celebrate the 12 days of christmas
Now in its 22nd year, The Carolina Inn will once again celebrate the Christmas season with enchanting decorations inspired by the traditional holiday song, The 12 Days of Christmas. A vision of seasonal wonder will be displayed throughout the Inn including magnificently decorated trees, beautifully appointed holiday décor, shopping at the Holiday Market and events to
keep you and your little one’s entertained.

Enjoy a festive afternoon at The Carolina Inn as we celebrate the holidays with our third annual Holiday Market that will take place December 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Wander through our 60+ artisan displays and find that perfect gift for friends and family. Join us for our first ever Holiday Market Bier Garten where you can pick from over a half-dozen beers from Wicked Weed Brewing, our famous mulled wine, a hard cider, a signature cocktail, or some hot chocolate. Snuggle up with a hot pretzel or a fried dough in a quaint little place that will capture the sounds and scents of the season while providing a peaceful nook to relax after shopping or attending one of our 12 Days of Christmas activities. Bring the whole family...there is something for everyone!
Holiday Afternoon Tea
It is said that Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford, invented Afternoon Tea in 1840. This was to satisfy her peckishness during the long wait between lunch and dinner. We are proud to continue this custom.
Prepared and served fresh each day, our menu faithfully follows the traditional combination of sweet and savory treats and homemade scones with clotted cream and jam. The ingredients include specialties from our pastry team that reflect our southern roots as well as time-honored British influence. At the heart of the experience is the drink itself. Choose from a variety of loose leaf teas including English blends and herbal infusions that will complement your food perfectly. Enjoy the company of family and friends and delight in the wonder of the holiday season.
Make Reservations at least 48 hours in advance by calling 919.918.2777 or email crossroads@carolinainn.com. Limited seating. Reservations required. Please call 48 hours in advance of your existing reservation to cancel and to avoid charges on your credit card. Prices listed are per person. A 20% gratuity and tax added separately.
CLASSIC HOLIDAY TEA $45
Indulge in three assorted tea sandwiches, savories and sweets per person, house-made chocolate confections and scones.
Royal Holiday Tea $58
Add a special touch to your afternoon respite by treating yourself to a glass of sparkling wine with a tantalizing selection of sweets, tea sandwiches, scones and tea.
Little Prince & Princess Holiday Tea $29
Our tea hostess will gladly adjust the menu to flatter the tastes of our young patrons. We welcome children to experience the grace and charm of our Afternoon Tea and partake in this cherished tradition. For children ages 4-12.
All She Wrote Notes, Happy Hand Lettering Class
December 19th at 6PM
Have you ever wanted to improve your handwriting? Have you seen all of these cute crafts on Pinterest you would love to create but don't love your current script? We are here to help! You don't have to have great handwriting to have Happy Hand Lettering! Maghon Taylor of All She Wrote Notes has taught more than 7,000 students how to apply her three step technique to their ordinary handwriting and bring it from drab to fab. We guarantee you will leave feeling encouraged, inspired and even more creative than you already are!
The 90 minute class includes supplies for you to keep along with hands-on instruction and encouragement. Gift tags will be supplied so you can wow everyone with your new skill this holiday season! No experience is necessary and all skill levels welcome. Ages 10 - 110 are welcome to the party!
$45 per person. Reservations required. Limited seating. Ideal for adults and children 10 and up.
The Holiday Express
All Aboard! Join our holiday elves for a special reading of The Polar Express. There will be cookie decorating, ornament making, an afternoon snack, and of course a train ride around the Inn.
$35 per child, 5% of all proceeds from this event will be donated to the Toys for Tots.
A festive Carolina Inn breakfast or brunch will undoubtedly usher in the Christmas magic for young and old alike with plenty of entertainment for all to enjoy! Children are welcome to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas wish list. Every child will leave with a holiday treat.
December 7th, 8th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
8:30am - 10:30am
Limited seating. Reservations required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
$40 per person. Complimentary for children 3 and under.
$500 to reserve a table for up to 12 guests.
December 7th, 8th, 23rd
10:30am - 12:30pm
Limited seating. Reservations required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
$50 per person. Complimentary for children 3 and under.
$600 to reserve a table for up to 12 guests.
The holiday season is around the corner, so now’s the time to make your reservation to stay at the festive Carolina Inn! Along with accommodations, enjoy Brunch with Santa for two along with cookies and milk in your guestroom. Additional tickets for brunch may also be added at checkout.
Christmas Tea with The Sugar Plum Fairy
December 15th
4:30 PM
Come and enjoy a magical afternoon at The Carolina Inn. Snack on a variety of savory and sweet treats while the Triangle Youth Ballet twirls around your table creating a magical experience. This is a group event with a traditional tea menu and the perfect holiday gathering for the entire family.
Limited seating available. Ideal for children 12 and under.
December 23rd
2pm - 4pm
Just in time for the holidays - The Carolina Inn is hosting a children's Gingerbread House Making Class. Join us for a cozy afternoon that begins with a story of Christmas magic. Each child will then be able to assemble and decorate their very own Gingerbread House complete with an apron, chef's hat and all the holiday sweets and goodies that their imaginations can hold. At the end of class, children will take home a completed Gingerbread House and accessories.
Limited seating. Reservations required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
$45 Per Child Ages 5-12
December 18th
6:30PM – 8:30PM
You won’t want to miss our Holiday Cookie Decorating Class with Southern France Bakery! Learn the techniques to achieve beautifully decorated cookies while you relax with a cocktail or glass of wine. Icing consistency will be discussed including how to fill and outline these sweet treats. Finally, attain step-by-step instructions on how to achieve dimension as well as the “wet-on-wet” method. Go home with 6 amazing pieces and skills to showoff to your family and friends!
Limited seating. Reservations required. Ideal for adults and children 13 and up.
$45 per person. Ticket price does not include alcohol.
December 19th
7 PM
Join us for a lively presentation by Footnotes Tap Ensemble, a professional tap company based in Durham.
Complimentary. Reservations not required. Limited seating. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suzuki Academy of North Carolina
December 8th
2:30 PM
Enjoy a holiday performance by academy students ranging in ages from 5 to 10 years old. Holiday classics will be performed by this talented string ensemble.
Complimentary. Reservations not required. Limited seating. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
celebrate with crossroads chapel hill
Celebrate the holidays at Crossroads Chapel Hill with exceptional cuisine made by Executive Chef Jeremy Blankenship and his culinary team. Don't wait to reserve your table on OpenTable. Call 919.918.2777 or Email crossroads@carolinainn.com for more information.
December 24th
5:30pm - 8pm
3-Course Menu
$70 Per Person
December 25th
10:30am - 3pm
$79 Adult 13 and Up, $75 Senior (60+)
$30 Children 6-12, Complimentary for Children 5 and Under
December 31st
5:30pm - 10pm
3-Course Menu
$85 Per Person
Start the New Year off right by surprising your sweetheart with a romantic getaway at The Carolina Inn. The Romantic Resolution package includes a well-appointed guestroom, welcome amenity, breakfast for two, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and guaranteed 2 p.m. check out.
Rates starting at $249
#pumpkinmartini