[Updated November 19, 2022]
There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holiday season in a magical place, and many small mountain towns offer special NC Christmas Events.
From parades and shopping to dazzling Christmas lights and meetings with Santa, these Blue Ridge Mountain Towns are the perfect place to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit.
So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll down Main Street, a festive train ride through the mountains, or just some unique holiday memories, read on for our extensive guide to the best North Carolina Christmas events!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina
Western NC Christmas Events Map
Western NC Christmas Events Guide
- Biltmore Virtual Tree Raising (Biltmore Estate)
- Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (Biltmore Estate)
- Candlelight Christmas Evenings (Biltmore Estate)
- Home for the Holidays (Hendersonville)
- Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt (Hendersonville)
- Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum (Brevard)
- An Appalachian Christmas (Brevard)
- The Polar Express (Bryson City)
- Speedway Christmas (Concord)
- Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock)
- Christmas in the Park (Blowing Rock)
- Chetola Festival of Lights (Blowing Rock)
- Apple Hill Farm Christmas Celebration (Banner Elk)
- A Small Town Christmas (Banner Elk)
- Winter Wonderlights (Greensboro)
- National Gingerbread House Competition (Asheville)
- Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum (Asheville)
- Forest City Christmas Lights (Forest City)
- Light the Knights and Christmas Village (Charlotte)
- Dillsboro NC Lights & Luminaries (Dillsboro)
- A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas & Charlie Brown Christmas (Flat Rock)
- Morganton NC Drive Thru Christmas Parade (Morganton)
- Holidays in Highlands NC (Highlands)
- Santa on the Chimney (Chimney Rock)
- Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show (Tryon)
- Winter Wonderland (Franklin)
- Christmastown USA (McAdenville)
READ MORE: The Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in North Carolina
Biltmore Estate Christmas Events
1. Biltmore Virtual Tree Raising
1 Lodge Street, Asheville NC
(Virtual, Beginning Nov 3)
This year the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC will be hosting a modern look at the classic raising and decoration of their Banquet Hall’s 35-foot-tall Fraser fir tree.
The documentary-style video will bring you along behind the scenes, watching step-by-step as the Christmas tree is installed.
The short film also gives details about the holiday transformation of the estate, and the tree’s history as the Christmas centerpiece of the home.
The video will premiere on November 3rd and can be streamed anytime via their YouTube channel and Facebook page.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Western NC Christmas Tree Farms in Boone, Asheville, & Beyond
2. Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration
1 Lodge Street, Asheville NC
(Biltmore Estate, Nov 4-Jan 8)
Christmas Eve of 2022 will be the 127th anniversary of when George Vanderbilt first welcomed friends and family to the Biltmore House, America’s largest home.
To honor the occasion, the Biltmore Estate is hosting its annual Christmas Daytime Celebration, wherein visitors can tour the festively decorated rooms of the Biltmore House & Gardens.
Depending on the package you purchase, other activities include access to the Antler Hill Village and winery, an expert guide with special knowledge about Vanderbilt history and estate stories, and VIP access to areas that aren’t explored during the main tour.
It’s truly a must-see for anyone planning on spending Christmas in Asheville NC.
For an even more immersive experience, you can book a holiday stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or at The Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate experience the grandiose beauty of the estate as an overnight guest!
READ MORE: The Best Downtown Asheville Restaurants
3. Candlelight Christmas Evenings
1 Lodge Street, Asheville NC
(Biltmore Estate, Nov 4-Jan 7)
For a slightly different take on Christmas at Biltmore, these Candlelight Christmas Evenings show the estate in a different light, as the night is lit up by the glow of twinkling holiday lights.
As the candles and fireplaces are lit, the estate is filled with the warmth of the seasonal spirit.
Guests can explore the beautiful decorations inside the massive mansion and enjoy fine holiday dining (including complimentary handcrafted wine tastings).
Whether you’re enjoying the estate at your own pace through self-guided tours or learning all about its history from one of their expert guides, this upscale North Carolina Christmas event is one you won’t forget!
For our money, this is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in North Carolina.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC
Hendersonville NC Christmas Events
4. Home for the Holidays
(Downtown Hendersonville, Nov 15-Jan 1)
A charming town just south of Asheville NC, Hendersonville is known for its historic downtown area, which combines a traditional rural feel with the modern appeal of a bustling Main Street.
With the added magic afforded by colorful holiday decorations, lights, and festivities, Hendersonville‘s Main Street is especially appealing at Christmastime.
