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Forest City Christmas (108 East Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043)

Forest City upholds the tradition of displaying over a million Christmas lights along its historic Mainstreet. We have certainly enjoyed our many visits over the years.

This town will give you the best Christmas vibes with its Annual Christmas Parade on November 27, a Sunday, at around 3 pm. It begins at Cool Springs Administrative Building, going through Main Street to First United Methodist Church. As a family, there are many activities to enjoy. For instance, there will be Hayrides and Santa visits on December 2,3,9,10,16, and 17 that run from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Something else you can enjoy here is ice skating, located across Park Square and open for six days in December. You will enjoy the local restaurants and merchants. Forest City provides a Great Holiday experience.

 
 

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Christmas Town USA (100 Main Street, McAdenville, NC 28101)

Christmas Town USA is among the best Christmas light destinations in the Carolinas. This is a perfect Carolinas Christmas destination for those who want to enjoy a wholesome family holiday. There are plenty of activities to do here. First, the Christmas Light Display begins from 1st to December 26. During this time, you can drive or walk through the downtown area and enjoy the view of nearly 4,000 lights in the trees, along with over 2 acres of evergreen garland. There is a Festival of Lights held every evening from 5.30 pm to 10.00 pm. You will also enjoy a delicious dinner with your family at the Terra Mia Ristorante or a glass of fine wine and beer at the 115 Craft.

Something else you can do is enjoy the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1, 2022. This is an amazing event which will surely entertain you. Also, you can watch the Hickory Nut Dickens Carolers during the Christmas season. At Dynamo 31, 102 Main Street in McAdenville, kids will have an amazing time ushering in the Christmas season. The Countdown is usually breathtaking as the kids turn on the switches and flip them over.

You will also have a chance to enjoy the Yule Log Parade on December 15, 2022. It is a ceremony that pays tribute to the true spirit of the community and makes this place stand out from the rest. The singing here is quite unique and begins at 5:30 pm. The parade will end at the Mulberry Inn, and there will be a lighted Christmas tree. Book your stay at the White Horse Inn, where you will enjoy a comfortable stay during your vacation.

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Speedway Christmas (5555 Concord Parkway, Concord, NC 28027)

The Speedway Christmas is a wonderfully unique driving experience. The scenes are breathtaking, with numerous LED light displays synchronized with Christmas-themed music as you drive on the same racetrack where NASCAR legends have driven during the Coca-Cola 600.

We would recommend that you stop when you come to the Christmas Village. Inside you will find a vendor market, free crafts, and food. Take the kids to see Santa or sit down and enjoy the nightly movie. Outside you can enjoy the warm glow of firepits as you enjoy some hot chocolate and s'mores.

Normally, Friday and Saturday are the busiest nights, so if you're planning to attend on one of those days, you can wait. If you'd like to get in quickly, please try to attend from Sunday to Thursday.

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Greensboro Winter Wonderlights (4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455)

Looking for a place to enjoy a Christmas like no other? The Greensboro Winter Wonderlights is the place to visit. This is a holiday tradition that many people in Greensboro, North Carolina, look forward to. It's one of the top Christmas light destinations in the Carolinas, and for a good reason.

The scenes here are unlike any other, and there are many activities for everyone to enjoy. You can visit Santa at the Christmas Market along with his reindeer, take in a classic movie, listen to the local bands, and much more.

The wonder lights here create a scene that makes you feel like you are in a Disney movie. It's truly magical, and their lights set the tone for a beautiful Christmas celebration. We recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time since this is such a popular event.

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Tanglewood Festival of Lights (Manor House Cir, Clemmons, NC 27012)

One of the most well-known Christmas light destinations in the Carolinas, the Festival of Lights brings out the best of the Christmas spirit by displaying millions of lights and trees. If you are looking for a very affordable holiday outing, this is the place to go. Pay by the car and bring cash for an even lower rate!

While you're there, enjoy shopping at their Gift Village at the Red Barn. It's about halfway through the light show route. They have handmade crafts, specialty food, and holiday crafts. Right outside the Gift Shop, you can purchase your roasting sticks so the whole family can toast marshmallows and make s'mores! Or if you prefer, visit the Tanglewood Stables to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage or tractor-pulled hayride for an entirely different light-viewing experience.

The show is open from November 11th through January 1st, and it is recommended to arrive early. Thursday-Sunday are the most popular nights, so if you choose to visit, be prepared to wait up to 2 hours to get into the gate. Make sure you are inside the park before 11.00 pm, or else you may miss out on the beautiful light show, which begins at 11.00 pm and ends at 12.15 am.

Tanglewood Park is huge with four sections: the North Pole, Santa's Village, The Garden of Lights, and The Magic Forest. You will get to see over 6,000 animated LED lights along with over 40,000 lights in the trees.

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Christmas Light Extravaganza (Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC, 28086)

Photo provided by sigmon theatrical

The family fun in King's Mountain begins with the tree lighting ceremony in Patriots Park on November 23 at 6:00 pm.

