NC Holiday Events: Christmas Parade in Asheville

November 17    66th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade   The parade begins at 11 AM with bands, dancing, characters, and of course, our Olympic Silver Medalist Grand Marshals, Lauren Tamayo and Manteo Mitchell.

Look for the patriotic float sponsored by Deerfield Retirement Community. Santa Claus himself will close the parade atop his float sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.

NC Holiday Events: Light Up Downtown in North Wilkesboro

November 16  Light Up Downtown - Annually, Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro kicks off the Holiday Season with the lighting ceremony soon after dusk. Main Street is filled with the lights, joys, smells, and sounds of Christmas. 

Santa will be in the lobby of Wilkes Towers ready for photos with the little ones. Local community groups take part in in providing hayrides, live entertainment, food, crafts, kids activities and more. 5:30 - 9 PM on Main Street in downtown.
 
There will be three stages throughout the downtown with entertainment. The first stage will be on 9th Street, the second stage will be on 10th Street at the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Park, and the third stage will be at Melody Square on 6th Street. 
 
Learn more about lodging, events and attractions in Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro NC.

Cataloochee Ski Area Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr Weekend

January 13-16   Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend at Cataloochee Ski Area    In addition to regular twilight and night skiing schedule of Tuesday through Saturday evenings, there will also twilight and night ski on Sunday, January 15.

Located in Maggie Valley NC,  Cataloochee Ski Area is North Carolina's First Ski Area and in recent years the first NC Ski Area to open for the season. Catalochee offers Smoky Mountain Skiing, Snowboard Riding and  Snow Tubing at Tube World.  Cataloochee offers 16 lighted slopes including the Cat Cage Terrain Park. With a variety of terrain for beginners to experts alike and over 4,000 sets of snowsports equipment, the Cataloochee experience includes something for everyone.  PSIA school instruction Intro to Skiing or Riding lesson is FREE with all ski and snowboard rentals any non-holiday Monday through Thursday.

Get a link for Cataloochee Ski Area and other
Maggie Valley attractions and lodging HERE

Easter Sunday Brunch in the NC Mountains

Easter Sunday Brunch is a tradition at many restaurants and Inns throughout the Western North Carolina. Many restaurants include fresh fruits and vegetables and products from local farms. There is something for every taste bud and diet including: smoked salmon, Chilled Shrimp, Raspberry Brie en Croute, Belgian Waffles, omelets, Grilled Asparagus, Field Greens Salad, Roasted Vegetable Medley, carved lamb and other meats, turkey, chicken,  and deserts such as a Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruit, Southern Coconut Cake, White Chocolate Banana Cream Tart and apple cobbler.

24 HENDERSONVILLE  Sunday Brunch at the Blue Note Grille

24 WAYNESVILLE  Easter Sunday Brunch at The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa
24 ASHEVILLE  Easter Day Brunch Buffet, The Blue Ridge Dining Room, Grove Park Inn

24 ASHEVILLE  Easter Day Brunch Buffet, The Sunset Terrace at the Grove Park Inn

24 ASHEVILLE  Easter Day Brunch Buffet, Horizens Dining Room at the Grove Park Inn

24 ASHEVILLE Easter Sunday Brunch at the Vanderbilt Room, Inn on Biltmore Estate

24 ASHEVILLE An Endless Buffet in a Charming Courtyard Setting, Deerpark Restaurant
24 HIGHLANDS Madisons at the Old Edwards Inn
24 BRYSON CITY Thirteen Moons Restaurant
24 LAKE LURE Lake Lure Inn and Spa
24 WEST JEFFERSON Frasers Easter Sunday Buffet 11 AM - 2:20 PM
24 WAYNESVILLE Grandview Lodge Easter Sunday Buffet - Reservations
24 MAGGIE VALLEY Easter Brunch Buffet at Maggie Valley Club & Resort
24 TRYON 3nd Annual Easter Sunday Buffet at the Mimosa Inn
24 SALUDA The Orchard Inn's Easter Sunday Brunch

Fine more Easter Events in the NC Mountains...

NC Mountain Easter Events

What is more beautiful than Springtime in the mountains? Celebrate Spring and Easter this weekend with a variety of egg hunts, outdoor activities and special events.

April 22 - 23   PeanutsTM - Easter Beagle  in Bryson City NC: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs from Bryson City and travels to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where refreshments are served. During the layover, children can seek out bunnies carrying brightly colored eggs. The excursion includes photo opportunities with read more...

April 22 - 23   The 17th annual spring plant sale  in Asheville NC:  Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association and held at Western North Carolina Farmers Market. In addition to locally grown plants of all kinds being for sale again this year, many handmade decorative read more...

April 23  The Fletcher Easter Egg Hunt in Fletcher (suburb of Asheville): The Easter Bunny arrives at Fletcher Community Park  for an egg hunt and read more...


