The Holidays are wonderful in the Carolinas. We have the charm of small towns and the wonder and grandeur of the larger cities.
From the Mountains to the Shores, we have Christmas Magic in Abundance.
2022 Top 10 Christmas Light Destinations in North Carolina
photo credit: The biltmore company
We have been busy elves working on our new Christmas Special. The 2019 theme is A Carolinas Heritage Christmas. We have been filming on location in historic Gold Hill, North Carolina.
The people of Gold Hill kick off the holiday celebrations with an annual event they call “The Lighting of the Fall Fires.” The event is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving and is held, rain or shine. This year it rained, but that did not seem to dampen the sprits of the attendees.
When people arrive, they exchange their tickets for a bag of gold nuggets (painted gold, that is). Once they have their nuggets in hand, they board a trolley that takes guests to their choice of three stops. The nuggets can be exchanged for various food offerings throughout the village.
I met a fellow at the Brunswick Stew station. He so loved the stew that he used three nuggets for three servings. He said it was the best he had ever eaten. Then we met a lady at the chicken and dumpling station who was in line for the second time. She said it brought back great memories.
The idea of supporting small local business owners during our largest gift giving season is an honorable notion. With busy schedules and the desire driven by highly effective advertising it’s not always easy to balance the budget and time requirements needed to shop local. What’s a person to do when time and money are in short supply and stress is not lacking?
Based on years of joyful and sometimes highly stressful conditions I can assure you that a good balance can be accomplished. In fact, with patience it can done in such a way that we develop rewarding experience that in some cases produce new relationships that can last for years.
The Small Business Saturday campaigns started in 2010 and have helped bring attention to our small retail business owners. This occasion is promoted for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The idea being that we should visit our local small retailers and give them an honest opportunity help us with some of holiday shopping.
We all get busy and need a reminder of the importance of supporting our local merchants. Many of which are our neighbors and friends. Now days it’s all too easy to simply go online and find just about anything we want. So why is local so important?
2020 Life in the Carolinas Big Holiday Social
Here are some of the Trees of the Season we saw in 2020
Time to check out our videos that features some of the many wonderful things to do and see around the Carolinas during this special time of the year.
Take a look to see what Christmas Magic is happening in your area.
COME CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN FOREST CITY NC
For years this small town in Western North Carolina has been known as a “Hallmark Christmas” movie set during the holiday season. In fact, RomanticAsheville.com calls it the #1 Christmas town in the greater Asheville, NC area and the #2 place to see Christmas lights in Western North Carolina!
TOGETHER WE CREATE HOLIDAY MEMORIES IN DOWNTOWN LENOIR NC
We want to invite you back to Downtown Lenoir to shop, eat and enjoy the small town living of yester year this Holiday Season. We will be staying open later on Friday nights for you to enjoy the small business shopping in Lenoir.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, COLUMBIA
A listing of 40 best holiday events happening in the Midlands (Columbia SC) of South Carolina! From performances, parades and festivals to candlelight tours and candy cane hunts… the Holidays are Happening!
MAKE MEMORIES IN GREENWOOD, SC
Your holidays will shine under Uptown Greenwood’s Holiday Lights. We’ll help you make holiday memories with “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a live radio play. Shop Uptown’s galleries and boutiques, and visit the Uptown Christmas Market. Ride the North Pole Express and have your picture made with Santa.
ASHVILLE TOP 50 HOLIDAY EVENTS
During the late fall and festive holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns have many great events, festivals and celebrations.
OBXMAS
Why should OBX mark the spot for your Christmas this year? The islands are located halfway between New York and Miami, accessible by car for millions of people bring everyone together under one roof, creating a family tradition for years to come. Add the element of the coastal backdrop, and it just makes sense.