Saturday, November 29, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1957, Charles Grant was born in Winston-Salem. He is best known for playing Grant Chambers on The Bold and the Beautiful (1996-1998), Evan Frame on Another World (1988–1990), and Preacher Emerson on The Edge of Night (1982–1984).

Holiday light shows are shining across North Carolina as the Christmas season kicks into high gear. Get the details in Top Stories.

Also, UNC heads to Carter-Finley Stadium tonight to take on in-state rival NC State at 7:30 p.m. If you won't be there in person, catch it on the ACC Network.

Today's edition of Flyover North Carolina is running a bit shorter as our team takes time to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. We'll have another shortened issue tomorrow, but we'll be back Monday with your full roundup of the news that matters most across the Tar Heel State.

If you're ready to finally take control of your weight and your health, today's sponsor, DirectMeds, makes it simple to start—with trusted GLP-1 treatments prescribed online and delivered straight to your door.

Don't feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Holiday Light Shows Illuminate NC

North Carolina is sparkling with holiday light displays, from the mountains to the coast.

In Asheville, Biltmore's Candlelight Christmas runs through Jan. 3, featuring glowing trees, live music, and Antler Hill Village lights. The North Carolina Arboretum hosts Winter Lights through Jan. 4, showcasing over one million lights, a 50-foot animated tree, an illuminated Quilt Garden, and whimsical trolls.

McAdenville's Christmas Town U.S.A. will feature hundreds of decorated trees and classic holiday charm from Dec. 1-26. The Tanglewood Festival of Lights drive-through holiday display, which runs through Jan. 1, shines with over one million LED lights and enchanting storybook scenes.

Concord's Speedway Christmas shines through Jan. 4, with five million lights adorning the racetrack, synchronized to music on FM radio. And the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne twinkles through Dec. 30, with over one million lights, interactive scenes, carnival rides, and more.

Finally, Hatteras Village's Holiday Trail of Lights returns Nov. 29, as a magical illuminated walk along the quarter-mile path of the Sea Breeze Nature Trail through maritime forest and marsh.

Southern Recipes to Try for the Holidays

Holiday recipes that generations of Southerners make year after year range from crispy appetizers to layered desserts.

Favorites include savory starters like spicy cheese straws, heirloom tomato pie, and Virginia cheese slaw, while popular sides include sweet potato casserole, Southern-style collard greens, and corn casserole.

Cranberry fluff, pear salad, and Watergate salad end up on many Southern holiday menus, while main dishes often feature pepperoncini-infused pot roast and white barbecue sauce for grilling or drizzling.

Classic Southern pies and tarts include sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and strawberry-pretzel tart, while layered desserts like punch bowl cake and cherry delight always please holiday crowds.

Serving Appalachian desserts like buttermilk pie and apple stack cake remains a holiday tradition in many homes.

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➤ Statewide: Although 67% of North Carolinians plan to spend less this holiday season due to inflation concerns, a new Carolina Journal survey reveals that stabilizing inflation at 3.0%, anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, falling energy costs, and a strong labor market are helping ease consumer worries. (More)

➤ Wrightsville Beach: The 2025 North Carolina Holiday Flotilla boat parade sails tonight at 6 p.m., featuring illuminated vessels, festive lights, and fireworks following the parade. (See Details)

➤ Raleigh: The Carolina Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Dec. 11-14, and Dec. 16-24. (See Details)

➤ Cary: The 10th North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival runs through Jan. 11 at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre, featuring a new 164-foot floating display, nightly acrobatics, and themed lanterns. (More)

➤ Asheville: Hometown Pro Wrestling's Christmas for All event on Dec. 6 at the Asheville Mall will unite wrestlers, fans, and vendors to raise funds for Hurricane Helene-affected families through matches, meet-and-greets, and raffles. (More)

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Flying together with our sponsor

Take control of your weight and health with DirectMeds. Their licensed providers prescribe trusted GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide—clinically proven to curb appetite, balance blood sugar, and promote lasting fat loss. Lower your risk of diabetes, boost energy, and feel confident again. Start today with a quick online consultation and 24-hour approval.