NC Christmas Event:

December 21-22   Re-discovering Christmas   at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. This is a fun evening of professional theatre and down home Christmas music in an intimate theatre setting in downtown Black Mountain.

Jim and Carol Shores of Acts of Renewal Theatre Co. bring a series of vignettes that welcome young and old to rediscover the hilarity, the mystery, the wonder of Christmas. The evening concludes with a finale about an irrepressible Jamaican wiseman who retells the Christmas story like you've never heard it before. Music by the Holly Hoppers will bring rousing fun to an already great night.

Learn more about Black Mountain NC HERE.

NC Holiday Events: Asheville Celebrates with Chocolate and Crafts

December 8  Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival   A multicultural arts event featuring performers, musicians and dancers from Asheville and beyond. Experience local artisans, baskets and basket weaving demonstrations by Gullah artisans, cultural arts and education by members of the Cherokee Nation, Bellydancing, African dance, Argentine Tango, Hip Hop, and local chocolate tasting by Asheville's finest chocolatiers and dessert-makers.

Performers will also be teaching classes in: Drumming, Bellydance, Tango, West African Dance, and digeridoo throughout the day which are all included in your ticket price. This is a family friendly event with Local children's performance artists Juan Halladay and the Secret B-sides, balloon twisting, face painting, and dance workshops. 25% of proceeds will be donated to Urban Arts Institute and Odyessy School to fund multicultural arts education for Asheville youth.

Learn more about Asheville Lodging, events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Event: A Celtic Christmas

Date: December 5 - 22  A Celtic Christmas   Join the Playhouse Downtown as it transforms with mist and candlelight for three Celtic singer/storytellers and a group of unique musicians who will ignite the Christmas spirit within you.

Traditional carols like Silent Night, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, The Little Drummer Boy, O Holy Night, and many, many more are given the Celtic treatment in this one-of-a-kind Christmas spectacular. This is a show you will want to share with the entire family!

A Celtic Christmas is presented by The Flat Rock Playhouse at the Hendersonville Playhouse Downtown. Get a link for this and other Holiday events on the Hendersonville NC Visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Event: Dickens Festival in Biltmore

November 30 - December 2   Biltmore Village Dickens Festival  begins today.  Historic Biltmore Village transforms itself into a quaint Victorian village with entertainment for every age and interest. The main stage will be filled continuously with musicians, choral groups, singers, dancers and the Montford Park Players.

This year the Festival will feature more than 300 performers who, after their stage segments, will rove throughout the Village entertaining on the streets and in the shops and restaurants.

 Friday and Saturday evenings will feature main stage concerts for the entire family. As dusk turns into evening, more than 250,000 white lights outlining the historic Village buildings will combine with the streetlights to enhance the ambiance.

Shops stay open evenings until 7 PM with many of the shopkeepers dressed in Victorian-era garb. In addition, there will be horse-drawn rides through the tree-lined Village streets all day Saturday and Sunday. Chestnuts roasted on an open fire by chestnut roaster Sakshi Gentenbein will be available next to the main stage.

Get a link for details about the Biltmore Dickens Festival on the
Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

It's Christmas at Biltmore!

Now through January 1st Asheville's renowned Biltmore has brought down all the Christmas decorations from the attic and is aglow with Christmas magic.  Christmas at Biltmore,  America's largest home,  is an experience like no other with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias. You'll find  miles of evergreen garland along with thousands of ornaments, tinsel, and beading. And the "crowning glory" is a magnificent 35-foot Fraser fir adorning the front lawn and welcoming all visitors, elves and maybe the beloved jolly Bearded-one himself.

Get a link for Christmas at Biltmore and other
Asheville NC attractions, lodging and visitor information HERE

The Smoky Mountains offer an Old-fashioned Christmas Experience

Head for the Smokies for an Old-Fashioned Holiday Experience

Bring the whole family and experience the magic of The Polar Express as the train makes its round trip journey to the North Pole till December 23. (Plus special Christmas Eve run.) Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa & for those who believe, a special memento from Santa for each child. Wear your pajamas! More info

This Saturday night enjoy a local holiday tradition - caroling, photos with Santa, and the lighting of our town Christmas tree. Starts at 7 pm at Bryson City Bicycles parking lot on Everett Street.

