While relaxing and unwinding in your cozy Smoky Mountains vacation rental is tempting, Western North Carolina offers abundant holiday activities you won’t want to miss. From festive events to outdoor adventures, the region is brimming with seasonal charm. Here are some great ways to explore and make the most of your holiday getaway in the Smoky Mountains.
Dillsboro
The tiny but artistic town’s annual Festival of Lights & Luminaries takes place during the first two weekends in December. More than 2,500 luminaries line the streets and sidewalks leading to the shops downtown. In addition to the lights, the stores and restaurants (like our favorite, Foragers Canteen) along Front Street stay open later, a live nativity takes place at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church, and horse and buggy rides will be available, as will hot cider and cocoa. Visitors can also enjoy carolers, as well as a visit from Santa Claus. This year, the lighting takes place Dec. 6-7 and 13-14 from 5-9 p.m. Still in town after Thanksgiving? Don’t forget Small Business Saturday!
Sylva
Christmas in Sylva centers around the lighting of its Christmas Tree downtown. The official lighting takes place on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., followed by a Holiday Concert at 6:30 and a Holiday Fireworks Show at 7:30. Sylva’s annual Christmas parade takes place on Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. and travels along Historic Main Street. This year’s theme is “Memories of Christmas Past,” and will feature many floats. While you’re in town, don’t forget to shop for the perfect gifts at unique downtown shops for Small Business Saturday, or grab dinner at one of the town’s independent, locally-owned restaurants.
Brevard
The world’s only museum dedicated to aluminum Christmas trees (The Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum, or ATOM) is in the small town of Brevard inside its Transylvania Heritage Museum. The trees are decorated with vintage ornaments befitting their kitschy nature. The museum is open every Thursday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. through Jan. 17.
On Nov. 29, members of Steep Canyon Rangers will present “The Umpteenth Annual Hometown Holiday Jam” featuring the McMurry Brothers Band at 8 p.m., and Light Up the Night Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Brevard takes place Dec. 7 starting with the Merry Market at noon, the Christmas Parade at 2:30, and the tree-lighting following the parade.
Waynesville
This year on December 2, Downtown Waynesville‘s historic Main Street area will come alive for the annual Christmas Parade. On Dec. 14, the town’s shops, galleries, and restaurants are open from 6-9 PM and the streets are filled with live music, carolers, wagon rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus, storytelling, luminary-lined streets, and more. Visit the website for more info.
Call for more information: 1-877-786-3641
