Editor's Travel Picks: Christmas in the Carolinas

When December settles over the Carolinas, something extraordinary happens. The pace slows, town squares flicker to life with twinkling lights, and evergreen garlands drape over old brick storefronts. Fireplaces roar back to life, and the scent of pine, cinnamon, and cold mountain air hangs in the breeze. It’s a season that feels both nostalgic and new…an invitation to escape the rush and rediscover the joy of simply being.

For many, the perfect holiday getaway blends comfort, charm, and a touch of luxury. But for those of us who travel with four-legged family members, it also requires something harder to find: true pet-friendly hospitality. Fortunately, the Carolinas deliver. From the historic elegance of Aiken’s famed Willcox, to the refined serenity of Greenville’s Hotel Hartness, to the cozy mountain magic of Highlander Mountain House in North Carolina's quaint Highlands, these destinations prove you don’t have to sacrifice warmth or wonder when your dog tags along.

Whether you’re craving twinkle-light strolls, crackling fireside evenings, or festive small-town traditions, the Carolinas offer Christmas experiences that feel timeless, heartfelt, and genuinely welcoming—for travelers and their pets alike.

The Willcox — Aiken, South Carolina 

At The Willcox hospitality isn’t just a gesture, it’s an experience that unfolds with every crackle of firewood, every stroll beneath towering longleaf pines, and every warm greeting upon arrival. This hidden Southern gem, nestled in historic downtown Aiken, South Carolina, is perhaps its crown jewel: an elegant 1898 landmark that seems especially enchanted during the Christmas season.

The Willcox beckons holiday travelers with the promise of historic charm paired with refined ease.

Its 23 guest rooms and suites are individually appointed with high ceilings, crown moldings, and cloud-soft beds layered in cool crisp linens. Bonus: many rooms feature crackling fireplaces. If you’re traveling with your pups, they offer a world-class welcome packet complete with plush dog beds, signature dog bowls, tasty treats, and even gold-plated doggy tags—in the event your pet wanders down the road to catch a polo match without you.

Speaking of polo, the recently renovated lobby feels like you’ve walked into the RL store on Michigan Avenue; it balances understated elegance with cozy comforts and plenty of plaid.

While the town of Aiken itself puts on a gentle, small-town Christmas charm, the heart of the experience remains on the hotel’s own grounds. The award-winning Restaurant at The Willcox is celebrated locally for its refined Southern cuisine and can be enjoyed wherever you choose: beside the fire in the dining room, on the porch with a winter breeze, or in the privacy of your room. Two private dining rooms make memorable settings for a holiday dinner or get-together.

Beyond The Willcox, guests can wander the 2,000-acre Hitchcock Woods surrounding the hotel, laced with hiking trails and bridle paths that are especially serene amid frosty mornings. Golf, equestrian sports (including polo, steeplechase, and fox hunting), quaint shops, and museums provide classic Aiken diversions—perfect for a holiday weekend spent at a relaxed pace. And the renowned Thoroughbred Hall of Fame at Hopeland Gardens is just a short drive away for those who enjoy horse history and beautiful landscaped grounds.

What truly sets The Willcox apart during the holidays, however, is that sense of slowing down: the warmth of the fire, the attentive service that instinctively feels personal, and the opportunity to reconnect with what matters most. It’s a place where Christmas becomes less about the rush and more about being present in a setting that feels timeless.

Editor’s Tip: Ask for the Churchill Suite, and don’t skip happy hour in the lobby. It comes to life with locals around 4 p.m. and often features live local bands. If your pups are well-behaved in a crowd, they can even enjoy an assortment of dog-friendly menu items while you sip your eggnog cocktail. 

Hotel Hartness — Greenville, South Carolina

Just a short drive from the bustle of downtown Greenville, Hotel Hartness offers a boutique luxury experience that’s deeply rooted in the Upstate’s soul. During Christmas, it becomes a particularly inviting destination for couples, friends, and families valuing comfort, charm, and even pet-friendly hospitality.

