2008 Western North Carolina Mountain Christmas Festivals
Festivals By Town in Alphabetical Order
Andrews, North Carolina
Andrews Downtown Night Time Christmas Parade
December 13
Contact Wendell or Sarah Hedden for more information: 828-321-4377.
Asheville, North Carolina
Biltmore Village Dickens Festival
December 5 - 7
Historic Biltmore Village transforms into a quaint Victorian village.
Horse-drawn carriages will trot along decorated streets as carolers,
storytellers and instrumentalists stroll the village in period costumes.
Watch live excerpts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
performed by the Montford Park Players
while enjoying fresh roasted chestnuts.
A Winter’s Tale
Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville
December 5 ~ 6 pm – 9 pm
Illuminate your evening with music, crafts, food and fun at the annual holiday event at the Nature Center.
Bring your camera, jackets, and mittens for a stroll along the trails to see the animals at night.
Enrichment programs, presentations, entertainment, and more will be provided
during our Holiday in Lights. Barbara & Wayne Swell will share their holiday music and cabin cooking in our Log Cabin.
Holiday Family Feud games will be offered at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm down in the barn.
Family fun and ALL go home with a small gift of appreciation! You may even catch a glimpse of Santa.
$6.00 per person admission rate ($1.00 off/member).
for more information 828-298-5600, ext 305
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Banner Elk Christmas Tree Lighting in the Park
December 5
Christmas Tree Lighting in the Town Park. We're making this a special separate event
this year on the night before the Christmas Parade, being held at dark so
that the lighting of the tree (or trees) will be glorious!
There will be hot apple cider, coffee and hot chocolate to warm your innards
(and hands), and you will be able to sing along with some wonderful local church choirs
and the Lees-McRae College Highlanders. The kids will have their very own
special Christmas tree to decorate as well.
And, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to take special note of your wish list for Christmas.
Banner Elk Christmas Parade
Main Street (NC 194), Banner Elk
December 6 ~ 11:00 am
Join the parade or just come to watch and be part of the festivities
that make life in a small town worth living!
The parade forms in front of the Lees-McRae Library and ends at the Banner Elk Town Park.
Call 828-898-8395 for details.
Beach Mountain, North Carolina
Santa's Visit and Christmas Tree Lighting
Fred's Gazebo, Beech Mountain
December 20 ~ 4 pm - 6 pm
Visit with Santa in the Gazebo at 4 PM and then come to the Chamber of Commerce
office at 5 PM for Hot Chocolate and cookies.
Bring a Christmas tree ornament (preferably homemade) and help decorate
the small tree next to the Chamber of Commerce. Lighting of the tree will be at 6 PM.
Bonfire & Hayrides on Beech Mountain
Town Hall
December 30 ~ 7 pm - 9 pm
An annual event on Beech Mountain (weather permitting, of course).
Join us for hot chocolate or cider and warm yourself at the bonfire.
Hay wagons will take you on a tour of Beech Mountain by starlight!
Tune up your vocal chords for some season caroling.
Hayrides and bonfire begin at 7 PM and it is FREE!!
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Holly Jolly Christmas
December 5
for more info - 828-669-0707
Art Student & Resident Pottery Show and Holiday Sale
December 5
Also live music and Black Mtn. News "Norman Rockwell" calendars.
Contact: Black Mountain Center for the Arts
for more info - 828-669-0930
Missions Holiday House
December 5 & 6
Friday 9 am-9 pm Saturday 9 am-2 pm
Handmade gifts by local artists & craftsmen.
At parsonage house beside Blk. Mtn. United Methodist Church.
All proceeds go to fund local and intermational missions.
for more info - Fran Jordan 828-778-8087
Christmas Parade
December 6
Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
for more info - 828-669-2300 ~ bmchamber@juno.com
Circle of Lights
December 6
At Lake Tomahawk - Free
Black Mountain Recreation and Parks
for more info - 828-669-2052
Brasstown, North Carolina
14th Annual New Year's Eve Possum Drop
at Clay's Corner in Brasstown, NC.
December 31
Ring in the New Year with a Miss Possum Contest, bluegrass music,
Little Brasstown Church Choir, the Blessing, cider and good clean fun.
For more information call: 828-837-3797.
Decorating Day at John C. Campbell
December 6 ~ 9:00 am
Community Room, Keith House
Admission: Free
Join the fun of decorating the Folk School for the holidays. Decorations will be provided.
