The Carolina Coast at Christmas: 7 Beach Towns That Do the Holidays Right

A person’s open hand holds three small painted Christmas ornaments against a background of dark wet sand and white ocean foam: a brown bear in a green-and-white hat, a Santa Claus face with red hat, and a snowman with a red top hat.

Forget everything you think you know about Christmas vacations. You don’t need snow, a ski lift, or a crowded lodge. The Carolina coast in December offers something better: twinkle lights dancing on the water, oyster roasts replacing office parties, and sunrise beach walks with only a pelican for company. December is the coast’s best-kept secret. … Read more