Get ready for the best holiday season ever!

This week’s newsletter is your secret weapon for impressing the in-laws, entertaining visiting relatives, and pretending you’ve had your holiday plans together since October. This issue is packed with twinkling light shows, quirky small-town celebrations, winter escapes, and festive activities guaranteed to make you look like the family’s unofficial tour guide. If you’re aiming to win “Most Prepared Holiday Host,” consider this your cheat sheet.

Skip the malls and jump straight into memory-making. Think winter hikes at Craggy Gardens or Pilot Mountain, a magical ride aboard the Polar Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or a gingerbread showdown at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Kids and teens will be busy with laser tag, snowless night tubing at The Chutes, and winter evenings at amusement parks, while horse-drawn carriage rides and glowing botanical gardens deliver that classic holiday charm everyone loves (including that one relative who claims nothing impresses them).

Holiday Adventures For The Whole Crew

Skip the malls and make memories that last a lifetime. Families can enjoy winter hikes at Craggy Gardens or Pilot Mountain, ride the Polar Express on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or take on a gingerbread challenge at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Kids and teens will love laser tag, snowless night tubing at The Chutes, and winter amusement-park evenings, while horse-drawn carriage rides and botanical garden light shows add old-fashioned holiday charm.

A Family Night Out at the NC Holiday Lights Spectacular in Charlotte

A Charlotte family braved the November chill to explore the NC Holiday Lights Spectacular — and their night turned into a glowing, cocoa-fueled adventure they couldn’t stop talking about. From magical wands that activate shimmering displays to ballerinas in giant snow globes, a brand-new Winter Wonderland Carnival, and the lifesaving warmth of the VIP lodge, they share every charming, twinkling detail. If you’re hunting for a new holiday tradition, their experience might convince you this is the one. Read more..

The Ultimate Carolina Gift Guide 

Finding the perfect present gets a whole lot easier with Carolina-made treasures. Think handmade Seagrove pottery, heirloom-worthy Gullah sweetgrass baskets, coastal décor, and local sea salts for the homebody. Add jewelry from regional designers, books by Carolina authors, experience gifts like cooking classes or concert tickets, VIP Carolina Traveler subscriptions, and meaningful donations made in someone’s honor. These gifts are thoughtful, unique, and guaranteed to earn you bragging rights. Check out our gift guide! 

Christmas County

Gaston County transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and nostalgic charm. Wander McAdenville’s iconic Christmas Town USA, stroll the shimmering paths at Holidays at the Garden, or enjoy Kings Mountain’s old-fashioned festivities and the quirky Nutty for Nutcrackers Museum. Mix in snowless night tubing at The Chutes, winter thrills at the Whitewater Center, and cozy small-town shops, and you’ve got an easy weekend escape with plenty of holiday spirit. 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.

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