Get ready for a Christmas your in-laws will never forget!
Hosting out-of-town guests for the holidays can be chaotic, exhausting, and occasionally hilarious. But it’s also a chance to make memories that last long after the wrapping paper is gone. Instead of settling for the same old mall trips or cookie-cutter light shows, the Carolinas offer plenty of unique, festive experiences that bring people together—laughs included.
Take a Winter Hike
Nothing beats a crisp winter walk to clear your head and reconnect with loved ones. The mountains and foothills of the Carolinas take on a quiet, frosted beauty in December, with empty trails, sparkling frost, and panoramic views that feel like your own private postcard. In North Carolina, try Craggy Gardens Trail near Asheville, Linville Falls Loop, or Pilot Mountain State Park. South Carolina offers gems like Caesars Head State Park or Table Rock’s Carrick Creek Trail. Bonus points for packing a thermos of cocoa, snapping a few scenic photos, and actually having a conversation without your phones buzzing.
Visit the National Gingerbread House Competition
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa in Asheville brings back the National Gingerbread House Competition, a holiday tradition that has been delighting families for decades. The display runs from November 18, 2025, through January 4, 2026, and features mind-blowing creations from competitors of all ages. Wander the halls, marvel at the creativity, and maybe even spark a little friendly rivalry: who can design the most outrageous gingerbread mansion at home? The display is magical for kids and adults alike, and it’s a guaranteed sugar-and-smile boost.
Hop on The Polar Express
All aboard! The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City transforms into the Polar Express each holiday season. Passengers sip cocoa, sing along to carols, and watch the winter landscape whiz by. It’s a festive, nostalgic experience that works for all ages and makes the holidays feel like a storybook come to life.
Challenge Each Other with Laser Tag
Sometimes togetherness is about letting out a little friendly frustration. Gather your family for a laser tag session, a surprisingly great way to laugh, compete, and burn off that holiday sugar rush. In North Carolina, BattleKarts in Charlotte and Laser Quest in Raleigh are popular spots. Add a few rounds of silly team names, and you’ll have inside jokes to last until next Christmas.
Experience Holiday Amusement Parks
Who says amusement parks are just for summer? WinterFest at Carowinds transforms the park into a sparkling holiday playground. For South Carolina, Holiday Lights at Family Kingdom in Myrtle Beach or Myrtle Beach Boardwalk’s festive events add rides, games, and seasonal treats for the whole crew. There’s nothing like screaming down a rollercoaster one minute and sipping hot cider the next.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
For slower-paced, cozy fun, a horse-drawn carriage ride lets everyone soak in twinkling lights while staying warm under blankets. Try Charleston’s Historic District, Wilmington’s Riverwalk, or Asheville’s downtown streets for scenic routes, festive music, and a touch of old-fashioned charm.
Visit a Botanical Garden
Botanical gardens transform into winter wonderlands during the holidays. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, North Carolina Arboretum, Winter Lights at Elizabethan Gardens, Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, and Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens all feature elaborate light displays, seasonal decorations, and cozy spots to pause with cocoa or cider. It’s a sweet, slow-paced way to enjoy the season together.
The holidays are about togetherness, laughter, and shared experiences. Whether you’re hiking crisp trails, marveling at gingerbread creations, or racing each other in laser tag, the Carolinas offer plenty of opportunities to make this season unforgettable for everyone in your household.