There are a variety of NC Christmas events to enjoy including the holiday tree lighting at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street (November 25), a home decoration contest (November 25 – December 16), and the iconic Christmas Parade (December 3) that even includes an appearance from Santa Claus!
READ MORE: 20 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
5. Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt
(Downtown Hendersonville, Nov 25-Dec 23)
In this unique holiday event for families with kids, Peppermint Bear needs your help to find her cubs after they went off to find Christmas decorations downtown!
As you wander throughout the historic Hendersonville downtown area, keep your eyes peeled to find one of the 3 cubs that will be hiding out somewhere among all the hustle and bustle!
If you visit at least 12 of the 26 participating businesses during your search for the cubs, you’ll be eligible for an array of prizes!
A staff member at each business will punch your brochure if you spot the bear in their location. Then you can drop the brochure in Peppermint’s mailbox, located in front of the Visitor Center by Dec 23rd.
Be sure to get a jump on this event to better your chances of helping Peppermint Bear find her cubs and scoring some fun holiday prizes!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for Foodies
Brevard NC Christmas Events
6. Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum
189 West Main Street, Brevard NC
(Transylvania Heritage Museum, Nov 12 – Dec 23; Closed Nov 24)
This unique holiday event features a plethora of aesthetically decorated Christmas trees, including many examples of the sustainable Christmas trees that were popular in the 1950s.
For 2022 the vintage trees will be decorated 1970’s style with the themes of Disco, the introduction of Disney world, and other funky designs. Celebrate the ’70s and surround yourself in the nostalgia of the Shiny Brite Forest.
Featured in publications like Southern Living, Money Magazine, and the New York Times, this is the world’s only museum dedicated to vintage aluminum Christmas trees.
Starting Saturday, November 12th, this quirky take on the classic Christmas tradition of tree decorating will be open Wednesday through Saturday until December 23rd, excluding November 24th.
READ MORE: The Top 10 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)
7. An Appalachian Christmas
1600 Golden Road, Lake Toxaway NC
(Earthshine Lodge, Dec 9-11 & 16-18)
Throughout the month of December, the Earthshine Lodge in Brevard NC is hosting a variety of holiday festivities that give you an opportunity to experience authentic Appalachian Christmas traditions.
As the lodge transforms into a winter wonderland, guests can try their hand at making traditional Appalachian Mountain crafts, enjoy the hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating, and s’mores around the fire.
You can enjoy all the holiday fun while soaking in the gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You can also have a special holiday brunch with Santa on December 11th and December 18th at 8:30am, where you can get photos taken with the big man himself.
If you’re looking to stay at the lodge, weekend packages are available that include two nights at the lodge, meals, the holiday brunch with Santa, holiday movies on the big screen, and a variety of other North Carolina Christmas-related activities!
Check Rates for accommodations near Lake Toxaway via Booking.com.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County
Bryson City NC Christmas Events
8. The Polar Express
45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City NC
(Bryson City Railroad Depot, Nov 10-Dec 31)
One of the most iconic Western North Carolina Christmas events, the Polar Express train in Bryson City NC takes you on a 75-minute round-trip journey through the Nantahala National Forest.
With the lively sounds of the animated film’s soundtrack in the background, guests are treated to “Hot Chocolate!” while reading along with the famous story.
The train will make a stop at the North Pole, where Santa will be waiting to board the train. There, he’ll greet each child and give them a special gift– a silver sleigh bell– just like in the story!
Joyous Christmas carols will be sung as the train ride returns to the Bryson City Depot, and the magical journey reaches its end.
READ MORE: The 11 Best Places for Snow Tubing in the North Carolina Mountains
Concord NC Christmas Events
9. Speedway Christmas
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord NC
(The Charlotte Motor Speedway, Nov 18-Jan 8)
The Charlotte Motor Speedway gets into the Christmas spirit for yet another year with their annual Speedway Christmas celebration.
Known as the largest drive-thru Christmas light display in the country with 3.75 miles of lights, this display takes over 5,000 hours to create and has over 4 million individual lights.
On top of this incredible drive-thru display, there is also the Christmas Village that has an indoor movie theater that plays holiday classics like Elf and A Christmas Story, treats, and craft vendors.
If you’re looking for things to do for Christmas in North Carolina, this event will open from November 18th to January 8th with prices varying from $30 to $70 if you’re wanting to skip the lines.
READ MORE: 20 Awesome Things to Do for Winter in North Carolina
Blowing Rock NC Christmas Events
10. Tweetsie Christmas
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock NC
(Tweetsie Railroad, Nov 25-Dec 30)
All aboard in Blowing Rock NC as they transform the train into a Tweetsie Railroad Christmas!
