The Carolina Inn will once again celebrate the season with enchanting decorations inspired by the traditional holiday song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas", from the elegance of two live turtle doves to the festive whimsy of twelve lords a'leaping. Come join in the celebration as we kick off the month of festivities with our Community Open House on Sunday, November 29 from noon - 5 pm. Enjoy performances by local hand bell ringers, a dance show by Frank Porter Graham Arts in Action students. We look forward to seeing you!!
Highlighted Events
Twelve Days of Christmas Artist Displays & Christmas Memories
Displays
November 29 - January 3
8 am - 10 pm daily. Reservations not required. Free.
Self-guided tours of our commissioned artists' unique interpretations of verses of the traditional holiday carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." This year's new commissioned piece is "It's Snowing at The Carolina Inn", by local Chapel Hill Artist, Elaine O'Neil.
Dolls and children's toys for boys and girls, young and old. Childhood treasures, old & unusual, passed down through the families of Nell and Gordon Rutherford - the exhibit will include at least one item from every decade in the 20th century, and some going as far back as 1880.
Afternoon Tea
November 29 - January 3
2 pm - 5 pm, Wednesday - Sunday, except Christmas Day.
$20 Classic Tea, $26 Royal Tea (Per person, plus service charge & tax.)
Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. Contact Crossroads Restaurant 919-918-2735. Enjoy our festive holiday decorations and music while the Inn's staff serves award-winning teas in vintage china cups and saucers, along with an array of savory tea sandwiches and delightful sweets.
Gingerbread Village Display
December 12 - December 28
8 am - 10 pm daily. Reservations not required. Free.
Thank you to all our contestants for participating in our 7th annual gingerbread house competition and congratulations to the winners! The winners were selected from the popular votes of our community members and Carolina Inn guests.
Adult Category
First Place - Laura Makay-Gondek and Paige Gondek - Stone Cottage
Second Place - Christina Perry - Pastel Summer Cottage
Runner Up - Amalia Boliner - Traditional Gingerbread House
Youth Category
First Place - Brendan & Richard Haygood - Church & Parson Brown House
Second Place - Patrick Noonan - Chicken Coup
Runner Up - Kendall & Kimberly Clark - Farm house with candy trees.
*view pictures on our blog or Facebook page
2009 Featured Artists
Holiday Sand Sculpture
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me "a holiday sand sculpture". Join world renowned Sand Sculptors, Damian Hoffman and Ed Moore, as they create a unique tribute to the 12 Days of Christmas. These talented sculptors have worked internationally and have competed and won multiple national and international sand sculpting competitions. They will begin sculpting on the morning of November 29 and continue until complete. The finished sculpture will remain on display for the duration of The Carolina Inn's 12 Days of Christmas Celebration.
10 tons of sand. • Hundreds of hours. • Intricate details. • True performance art.
It's Snowing at the Carolina Inn
This year's commissioned masterpiece was created by Elaine O'Neil, a textile collage artist from Chapel Hill, NC. The holiday scene of The Carolina Inn depicts a magical snowy night filled with the anticipation of Christmas. Elaine approached the textile collage with a simple sketch. Then through snips and cuts, she used her scissors as a painter uses a paintbrush to slowly reveal the image. Layer upon layer of fabric was stitched in place using a variety of colors and textures, to bring the piece to life. The snow falling from the sky was created by painstakingly hand sewing miniature pom poms in place.
Crossroads Restaurant Hours
| Non-Holiday | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | New Year's Eve | New Year's Day | |
| Lunch | 11:30 am - 2 pm | 11:30 am - 2 pm | Closed | 11:30 am - 2 pm | 11:30 am - 2 pm |
| Sunday Brunch | 11:30 am - 2 pm | Not Available | 11 am - 2:30 pm | Not Available | Not Available |
| Dinner | 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Sun - Thurs) 5:30 - 10 pm (Fri - Sat) |
5:30 pm - 8 pm | Closed | 5:30 pm - 9 pm | 5:30 pm - 9 pm |
To make restaurant reservations, visit www.carolinainn.com/dining.htm or call 919-918-2735.
Christmas Day Brunch
A lavish buffet featuring traditional holiday fare Prices include non-alcoholic beverages.
$49.95 per person, plus service & tax
$44.95 for seniors, $19.95 for children 6-12
Click here to make Special Event Reservations
Cancellation Policy
Credit cards will be charged 3 business days prior to first event reservations were made for. Cancellations must be made more than 3 business days prior to event. Tax and gratuity included in the price of all events.