start planning your next trip today!

Travel Fearlessly 

Traveling is an adventure, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. In this week’s issue, we share some expert tips on how to travel fearlessly and handle unexpected emergencies with ease. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Learn more about smart travel practices to ensure a safe, stress-free journey.

Upcoming Events

Here’s a quick look at upcoming events across the Carolinas—perfect for planning your next adventure

• • Renaissance Festival Sep 8 – Nov 23 | Huntersville, NC Check back for FREE tickets!!!
  • Fall At Fogleman's Farm Sep 14 – Nov 10 | Liberty, NC Details

It’s the ultimate holiday giveaway — enter daily for a chance to win four VIP tickets to a dazzling holiday wonderland! With over a million lights, this event is a true spectacle that will leave you in awe. Read more to find out how you can win these exclusive tickets!

Be Prepared with Good Sam

Holiday travel can be stressful, but don’t let car trouble ruin your festive fun. With Good Sam’s Roadside Assistance Plan, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got comprehensive coverage on the road. Find out how Good Sam can keep your holiday travel plans on track, no matter where you’re headed.

Plan an Epic Trip to the Outer Banks with These Tours and Experiences

Warmer weather will be here before you know it, so it's time to start planning your next getaway to the Outer Banks! These exciting tours offer a unique way to experience the Outer Banks, showcasing its beauty and diversity. Witness wild horses in their natural habitat, try out hang-gliding, or enjoy the natural beauty of Alligator River. The adventure never stops!

Save Big, Travel More

Got family coming into town? Or maybe you’re planning a holiday escape yourself? Carolina Traveler has the inside scoop on unpublished hotel rates that’ll stretch your vacation dollars. Join Tripfox and start planning that extended stay—or just bank the savings for more eggnog.

More VIP Perks You’ll Love

What’s better than having fun? Doing it for free. When you become a Carolina Traveler VIP, you’ll score free tickets to events worth over $200 annually.

Last year we offered VIPs more than $700 in free tickets!

Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Just sign up and start reaping the rewards..

Want more ideas? Subscribe to the Carolina Traveler newsletter and make sure you don’t miss a single event.

Here’s to making your holidays as merry and bright as they can be.

Share your adventures on Facebook when you join the Carolina Traveler Facebook group

For more exciting adventures, sign-up for our newsletter!