Call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.
Wreath Making at John C. Campbell
December 4 ~ 7 pm
Community Room, Keith House
Admission: Free
Learn to make decorative holiday wreaths for free with supplies provided by the Folk School.
The wreaths created will be used to beautify the Folk School during the holiday season.
Call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724
Fireside Sale at John C. Campbell
December 7 ~ 10 am - 5 pm
Craft Shop, Keith House, Music Studio, Davidson Hall
Enjoy the ambiance of live holiday music and a crackling fire as you shop for artful treasures
in our beautifully decorated Keith House and visit the artists in Davidson Hall
(next to the Craft Shop). Craftspeople will offer handmade items such as jewelry,
weaving, forged iron, photography, quilts and turned wood.
You're sure to find special, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts here!
Also, our Craft Shop will be offering 15% off during the Fireside Sale.
The 15% off sale will begin the day after Thanksgiving and run through Christmas Eve.
Shop for handmade gifts made by local and regional artists in a variety of media
including jewelry, fiber, wood items, forged metal, pottery, and more.
Call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.
A Christmas Carol Reading at John C. Campbell
(Brose Family Christmas concert will immediately follow at 8 pm)
December 8 ~ 7 pm
Community Room, Keith House
Admission: Free
In period costume, Bob Grove will present a dramatic reading of the classic tale,
including character voices. In the familiar story, miser Ebenezer Scrooge
is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future who,
in the course of a night, convince him to abandon his "bah, humbug" ways.
Call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.
Brasstown Ringers Holiday Concert at John C. Campbell
December 12 ~ 7:30 pm
Community Room, Keith House
Admission: Free, donations welcome
Brasstown Ringers, the community handbell group of western North Carolina
and North Georgia continues to challenge its ringers and its audiences
with new and exciting music, as well as old favorites.
Call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.
Holiday Dance Party at John C. Campbell
December 13 ~ 8 pm - 11 pm
Community Room, Keith House
Admission: Free
Beginners, couples and singles are welcome. This dance is free.
Bring refreshments to share!
Guest callers welcome (contact us in advance).
Music by many local musicians.
Call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.
Kids' Party at John C. Campbell
December 20 ~ 1 pm - 3 pm
Community Room, Keith House
Admission: Free
A visit from Santa, plus games, music, dancing, and refreshments.
Call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.
Brevard, North Carolina
Festival of Trees 2008-Silvermont Mansion-Main Street
December 4 - 7 ~ Thurs, & Fri & Sat 10 am - 8 pm - 11 am - 2 pm Sunday
Featuring a free continental breakfast. $3 adult, children under 12 FREE.
The event is sponsored by The Children’s Center of Transylvania County.
Gift shop and a café open for lunch and dinner, music and a bake shop with handmade desserts.
Brevard Area Quilt Show
Masonic Lodge, 174 East Main Street
December 5 - 7 ~ Thurs, & Fri & Sat 10 am - 8 pm - 11 am - 2 pm Sunday
Over 100 handmade quilts exhibited and demonstrations. Contact Jean at 883-2651.
Brevard/Transylvania Christmas Parade
Transylvania Heritage Museum
December 6 ~ 3 pm
"Sleigh Bells Ring in Transylvania"
Christmas Stories and Tree Trimming
Transylvania Heritage Museum
December 6 ~ 4 pm - 8 pm
Take a break from the Hustle and Bustle of the Season during the Brevard Twilight Tour!
Come by the Museum for free Christmas Stories, Cookies and Hot Chocolate
and hang a special ornament on our tree!
Annual Twilight Tour-A Downtown Street Festival
Main and Broad Street
December 6 - 21 ~ 4 pm - 8 pm
Luminaries along the sidewalks and horse-drawn carriages.
Experience the ice slide and music at the gazebo.
Contact 884-3278
Nature Nuts & Eco Explorers
Main and Broad Street
(12/8-1-3 pm), (12/9-9-11am), (12/11-1-3 pm), (12/13-9-11 am), (12/14-2-4 pm), (12/17-9-11 am)
Celebrating with Wildlife-Celebrate the winter season with arts and crafts
that focus on the environment. Ages 4-13. Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.
Contact 877-4423
Holiday Tour of Homes
December 13
Tour Beautiful homes in Transylvania County that are selected for their location,
beauty , architecture and décor. This is the annual fundraiser
for the TC Arts Council’s Arts in Schools program.