Enjoy the magical lights of Whittier, NC (Exit 72 off Hwy 19/74). It doubles as the North Pole with the little church and homes lit up from top to bottom.

The old Appalachian Toymaker has set up shop across the street from the depot at The Storytelling Center. Watch him make traditional wooden toys and you might hear a story or two!

Enjoy our community theater's production of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott's classic story of the March sisters of Massachusetts. Performances at 7 pm on December 10, 11, 12, 13. 30 Main Street. More info

Christmas At The 1886 Old Mill. December 10-11 & 17-18. . Jewelry, native crafts, Cherokee baskets, candles, and more. 3082 U. S. 441- 1 mile south of Cherokee. 828-497-6536. More info

Music at the Performing Arts Center in Franklin. December 11 - Newsong featuring the Newsboys and Kerrie Roberts. December 17 - The legendary Oak Ridge Boys. More info

Arts & Crafts Show - December 11 in Stecoah. The Stecoah Gallery features the work of over 120 local artisans, and more than 20 local artisans will have displays on site. 10 am - 5 pm. Free activities for children ages 4 and up will be available from 11 am to 4 pm. More info

December 18 - A Holiday Homecoming at the outdoor Mountain Farm Museum. Demonstrations of old-fashioned crafts, live music, refreshments, and walking tours. Cherokee entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

And For New Years Eve ...

Fontana Village Resort New Year's Eve celebration featuring music, dinner, fireworks and a midnight toast. More info

Cherokee Fireworks Display The festivities kick off at 8 pm. Located at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. More info

New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Train First class seating in candlelit dining cars and delectable three-course dinners are a perfect match for the evening's entertainment, scenic vistas and starlit skies. More info

Lake Junaluska Hosts the 10th Annual Appalachian Christmas

Dec 10 at LAKE JUNALUSKA NC the 10th Annual Appalachian Christmas is a heartwarming musical celebration of the season with Ricky Skaggs and his talented family sharing songs from "A Skaggs Family Christmas." In addition, the Lake Junaluska Singers will deliver an outstanding performance in Stuart Auditorium under the direction of Dr. Melodie Galloway. Persons will also enjoy the annual Appalachian Christmas Craft Show, which features items and crafts of local artists.

Annual Hometown Christmas this weekend in Saluda

Dec 10-11  Main Street in downtown Saluda NC will be decked out in all its Christmas lights when hosting the annual  Hometown Christmas. Sponsored by the Saluda Business Association, this long-standing tradition has become a way for Saluda residents to come together and celebrate the holiday season. Businesses and shops are open from 6-8 PM and serve holiday refreshments while local musicians perform.

Burnsville Landmark Inn offers "Choose and Snooze" Christmas Tree Package

The "Choose and Snooze" getaway package at Burnsville's historic Nu Wray Inn combines overnight lodging with a trip to the Sugar  Plum Christmas Tree Farm. Choose and cut your own Frasier Fir Christmas Tree, enjoy a hayride and browse the Farm's outstanding Christmas Shop.

Nu Wray Inn is a landmark Inn, established in 1833, which has provided Southern hospitality in its comfortable rooms for generations of travelers, including; Mark Twain, Thomas Wolfe, Elvis Presley and Christopher Reeve. Relax on a front porch rocking chair sippin' sweet tea or enjoy our special gardens. Located on the main square within walking distance to restaurants, shops and activities. Nearby fishing, hiking, horseback riding, tubing and swimming in the famous Toe and Cane Rivers. Rates include family-style breakfast.

A Christmas Carol at The Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville

See the "Classic Christmas Carol" December 16 - 18 presented by Burnsville's Parkway Playhouse.  The combination of faithful storytelling, a score of classic Christmas music, and spellbinding stage magic bring to life the familiar story of a miserly sinner given one last chance at redemption by some persuasive ghosts. Ebeneezer Scrooge goes through a miraculous transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present, and future.

