Discover holiday fun across the Carolinas!

The Carolinas come alive during the holiday season, glowing with small-town charm, sparkling light displays, mountain snow adventures, and magical destinations perfect for making new memories. Whether you're craving a cozy getaway in “Christmas County,” searching for breathtaking holiday lights, planning a festive mountain escape, or simply looking for unique Carolina-inspired gifts, this issue is packed with the region’s most joyful, awe-filled experiences. Your next holiday tradition starts right here.

North Carolina’s Holiday Hotspot 

Gaston County transforms into “Christmas County” every winter, turning its gardens, small towns, and glowing streets into one of the Carolinas’ most magical holiday destinations. From the world-famous lights of Christmas Town USA® to sparkling nights at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, nostalgic celebrations in Kings Mountain, and even glow-in-the-dark snowless tubing, this region serves up nonstop festive fun. If you’re dreaming of cocoa by the fire, twinkling trails, family traditions, and small-town charm at its brightest, this is the holiday getaway you won’t want to miss. Read more…

Unforgettable Holiday Destinations

The Carolinas glow with small-town sparkle, festive markets, dazzling light displays, and cozy winter adventures — and this guide rounds up the very best destinations to explore. From twinkling downtowns and pottery trails to glowing zoos, scenic hikes, and the ultimate local gift shops, each stop serves up its own blend of charm and celebration. Whether you're shopping, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the season, these Carolina holiday escapes promise warmth, wonder, and plenty of reasons to wander. Check out the full article! 

Snow Days, Carolina-Style

You don’t need a cross-country flight to find real winter magic — North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains deliver it all. From ski-in/ski-out resorts and beginner-friendly slopes to snow tubing hills, cozy cabins, and charming mountain towns, the Carolinas offer a full winter escape just a short drive away. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder, sipping cocoa by the fire, or introducing the kids to their first snow day, these mountain destinations are your ticket to an unforgettable winter adventure. Read more…

Where To See Holiday Lights 

Ready to be swept into pure holiday magic? The Carolinas come alive with glowing gardens, twinkling small towns, glittering zoos, and spectacular drive-through displays bursting with millions of lights. Whether you're planning a romantic evening stroll, a family night under the LEDs, or hosting out-of-town guests who need to experience our region at its most enchanting, this guide highlights the can’t-miss displays of the season. From candlelit pathways to dazzling carnivals and historic streets draped in lights, these destinations deliver wonder, warmth, and holiday traditions you’ll want to revisit every year. Check out 20 of the best light displays! 

🔑 Give A Gift They Won't Forget 

If you're in the process of making your list and checking it twice, check out our Carolina-inspired gift guide!

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

Holiday Lights Spectacular
Nov 28 – Dec 30 | Charlotte, NC
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Christmastime At Tweetsie
Nov 28 – Dec 28 | Blowing Rock, NC
Details

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

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

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