Holiday Spirit is Evergreen in North Carolina

For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Walton Ferrell
(919) 733-7420
media@visitnc.com



HOLIDAY SPIRIT IS EVERGREEN IN NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina to Provide 2005 White House Christmas Tree

Raleigh, NC – When cool weather settles into North Carolina, thoughts turn to holiday celebrations. Native or newcomer, in the tradition of true Southern hospitality, North Carolina welcomes everyone to take part in festivities treasured from the mountaintops to hidden coves throughout our great state.

Tree Farms Rooted Deeply in North Carolina
Ranked second in the nation in number of trees harvested (Oregon is ranked first), more than 50 million Fraser Firs grow on over 25,000 acres of North Carolina soil. More than 400 “Choose and Cut” Christmas tree farms in our state offer an almost dizzying array of holiday centerpiece choices.

In fact, this year North Carolina boasts one of the highest honors by providing a Christmas tree to occupy the Blue Room of the White House. This 18 ½-foot Fraser Fir was grown on the 500-acre Smokey Holler Tree Farm in Laurel Springs and is scheduled to be cut the day after Thanksgiving. The next day, the tree will make the journey to our nation’s capital. A second tree was selected from the farm for the Oval Office and a third will occupy the presidential family's private quarters.

In addition to producing memorable Christmas trees, many of the farms offer a little something extra to make the experience unforgettable – like cookies and hot cider, a hayride and perhaps even a petting farm for the kids. Most farms allow guests to choose and cut their own tree or offer the option of getting an assistant to cut it. And of course, for each tree harvested, there is at least one transplant put back in its place.

In North Carolina, choosing and cutting a Christmas tree is not considered a chore – it’s a family tradition. Festivals abound and the sightseeing opportunities are virtually limitless. Now is the perfect time to begin planning your family’s annual holiday getaway to North Carolina where holiday spirit is evergreen.

Holiday Events Begin to Light Up the State

Mountains
Full of fall color and amassed in the crisp air of the season, the North Carolina Mountain region is preparing for the holidays. Now is the perfect time to visit the state’s high country to sip on homemade apple cider at Christmas in the Park in Blowing Rock, watch as Hendersonville lights up for the holidays or partake in the old holiday family tradition of choosing and cutting your own Christmas tree at one of our many tree farms.

Piedmont
In North Carolina’s Piedmont, cooler weather paves the way for the warmth of the holiday season. Be sure to visit the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, feast your eyes on the magical Festival of Trees in Southern Pines or bring the family for an unforgettable trip through Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights.

Coast
Through a wide range of events and festivals, North Carolina’s Coast is getting ready for the holiday season. See Kites with Lights in Kitty Hawk, do a Candlelight Art Walk in Morehead City or browse for holiday gifts at the Mistletoe Show in Elizabeth City.

For more information about these North Carolina events or the many others throughout the state, go to VisitNC.com. Use the interactive events calendar on the home page, search specific events by region on the VisitNC.com search page or call 1-800-VISIT NC for the most up-to-date information.

Natural scenic beauty, adventure and relaxation, a dining experience for every taste, rich history and warm Southern hospitality come together in North Carolina. Call 1-800-VISIT NC or go to VisitNC.com to plan your next getaway.
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