Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
The holiday season in North Carolina is spectacular wherever you go, from dazzling Christmas lights displays to stunning natural landscapes cloaked in snow. However, the best holiday destination in the state is a quiet little town near the Tennessee border. Bryson City, North Carolina is the Tar Heel State’s gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, and the mountain backdrop is especially beautiful as it trends towards winter. But you’re not just here for beautiful views; a Bryson City holiday includes several timeless events that the whole family will love. From hiking in the mountains to exploring a local farm by hayride to an old-fashioned skating rink and even a Polar Express-inspired train ride, exploring Bryson City during the holidays is a bucket-list adventure for North Carolina residents and tourists alike.
Winter is settling into the Great Smoky Mountains, and that means it's time for Christmas in Bryson City. But this isn't an ordinary small-town Christmas; it's a one-of-a-kind experience.
Bryson City celebrates the holidays in a big way, and every corner of the town transforms into a winter wonderland filled with adventures for the whole family.
One not-to-be-missed event this season is a drive-through light show, including a display of the 12 Days of Christmas. As you explore the colorful landscape, you can listen to Christmas carols from the comfort of your own car.
You haven't seen the town's waterfalls until you've seen them in winter. This frozen waterfall is Tom Branch Falls at Deep Creek, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Have you spent a previous Christmas in Bryson City? The event is a little different every year but offers timeless charm each and every time. Tell us all about your past Bryson City holiday in the comments section! If you’re planning to visit this holiday season, you can learn all about the latest by checking out Explore Bryson City online and keeping an eye on their Facebook page for daily updates.