Tickets are limited and cost $30. Call TC Arts Council at 884-2787 to reserve your ticket.
Bryson City, North Carolina
34th Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade in Downtown
"the Biggest, Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies"
December 6 ~ 2 pm
Complete with clowns, an old time boom bah band, floats, homecoming queens,
marching bands, and of course, Santa.
You don't want to miss this vanishing slice of Americana
For more information call 828-488-3681 or 800-867-9246.
Spirit of Christmas in Downtown Bryson City
A true Christmas experience!
December 6 ~ 2 pm
Luminaries line historic Everett Street, the signature hemlock is lit with memorial lights,
carolers and musical artists abound, and a living nativity proceeds up the avenue.
Photos are available with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children can post letters to Santa,
and many shops offer special "event" discounts. A wonderful addition to your holiday plans!
For more information call 828-488-3681 or 800-867-9246.
Cherokee, North Carolina
Cherokee Native Christmas in Downtown Cherokee
December 13 ~ 12 noon to 6 pm
Cherokee will be adorned with twinkling lights.
Featured entertainment includes Clogging, Bands, Choirs, Indian Dancing, Story-Telling,
a visit by Santa and other exciting events.
Downtown merchants will be open and happy to help shoppers with Christmas shopping
including special discounts and savings.
Entertainment is from Noon to 6 p.m. with the exciting finale of the Cherokee Christmas Parade.
Come and enjoy this event with your entire family.
Cherokee Christmas Parade
December 13 ~ 5:30 pm
A time honored tradition complete with regional marching bands,
floats, clowns, and native flair!
for more information 800-438-1601.
A Mountain Homecoming at Mountain Farm Museum
A real “old-time” Christmas celebration!
December 20, 2008
Demonstrations of crafts past, live music, refreshments,
and walking tours of the Mountain Farm Museum
are just a few of the reasons to attend this second annual event!
for more information 828-497-1904.
Chimney Rock, North Carolina
Santa on the Chimney
December 6 & 13 ~ 11 am to 2 pm
Santa Claus makes his annual stop at Chimney Rock.
To get himself ready for clambering down chimneys across the world,
Santa will practice on 315’ Chimney Rock.
He’ll rappel down the 535 million-year-old rock face,
then ride the elevator back to the top and do it all over again.
This year, Mrs. Claus joins Santa for his visit to Chimney Rock.
Mrs. Claus will be available for photos with good little boys and girls,
and will happily take gift requests for her husband’s list.
Holiday music will add to the festive atmosphere,
and hot chocolate and apple cider will be available in the Sky Lounge.
for more information....828-625-9611 or toll-free 800-277-9611
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Mountain Artisans "Hard Candy Christmas" Art & Craft Show
November 28 & 29 ~ 10 am to 5 pm
WCU Ramsey Center, Cullowhee, N. C. 100 of the area's finest craftsmen
Entry Fee: $3 for adults
for more information call Doris Hunter at 828-524-3405.
Dillsboro, North Carolina
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries – and Fireworks
First two Fridays & Saturdays in December, at dusk
December 5-6 and 12-13
Beginning at dusk. Journey back to the days of yester-year as Dillsboro presents
its annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. Experience the magic as
the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles,
laughter and song. 2500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios.
Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa.
Carolers sing and Santa visits with children at Town Hall.
This year's festival wraps up with a bang at 7:30 pm on December 13
when a holiday fireworks display will light the night sky.
Fireworks will be silver and white, with touches of red and green for the season.
Also new this year is a Christmas tree exhibit in the building beside Bradley's General Store.
About a dozen trees will be on display, decorated by local kindergarten
and first-grade students; as well as giving trees for several local charities.
Coordinator: David Gates 828-586-3891 or Janet Chinners 828-586-1600.
Flat Rock, North Carolina
Flat Rock Village Stroll
December 6 ~
12 noon-9:00 pm
Pictures with Santa, carriage rides, crafts, holiday tailgate market, holiday treats,
choirs, hand bell ringing, tree lighting and holiday treats) Flat Rock, NC
for more information call
828-697-7719
Franklin, North Carolina
Cookies with Santa in Downtown Franklin
November 29 ~ 10 am - 12 noon
Children can write letters to Santa and mail them in the special mail box.