After boarding one of the historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives, you’ll be treated to a 20-minute ride through thousands of colorful Christmas lights and animated scenes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition to the magical train ride, you can also visit Santa in his own Gingerbread house, which is decorated with candy furnishings.
There’s also good old-fashioned family fun on amusement rides, or just making merry memories while roasting s’mores over the outdoor fire pit.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC
11. Christmas in the Park
1040 Main Street, Blowing Rock NC
(Memorial Park in Downtown Blowing Rock, Nov 25-26)
The Friday after Thanksgiving each year, Blowing Rock NC hosts their annual Christmas in the Park event which is the perfect time to kick off your seasonal celebrations.
The first day of the event includes pictures with Santa from 12 pm to 3 pm, carnival games from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, live music from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and the official Lighting of the Town at 5:30 pm.
There will also be hayrides from 2 pm to 5 pm and from 5:40 pm to 7 pm.
The following day, the Christmas parade starts at 10 am and will include tons of different fun costumes, elaborate floats, and more spreading holiday cheer throughout the town.
Since parking will be a bit difficult on the day of the parade, a complimentary shuttle service will be running from the parking lot at Tanger Outlet to Main Street from 8 am to 5 pm.
During Thanksgiving weekend, many nearby Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms will be open for business to kick-off the holiday season!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Blowing Rock Cabin Rentals (1 to 4+ Bedrooms)
12. Chetola Festival of Lights
185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock NC
(Chetola Resort, Nov 25 – Jan 29)
Chetola Resort is a 78-acre resort nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
Each year they celebrate the holiday season by decorating with thousands of displays and lights, making this one of the coziest NC Christmas events.
Beginning on November 25th, guests can enjoy watching ice skaters as they stroll about the grounds and enjoy the colorful holiday scenes of the Christmas lights.
There will also be live music to enjoy throughout the month of December, from artists like Klee Liles and Andy Ferrell.
The holiday decorations and lights will be up until January 29th so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy their holiday splendor.
READ MORE: The Best Places for Snow-Skiing in North Carolina
Banner Elk/Beech Mountain Christmas Events
13. Apple Hill Farm Christmas Celebration
400 Apple Hill Road, Banner Elk NC
(Apple Hill Farm, Nov 18-Jan 1)
If you’re looking for a heartwarming Banner Elk Christmas event, the Apple Hill Farm Christmas Celebration is sure to bring a smile to your family’s faces.
The family-owned farm offers public tours Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:30AM to 2:00PM, by reservation only.
These tours allow you to get up close and personal with the animals, most notably their adorable Alpacas!
Along with the tours, there will be Christmas ornaments (including numerous Alpaca options) and other goodies available at the farm’s Christmas Shop.
All public tours will be done in small groups to ensure that all guests get plenty of attention from both the tour guides and the animals. Private tours are available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC
14. A Small Town Christmas
(Downtown Banner Elk, Dec 2-4)
The town of Banner Elk packs in the holiday cheer throughout the first full weekend in December with the “A Small Town Christmas” holiday event.
Starting on Friday evening there will be caroling, hot chocolate, and the lighting of the official town tree at 6:30 pm.
Following the lighting, just a short walk away at the Historic Banner Elk School, Ensemble Stage will be presenting “A Banner Elk Christmas 3” at 7 pm.
The next day the festivities kick off with the 5K Reindeer Run at 9 am in the Tate-Evens Park and are followed by Breakfast with Santa at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church from 9 am-10:30 am and storytime with Santa at the Banner Elk Fire and Rescue Station at 10:30 am.
Back at Tate-Evans Park, the day’s festivities conclude at 6 pm with a synchronized light show, luminary-lighted train rides, karaoke, and the showing of a Christmas-themed family movie.
On the final day of the event, there will be Choose & Cut Christmas Trees at Avery County tree farms, and a 2 pm showing of “A Banner Elk Christmas 3.”
READ MORE: The 10 Best Restaurants in Banner Elk NC for Foodies
Greensboro NC Christmas Events
15. Winter Wonderlights
4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro NC
(Greensboro Science Center, Nov 17-Jan 1)
Back for another year of festivities, the Greensboro Science Center will be hosting the annual Winter Wonderlights starting November 17th until January 1st.
The 11-acre property will be transformed into a holiday extravaganza with holiday music, Christmas lights, and several different holiday displays.
These different zones include the Dancing Fountains, Polar Pond, Snowball Surprise, and more! There are several different walking trails that are decked out with Christmas lights and arrangements, too!
