When Christmas comes around each year, North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley transitions into a winter wonderland of its very own. Those who are looking to hit the roads and skies in pursuit of a holiday away somewhere scenic, exciting, and new will love every moment they spend here during this festive and fun season. The Yadkin Valley is the perfect Christmas destination for travelers with interests of all types thanks to options to get out and explore the great outdoors, or cozy up inside and make the most of a tranquil retreat with family and friends at your side. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to add to your Christmas itinerary, and if you’re in town with a group of friends, you can celebrate at the local wineries all winter long. Places like Mount Airy are illuminated with holiday lights to enjoy and there’s festive entertainment on the annual calendar as well. No matter when you arrive, how long you stay, or how many others you’re traveling alongside, the following are five of the many reasons you should book a Yadkin Valley Christmas this year.
1. The Traditional Family-Friendly Fun You Can Enjoy
No matter what time of year you arrive in the Yadkin Valley to explore and enjoy a great getaway, a trip to The Farm in nearby Dobson is an activity that’s worth your while. This local farm invites visitors year-round to come and explore their locally owned operations as a one-of-a-kind form of agritourism that’s inspiring, fun, and insightful. While their tour offerings in the fall, spring, and summer are sure to delight, it’s hard to top their holiday tour options which they title “Christmas at The Farm.” During this time of year, visitors can explore a maze of Christmas lights on-site, put their creativity to work at one of the ornament-making stations set up, or let the little ones tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Be sure to have the kids bring along their holiday letters for Santa too because there’s a mailbox set up for sending those to the North Pole.
A highlight of “Christmas at the Farm” is always the hayrides that take visitors around the grounds to admire the many Christmas lights and displays that have been set up and make for a twinkling and magical scene. You’ll want to purchase your tickets online in advance to attend this event which typically runs from 5:30 pm until 10:00 pm through Christmas. Tickets are $15 per person, and you’ll find The Farm in Dobson at 769 Bray Ford Road, just about a 25 minute drive from the Mount Airy Visitors Center. This is a fun and easy-to-reach holiday event in the Yadkin Valley that you and your entire traveling group are sure to love!
Enjoy Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol This Holiday Season
Another family-friendly Christmas Yadkin Valley activity to add to your itinerary in December is the annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. For many families, this is a traditional favorite at Christmas and it’s one that you can continue in the Yadkin Valley when you head over to the Andy Griffith Playhouse with tickets in hand on December 14, 2024, at 3:00 pm. The show is once again presented by the Surry Arts Council and this year, Scrooge will be played by Dan Roebuck. The performance is always a treat for those who are looking for a bit of holiday nostalgia to add to their lineup. You’ll find the Andy Griffith Playhouse at 218 Rockford Street in Mount Airy.
2. The Holiday Lights Waiting to Be Discovered
Your trip to the Yadkin Valley over the holidays is one that’s bound to be illuminated in beautiful Christmas style when you know where to look for the best glittering displays. If you can’t imagine a Christmas getaway without some time set aside to head out and admire the holiday lights, you’ll find you can spend a significant amount of time enjoying this activity when you head this way. A great place to start each and every year is Mount Airy’s Main Street. This charming locale is packed with storefronts decked out in their holiday best which makes it simple to pair your last minute holiday shopping adventures with sparkling holiday backdrops as you stroll through. Not far from Main Street, it’s just about a 10-minute drive to the Mayberry Motor Inn at 501 N. Andy Griffith Drive which is known and loved locally for always decorating in impressive Christmas style. Here, you’ll be treated to a façade filled with string lights, bows, garlands, and wreaths galore all working to set a festive scene and make for a great photo opportunity for passersby too.
The local American Legion post in Mount Airy also puts a lot of effort into transforming Veterans Park at 691 W. Lebanon Street into a holiday walking trail of Christmas lights for visitors to enjoy each year. Make sure to bundle up and stroll this illuminated pathway while you’re in town to enjoy the work that’s come together at the hands of a large group of local organizations, churches, and businesses. There’s no cost to attend the Christmas holiday walking trail, but donations are always accepted to support the American Legion.
Another terrific holiday light show to enjoy in the Yadkin Valley is the Cypress Trails light show which kicks off after Thanksgiving and lasts throughout the holiday season. Head over to 7157 Interstate Way in nearby Elkin to enjoy browsing a Christmas ornament and light display that spans no less than 5 acres of property! There’s a sparkling light trail to walk in addition to giant ornaments to admire across the grounds. Afterward, you’re welcome to gather at the bonfire and enjoy time in good company sipping beer, wine, or hot chocolate. This event is typically hosted Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm with extended hours later in December until 9:30 pm. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance online to ensure availability for yourself and your traveling group.
