NC High Country Holiday & Christmas Guide 2023

Unwrap the Magic: Your Ultimate NC High Country Holiday & Christmas Guide 2023

As the air turns crisp and the first snowflakes gently blanket the picturesque landscapes of North Carolina's High Country, a palpable sense of anticipation fills the air. The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better place to revel in the festive spirit than the enchanting NC High Country. From quaint mountain towns adorned with twinkling lights to the warmth of community celebrations, this corner of the Tar Heel State comes alive with holiday cheer.

In our NC High Country Holiday & Christmas Guide 2023, we invite you to embark on a journey through a winter wonderland where traditions are upheld and the spirit of the season is embraced with open arms. Whether you're a local seeking new experiences or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in the unique charm of the High Country, our guide is your key to unlocking the region's most magical moments.

Tweetsie Christmas

Various days of the week, Nov 24-Dec Dec Blowing Rock

Celebrate the holiday season as Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas! Enjoy a nighttime train ride.

Crazy Christmas & Light Tunnel

Daily, Dec 1-Dec 31, Mystery Hill, Blowing Rock

Special holiday activities and events happening throughout the season. Visit the free light tunnel starting mid-November and take your photo!

Apple Hill Farm Christmas Celebration

Wed-Sun Nov 17- Jan 1, Banner Elk

Holiday farm tours take place every 30 minutes between 11 am and 2:30 pm. Reserve your tour online.

Appalachian Theatre of the High Country Christmas Events

Various, Nov-Dec, Downtown Boone

Live Holiday music and classic holiday films are scheduled throughout the season

Light Up the Town

November 17, 6-9 pm, Downtown North Wilkesboro

Enjoy late store hours, Christmas lights & music, Santa Claus visits, and horse-drawn carriage rides

West Jefferson Holiday Parade

November 18, 3 pm, Downtown West Jefferson

Come to the Downtown West Jefferson annual holiday parade! - And of course, Santa will be there!

Ashe County Holiday Farmer's Markets

Saturdays, Nov 18- Dec 2, 10-2, Downtown West Jefferson

Find unique gifts and holiday decorations, locally grown Christmas trees, ropes and garland

Blowing Rock Lighting of the Town, Christmas Festival and Parade

Nov 24, 12-6:30 pm, Memorial Park, Downtown Blowing Rock- Parade: November 25, 10-12 pm, Main Street

Christmas in the Park features: 12-3: Santa, 1:30-3:30: Kids Games, Live Music: 2:30-6:30, Lighting of the Town: 5:30ish, Sat Parade: 10-12

Saturday's with Santa at The Blowing Rock

Weekends, Nov 25- Dec 24, 11-2pm, The Blowing Rock

Enjoy a special visit with Santa&Mrs. Claus and enjoy the winter views. Free admission for all childre and accompanying adult.

Chetola Resort Festival of Lights

Daily, November 25-January, Blowing Rock

Chetola Resort becomes a Winter Wonderland with over 50,000 dazzling lights around Chetola Lake. Free to the public

Holiday Market

November 25, 10-4 pm, Buckeye Recreation Center, Beech Mountain

Enjoy browsing booths of a variety of local vendors and craftsmen to discover that perfect item to fill your holiday shopping list.

Banner Elk Small Town Christmas

December 1-3: Downtown Banner Elk

Dec 1: Lighting of the Town: 6:30 pm; Dec 2: Festivities include train rides, a synchronized light show, movie, hot cocoa, kids

activities and more

West Jefferson Christmas Crawl

December 1: 5-7 pm, Downtown West Jefferson

Galleries, shops, and more will be decorated for the season and open with local artwork, refreshments, and live holiday music.

Boone Festive First Friday & Solar Tree Lighting

December 1: 5-8 pm, Downtown Boone

Head to Downtown Boone for carriage rides, "snowball" fights, carolers, holiday treats, food trucks, and more!

Ensemble Stage: A Banner Elk Christmas

Dec 2 (7 pm), 4 (2 pm), 16-17 (7 pm), 18th (2 pm), Ensemble Stage, Banner Elk

Enjoy a holiday musical variety show patterned after the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television Christmas specials

Wilkesboro Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Commons

December 2: 3-8:30 pm

Parade: 3 pm on Main Street, North Wilkesboro; 6 pm: Tree lighting, music, kids' activities, & movie in the Community Commons, Wilkesboro

Boone Holiday Parade

December 9: 2 pm, King Street, Boone

The annual parade proceeds east on King Street through downtown Boone

Beech Mountain Christmas Parade

December 21: 4- 6 pm

The parade will go from the Beech Mountain Ski Resort up to the White Wolf Lodge. Be sure to arrive at a spot to watch the parade by 3:45 pm.