Tickets are available now for this family holiday classic. The production features a score of familiar holiday classics, a large cast, and of course Ebenezer Scrooge (portrayed by Parkway Playhouse veteran Bruce Chuvala). Performances are at 7:30pm on December 16, 17, and 18 at the Tomberlin Auditorium at Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 828-682-4285, or  visiting the WINTER BOX OFFICE IN THE MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER (LOCATED DIRECTLY ACCROSS THE STREET FROM THE THEATRE)

Free Shipping on Handmade Mountain Crafts until Christmas!

From now until Christmas, your order from the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree of $25 or more is eligible for free shipping!  Order online 24 hours a day for beautiful handcrafted gifts from the mountains of North Carolina and have your gifts shipped for you...FREE!  Your purchase supports over 100 local crafts entrepreneurs as well as our Foundation's scholarship fund for local students.  Thank you for supporting the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree!

HOME OF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE  Project  has created nearly 100 individual small businesses that have produced quality, handmade products as part of the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree collection. Locally handcrafted products are available in the shop or online and include: Furniture, Lighting, Rugs, Textiles (Top of Bed, Quilts, Kitchen and Bath), Decorative Accessories, Home Fragrance, Cookware, Food, Christmas, Pottery, Wood, Glass, Children’s Toys.

Highlands Welcomes Christmas this weekend with snow flurries and a parade

The Highlands Annual Christmas Parade is tomorrow morning at 11AM on Main Street. Light accumulations of snow are predicted for Saturday night and Sunday. What a GREAT weekend in Highlands to put you in the Christmas Spirit!

Winter is  a wonderful time to visit Highlands with the invigorating mountain weather and special rates and packages offered by many Highland Inns and cabin rentals. Find Winter Escapes at Mitchell's Lodge and Cottages beginning at $59 per week night for Deluxe Rooms with a gas log fireplace, wet bar, private balcony with rocking chairs and daily continental breakfast. At  HIGHLANDS RENTALS  you may choose from: the cozy Stone’s Throw log cabin less than ½ mile to Highlands or a quaint mountain Lakeview cottage w/ beautiful view of Lake Sequoyah or the contemporary Mountain view cabin tucked in the woods with 10 acres. Rates begin at $95+nt, $695+wk - Enter to win a free week at Highlands Rentals. The Chambers Agency has an inventory of 80+ vacation rentals in and around Highlands NC in every style and price range from 1 - 6 bedrooms and mountain cabins to close-in condos.

Highlands NC is known for the quality of its cultural activities and its charming downtown shops. The Highlands Playhouse is an equity theater with four or five productions during the summer season. Highlands NC restaurants are among the finest in Western North Carolina - and that's quite an accomplishment! Stay a weekend, a week or an entire season and enjoy golf, mountain  hiking, biking, canoeing and river rafting or ongoing art exhibits, events and workshops at the Bascom Art Center.

Choose and Cut Christmas Trees: West Jefferson

With the start of Choose & Cut and the lighting of the town Christmas Tree, West Jefferson was busy this last weekend with folks feeling festive! CLICK HERE for a few photos from some of the activities - Choose & Cut, Rudolph & Frosty, Santa, Fire truck rides, Mrs. Claus, Farmers' Market and more!

Ashe County has had more National Champion Christmas Trees than any other County in the Nation, the honor of which is to supply the tree for the nation's capital during the Christmas holidays. Christmas trees are our business! Visit the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association Website to download a map of Choose & Cut growers in the county as well as learn tree care and selection tips.

Tryon Christmas Strol this Friday

Dec 3 at 5 PM head for Tryon NC and the Best Ever Annual Downtown Tryon Christmas Stroll. Visit Trade Street businesses for hot drinks and treats and watch performances of Dance Dynamics, the Community Chorus and Tryon Presbyterian Choir, Tryon First Baptist Bell Choir, Tryon Methodist Choir, Polk County High Band and surprises from 5 to 7:30 PM.

