North Carolina’s Favorite Christmas Candy Was Not What We Expected

This is the season of candy for days it seems.  And, North Carolina's favorite Christmas candy was not what we expected it to be.  Hey, I know it seems to be a subjective matter.  Of course, we all have our favorites.  And, we don't have to agree all the time.  However, there's a few top holiday candies that come to mind.  But, they didn't make the top 3 in the Tar Heel State according to CandyStore.com.

The online bulk candy retailer conducts the study each year to break down the top 3 Christmas Candy choices in each state.  And, after analyzing research from trends and sales here's what they found to be North Carolina's favorite Christmas candy.  The winners are Snickers, Starburst and Reindeer Corn.  So, with the exception of Reindeer Corn if you told me it was a Halloween candy survey I wouldn't be surprised.

However, even though I love Snickers and Starburst, I expected something a little more closely identifiable with Christmas.  I might choose Peppermint Bark, or fudge or even traditional candy canes.  I guess I thought it would be something only available at this time of year.   After all, we get Snickers and Starburst any time of year.  Well, at least I do.

And, it's not a knock on these candies.  At least we didn't vote for the old fashioned ribbon candy, strawberry wrapped hard candies or Werther's that our moms and grand moms always had.  But, I admit I do love all those choices even if I'm alone in that sentiment.

So, if you want to be like everyone else this year, stock your candy dishes with North Carolin's favorite Christmas candy.  And, you'll be the most popular party host of the season.  But, if I were you I might throw in some Hershey's Christmas themed kisses, too!

And, to see popular candies in every state, see the full list from candystore.com

Do you have plans for Christmas Day this year? Well, tons of people are planning for their holiday dinner this year. Sometimes we want to be able to travel to a special family member's house or go out of town to visit those we don't see often. But, what about those who may not want to cook their own food? Some families don't have a lot of people to gather around a table and would rather have a small, quaint dinner. Then there are those larger families who just prefer not to cook at all.

Well, there are a few Charlotte restaurants that are allowing you to book your reservation for Christmas Day now. A few fine dining restaurants and some casual spots are allowing you to dine in on Christmas Day. You never know how busy times may get, so you may want to book your reservation early. Check out the full list below of some of the Charlotte restaurants open on Christmas Day. You can book your Christmas Day reservations NOW.

Starting off with a pretty popular local eatery in the Uptown area of Charlotte. Chima Steakhouse has a few Christmas Day reservations available for those not wanting to cook their own food for the holidays. Enjoy tons of food options such as seafood salad, a chima burger, lamb chops, chicken skewers, and more all on Christmas Day.

Here is another steakhouse that you may want to check out for Christmas Day. Dean's Italian Steakhouse is another elegant steakhouse that has reservations opened that day. Enjoy elegant and classic flavors such as prime steaks, homemade pastas, salads, and sweet Italian desserts. Sit dine and enjoy small talk over a plate of food you didn't have to sweat to make and enjoy the special holiday.

Up next is a spot pretty special to my heart, it's 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails in Uptown Charlotte. This is one of the first restaurants I tried when I first moved to Charlotte and the food is quite amazing. You have so many tasty small plate options, entrees, special cocktails, desserts, and a great ambiance to enjoy.

Head to McCormick & Schmick's that has multiple locations in the Charlotte area with reservations available. If you're looking for some great seafood to enjoy Christmas Day (like me) then this might be a perfect option for you. Enjoy beer battered fish & chips, buttermilk fried shrimp, crab cake sandwich, oysters, calamari, and more. 

Sounds like the steakhouses are where you need to be this Christmas, maybe? Now, we're talking about STK Steakhouse up next. Some may have already tried out this spot and others have been looking for the chance to give it a taste. Well, Christmas Day might be a good starter. Enjoy options like short rib, salmon, ribeye, lamb rack, and more.

More seafood, but an oyster bar is a great place to go. Caroline Oyster's Bar is bringing coastal seafood to Charlotte to enjoy on the patio or in the dining room. Reservations are open for Christmas Day so you can grab a great bite to eat. Enjoy BBQ shrimp, oyster Rockefeller, pimento fritters, wagyu burger, scallops, fish and chips, and more!

Ever had Japanese BBQ for Christmas dinner? Not I, but if you're looking for somewhere to go then you might have a spot to check out. Gyu-Kaku is serving up Japanese BBQ to help those who don't want to cook for Christmas Day. Enjoy options such as miso soup, dumplings, spicy tofu, and tons of BBQ meat options.