You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to see Santa – come to North Carolina
Raleigh, N.C. - Whether Santa’s rappelling from Chimney Rock, visiting eastern America’s highest town or trading his sleigh for a locomotive, St. Nick can be found throughout North Carolina this holiday season. Get in the holiday spirit and make plans now to see Santa before he comes tumbling down your chimney with holiday gifts. For more places to see the jolly old elf, go to VisitNC.com.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™
Nov. 6 – Dec. 23, 2009
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Seasonal Service to the North Pole
The Polar Express™ is a 1 hour and 15 minute round-trip excursion that comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at our North Pole. Guests on board will enjoy hot cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at our “North Pole” to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board The Polar Express™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot. Ticket prices vary. www.GSMR.com 1-800-872-4681.
North Carolina Transportation Museum Santa Train, Spencer
Dec. 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20, 2009
Meet Santa Claus as he trades in his sleigh for a locomotive! Take a 25-minute train ride with Santa and his elves, as Santa hands out oranges and candy canes, a Southern Railway tradition. Storytelling of classic Christmas tales and an ornament-making activity are also part of this event. www.nctrans.org
Santa's Visit, Beech Mountain
Dec. 19, 2009
Santa will visit eastern America’s highest town at Fred's Gazebo for fun and picture taking on Beech Mountain, 4 – 5 p.m. Afterwards, enjoy the Christmas tree lighting at the Chamber office from 5 – 6 p.m. with hot cocoa, cider and cookies. www.beechmountainchamber.com
Santa on the Chimney!, Chimney Rock
Dec. 5 and 12, 2009
This year marks our 17th Annual Santa on the Chimney. Santa will rappel from the top of the Chimney down to Vista Rock. From there, he'll ride our 26-story elevator back to the top and do it again. We like to say he's "practicing" on our Chimney before he climbs down millions of chimneys all around the world. Guests can get a great photo of Santa from the parking lot area as he climbs. USA Today named Chimney Rock one of the top 10 places to catch up with Santa last year.
Local choirs are planned to perform holiday music while visitors enjoy hot apple cider available in the Sky Lounge Deli, and of course, the Park will be decorated for the holidays. Oh, and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand this year to talk with kids and pose for photographs. www.chimneyrockpark.com
Kitty Hawk Kites Hanging with Santa & Kites with Lights, Nags Head
Nov. 27 – 28, 2009
Children can have their free photo taken with Santa in a demonstration Hang Glider Friday and Saturday. This event is free, so bring your cameras!! Also on November 28, Kites with Lights will be on Jockey's Ridge State Park (mp 12.5) in Nags Head. Watch the night sky magically transform as skilled flyers maneuver their lit stunt kites to the sounds of your favorite holiday songs atop Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Join us for hot apple cider and cookies beginning at sunset across the street at the Kitty Hawk Kites store. 877-FLY-THIS or 252-441-4124; www.kittyhawk.com
North Carolina offers arts and culture, unique lodging, charming small towns and vibrant urban locations. Explore the highest peaks east of the Mississippi to the 300 miles of pristine coastline at VisitNC.com, or call 1-800 VISIT NC (847-4862).
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Contact
Susan Dosier
(704) 953-9408
sdosier@visitnc.com
Wit Tuttell
(919) 733-7420
wit@visitnc.com
