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Charming North Carolina Town Makes Best Christmas Destinations List

Author Debbie Nance

Planning your Christmas getaway? Travel+Leisure recently issued their list of the 20 best places to visit for Christmas. And, to nobody’s surprise, a charming spot in the North Carolina mountains landed on the list. Let’s find out more about it and what attracts visitors for the holidays.

Best Places To Visit At Christmas

Travel+Leisure’s list has a little something for all tastes, whether you prefer the sun and sand or the cozy cabin in the mountains by a fire. And, that’s where we find Highlands, North Carolina. Situated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Highlands is what Hallmark imagines when they produce their fairytale movies.

Although many areas of North Carolina were devastated by the recent hurricane, I see that Highlands is open and accessible. However, it’s always a good idea to check drivenc.gov for updates and closures. But, it’s no wonder Highlands wound up on the list of best places to visit at Christmas.

Visitors love the scenic beauty, the climate, and the number of historic churches and inns. It’s one of the highest cities east of the Mississippi with an elevation of over 4100 feet.

A number of activities take place throughout the holidays. There’s ice skating in the park as well as ‘Light Up The Night With Santa,’ which takes place November 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Just like in those movies, crowds gather in the dark park sharing candy canes and hot chocolate singing carols. Then Santa arrives, and, the park magically lights up.

What could be better to kick off the Christmas season? And, as far as lodging, there are plenty of charming spots in the Highlands to make your visit special. But, the most well-known and probably most popular is Old Edwards Inn and Spa on Main Street.

So, get packing and plan your getaway to one of the best places to visit at Christmas!

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

Where North Carolina Residents Most Desire To Travel For Christmas May REALLY Shock You

There is just something magical about traveling during the holidays. So many cities around the world are transformed around Christmas. I just returned from 4 days in New York City, which is probably the first destination that comes to mind when you think of traveling to a Christmassy destination. And while highlights such as the tree in Rockefeller Center, Christmas window displays, and stage shows like the Rockettes. But while not on as grand a scale, many other cities are full of Christmas charm. I’ve been told Walt Disney World and Orlando at Christmas (though incredibly crowded) is a wonderful experience. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to places like Williamsburg, VA, St. Augustine, Fl, and Nashville, TN around the Christmas season. Even here in Charlotte, there are some incredible lights and festive events to experience.

The Most Desirable Locations For Travel This Christmas

So when I was sent a study by Cloudwards.net about the places each state most desires to travel for Christmas I was intrigued. My mind immediately went to New York as being the most popular destination. Based on the number of people I experienced in NYC this weekend I can’t imagine it’s anywhere else. I truly have never seen that city as crowded as it was. And if you’ve ever been to New York, you know it’s ALWAYS crowded. This was almost to the point where you couldn’t move in multiple places. I even made the joke that they should not allow any more hotels to be opened. The city is full!

But spoiler alert, NC’s top domestic destination for the holidays wasn’t New York. It wasn’t even one of the major US cities that North Carolina residents are desiring to travel to this Christmas. It isn’t even in the state- I’d put Asheville near that top of the list as well. Thanks to places like Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Cloudwards determined the most sought-after locations for each US state including an international and domestic destination. Keep reading to see both the international and domestic destinations for North and South Carolina. Thanks to our friends at Cloudwards for sharing their research with us. You can see the full study here.

 

  • North Carolina and South Carolina - International Destination

    VIENNA, AUSTRIA - NOVEMBER 24: A tram passes the closed Christmas market on Town Hall square on the third day of a nationwide, temporary lockdown during the fourth wave of the novel coronavirus pandemic on November 24, 2021 in Vienna, Austria. The measure, in which people are only allowed to leave home for essentials and to go to school or work, is meant by authorities to rein in COVID-19 infections that have skyrocketed in recent weeks. The lockdown is currently scheduled to last until December 13.

    Vienna takes the crown for the most desirable international travel destination in both the Carolinas. Not only that but it topped the list in 25 states. I honestly don’t know what I would have bet on to take this crown, but it wouldn’t have been Austria. Perhaps the German Christmas Markets, or Paris? But according to Cloudwards Vienna is known as Europe’s “most livable city”. It also has plenty of it’s own Christmas markets, as well as stunning lights, and Christmas markets. Visitors to Vienna also have a good chance at experiencing those elusive White Christmases here in Charlotte we can only dream about!

  • North Carolina - Domestic Destination

    North Carolina’s most desired Christmas destination? None other Myrtle Beach, SC. I guess North Carolinians don’t want to travel far. Listen I’ve been to Myrtle Beach countless times. There is plenty to do, and it’s conveniently located. But you can pick anywhere to travel for Christmas and you’re selecting Myrtle Beach? I don’t get that. But to each their own! The most common answer nationwide was Branson, MO. Another city I wouldn’t have thought of!

  • South Carolina - Domestic Destination

    Long exposure of Christmas lights and car light streaking in Helen Georgia

    And South Carolina’s choice is also just a state away- it’s Helen, GA. The German town hosts Decemberfest each year featuring a Christmas Market, parade, and other events like a Victorian Christmas program and Breakfast with Santa.

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