Make special holiday memories that your kids will remember for a lifetime and even incorporate into the traditions they will eventually share with their own children. The Carolinas offer many special holiday events, from train rides to light displays and more.
Take a ride on the Polar Express
The popular children's book and movie comes to life when you and your kids board The Polar Express from Nov. 9 to Dec. 30. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad transforms into the beloved Polar Express train as it departs from Bryson City, N.C., and makes a magical stop at the "North Pole" where Santa will board the train and give each child a silver sleigh bell. More than 42,000 passengers rode on this version of The Polar Express in 2011. Click here for more information.
O' Christmas Tree
Create fun Christmas memories with your family when you cut your own tree together. The High Country of North Carolina around Boone, N.C., features many choose-and-cut tree farms - there are more than 60 such farms in the state. To locate a farm where you can cut a Fraser fir to take home, visit www.ncchristmastrees.com. Some of the farms also offer hot chocolate, wreaths and other greenery.
Light up your Holidays
An amazing light display is in store for visitors at the Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, S.C. The Roper Mountain Holiday Lights display features a tunnel of lights to pass through on the way up Candy Cane Lane, where there are dozens of fantastic attractions like a Ski Jumping Santa and Santa's Toy Factory. The lights are on display between 6 and 10 p.m. nightly from Thanksgiving to Dec. 30. Plan your visit at www.ropermountainholidaylights.com.
Everything's coming up ... Gingerbread
Every November in Asheville, N.C., the famed Grove Park Inn welcomes guests with the heavenly aroma of gingerbread filling its halls. Gingerbread crafters from all over the country gather at the hotel in hopes that judges will pin a ribbon to their gingerbread house creations. Entries from the 2012 National Gingerbread House Competition will be on display throughout the Grove Park Inn through Jan. 2.
Glittering Candles
Nights of a Thousand Candles takes place on three weekends in December at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrels Inlet, S.C. from 3 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 20-22. Participants can walk the paths amid the glow of more than 5,500 hand-lit candles and numerous sparkling lights. Dinner is also available in addition to the admission price. Click here for more information.
Enjoy the magic of the season as you pay attention to the sights, sounds, aromas and the squeal of excitement from the kids when they catch of glimpse of Santa at the mall!
