This past weekend was huge for those who were putting up Christmas lights.

Everyone is happy over the idea that Christmas lights are up for the first time in the month in December is too early.

I’ve been putting mine up since the day after Thanksgiving. But I could make enough time, and the weather was perfect—two of my most important requirements.

Since I decorated my home with lights in early December, I’ll pay more for my electricity than one who waited until December. But it’s not that big.

According to NewsGator, it all boils down to what kind of light source you use, such as LED or incandescent.

If the lights are turned running for six hours per day over 30 days, the string of LED lighting will be less expensive than $1. However, a comparable string of incandescent lights would cost about $3-5 over the same time.

Multiply that by the number of light strands you have and determine the effect on the cost of your purchase.

I have LED lights that are on for 8 hours daily, adding $10-12 to my monthly cost. This is a modest cost for extra holiday cheer around the block.

If you put up a display with Griswoldian dimensions that can be observed through space from the International Space Station, your electricity bill will stay on the roof.

10 Christmas Day Trips for Families

The Christmas season is upon us, and it’s time to plan your holiday plans. You are soaking up the festive spirit if you’re anything like me.

We’ve covered you if you want festive, family-friendly Christmas celebrations throughout the Carolinas.

We’ve provided you with local events within the immediate Charlotte region (and there are plenty of occasions!).

For this list, I’d like to focus on the family-friendly Christmas vacations you can enjoy throughout the Carolinas. I’d suggest a few “local” trips; however, other trips are short drives.

They’re perfect for day (or night) trips and are accessible without needing a hotel. But you aren’t going to regret a weekend getaway during this time of year!

Each of these attractions is among the top destinations for holiday travel, located in North or South Carolina (or both).

These are great opportunities to create lasting memories with your loved ones that you’ll treasure forever.

Get your kids together, jump into the car, and have the best old-fashioned Christmas with your family. This is what Christmas is about, after all. We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

#1. The Grove Park Inn- Asheville, NC

It is most well-known for staging the Annual Gingerbread Competition, but the magnificent houses are one of Christmas’s many highlights to The Grove Park Inn.

Explore the grounds and admire the stunningly detailed houses in diverse categories. Relax by the massive fireplace and take in the Christmas decorations.

In addition, you’re near another favourite spot on this list, The Biltmore Estate. Even if you’re not looking to pay for a remain within Grove Park this time of the year (and it’s expensive), it is still possible to walk around the beautiful historic hotel and take a meal in one of the wonderful restaurants.

#2. The Polar Express Train Ride- Spencer, NC

A short drive up I-85 will lead the driver towards Spencer, NC home of the North Carolina Transportation Museum.

At this time of the season, it hosts the adored Polar Express train ride. Train passengers will travel that will take them to “the North Pole”, set to the beats of The Polar Express soundtrack, with Hot chocolate and cookies on the train.

The classic novel entertains the passengers on board by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express. After arriving at the North Pole, passengers deboard to observe Santa deliver the first gift of Christmas.

#3. Speedway Christmas- Concord, NC

It’s just as far as Charlotte to get to this stop. It’s just a few minute’s drives from the majority of people.

It’s possible to drive the famous track, with four million LED lights scattered across a 4-mile course.

The course is decorated with lights and displays synchronized with Christmas music. You can watch drive-in films on Thursdays and Sundays on its 16,000 square feet HDTV.

Also, there’s the Christmas Village in the field, where you can see Santa, food, other merchandise vendors, and rides!

#4. Riverbanks Zoo Christmas Lights- Columbia, SC

Go on a drive down I-77 to visit Lights in Riverbanks at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC.

The zoo is adorned with over one million lights that twinkle and the zoo’s animal lanterns that are lit up.

The zoo also has Santa’s village Winter Wonderland, rides, hot cocoa and smores.

#5. Christmas At Tweetsie Railroad- Blowing Rock, NC

Tweetsie Christmas features a nighttime train journey in an open-air vehicle with one of the park’s steam locomotives of historical significance.

The route is a 3-mile route, with more than one million lights. Other highlights of the holiday include:

- A warm and uplifting performance of a live show celebrating Christmas.
- Amusements for kids.
- The meeting With Santa at Santa’s Gingerbread House is filled with candied furniture.
- Roasting s’mores over an outdoor fire.

#6. The Holidays at The Garden- Belmont, NC

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is decorated to celebrate the holidays with stunning lighting, sparkling fountains and festive decor.

Gather in front of a fire pit, creating s’mores as the young and old children enjoy the fun. Take a bite to eat and enjoy an icy drink in one of their mobile food trucks.

Also, visit The Garden Store for gifts for everyone on your list.

#7. Christmas Town USA- McAdenville, NC

Drive or walk along Christmastown, USA or McAdenville. While there, you’ll see a huge Nativity scene with more than 250 Evergreens covered in more than a half million white, red and blue lights.

The lake in the centre of town is lined with numerous trees covered with lights. Music is played throughout the season, and over 100 houses are decorated for Christmas.

#8. Zootastic Park’s Christmas Wonderland Of Lights- Troutman, NC

Take a safari with a stunning show of lighting in Zootastic Park. With more than 4 million LEDs, a s’mores pit, pony rides, a petting zoo Tiger, Giraffe feeding, photos of Santa and the zoo’s infant animals, and so on, It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

#9. Christmas At Biltmore- Asheville, NC

Christmas at Biltmore includes more than 100 tree decorations, 10,000 Christmas ornaments as well as 100,000 sparkling Christmas lights, and a variety of Christmas-themed displays.

The season of Christmas offers two different experiences. One is a daytime event ideal for viewing garlands, trees and other ornaments that adorn the halls with a dazzling glow.

The second event will be Candlelight Christmas Evenings, which includes live music, a lit fireplace and candles as you stroll through Christmas like it was in the 1800s.

The house is one of many things that are decorated. The hotel on the property, the village, The winery and conservatory and even the restaurants are decorated in festive attire.

#10. Carowinds Winterfest- Charlotte, NC

Enjoy the festive season in the magical world of Carowinds and enjoy millions of glittering lights, Ice skating, family events, live entertainment, festive comfort food and drinks and various attractions.

Find the perfect gift at the speciality shops for gifts and play games that are themed to the holidays and enjoy the holiday’s live shows.

Experience this year’s WinterFest Wonderland Parade, an evening Christmas parade featuring elaborately decorated floats and floats, performances, and festive music.