Fun Things to Do This Winter in North Carolina

Now that we've had just a glimpse of snow, we're looking for all of the fun things to do this winter. Whether you want to escape the cold or embrace it, there is so much to do in North Carolina. Enjoy some fun in the winter wonderland that you call home.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival: Head to Cary, NC for a bit of fun and embrace another culture. The holiday tradition brings together skilled Chinese artisans who are creating over an additional 40 new lantern displays, each adorned with thousands of LED lights.

Christmas Town USA: Everyone's favorite place to visit during the holidays (including those not from NC) is Christmas Town. For all of December, you can enter the neighborhood and see all things Christmas-related. There is also a Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Yule Log Parade on Main Street!

U.S. National Whitewater Center: Right here in Charlotte, spend some time embracing the cold at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Embrace the cold with hiking, water activities, and more. They also have a temporary ice skating experience from now until February that you can enjoy.

Christmas at Biltmore: Although Hurricane Helene caused devastation, Christmas at the Biltmore is still happening and you can enjoy it this year! Visit Asheville and experience Christmas traditions that you have never seen. Transport back to the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895 with music, lights, fireplaces, and more.

So much to enjoy this Winter throughout North Carolina, so don't let this list be your only chance to have some fun. Enjoy all that North Carolina has to offer from the beach to the mountains to the cityscapes, it'll be fun.

I was just discussing a trip to a holiday pop-up bar when this study from our friends at Tasting Table, came through my email about each state's favorite holiday cocktail. With social media playing such an integral role in our society these days holiday-themed bars (and the content they can produce) are ever growing in popularity. I tried to go to one a few weeks ago but there was a two-hour wait on a Friday night. But did hop to one we were able to get in. There I enjoyed two different cocktails including a tropical version of an aperol spritz, as well as a holiday mezcal-based margarita.

With these types of places dominating the scene, there are certainly numerous creative holiday cocktails to try. And as much as I'd like I can't try them all. At home, my go-to favorite holiday cocktail is your basic egg nog, though I also love some spiked hot cider. Or a cranberry mule. But no drink I've referenced yet took the title of North Carolina's favorite holiday cocktail. And actually, it was one I had never heard of!

Nationwide the top choice was a Poinsettia Cocktail, another drink I'm not familiar with. But North Carolina chose a different holiday cocktail for its holiday spirit. NC's libation of choice? A Coquito. This sounds like something I am not familiar with, but should be. According to Tasting Table, the coquito is a "creamy, coconut-y rum concoction topped with cinnamon and nutmeg." Umm yes please I'd like to try now!

I'm letting all of these serve as inspiration for my holidays (though on Christmas my family tends to stick with wine). Keep reading to see NC's top 6 most popular holiday cocktails. Including those that I am more familiar with. Thanks to our friends at Tasting Table for sharing their research with us. You can read their full study here.

Want to make NC's favorite holiday cocktail at home? Try this recipe!

Requiring just three ingredients the poinsettia cocktail is both easy and cost effective to make. You'll need just champagne, triple sec, and cranberry juice. Want to feel even more festive? Splurge on the garnish. I've tried my fair share of cranberry mimosas, but will definitely be trying this one as well.

Nothing says the holidays like eggnog in moose mugs watching Christmas Vacation. You don't even need a recipe just grab some eggnog at the store and spike it with a bourbon of your choice! (Perhaps my plans for tonight?)

I feel like the term Christmas punch can encompass a number of holiday beverages. Possibly why it topped 8 states' list nationwide. And in this list Tasting Table refers to a punch that can be anything your heart desires.

Definitely one of my favorite Christmas cocktails is hot buttered rum. This time of year what is better than a warm festive drink? While it can be made several ways the cocktail typically consists of rum, butter, cider, as well as a sweetener and spices.

Another cocktail served hot and another favorite, is mulled cider. It typically features apple cider, rum or bourbon, and a variety of spices.