The Best Small Town Christmas Celebrations In The Carolinas

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Less than two weeks before Christmas, which means there is much more merry-making to ensue this holiday season! This week, we're focusing on small town Christmas celebrations in NC — can you guess which small towns know how to do it up holiday style the best?

Of course, we can't ignore the 120th Anniversary Celebration of the Wright Brothers' first flight, happening December 17, in Kitty Hawk.

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Christmas lights in the garden

Mount Holly is next door to several attractions, including the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, which has a fascinating light display.

If You Loved Christmastown, USA, “Yule” Love Mount Holly!

Celebrate the season in Mount Holly, NC, your ultimate holiday haven just a sleigh ride away from the Charlotte airport! It's the perfect spot for friends and family to cozy up during their visit to the Charlotte area.

Mount Holly sparkles with a calendar bursting at the seams with festive events, making it the merriest destination around. Unwrap the joy as you explore the jingle-filled wonders awaiting you:

The holiday spirit is alive in Mount Holly, where every corner is adorned with twinkling lights and joyous celebrations. From the shimmering festivities in town to the exciting happenings in Charlotte, there's no shortage of merry moments to share.

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Spin that wheel like you're competing on Wheel of Fortune! You can't go bankrupt with this wheel!

Spin The Vacation Wheel For Winter Vacation Inspiration

With so many opportunities for a long-weekend escape in the winter (i.e., MLK weekend, President's Day weekend) and holidays that serve as perfect excuses for surprising your loved one with an exciting trip, we've created a handy dandy vacation spinner to eliminate all of your indecisiveness.

Whether you're looking for a romantic mountain retreat in Banner Elk, a coastal getaway in Charleston, or an exciting urban adventure in Charlotte, we've got unique ideas for your next escape. Give the wheel a spin and discover a great vacation idea!

Christmas at the Barnyard

Christmas cuddles are in order! Get your photo snapped with your favorite baby farm animal.

Who Knew Old MacDonald And Santa Were Pals?!

What's a small town Christmas celebration without a gang of cute farm animals? In Newport, NC, we've found the perfect kid-friendly holiday activity: Christmas in the Barnyard.

Taking place from November 24 to December 22 (select blackout dates apply), the event grants up-close animal encounters with cows, horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, and more. Get your child's picture taken with a baby farm animal for an epic Christmas card — you can also enjoy hot cocoa by the campfire for 50 cents!

Admission is $8 per person and cash only.

Santa stands on the shore of small town Christmas destination: White Lake

Santa scores a little beach time on the shore of White Lake at Camp Clearwater.

Small Town Christmas At The Beach? Sign Us Up!

White Lake, NC boasts the clearest waters in NC. At Christmas, the lake transforms into an illuminated wonderland, and the Festival of Lights at the Lu Mil Vineyard has all the trappings of an epic holiday celebration, including drive-thru lights, a candy shop, and free photos with Santa!

Plan your small town Christmas getaway in White Lake, NC

Visitors inspect a replica of the Wright flyer

Celebrating North Carolina's Favorite Brothers: Orville And Wilbur Wright

Nearly 120 years ago, the Wright Brothers took their first flight on the Outer Banks. Today, aviation enthusiasts can recognize the 120th Anniversary Celebration of the Wright Brothers by enjoying an opening and closing flyover, band concert, keynote address, portrait unveiling, and speech from honoree Olive Ann Beech, the First Lady of Aviation. 

Kids will bear huge grins watching the epic flyovers, and you'll be fascinated by the artifacts and exhibits at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the celebration takes place. This event is free admission — mark your calendars now for December 17!

Looking for more information on things in to do in North Carolina and South Carolina? From a guide on the best restaurants in Hilton Head Island to deep dives on local legends, you can read quintessentially Carolina content on a weekly basis. Sign up to join our Carolina Traveler Facebook group and become a subscriber to the Carolina Traveler magazine!

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