The Home for Christmas Celebration begins December 2nd, where the whole family can enjoy carriage rides and visit with Santa himself.
The annual Christmas Parade is held on December 3rd at 3:00 pm. Come for the parade and then stay for the evening festivities, which continue every Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas. December 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th, 2022.

The Christmas Light Extravaganza is truly a sight to behold. Watch as thousands of lights dance in perfect rhythm to music playing from your car radio! Then stroll through the park that's been transformed into a wonderland of over a million lights.

Don't forget to visit the Holiday Artisan Market on Saturdays, where you can shop for handmade crafts. It's the perfect time and place to purchase gifts for those you love while supporting local vendors.

 
 

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Biltmore Candlelight Christmas (One Lodge Street Asheville, NC 28803)

Photo Provided by The Biltmore Company

The Biltmore House is America's Largest Home, and during the holidays, it offers many surprises, including festive music and dance.

Tour the home during the day and take in the stunning Christmas Trees decorated with ribbons, garlands, and thousands of twinkling lights, or take in its beauty as the house is illuminated by flickering lights and glowing fireplaces.

Choose from audio-guided or expert-guided tours to pick the experience that's right for you and your budget.

Candlelight Christmas Evening at the Biltmore House runs from November 4, 2022, to January 7, 2023. Visit or book for a unique holiday experience with your family.

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Kersey Valley Christmas (1615 Kersey Valley Road Archdale, NC 27263)

Get a glimpse of a holiday wonderland at Kersey Valley in North Carolina, a place where Christmas brings the joy of childhood alive. It features over a million sparkling lights and shiny decorations. Other sets, like the tall snowflakes falling from forty-five feet, are available to make your Christmas absolutely magical.

There are many wonderful photo op locations, or you can visit Sant's workshop for professional photos. Take a ride in the magical carriage house and get ready for something really wonderful. The place is spacious, and you can enjoy your time with all the members of your family. Meet Santa Clause, who is joined by his elves and Mrs. Claus. Santa takes time to mingle with kids and offer gifts.

Enjoy food and beverages inside the cozy and warm environment of the village. Visitors are welcome to join any of the guided tours offered at Kersey Valley Christmas. These tours will take you around to view more than one hundred hills, with thousands of lights visible from the sky. They've also expanded to add a new walk-through light show and lengthened the wagon path, so the ride is twice as long as in previous years!

It's fun for the whole family! There's a zipline for children 4 and up and even singing reindeer! Race your friends and family on the pedal karts, play barnyard twister, or attend the Round-up Rodeo.

Tickets are available online for December 19th through the 22nd. Last year, this event sold out and tickets cannot be purchased at the gate, so make sure to visit their website to book your experience today!

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NC Chinese Lantern Festival (8003 Regency Parkway Cary, NC 27518)

Photo by Liz Condo Photography

If you are in Cary, NC, or the surrounding area, we highly recommend you attend the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. This is one of Triangle's most spectacular holiday traditions.

There are over 40 new displays comprised of thousands of LED lights crafted by Chinese artisans. This place will capture everyone's attention with the incredible craftsmanship that has been put in place. There are also cultural performances every night on the main stage.

You'll be in good company too, as this annual event never fails to draw a crowd because of the excitement that it brings. This festival kicks off its 7th year on November 18, 2022 and runs through December 31, 2022.

This is an event you cannot afford to miss if you are visiting Cary, NC. There are different types of tickets you can purchase depending on your preference. They are even hosting a Sensory Friendly night on December the 6th!

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Spectacular Holiday Blooms (215 South Main Street Kernersville, NC 27284)

Photo by suzelle sinclair

There is always something special about outdoor displays during the Holiday season. This is especially true for those in Kernersville, NC, or planning to visit during this time.

The Spectacular Holiday Blooms at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden will make your Christmas holiday merrier. Open from November 25 to December 30, it is one of their top Holiday attractions. With over 7000 'flowers', you will enjoy taking a stroll through the Botanical Gardens. As the skies darken in the evening, this magical display becomes even more beautiful as LED lights illuminate the trees and the lawn.

You can also see performers that will be involved with the Christmas hymns and Carols. The work of art put here is incredible and will capture your attention.

Not only does this annual display LOOK amazing, but the dedication and work that goes into it are also even more impressive. Volunteers dedicate their time and holiday cheer as they turn plastic bottles into beautiful works of art for this display!

The Spectacular Holiday Blooms is something you will enjoy, and the best part is that it is free for ages 17 and under. Just make sure you book your tickets early to avoid last minute rush. Adult tickets are budget friendly and can be purchased online or at the entrance area.

This is a must-visit!

 
 

As you can see, there are lots of places you can visit and enjoy your Christmas in North Carolina. The Carolinas are known for beautiful displays and activities during the holiday season. It's incredible how great these destinations are, and they make the holiday extra special. Some places will provide a learning experience, and others will bring out your creative side of you. The best thing about these destinations is that they will provide a memorable experience for you and your family. You will find yourself looking forward to the next holiday season because of the Christmas lights, celebrations, and events that take place here. Nothing beats a relaxing and refreshing experience during the Christmas holiday. Try any of the Christmas Light Destinations discussed here. You will not be disappointed.