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.
Friday, December 9 from 4 to 8 pm.
Click here to open the map in a separate tab to save for reference!
Special guest appearances
Get photos with Santa Claus and Chilly & Crystal (the WinterFest snow pals). Look for them around town! 4-8pm.
Performances
Catch the Carolina Snowbelles in various spots downtown! Meet & Greets follow each mini performance (about 10-15 minutes)- just join them inside before they head to the next location. Here’s their schedule:
1- 5:00pm at Monkee’s of Blowing Rock
2- 5:30pm at the Martin House
3- 6:00pm at High Country Woodworks
4- 6:30pm at Memorial Park (Meet & Greet in the park)
5- 7:00pm at Blowing Rock Market
Look for strolling carolers from the Blowing Rock Garden Club, too, and join them in song.
Pop Up Art Market & Mini Food Truck Court at First Baptist Church
Join the Watauga Arts Council at Blowing Rock First Baptist Church on Sunset Drive for an outdoor Pop-Up Market with local artists! Work at the pop-up will include prints and cards by Rachael Salmon Photography; ceramics and pottery by The Burr Nest; stained glass by Gala Crafts; prints, cards, and stickers by Designs by Tris; jewelry and paintings by Hannah Dick and Maya Shuler; leather goods by Evenlight Eagles; and paintings by Ashley Weinstein.
Holiday strollers will also find local food trucks Egg Rollin’, and Betty’s Biscuits, plus hot chocolate from The Salvation Army. 4-8pm.
Santa & Friends at Blowing Rock Antiques
Check out more fun on Sunset Drive at Blowing Rock Antiques, where they’re hosting additional activities and food! Santa Claus will be there with some of his elves. Kids can get photos with Santa and some FREE Christmas & holiday face painting from the elves!
El Rincon Mexican Restaurant will be selling homemade tamales (chicken, beef, and vegetable) along with homemade Mexican Hot Chocolate. Get a fresh wreath or garland of magnolia, boxwood, Frasier fir, and mixed greenery from Fishel Farms of Grassy Creek, NC. They will have some fresh cut trees, too! Don’t miss Cottonwood Hand Made Leather gifts by Cole Avery and scented soy candles by Firelight Candle Company, both local ventures. 3-7pm
Event parking is available in the lot next to the food trucks, and across the street in the Church’s additional gravel lot.
More Free Activities
Holiday Docent Tours at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (with hot cider to take with you afterward). 4-8pm
Kid’s Crafts in Memorial Park with the Watauga Arts Council. 4-7pm
Story Time at the Blowing Rock Library – Enjoy readings of holiday stories! 4-5pm
Self-guided tours of the 1888 Museum and Edgewood Cottage Museum, through 8pm
The Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort. Drive through and walk among the lights to wrap up your evening! 5:30-9pm
Tasty Treats
Hellbender Bed & Beverage is featuring a special Peppermint Hot Chocolate just for the Holiday Stroll! Non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions will be available.
Be sure to stop by Blue Deer on Main for their special holiday flavor combo: Peppermint ice cream sandwiched between Double Chocolate cookies!
Looking for a hot coffee drink? Camp Coffee will be open till 8pm!
Stroll by Storie Street Grill for service by the door: delicious puff pastries and coffee for purchase.
Indulge in a Bubbles Flight at Cafe Violette, offered for the Holiday Stroll. Enjoy a delicious set of bubbly wines paired with light hors d’oeuvres ($35) on the warm and cozy porch on Main Street.
Famous Toastery will be offering extended hours and a special menu!
Enjoy a meal or beverage at one of our local restaurants or coffee shops! Make a reservation for timing that suits your evening and appetite.
Shops open late!
Stop in to warm up and wrap up your holiday shopping at our local stores! Many are offering snacks and refreshments to celebrate the season, and you’ll find some sales, too.
Artwalk: find treats and sales on select items
Bee & the Boxwood- Blowing Rock– holiday sale and seasonal refreshments
Blowing Rock Antiques: You don’t want to miss the fun here with Santa, kid’s activities, and hot drinks and treats!
Blowing Rock Market: catch the Carolina Snowbelles performance at 7pm!
Bolick & Traditions Pottery: holiday sale!
BRAHM Gift Shop: hot cider served for taking with you when you depart- don’t miss the holiday tours!
Cabin Fever– sales on select categories
Common Good Co.- Blowing Rock: Browse the shop while enjoying a holiday beverage and treats.
Footsloggers- Blowing Rock– sales on select categories
Funky Tulip: with festive treats and a store-wide sale!
Gilded Lily by Patra: holiday refreshments and seasonal sales
Gregory Alan’s: enjoy tasty snacks while you browse.
High Country Candles: get a fun photo outside their shop at their holiday scene!
High Country Wood Works– holiday refreshments inside
J. McLaughlin: enjoy refreshments and sales on select items
J.W. Tweeds: sales on select seasonal items and holiday refreshments
Kilwins on Main Street: Open late with delicious fudge and ice cream
Last Straw: seasonal sales
Monkees of Blowing Rock: enjoy 20% off storewide + sips and treats! (sale excludes Vintage)
Mountain Thread Company: meet & greet with the Carolina Snowbelles following their performance at 5:15!
my mountain home: try their holiday sangria and savories, and enter a $50 store credit giveaway (must register in the shop)!
Mustard Seed Home: 20% off the entire store!
Narrow Path Provision Co.: see their new location and enjoy refreshments while you shop.
neaco: Pop in for a sip of their famous Holiday Cosmo!
Oliver’s on Main: holiday refreshments and a seasonal sale
Rustic: try hors d’oeuvres made with their Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars, wine, various sale items, and the chance to win a $50 gift certificate (must enter to win at the store).
Serves You Right!-serving chocolate martinis as well as another holiday martinis for the grown ups and apple cider for the kids. Munchies too! 20% off all non-sale items from 4:00 – 8:00pm only for the Holiday Stroll!
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Blowing Rock: Serving up their favorite gourmet refreshments.
Sunset Tee’s & Hattery: select categories on sale
Sunset & Vine: curated wine flights are available during the event!
Take Heart : fresh wreaths will be available!
Tazmaraz: enjoy more refreshments here, plus a store-wide sale.
We’re Good Sports: have a snack while you browse
Wild Birds Galore: seasonal sale and refreshments for shoppers
For more information, call the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority at 828-295-4636.
More holiday activities and events can be found on our Holidays Page!
