Natives of the Carolinas already know how special it is to be home in North Carolina or South Carolina for the holidays. But thanks to a recent ranker compiled by Condé Nast Traveler, the rest of America knows the wonder of a Carolina Christmas, too! The publication recently published a list 19 cities in the U.S. that are the Best Places in America to Spend Christmas. Two famously jolly Carolina cities are on the list: Asheville and Greenville – and the very best part is they’re only an hour’s drive from one another, making it very easy to visit them both in the same weekend or even the same day. Here’s a look at some holiday highlights from each city:
In Asheville, visit America’s castle to see the grand house all dressed up in lights and more.
Flickr/Ken Lane
The Biltmore has more than 55 decorated Christmas trees and every mantle is decked out with holiday decor. (See more in this Biltmore article.)
Facebook/Biltmore
Visitors can also take a carriage ride around the estate. If you’ve never visited the carriage barn or seen the enormous Belgian draft horses at the Biltmore, then Christmas is an ideal time to book one of these carriage tours.
Facebook/Biltmore
In historic downtown Asheville, the century-old Grove Arcade hosts the best indoor Winter Wonderland in the Carolinas. Stroll through this vintage and refined space enjoying the festive holiday atmosphere and decor while shopping and dining.
Facebook/Grove Arcade
Then, head to the Grove Park Inn which hosts a world gingerbread house competition worth seeking out.
Flickr/Bradley Griffin
All month, hundreds of expertly crafted gingerbread houses are on display. Plus, the chefs at the Grove Park have created a life-sized gingerbread house that serves hot drinks all through December.
Google Local/David Hultburg
The other best place to spend Christmas in the Carolinas, according to Condé Nast Traveler, is just a little over an hour’s drive from Asheville, in Greenville, South Carolina.
Google Maps
There are many sights to see and things to do year-round in this upstate South Carolina locale, but at Christmas, it’s the twinkling lights and bustling activity of Main Street that attract foot traffic.
Facebook/Visit Greenville SC
Those seeking a day or nighttime holiday adventure will find it (and oh-so much more) among the many activities in Greenville’s historic Main Street area. From live music to retails shops with professionally-decorated store windows and a park with the best urban waterfall in the south… Greenville is so festive, even the Grinch would crack a smile.
Google Local/D. Ram
Be sure to make a stop of the Hyatt Regency for the indoor festival of trees. More than 30 themed trees adorn the lobby.
Facebook/Visit Greenville SC
And don’t pass up the chance to check out the seasonal ice rink that’s right on Main Street. Take a twirl around the rink or just watch the fun while sipping a cup of hot cocoa or a warm apple cider.
Facebook/Ice On Main
What do you think about the ranking from Condé Nast Traveler? Have you checked out both of these wonderful Christmas locales and are the other additional cities in the Carolinas where you love to spend Christmas? Feel free to join the conversation in the comments!
Flickr/Ken Lane
Facebook/Biltmore
Facebook/Grove Arcade
Flickr/Bradley Griffin
Google Local/David Hultburg
Google Maps
Facebook/Visit Greenville SC
Google Local/D. Ram
Facebook/Ice On Main
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Address: Greenville, SC, USAAddress: Asheville, NC, USAAddress: Biltmore, 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USAAddress: The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USAAddress: 1 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USAAddress: 206 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USAAddress: Hyatt Regency Greenville, 220 N Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
