Enjoy a nighttime train ride among thousands of dazzling lights, visit with Santa in his life-size gingerbread house, spin through the night on classic amusement rides, roast s'mores over an open fire, delight in home-made fudge, and find the perfect Christmas gift at one of our many retail shops.
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. As you drive or stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, “Rudolph” reeling in a big fish, strolling carolers and many more captivating holiday scenes.
At Home in Blowing Rock will be hosting an open house featuring two of their artists, Mar Startari and Beth Lyons. Head over to At Home in Blowing Rock to meet them and see their art.
This Holiday Market will include local crafts such as, ceramics, cupcakes, woodwork, candles, jewelry, and more! The Mustard Seed will also have a full selection of Holiday décor, gifts, Christmas trees, Holiday wreaths, garlands, and ornaments.
The Carolina Snowbelles Christmas made its debut in Washington DC at the world renowned Kennedy Center's Millennium Stages and is now the High Country's newest holiday tradition for the whole family. A Carolina Snowbelle Christmas is certain to feature something for everyone! From beloved classics like "Merry and Bright", "Sing" and "Like This" by The Carolina Snowbelles director Cheryl Cutlip.
Head over to the Blowing Rock Attraction to see Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturdays and Sundays starting November 30 and running through December 22nd. Children 12 and under are free with an accompanying adult.
BRAHM is excited to announce a series of Pop-Up Art and Craft Fairs to support area artisans recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene. In the aftermath of the storm, many fall events across the High Country were canceled, leading to a significant loss of income for local creators.
Head over to Gaines Kiker Silversmith where they will be hosting a celebratory open house. Be sure to congratulate them on 30 years in business! There will be light refreshments, new jewelry designs, and gems available for perusal.
Santa is coming to the Original Mast General Store. The store and the area surrounding it sustained damage during Hurricane Helene on September 27th. To bring some normalcy, hope, and holiday cheer to the area, the Mast Store will be hosting Santa again this year!
Come join the Band, Choral, and Orchestra programs of Watauga High School for their 4th Annual Holiday Kaleidoscope Concerts! See performances by the WHS Band, Honors Orchestra, Treble Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Choir, followed by a grand finale that includes every student involved in the WHS Music Department!
Celebrate the season as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns with the Creole Christmas concert series. Join as the band performs New Orleans classics as well as some of our best-loved holiday selections with a twist.
BRAHM is excited to announce a series of Pop-Up Art and Craft Fairs to support area artisans recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene. In the aftermath of the storm, many fall events across the High Country were canceled, leading to a significant loss of income for local creators.
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, and a number of special guests and activities will make the glowing streets even more festive.
Feeling festive at the Holiday Stroll? Head on over to Sunset & Vine to taste some excellent wines with their Holiday wine flights from 4-8pm. Must be 21 and up.
Head over to your favorite purple store, Take Heart, and grab a beautiful real wreath to adorn your doors or walls. They will be selling them all season, but come up for the Holiday Stroll and see them December 13 from 4-8 pm.
Rumple Presbyterian Church will be hosting a live Nativity scene during the town's Holiday Stroll on Friday, December 13 from 4-8pm. There will be real animals and they will be offering cookies and cider!
Santa will be skiing, riding, and talking with all the good boys and girls.
Come dressed head-to-toe as Mr. or Mrs. Santa Claus or one of Santa’s elves and receive a full day lift/slope ticket for $32.
The slopes will be open from 1 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, December 25. The day will serve as a fundraiser for Appalachian Ski Mtn’s ski patrol. Customers who purchase their tickets online before midnight on Dec. 24 will receive a 50 percent discount!
Join App Ski Mountain and ring in 2025 in style! Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, fireworks, and torchlight skiing.
A New Year's Eve celebration mountain style! Join us for a complimentary alpine torch light parade at 11:45 p.m. and a firework show at midnight.
Ring in an epic New Year on Monday, Jan. 1, with the first sunrise of 2025 — atop Grandfather Mountain. This special event will provide guests with the rare opportunity to visit the mountain outside of regular operating hours and on a holiday.