Santa will also make appearances throughout the months! His schedule can be found online so that you make sure you won’t miss him.
Regular admissions from Friday through Sunday for this Christmas event are $25, with members getting in for $20. Discounted ticket prices are available for $16 Monday through Thursday nights.
Asheville NC Christmas Events
16. National Gingerbread House Competition
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville NC
(Omni Grove Park Inn, Nov 28-Jan 2)
After going virtual for 2020, the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC is welcoming back competitors and viewers in person for the 30th annual National Gingerbread House Competition.
The official competition will be held on November 28th with an awards ceremony following in the Grand Ballroom, but it is reserved for contestants and their families only.
For guests staying at Omni Grove Park Inn (check rates via Booking.com) who want to enjoy the elaborate gingerbread houses, the official display begins on November 28th and will be up through January 2nd.
Guests not staying at the Resort can view the display after 3 pm on Sundays or anytime Monday-Thursday (excluding December 23-25 and December 29-January 1).
Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those who have dining reservations.
If you can’t make the trip this year, the hotel will continue their virtual “12 Days of Gingerbread” event that was started in 2020 where each day one of the top 12 finalists will be announced and showcased on the hotel’s Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark).
READ MORE: Asheville River Arts District: A Guide to Galleries & Restaurants
17. Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville NC
(The North Carolina Arboretum, Nov 18-Dec 31)
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum is truly a sight to see, as thousands of shimmering Christmas lights make up shining displays along their wooded edge and gardens.
This year the holiday event is returning to the traditional walk-through format so guests are welcomed to explore the gardens and enjoy the lights outdoors.
The iconic 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden are also returning this year but will be decorated with all new light designs along with other new arrangements.
The magical light show will stretch one mile across the campus, and all proceeds from the event will go directly towards supporting the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
READ MORE: The Best Hiking in Asheville NC Bucket List (Top 25 Hiking Trails)
Forest City NC Christmas Events
18. Forest City Christmas Lights
(Forest City, NC, Nov 24-Jan 2)
Voted the #1 Christmas town near Asheville NC, and the #2 place to see Christmas lights in Western NC, Forest City is the place to be when Christmastime rolls around.
The celebrations begin with the Forest City Christmas lights ceremony on November 24th where you can listen to a local gospel quartet perform a collection of old and new Christmas songs while millions of lights along Main Street are officially lit.
On November 27th, the annual Forest City Christmas parade starts at 3 pm beginning at the Cool Springs Administrative Building and traveling east on Main Street to First United Methodist Church.
Throughout the month there will also be carriage rides (Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17) and hayrides (Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17) along Main Street from 6 pm to 9 pm as well as ice skating and refreshments like hot chocolate, cider, and coffee.
READ MORE: The 15 Best VRBO Cabins in Asheville NC
Charlotte NC Christmas Events
19. Light the Knights and Christmas Village
324 S. Mint Street, Charlotte NC
(Truist Field, Nov 23-Jan 6)
Home to the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball team, Truist Field is bringing back the Light The Knights this holiday season!
Every winter, the facility is transformed into one of the best Christmas events in NC, with colorful lights, a 150-foot-long snow tubing hill, and an ice skating rink.
The Holiday Walkthrough and Light show begins on November 23rd and will run until January 6th, with live music, holiday snacks, shopping, and Santa Claus visits.
For single-day festival admission, tickets are only $10, but there are package deals that include entry and ice skating/snow tubing for $25-$35.
Season passes are $39, and all-access season passes (snow-tubing and ice skating included) are $99.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit
Small Town Christmas Events in NC
20. Dillsboro NC Lights & Luminaries
(Dillsboro NC, Dec 2, 3, 9, & 10)
As the holiday season begins, Dillsboro NC is lit up with thousands of lights and plenty of cheer as people come from miles around to experience the joy of a small-town Christmas.
From 5 to 9 pm each night, the town is filled with festive activities and shopping options, as live music and the songs of carolers fill the air.
Sweet holiday treats, such as hot cider and cocoa, will be available for visitors to enjoy as they stroll along the streets of the tiny town (population 245).
Those roads are lined with over 2,500 candles in white bags– a traditional symbol of Christmas from the Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for Christ.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be making a stop in Dillsboro for children to visit with or drop off their Christmas list.
READ MORE: The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit
21. A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas & Charlie Brown Christmas
2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock NC
(Flat Rock Playhouse, Nov 25-27, Dec 7-22 & Dec 1-4)
These North Carolina Christmas events are a great way to get the whole family in the holiday spirit!
From November 25th through November 27th and December 7th through the 22nd, the Flat Rock Playhouse will bring back their Flat Rock Christmas Playhouse with a brand-new show.