April 23  The Annual Easter Hat Parade in Dillsboro NC: Bring your bonnet or make one there. Join the fun at Dillsboro’s delightfully unpretentious annual Easter Hat Parade! Come at 10 am to make a hat - or bring your own. Registration starts at 11 am and read more...


April 23  The Lake Junaluska Easter Celebration in Lake Junaluska NC:  The day begins with a Sunrise Service and moves on to other special Easter activities, including a 5K/10K Bunny Run and Fun Run, Easter Egg hunt, an egg painting contest and read more...


April 23  An Easter Egg hunt at Maggie Valley Club & Resort in Maggie Valley NC: Open to the public, but make reservations with the number of children and read more...


April 23 The  3rd Annual Grovewood Easter Egg Hunt in Asheville: The Grovewood Gallery and Grovewood Cafe host their 3rd Annual Grovewood Easter Egg Hunt for Children ages 2-9. Cookies and lemonade will be provided for hungry hunters. The Easter Bunny will be read more...


April 23   The  2nd All Go West Music Festival in Asheville NC: The Festival offers a wide array of musical talent, fashion, BBQ, and local Brew with limited tickets read more...


April 23   The Big Bad Bunny Urban Scavenger Hunt  in Asheville NC: Looking for a UNIQUE Easter Event? This is it. The event takes teams on a journey around downtown Asheville as they scavenge through the area’s history, culture, unique shops and community organizations in search of Super Bun and read more...


April 23   The Swain County COC Easter Egg Hunt in Bryson City NC:  Meet the Easter Bunny on the day before Easter! There will be two separate egg hunts: one for infants-age4, and one for ages 5-10. Find one of three special eggs for each age group and win a prize! Read more...


April 23  Spring Into the Park Family Fun Day at the Sandburg Home  in Flat Rock NC:

Performances by Asheville's Poetry Alive!, storytelling, kid-friendly house tours and activity stations. Young visitors will receive a schedule and activity guide upon arrival. This festival is part of national Junior Ranger Day, read more...

April 23  Easter Activities  in Lake Lure NC: Egg hunt, mini-golf, jelly bean count, races, Easter Bunny photos  and races and read more...

April 23 Easter Egg Hunt at John C Campbell Folk School in Hayesville NC: A community Egg hunt on the beautiful grounds of the folk school. Get details about John C Campbell FOlk School...

April 23 Greening Up the Mountains Festival in Sylva NC:  A Downtown Sylva street festival celebrating the arrival of spring in the mountains, as well as the greening of the environment. Read more...
April 23 the 65th Block House Steeple Chase in Tryon NC: Picnics, sundresses, elegant hats, tailgating and the excitement of thoroughbreds thundering on the track. The Block House is the longest running steeplechase in the state of North Carolina occurring continuously since 1947. 18,000 to 20,000 people attend the Block House Races and read more...

Find more Easter and NC Mountain Events...

Ashe Arts Center Celebrates Martin Luther King Day

The Ashe County Arts Council is sponsoring a community celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King at 7 PM today, Jan. 17 at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson.

The featured performer for this event will be Mike Wiley, an actor based in North Carolina who has performed over 10 years in theatre, film and television.  He will perform excerpts from The Parchman Hour commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Riders. In 1961, the original 13 riders boarded a bus in Washington, D.C. bound for New Orleans via Mississippi and Alabama. Over the course of the next three months, approximately 300 other riders took up the mantle and followed the path of those first brave few. Many were arrested and instead of posting bail, chose to serve sentences in one of the most brutal prisons in the south, Parchman Farm, proving the Freedom Riders and the movement to desegregate interstate travel would not be deterred. The Parchman Hour is a celebration of bravery and a call to action through remembrance.

Other highlights of the celebration will be students and community members reading essays, speeches and tributes highlighting the message of Dr. King and his teachings of peace, unity and equality in society. Special music will be presented by a community chorus under the direction of Diane Bryan-Leeper.

The Ashe Art Center is located at 303 School Ave, West Jefferson NC.

"Cut your own Christmas Tree" Specials at the Waynesville inn Golf Resort & Spa

Holiday Mountain Memories Package features a "cut your own Christmas tree experience". Make your next Christmas a very merry one by taking advantage of a unique Holiday Mountain Memories package. The package features accommodations for one night, Waynesville keepsake ornament, and North Carolina's best "cut your own Christmas tree experience". Christmas Tree Farm Package includes:

• One night accommodations for two adults (children stay free)
• $35 voucher towards your Christmas tree at Boyd's Tree Farm
• Waynesville, NC keepsake ornament
• Hot "High Country" breakfast buffet
• Complimentary room upgrade upon arrival

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa    offers two restaurants, 27-holes of championship golf, spa services, pool, tavern, pro shop, indoor & outdoor banquet space and pristine mountain views. 

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

Biltmore Offers Veterans Day Special

Get Biltmore Tickets at 25% off November 11-14. Veterans save 25% of regular daytime admission. Please purchase tickets at Biltmore's Reservations & Ticket Center.

