News for the Traveler (3)

Poinsettias, holly, mitletoe, and candlelight will accent many of North Carolina's historic houses during this Christmas season to celebrate a "Carolina Christmas."

Biltmore Estate in Asheville plans a series of special events. More than 20 Christmas trees, including a 40-foot tree in the banquet hall, will be among its decorations.

The restored area of Old Salem in Winston-Salem will have the sights, sounds, and smells of the early 1800s as the Moravian traditions are celebrated. Cooking will be done in the old fireplaces, and craftsmen will be at work in their shops throughout the town.

In Charlotte's Fourth Ward several 19th-century homes will be decorated in Victorian Christmas fashion when they are open to the public.

Several turn-of-the-century homes will be open to the public for a candlelight tour in Raleigh's Historic Oakwood area. In Wilmington, homes will be adorned in traditional Christmas decorations Dec. 12 to 23. Just north of Wilmington, Poplar Grove Plantation will re-create an 1850s Christmas style with both decorations and foods.

Tryon Palace in New Bern begins its Christmas celebration Dec. 6 and will feature a Colonial Christmas celebration. On Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14 the palace and three other restored buildings on the grounds will be lighted by more than 600 candles and torches during tours. For more information on Christmas events in North Carolina, contact the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Division, 430 North Salisbury St., Raleigh, N.C. 27611.