This holiday revue brings the holiday merriment to the stage with Santa Claus, sleigh bells, and joy with tickets ranging from $45 to $65.
Also coming to the stage on December 1st through the 4th is everyone’s favorite Charlie Brown!
Audience members can see this adaptation starring their favorite members from the Peanuts gang as they explore the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets for this show are $20-$33.
READ MORE: The 10 Most Festive Christmas Towns in Virginia to Visit
22. Morganton NC Drive Thru Christmas Parade
(Downtown Morganton, Dec 6)
This year the classic Downtown Morganton NC parade is planning on returning to a traditional parade event!
On December 6th from 6 to 8 pm, there will be over 100 festively decorated floats, marching bands, and characters that are particularly loved by younger viewers.
With a theme of ‘Christmas Around the World’, jubilant holiday music provides the soundtrack as you wave to the beautiful floats and see some Christmas traditions from around the world being represented in this North Carolina Christmas celebration.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails in North Carolina
23. Holidays in Highlands NC
(Highlands NC, Nov 26-Jan 1)
Located in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands NC is a beautiful Blue Ridge mountain town that only becomes more charming around Christmastime.
Their annual Trim Our Town event will take place on November 26th which is a storefront decorating contest. Even if you aren’t competing, just by participating as a voter you have the chance to win a $200 gift card.
Photo opportunities and letters to Santa will also be available at Kelsey Hutchinson Park from November 25th to December 17th on select dates.
On Saturday Dec 3rd, the Highlands Christmas Parade takes place from 10:30 am to 12 pm, where you can see creative floats, camels, llamas, and marching bands make their way through town!
READ MORE: 20 Fun, Festive Places to Celebrate Christmas in Georgia
24. Santa on the Chimney
431 Main Street, Chimney Rock NC
(Chimney Rock State Park, Dec 3 & 10)
For the 25th year in a row, Santa will visit Chimney Rock State Park in 2022 to practice sneaking down chimneys as he rappels down the face of the famous landmark!
On December 3rd and 10th, you can cheer jolly ol’ St. Nick on as he makes his famous rappelling descent at 11 AM, noon, and 2 PM.
This year Santa will be posing for photos from 12:30-1:30 PM, so make your kids bring their Christmas wish lists!
Other fun activities at the park include guided hikes with Elves, making s’mores at the bonfire, and listening to live holiday music.
READ MORE: The 7 Best Caves & Caverns in North Carolina
25. Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show
25 International Boulevard, Mill Spring NC
(Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort, Nov 17-Jan 1)
This drive-thru show at the International Equestrian Center in Tryon NC features thousands of dazzling Christmas lights guiding your way as you listen to holiday music in the comfort of your car.
Along with the light show, on Thursdays-Sundays every weekend in December through the 1st, the 2022 Winterfest Village will be open at Legends Plaza from 5pm to 9pm.
There, you can enjoy a meal in one of the on-site restaurants or visit some of the shops as you explore and enjoy live music, s’mores, storytelling, and more.
Lodging packages are also available if you want to stay overnight and take in more of the festive fun!
READ MORE: 15 Fun, Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Helen GA
26. Winter Wonderland
(Downtown Franklin, NC, Nov 26 & Dec 3)
During the first two Saturdays after Thanksgiving, Historic Downtown Franklin NC will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland filled with sparkling lights, fun activities, and plenty of joy.
The first night of the Winter Wonderland event includes the annual tree lighting ceremony at 7pm followed by a merchant sponsored candlelight service. It is also Small Business Saturday which is an initiative headed by American Express that puts a focus on supporting small, local businesses.
Both nights downtown merchants will be open late giving you plenty of time to get your Christmas shopping done, and there will even be free carriage rides across town!
Keep your eyes peeled because Santa will be out and about spreading holiday cheer both nights from 5pm to 8pm!
READ MORE: 10 Ways to Celebrate Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega GA
27. Christmastown USA
(McAdenville, NC, Dec 1 – 26)
During the holidays, the tiny town of McAdenville draws huge crowds from all over North Carolina and beyond as it transforms into a festive wonderland.
Now in its 67th year, the town is widely regarded as the perfect Hallmark Christmas town and hosts a number of events to celebrate the season.
For starters, there is a 1.3-mile-long route filled with thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas displays you can drive through that is open throughout December.
There is also the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 1st at 5:30 pm and the Yule Log Ceremony on December 15th at 5 pm which is followed by a parade that ends with the lighting of the Yule Log. –by Christina Maggitas
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