Feeling like Scrooge? 14 holiday events outside Charlotte to get you in the spirit
Are you more “bah humbug” than “Joy to the World” these days? Sometimes it takes a special event to get in a celebratory mood for the holidays. Visit one of these out-of-town places for a sparkly, joyful and magical experience (bet you’re feeling it already.)
Go for the day or make it a weekend getaway. Consider combining one of these events with an obligatory family gathering. It may take the edge off.
And many of these events are free, Ebenezer.
(1) Asheboro
Christmas on Sunset: Head to downtown Asheboro for music, carolers, carriage rides, kids crafts, hot cider and chocolate and marshmallow roasting. Take photos with the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer, gingerbread men, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m.
Free
234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro
Instagram: @ashranchamber
(2) Asheville
The North Carolina Arboretum for Winter Lights: You may fall in love with this winter wonderland of lights, trains, hot cocoa and s’mores. Walk the grounds and then stop in the cafe for baked treats and live music.
Now-Jan. 4, 6-10 p.m.
Tickets: $18 for age 12 and up, $12 for ages 5-11
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville
Instagram: @thencarboretum
(3) Banner Elk
A Small Town Christmas: Enjoy this celebration in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Watch the parade, join in the caroling, walking tours or shop at the holiday markets. Haven’t got your tree yet? Get a choose and cut Christmas tree from Elk River Evergreens or one of the other tree farms in the area.
Dec. 6-8
Ticket prices vary for events.
Banner Elk
Instagram: @bannerelknc
(4) Belmont
Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Stroll through lighted trees and topiaries. Visit the Orchid Conservatory for trains and decorated plants and flowers. Stop for hot cocoa or indulge in cider, wine or beer while listening to live musical performances.
Now-Jan. 5, 5-9 p.m.
Tickets online and in advance: $14.95-$16.95 adults, $7.95-$8.95 children ages 2-12
6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
Instagram: @danielstowebotanicalgarden.
(5) Burnsville and Spruce Pine
Toe River Studio Tour: Visit 100 artists throughout Yancey and Mitchell counties to see pottery, paint, glass, metal, textiles, wood and mixed media. Find that one-of-a-kind gift for that special person in your life.
Dec. 6-8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day
Free self-guided tour — download the map here.
102 W. Main St., Burnsville
Instagram: @toeriverarts
(6) Dobson
Shelton Vineyards Holiday Open House: Take in the sights and sounds of Shelton Vineyards, a 400-acre winery in Yancey County. Sip spiked cider while shopping for gifts and wine specials.
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free admission, $12 for wine tasting
286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson
Instagram: @shelton_vineyards
(7) Elkin
Light Up Elkin: Be there when they turn the lights on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Stay the weekend for a holiday market, parade, dance performances and puppet shows. Mail your letter to Santa at the special box at the Rock Facade Park.
Dec. 6-8, varying times
Free general admission with costs for special events such as “Breakfast with Santa.”
Elkin
Instagram: @libertycoleyhall
(8) Fort Mill
Fort Mill History Museum Historic Home Tours: Walk through historic inns, churches, schoolhouses and museums in the Fort Mill area.
Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets range from $50-$90
Fort Mill
Instagram: @fortmillhistory
(9) Hendersonville
Home for the Holidays: Choose which of the 60 events in the Hendersonville area you want to attend. There’s everything from guided walks to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. Plan to see “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas” or tryout the iceless ice-skating rink. (You read that right — iceless.)
Now-Jan. 1. Get the schedule here.
Tickets prices vary by events.
Hendersonville
Instagram: @visithendersonvillenc
(10) Lexington
Jingle Bell Brunch: Childress Vineyards hosts a holiday brunch featuring a waffle bar, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, honey-glazed ham, desserts and mimosas. Santa will make an appearance during the first two reserved seating times.
Dec. 8
Reserved times for brunch: 9:30-11 a.m, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30-3 p.m
Tickets are $37 per adult, $18.50 ages 3-12
1000 Childress Vineyard Road, Lexington
Instagram: @childresswines
(11) McAdenville
Christmas Town USA: This is the 64th year that the town of McAdenville has decorated its houses, lake, businesses and trees with lights. Drive through the town in a slow-moving caravan of cars, trucks and wagons. If you were feeling less Scrooge and more Grinch, your heart may grow three sizes when a stranger waves from their car and says, “Happy Holidays.”
Now-Dec. 26
Free
There are only three entrances to McAdenville. Follow these directions.
Instagram: @christmas_town_usa.
(12) Pilot Mountain
Mistletoe Market: Shop at more than 50 vendors for locally made artisan gifts and the shops in downtown Pilot Mountain.
Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free
124 W. Main St., Pilot Mountain
Instagram: @yadkinvalleync
(13) Rock Hill
Christmasville: Old Town Rock Hill becomes a holiday village with an outdoor art festival, carriage rides, historic tours and strolling Dickens carolers. If you’re truly feeling like a Scrooge, Saturday night’s Fezziwig Ball may be the event for you.
Dec. 5-8. Get the schedule here.
201 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C.
Free general admission. Workshops and special events are ticketed.
Instagram: @christmasvillerockhill
(14) Trinity
Linbrook Heritage Estate Christmas Tours of Linbrook Hall: Tour a 60-room Classical Revival mansion furnished with antiques from around the world. Count all 20 Christmas trees. Tours last 90 minutes to two hours.
Now-Dec. 23
Admission: $25, $10 under 12
Reservations: 336-861-6959. Leave a message, and they’ll call you back.
5297 Snyder Country Road, Trinity
Instagram: @linbrookhall