Finally, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to drive by a home that’s come to be known as the “Brady’s Country Christmas” event among locals. Since 1989, Rick and Nancy Brady have decorated their property at 1776 Bradley Road in nearby Pinnacle with over 500,000 holiday lights across their 30 acres of land. Both their home and a log cabin enjoy decorations from top to bottom, making for an impressive display that’s open to the public to walk or drive through daily during the holiday season. On Fridays and Saturdays, the cabin is open for tours between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. The tour includes a chance to view more than 40 decorated Christmas trees within as well as holiday scenes set up with lights and figurines. When you stop by Brady’s Country Christmas, you can also take a hayride with the family.
3. The Flavors to Try When Wine is Your Beverage of Choice
For many, the holiday season is an opportunity to focus on fantastic seasonal flavors. Since Yadkin Valley is North Carolina’s premier wine region, it would be remiss to overlook the fact that your Christmas getaway here can include incredible tasting sessions. The wine country experience over the holidays is one you won’t want to overlook as the lush valley hills are covered in snow, setting a festive scene from inside tasting rooms across Surry County. There are over 75 wineries across the Yadkin Valley which became the first federally designated American Viticultural Area in 2003. If you choose to follow the Surry County Wine trail while you’re here, your holiday getaway can include stops at 18 of those wineries. Some of the varietals that the region is most popular for include Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Viognier to name a few of many. Whether you stop by a local Yadkin Valley winery for a single tasting or make a day of it, your tastebuds will thank you for the holiday experience.
4. The Holiday Parades to Watch
Taking time out of your holiday schedule to travel to the Yadkin Valley over Christmas with your family and friends at your side is always something to look forward to. It’s also a chance to attend a holiday parade or two to your festive itinerary! One of the most highly anticipated and well attended holiday parades in the area is the Mount Airy Christmas Parade each year. In 2024, the parade will once again be held along Historic Main Street and will kick off at 5:00 pm on November 23. Those who attend are encouraged to show up no later than 4:00 pm to ensure plenty of space and a great viewing experience too. The Mount Airy Christmas Parade is a great way to experience the true magic of the season as locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy holiday floats, musical performances, dance, classic cars, and more make their way down Main Street. There’s even an appearance by Santa himself at this annual holiday event in Mount Airy that’s sponsored by the Downtown Business Association.
5. The Tree Lighting Events to Attend in Festive Company
Nothing defines the kickoff of the Christmas season quite like an official tree lighting event. When you’re traveling to the Yadkin Valley, you can add this illuminating fun to your to-do list when you head to downtown Mount Airy on December 5, 2024. That’s when the city hosts its official tree lighting event at City Hall in tandem with the Half Mile of Christmas Cheer. The holiday spirit is palpable at this family-friendly gathering that’s put together by local businesses and designed to be a community-building experience from start to finish. There will be plenty of music and amazing holiday food to enjoy during the tree lighting event as well as opportunities to check out local shops along Main Street.
Book Your Yadkin Valley Stay in Luxury and Holiday Style Today
At Carolina Getaway Cabins, we’re a team of property professionals who are passionate about the work we do and the people and places we serve. We enjoy sharing our love for the Yadkin Valley with our guests, and we know that an unforgettable holiday away here begins with booking accommodations that keep you and your family comfortable, living in luxury, and always close to the fun. Our collection of holiday rental options across the area is designed to inspire visitors to make the most of the Christmas adventure and we maintain a portfolio of options that’s vast and varied.
When you book your accommodations through us, you’ll find that our rentals not only meet your holiday travel needs but exceed expectations too. From the moment you step into your holiday rental booked through Carolina Getaway Cabins, you can count on feeling right at home and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We have property options that are perfect for a small getaway with friends over the holidays as well as large rentals ideal for full family gatherings this Christmas.
When it’s time to dine in style, guests can gather around the table this holiday season to enjoy a delicious dish in good company. Afterward, feeling free to gather in a cozy living room with a fireplace and enjoy watching your favorite Christmas movie on a large flat-screen and smart television.
No matter how you imagine spending your ideal holiday away, our team is here to help make it happen. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible holiday rental selection and how we can help you make it a one-of-a-kind holiday trip to remember.
