North Carolina town finalist for Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town

Christmas is a ways away, but Hallmark's contest for "Merriest Christmas Town" is open now, and one North Carolina town is on the list. The list of towns nominated includes 25 locations in 25 states, including a coastal town in the Tar Heel State. A voting period opened Aug. 14 with just over a week

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Christmas is a ways away, but Hallmark's contest for "Merriest Christmas Town" is open now, and one North Carolina town is on the list.

The list of towns nominated includes 25 locations in 25 states, including a coastal town in the Tar Heel State. A voting period opened Aug. 14 with just over a week remaining for those eligible ― anyone 18 or older living in the U.S. or its territories ― to cast their votes.

Following the voting period, a panel of Hallmark judges will make the final selection for "Merriest Christmas Town" based on four factors, including community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood charm and goodwill.

Here's what to know about the North Carolina town nominated, how to vote, the full list of possible towns and more.

North Carolina town finalist in Hallmark's 'Merriest Christmas Towns'

Carolina

Beach was nominated as one of Hallmark's "Merriest Christmas Town" possibilities. The location hosts "Christmas in July" at the local farmer's market, featuring a "beachy Santa" and vendors decorating for Christmas in late July.

The town's nonprofit, the Island of Lights, also sells cards and ornaments crafted by local artists at the market. This organization created the nighttime Christmas parade 35 years ago, which sponsors the town's fireworks display on New Year's Eve, holds a flotilla at the area's marina and has boats parked and decorated.

A "Christmas by the Sea" event is held every Saturday during the Christmas season, featuring visits from Santa, face painting, crafts sponsored by the Island Arts Council, a fire pit with s'mores and more.

Finally, Carolina Beach's entry webpage noted the area's "old fashioned boardwalk," Christmas tree lighting and 3/4 mile of light displays to be explored following the lighting, featuring cocoa, caroling, Santa and holiday cheer.