Holiday Glow Time in Blowing Rock

Holiday Glow Time

From Thanksgiving to the New Year Blowing Rock transforms into a warm, glowing, picturesque town full of Holiday cheer. In this Rockwellian town, the glow of festive lights and holiday hospitality bring warmth to the chilly days and nights. Enjoy memorable holiday activities and events and a twinkling, yuletide village throughout the holiday season! Blowing Rock’s Holiday Glow Time season kicks off with Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town on Friday, November 25.

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Holiday Activities

Christmas Dining In Blowing Rock

Are you planning to spend your Christmas Holiday in Blowing Rock? The Christmas week is a great time for family celebration in Blowing Rock. Go skiing or ice skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain, enjoy small town charm in the village, stay in a unique inn or cabin, and take in the crisp winter air and scenes.

Mustard Seed Market Presents 3rd Annual Artisan Holiday Market

The event will include 22 local vendors and artisans with unique crafts including local artwork, ceramics, cupcakes, woodwork, candles, jewelry, and more.

VOTE: Best Holiday Window Display

For the 2022 Holiday Glow Time season, we’ve decided to spice things up with a little competition. This year our shops are competing for the title of “Best Holiday Glow” for the Holiday Stroll! Take a look at the pics in the poll, decide who did it best, and cast your vote.

Fireside Drinks & Dining in Blowing Rock

As the temperatures drop and the Holiday Season draws near, what could be better than enjoying a cocktail and a meal next to a toasty fire? We’ve made a list of restaurants that offer fireside drinks or dinner that are sure to entice you to brave the cold.

The Elf on the Shelf Magical Scavenger Hunt at Tanger Outlets

Tanger Outlets Blowing Rock is once again partnering with The Lumistella Company, makers of the globally-recognized brand The Elf on the Shelf® to get shoppers into the festive spirit this holiday season.

Holiday Stroll in Blowing Rock

Join us in Blowing Rock for the Holiday Stroll, a celebration of winter and the Christmas season in December. It’s like a town-wide holiday open house! Shops are open late, many with special deals just for the season!

Friday, December 9 from 4 to 8 pm. Enjoy an evening of Holiday shopping in downtown Blowing Rock with winter lights, Santa Clause, and Carolers!

Crazy Christmas at Mystery Hill

Mystery Hill is offering unique experiences for Christmas such as the Elf Hunt to save Christmas! They are also offering the Yeti Attack, Lumberjack Hill, Professor Finnegan’s Old Time Christmas Photos, a Christmas Light Walk, and The Christmas Cube.

Christmas in the Park

Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town celebration is an annual holiday event that you are sure to love. Join us for games, music and caroling, and visits with Santa. Hot chocolate will be available from local vendors right next to the park, too!

Tweetsie Christmas

Back for 2022! Enjoy the wonder of the Tweetsie Railroad dazzlingly lit for the holidays! The train ride will feature thousands of lights on its open-air route. Dress warmly to enjoy this special treat. See Santa in his Ginger Bread House, warm up to a campfire at the Hacienda, enjoy the lights on Main Street and the Christmas trees, visit the shops, and more.

Festival of Trees Event

The Festival of Trees has become a much-anticipated event in the High Country! Again in 2022, The Western Youth Network (WYN) is taking the Festival of Trees out into the community! Look for the designer-decorated trees in local businesses and bid on your favorites.

Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort

Chetola Resort features a sparkling display of lights each winter season! The “Festival of Lights” is free and open to the public, and you are invited to enjoy thousands of dazzling illuminations throughout the resort.

High Country Snow Sports

Did you know there are three ski resorts in the High Country? And a snow tubing park! All season long, they supplement natural snowfall and maintain awesome conditions for your enjoyment. The snow sports season generally runs through Mid- March. When there’s a natural snowfall, Blowing Rock is an excellent location for snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

Wood-Fired Kiln Opening

Each year, the folks at Traditions Pottery Studio, just south of Blowing Rock, host a special event they call the Thanksgiving Kiln Opening. Always on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it has become a major day for pottery collectors and fans of traditional Appalachian pieces.

Winter Hiking

If you want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, or witness snowy top scenery, put on your boots and head out to some of our spectacular trails. Hiking during our winter months can be a great time to explore our mountains and provides a totally different experience. ...

Choose & Cut Christmas Trees

Starting mid-November, area tree farms are ready to help you find your perfect tree. Walk among the rows to find just the right height, width, and type! Local farms specialize in the well-loved Frasier Fir, but you can also find White Pine and Blue Spruce trees, wreaths, and garlands at farms in the High Country.

Snow Sports and the Holidays!

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock delivers with snowy slopes and outdoor ice skating for the holidays! Enjoy a variety of slopes and exciting terrain parks at this family-friendly resort.

Thanksgiving Day Dining

Several restaurants and eateries in Blowing Rock will be open on Thanksgiving Day to welcome you! Reservations are required at most. Follow the links provided for more information on each restaurant.

Ring in the New Year in Blowing Rock, NC

What better place to ring in the New Year than the vibrant Village of Blowing Rock? From winter hiking and skiing to shopping, family attractions, amazing views, creative restaurants, and a variety of accommodations, Blowing Rock is the perfect destination to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023!

Gift Guide: Our Favorite Things

Blowing Rock shops are featuring unique items and great deals for the 2022 Holiday Season! Join us this season to find gifts for those special people in your life. Links and contact information are provided for each shop.

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Holiday Events

Find out more

Looking for a place to stay? Check out the Lodging Packages page, where you’ll find some great seasonal offerings. Speaking of lodging- a gift card for a getaway at cozy inn is a thoughtful present for the person who has everything!