• Lori Corda and Ride With Daddy Band at Nina Simone Plaza between 5 & 7 PM
• Christmas tree lighting by old St Luke's Thrift Shop plaza at 5:45
• Visit Santa at the North Pole from 6 to 7:30
• Bonfire with marshmallows, caroling and merry making begins at 7:30 at Bravo/Thompson on Palmer Street (below Trade)

Christmas Shopping Update from Asheville's Grove Arcade

Downtown Asheville's Grove Arcade is a spectacular setting to celebrate the holidays and this year you can purchase locally grown, fresh-cut Fraser fir Christmas trees on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by and let Steven Tingle help you find the perfect tree from his family farm in Cruso. Tingle will be selling from the Portico Market at the corner Battery Park and O.Henry Avenue.

Brother Wolf Rescue is teaming up with the merchants of the Grove Arcade to provide a special holiday Gift Wrapping service for downtown shoppers this season. Bring your gifts to the Arcade on Saturday, December 11, and Saturday, December 18, from noon until 5 p.m. and have them wrapped for a nominal fee. The Arcade is providing the materials, and Brother Wolf is providing the talented wrappers. All proceeds will benefit Brother Wolf Rescue, a local organization dedicated to the rescue of animals of all sorts who need our help to survive.

Winter Wonderland Continues a display of entries from the National Gingerbread House Competition, live holiday music on the weekends, photos with Santa and special family events.

Suite 143 is the site of a special exhibition of artwork submitted for the Mountain Express holiday cover art contest. Entries will be displayed from December 1 to 19 with an opening reception taking place Friday, December 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. Artist Jason Probstein is working in Suite 143 creating beautiful handmade blown glass ornaments, a perfect holiday gift or memento of a trip to Asheville. Children attending the December 3 will receive a beautiful handmade glass candy canes created by Probstein as a souvenir of this event.

At Make Merry on December 4 and Make Merrier on December 18, you won't want to miss the Noon performances of a dramatic reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas that are sure to become a family tradition.

The Historic Grove Arcade is located at One Page Avenue in Asheville North Carolina

Annual Christmas Parade in Franklin NC

Nov 28 enjoy the Annual Franklin Christmas Parade. Franklin Business and Organizations participate to bring the  Annual Christmas Parade through Downtown Franklin NC. Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with floats, music and more! The parade ends with the entrance of Mr & Mrs. Santa Claus.

National Gingerbread Competition at the Grove Park Inn

November 17 - January 2 the 18th National Gingerbread House Competition takes place at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa with additional displays at the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. Hundreds of gingerbread houses crafted in 20 different states made their way to Asheville for competition and holiday display. Judges have picked winners and you can see the houses at both locations now through January 2.

Free Community Viewing Days are Monday-Thursday only. Resort Guests may view the display at anytime. "Stories of Gingerbread” Guided Tours allow you to go behind the scenes and get details about the construction of unusual entries and the workings of the judging, competition and display itself. Hour-long tours offered Wednesday-Saturday at 9am and 3pm Adults - $10 Children 12 & under - $5.

With “Baking Memories” Gingerbread Cookie Workshops you will ump into the spirit of the gingerbread season with this newest activity offering! Participants will be able to create their own gingerbread cookie masterpieces with the help of our Grove Park Inn chefs and staff. Workshop offered Wednesday-Saturday at 10:30am and 1:30pm Just $10 per participant, includes a sweet take-home treat.

photos by Peak Productions for The Grove Park Inn

'The Polar Express' Boards in Bryson City

Nov 11 - 14   'The Polar Express'  comes to life when the train departs Bryson City  NC for a journey to a special North Pole. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. Daily departure times vary. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum! Event runs through December 23.

Christmas at Biltmore

November 5 through January 2 Biltmore offers its annual Christmas magic. Enjoy America's largest home decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias; miles of evergreen garland; thousands of ornaments, tinsel, and beading; and a magnificent 35-foot Fraser fir with the largest ornaments you've ever seen. It's a classic symbol of Christmas in a way you've never experienced. Organ music fills the grand Banquet Hall and First Floor during Christmastime to imbue guests with an elated holiday feeling.

Annual Christmas Esquestrian Tour

Nov 28   9:00AM - 4:00PM  TRYON NC.   FENCE Barn Tour - Visit some of the most beautiful equestrian sites in the foothills area, all especially decorated for the holidays! All proceeds benefit FENCEs nature education and outdoor recreation programs. This self-guided tour is a great way to welcome in the holiday season!