6 NORTH CAROLINA ROAD TRIPS TO GET YOU INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

1. TANGLEWOOD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | CLEMMONS, N.C.

Photo from Forsyth Co. Website

My family has had a long tradition of going to Tanglewood Park. This is perfect for little children and groups, and they add something new every single year. Family cars are $20 cash or $23 on card, and you can also bring commercial vans and busses. You can also visit the gift village for handmade gifts, s'mores, and a visit with Santa. For more information, click here.

2. CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL | CARY, N.C.

This year, my family and I checked out the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, N.C. Although traditional American Christmas lights are on display, this is a phenomenal display of culture. 

The lights are beautiful, and you can even stop and get some refreshments like hot chocolate, spring rolls, gingerbread and whipped cream, and more. Tickets are $25 each.

Really loved this experience, and would recommend everyone to try it out. Find more information on the lantern festival here.

Photo by Gabrielle Allison

3. CHRISTMAS TOWN USA | MCADENVILLE, N.C.

Photo by Steve Rankin | McAdenville-ChristmasTown.com

Christmas time is huge in Christmas Town, USA. McAdenville is a small town in North Carolina that collectively loves Christmas. This is a 1.3 mile route that includes thousands of lights and light displays and a lively Main Street. If you can go during the week, that would be best, as there is always a lot of traffic over the weekend. It is free to drive through, and dogs are welcome if you want to walk! Check out more information on McAdenville here.

4. CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK | FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.

As a resident of Fayetteville who has enjoyed the Christmas in the Park in the past, I recommend doing this with kids or as a cute little holiday date night. When we went through, we walked through. However, due to COVID-19, this is now a drive-thru event. Admission is free and this show is a site to see over the holiday season. Such beautiful lights! Check out more information on Christmas in the Park here.

Photo from Parks and Recreation of Fayetteville, N.C.

5. FIELDSTREAM FARM | RALEIGH, N.C.

Photo from FieldstreamFarm.com

This is the perfect little Christmas trip for youth groups or organizations. Vehicles of 1 to 8 passengers pay $20, and the fee goes up with more. This is a drive-thru Christmas light experience with more than a million lights on display through Dec. 31. Check it out here.

6. FOREST CITY | ASHEVILLE, N.C.

From Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, you can enjoy a walk down Main Street in Forest City to see lights galore. This is a small, cute part of town that decorates the live oak trees and square. The tradition of decorating these trees goes all the way back to 1930. On the weekends, you can enjoy carriage rides and hot chocolate. Find more information on this light experience here.

Photo from RomanticAsheville.com