Letters personally answered by Santa.
for more information call - 828-524-3161
Annual Franklin Christmas Parade
November 30 ~ 3:00 pm
Through the streets of downtown Franklin
for more information call - 828-524-3161
Window Wonderland
December 5 & 12 ~ 5 pm - 8 pm
Victorian Christmas with people in store windows acting out
old fashion Christmas scenes, luminaries, carriage rides and entertainment.
Sponsored by the Town of Franklin and The Streets of Franklin Heritage Association. Downtown.
Contact 828-524-6964 or celebrationmtns@aol.com
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas,
Historic Downtown
December 5 ~ 5 pm-9 pm
Downtown merchants host an open house with refreshments, entertainment, carriage rides,
visit from Father Christmas & carolers - all with a Victorian flair.
828-697-2022
Christmas at the Farm,
Historic Johnson Farm-Hwy 191 N, Hendersonville, NC
December 6 ~ 12 noon-5:00 pm
Tour 1880’s farmhouse decorated for the season, with music, refreshments, Santa, cake sale & wagon rides)
Adults $5, Students K-12 $3, Preschool free (Hendersonville, NC
for more information call
828-891-6585
Highlands, North Carolina
Olde Mountain Christmas Parade
Main Street Highlands
December 6 ~ begins at 11:00 am
Main Street in Highlands will be full of ornamental floats and attractions
when the parade rolls through town.
For more information please call 828-526-2112.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa's in Highlands!
Highlands Visitor Center
December 6, 13 & 20 ~ 12:30 - 4 pm
Come one, come all, Santa will be in Highlands at the
Highlands Area Chamber and Visitor Center! Don't miss him!
For more information please call 828-526-2112.
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Old Fashioned Hayrides
December 6 ~ 2 pm - 5 pm
Enjoy an afternoon at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds for Old Fashioned Hayrides.
for more info 828-452-0152
Maggie Valley Christmas Parade
December 6 ~ 6 pm
Come join in the Annual Maggie Valley Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Parade starts at Ghost Town in the Sky & ends at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.
for more info 828-452-0152
A Night Before Christmas
December 6 ~ 6 pm - 9 pm
Come share our holiday tradition. Live music, caroling, live nativity,
pictures with Santa, old fashioned wagon rides, storytelling, poetry and more!
Main Street is lined with hundreds of luminaries.
for more info 828-452-0152
Murphy, North Carolina
Hometown Christmas Parade in Downtown Murphy.
December 6 ~ 2 pm
Crafts, food, entertainment and parade. The events begins at 2 p.m.
For more information call Barbara Hughes: 828-837-6821
Historic Holiday Home Tours
December 7 ~ 1 pm - 5 pm
Featuring five homes in Murphy.
Occasions Florist in Murphy will enhance the homes
Tickets Available through Valley River Merchants in Downtown Murphy
prior to and the day of the tours where refreshments will be served.
Tickets will be $10 and will benefit the future Amphitheater to be constructed in Murphy
Sponsored
by Heritage Partners
For more information call: 828-837-6821.
Newland, North Carolina
Newland Christmas Parade
December 6 ~ 1 pm
The Town of Newland and the Avery County Chamber of Commerce
are hosting a Christmas parade.
For more information, call the Brian Powers at 828-733-9301.
Sylva, North Carolina
Sylva Christmas Parade
December 6 ~ 5 pm
The downtown Christmas Parade will be held at Scotts Creek Road and end at Mark Watson Park.
for more information 828-586-1577
Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
Santa at Sugar
December 12 - 24
Santa will be skiing and talking with all the good boys and girls on Sugar Mountain
For more information, call 800-SUGARMT
Sugarfest
December 13 - 14
SugarFest includes everything from year's past
giveaways, ice sculpting contests, snowball eating contests,
bluegrass music by Boss Hawg, fireworks and more.
For more information, call 800-SUGARMT
Waynesville, North Carolina
Evening Christmas Parade
December 8 ~ 6 pm
Come share our holiday tradition in Downtown Waynesville.
for more info 828-452-0152
A Night Before Christmas
December 13 ~ 6 pm - 9 pm
Come share our holiday tradition. Live music, caroling, live nativity,
pictures with Santa, old fashioned wagon rides, storytelling, poetry and more!
Main Street is lined with hundreds of luminaries.
for more info 828-452-0152
Enjoy our Christmas Tales.....
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