BILTMORE, America's "Castle", was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions. Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens & grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

Memorial Day Free Rafting for Veterans

Carolina Outfitters Bryson City North Carolina. MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL: In honor of our Veterans, and in appreciation of their military service, Carolina Outfitters invites veterans and active duty military personnel to raft free on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend! Thank you, for your service to America. (Must have military ID or proof of service)

Easter Event: PeanutsTM - Easter Beagle

April 2-3, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City North Carolina. The special Easter train adventure eparts from Bryson City to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where refreshments are served. During the layover, children can seek out bunnies carrying brightly colored eggs. Photo opportunities with Snoopy, the Easter Beagle. http://www.gsmr.com/

The Luck of the Irish in Flat Rock

March 17, THE BACK ROOM RESTAURANT AT THE FLAT ROCK WINE SHOPPE  Flat Rock / Hendersonville North Carolina. Come celebrate "the Luck of the Irish" with us. The festivities start at 5PM with Irish Music, Irish Cuisine (Bangers & Mash, Guinness Stew, Bailey's Chocolate Mousse Pie and more - see the menu). No cover charge.

New Year's Eve Country Style

Dec 31, Mountain Music Jamboree, Glendale Springs NC. Enjoy the Blue Country Band, a great country music band for a grand New Year's Eve Celebration. Make your reservations today.  http://www.mountainmusicjamboree.com/

Over Easy with Kris Kringle

19, 9AM-11AM, Valley Cultural Arts Center,  Robbinsville NC.  Breakfast with Santa -  Kids of all ages eat breakfast with Santa; pictures with Santa will be offered to those interested. Reservations required. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, 121 Schoolhouse Road, 828-479-3364  http://www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

Christmas on the Farm

Dec 19-20, 10AM - 8PM, Lytle Farm, Marion NC. Experience life on the farm at Christmas! Christmas on the Farm is fun for the entire family. Santa Claus, hay rides, petting zoo, pony rides and refreshments - hot chocolate & cider. Pick out the perfect Christmas tree together with wreaths and garland. Local heritage craft artisans will demonstrate and sell their crafts. Evening bonfire, Christmas caroling and toasting marshmallows on the fire. No admission for the farm - individual activities priced separately. Call ahead to schedule groups of 10 or more. Email: christmasonthefarm@yahoo.com

Cherokee Christmas Parade

Dec 12, 5:30PM - 6:30PM, Begin at Big Bear Exxon, end at Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Cherokee NC. A Christmas procession with special Cherokee flair. Just the thing to get you in the holiday mood. Floats, bands, clowns, and more. This year’s parade theme is “The Gift.” Cash prizes awarded for 1st and 2nd place floats that best demonstrate the holiday theme http://www.cherokee-nc.com/

Celebrate Christmas Old Toxaway Style

Dec 12,  4PM - 7PM, The Ray House, Lake Toxaway NC. The Ray House, a craftsman-style home filled with antiques will be decorated with twelve Christmas trees and open for all to enjoy .  Hors-d'oeuvres with hot cider will be served. Tickets and directions are available at the Transylvania Heritage Museum, 40 W. Jordan St., Brevard, or reserve at 884-2347. $10/single, $15/couple, $20/family. Come enjoy and also support your local Museum in "Keeping History Alive."  Website: http://www.transylvaniaheritage.org

Music, Lights and Refreshments Highlight Saluda's Hometown Christmas

Dec 11, 6:30PM-8PM, Downtown Saluda NC. The town of Saluda celebrates the holidays with a Hometown Christmas in charming downtown Saluda. Refreshments and music will flow along Main Street, Across the Bridge, and up Greenville Street.A variety of musical offerings include dulcimer, Celtic Ensemble, Keyboard, Saluda School Chorus, Classical Strings and more located at different merchants and restaurants throughout the downtown area. Following the events at 8:15 an ecumenical service will be held at the Saluda Presbyterian Church.

Carson House Christmas Candlelight Tour

Dec 12-13, 6PM, 7PM, Historic Carson House, 805 Highway 70 West, Marion NC. Experience the holiday season as it was in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Candlelight tours with music, entertainment and Christmas shopping on the porch for unique gifts and decorations. Admission is $5.00 with no fee for children under the age of 12.

Built as a walnut log cabin in 1793, the home once served as a stagecoach inn and the seat of county government until the courthouse was constructed. This historic home and private, nonprofit museum is currently filled with unusual household and plantation artifacts. Don't miss the QUILT COLLECTION!  http://www.historiccarsonhouse.com/

Dillsboro Festival of Lights and Luminaries a Sight to See

Dec 11-12, 5PM-9PM, Downtown Dillosboro NC. The annual event begins at dusk the first two weekends in December. Dillsboro is aglow with thousands of Luminaires and twinkling lights adorning every business. The stores serve goodies and Santa has set up shop as well. The streets are alive with music, entertainment, and Christmas Cheer. Website: http://www.visitdillsboro.org