Things to do around Christmas (Charlotte, Winston-Salem: for rent, limo, homes)

[carolina_guy]

lol, this is in no reference to you XNYgirl, but Myrtle Beach is the arm pit of NC/SC beaches. It's nothing but a tourist trap. Having said that, there are some nice things to do there like Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach, but I would certainly not stay there. I recommend Ocean Isle, Cherry Grove, North Myrtle, Surfside, Garden City, Murrell's Inlet, Litchfield, and Pawleys Island in that vicinity of beaches. These areas are MUCH nicer than Myrtle Beach, but still close enough to MB if you want to visit.

[3johnsons]

Cherry Grove is where my family stays. Much lower key than "THE" beach.

[NCgirl]

If you go to Old Salem swing by Clemmons (just west of Winston-Salem) and check out The Festival of Lights (http://www.forsyth.cc/tanglewood/fol_info.aspx - broken link) in Tanglewood Park.

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Also, don't miss an opportunity to visit Old Salem (Winston Salem, about an hour and a half from Charlotte).

These are some of the things going on during the time you will be visiting:

December 22-24
Sophie and the Ginger Cookies Puppet Show, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm. Old Salem Museums & Gardens-MESDA, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem. Join Sophie on a journey following three exotic strangers who are in search of the Christ Child. 336.721.7350

December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Lovefeast, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 5pm and 7:45pm. Home Moravian Church, 529 South Church Street, Winston-Salem. Share in this 18th century Moravian Christmas tradition featuring handmade, lighted beeswax candles and Christmas hymns in the heart of Old Salem. 336.722.6171, Free, www.homemoravian.org.

December 26-27
Tannenberg Organ Concert, 12-1pm. James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem. Located at the Old Salem Visitor Center. 336.721.7350, Free, Old Salem Museums and Gardens | Home.

December 27-28
Peter and the Wolf, 12pm & 2pm. Old Salem Museums & Gardens, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem. Performed by the Carolina Chamber Symphony Players. 336.721.7350, $, Old Salem Museums and Gardens | Home.


For more on Old Salem:
Old Salem Museums and Gardens | Home

[3johnsons]

Between this post and seeing all the decorations out in the department stores, I'm starting to get in the Christmas spirit!!! LOL

[grs1c]

Originally Posted by 3johnsons

Between this post and seeing all the decorations out in the department stores, I'm starting to get in the Christmas spirit!!! LOL

I second that. I am one of those people who start listening to Christmas music on November 1st (Less than 8 days!). I love the season. Hopefully, the weather will cool down a lot over the next week so it really begins to feel like the holidays are coming.

In response to mlodonnell's question, I agree with the people who mentioned McAndenville, Biltmore, and Tanglewood. McAndenville is only about 15 miles from the middle of Charlotte, making it very convenient. Biltmore and Tanglewood are a lot further out (about 2 hours west of Charlotte for Biltmore and about an hour and a half north of Charlotte for Tanglewood). FYI though, Biltmore is a little pricey. It's $45/person on a Sunday-Friday and $55/person on Saturday. Fortunately, children under 10 are admitted for free. If you do go, I'd recommend a non-weekend day and to buy tickets in advance. You'll avoid the crowds this way. Tanglewood is also a great time. They have the biggest Christmas light display I've ever seen - obviously, this is a nighttime trip. Have fun regardless of what you do!

[mlodonnell]

Thank you so much for the ideas! We're coming from Wisconsin, so looking forward to having a warmer Christmas at the least.

[SunnyKayak]

wow Wisconsin this will seem like the Bahamas lol.

When more places start posting their holiday events probably after Halloween I definite will post here and this thread will be link in the thread that is a sticky at the top.

There is loads of Christmas tree farms in the mountains if you want a very fresh tree.

[Robin2007]

Any holiday in Charlotte seems to be fabulous! There is a TON to do here around the holidays. Try to see the singing Christmas Tree or the Christmas Bears!

Speaking of holidays... We have come to love Halloween since moving here. Everyone seems to go crazy decorating and we all have so much fun taking the kids out trick-or-treating!!

[CarolinaCruzes]

DITTO for Tanglewood. You can drive through. Last year we did the hayride through with hot cider and cookies. It was great! They also have horse drawn carriage rides but we had more than 4 people.

[SunnyKayak]

Friday 21st
Trans Siberian Orchestra will be peforming at Cricket Arena
Band plays Christmas carols in a rock opera format
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Official Site (http://www.trans-siberian.com/intro.html - broken link)