Set on a peaceful 180-acre preserve that was once the estate of a prominent Greenville family, Hotel Hartness feels like a storybook retreat with modern polish: gracious architecture, beautifully curated rooms and suites, and ample spaces to relax and unwind. Bonus: in-room soaking tubs and fireplaces that make a winter stay feel extra cozy. Surrounded by nature yet close to city festivities, it’s the perfect pivot point for visitors who want both quiet retreat and holiday adventure. 

Those traveling with dogs under 75 pounds (with a cap of two per room) are warmly welcomed in designated rooms, along with special amenities and welcome treats to make them feel at home. The trails and sprawling outdoor space surrounding the hotel make it a dog-walkers paradise.

If relaxation is on the agenda, a quick walk across the sprawling lawn leads to Spa H: a sanctuary for massages, facials, and other restorative treatments. Once you’ve had your spa fill, head next door to the luxurious Patterson Kitchen + Bar, offering seasonally inspired Southern and international cuisine, including the best pimento cheese dip this side of the Mississippi. For a special after dinner treat, guests can head on over to the snug Captain Bar for a specialty cocktail, including The Captain’s Old Fashioned or a Blackberry Lavender High Ball. 

Greenville itself is a vibrant Christmas destination, with a calendar full of holiday events during December. Downtown lights, the Greenville Christmas Market with its European-style booths and local vendors, ice skating on Main Street, seasonal concerts, Zoo Lights, and classic tree-lighting events bring festive energy to the city. 

Editor’s tip: At Patterson Kitch + Bar, don’t miss the pimento cheese dip—by far the best this side of the Mississippi. And that’s saying something in the South. At Spa H, try the GLO2Facial for some extra holiday pizazz. 

Highlander Mountain House — Highlands, North Carolina

There’s something magical about winter in the Highlands, and nowhere captures it quite like the Highlander Mountain House—a boutique inn that feels as though you’ve wandered into a 19th-century British village nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Step inside and you’re immediately enveloped in a world of flickering firelight, dark wood paneling, floral wallpapers, tartan textiles, and antique accents that evoke classic English country-house charm. It’s the kind of place where leather armchairs and wool throws seem made for lingering, and where winter doesn’t feel cold, but comforting.

The Highlander’s intimate scale enhances its winter appeal. Charming rooms are thoughtfully layered with sumptuous bedding, vintage furnishings, and atmospheric lighting that makes every corner feel warm and inviting. Snow-dusted evergreens and mountain mists outside add to the fairytale mood, while inside the scent of woodsmoke and spiced cocktails signals the season.

At the heart of the inn is The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, the kind of restaurant that seems purpose-built for winter evenings. The menu draws inspiration from British and Appalachian culinary traditions, featuring hearty, seasonal fare. Think braised meats, root vegetables, and rustic sides served beneath candlelight and timbered ceilings. Whether you’re sharing a meal or simply warming up with a pint or hot toddy, it’s a space that encourages conversation, connection, and savoring the moment.

Bonus: For guests traveling with four-legged companions, the inn’s Bunkhouse accommodations offer pet-friendly comfort without compromising charm. These rooms maintain the same refined mountain aesthetic while providing easy access for outdoor strolls, making it effortless to bring pets along for snowy hikes or relaxed evenings by the firepit.

The broader Highlands region also offers snowy woodland hikes, scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and cozy dining spots where you can warm up after exploring holiday lights and events. So, whether you’re lingering over morning coffee in your room, strolling Main Street with your dog wrapped in a cozy scarf, or joining in a beloved Highlands Christmas parade, this getaway captures the essence of a Carolina Christmas: warm, welcoming, and wonderfully memorable.

Editor’s tip: Just before the dinner rush kicks off at the Tavern, grab a leather chair by the fire, order a glass of wine or bourbon from the bar, and escape into a good book. You’ll feel worlds away, while still sharing in the festive spirit brought by holiday travelers.

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