Spending winter in Highlands feels like stepping into a holiday movie. Picture a small town with Christmas lights, decorated storefronts, cozy restaurants, welcoming hotels, and friendly faces. The holiday season in Highlands is a great time to come together and enjoy activities for the whole family. Annual events like Light Up the Park and the Highlands Christmas Parade are perfect for celebrating the season and making memories in our mountain town. Here’s what you can look forward to this holiday season!
Holiday Market
November 2 – December 28
The Bascom’s Holiday Market opens its doors from November 2 through December 28, offering a festive experience for all ages. The space transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with unique, handcrafted gifts perfect for everyone on the holiday list, from children to adults.
Beyond shopping, the Holiday Market invites visitors to enjoy a variety of seasonal activities. From holiday-themed workshops and a Santa Letter Writing Station to Kids Make-and-Take Ornaments and creative fun in the SmART Space, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the holiday photo selfie station, a perfect way to capture memories of the season!
Light Up the Park & Santa in Highlands
Saturday, November 30
6-8pm
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park becomes the center of holiday cheer as the community gathers for an evening that captures the spirit of the season. The park starts out dark, filled with the warm hum of excitement as families sip hot chocolate and share candy canes, waiting for the festivities to begin. The night features timeless traditions—reading the Christmas story, singing carols, and, most magical of all, Santa’s arrival to light up the park with millions of twinkling lights. This first glow brings a special magic to Highlands, and visitors can experience that wonder all season long. The park’s softly lit trees, the sounds of joy from the ice-skating rink, and a festive atmosphere invite everyone to make lasting holiday memories.
Home for the Holidays
December 6-22
This holiday season, Highlands comes alive with Home for the Holidays: Sounds of the Season, a cherished tradition from Mountain Theatre Company. This 90-minute performance is new but features festive songs, dazzling costumes and original holiday arrangements. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends, soak in the festive atmosphere, and make lasting memories here in Highlands!
2024 Olde Mountain Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7
10am-12pm
The Highlands Christmas Parade, is a small-town holiday tradition you won’t want to miss! As bands, camels, and festive floats arrive, Main Street fills with holiday cheer and excitement. Gather family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy this annual celebration filled with music, costumes, and Christmas spirit. The parade kicks off at 10am so be sure to arrive early and find a great spot to watch the magic unfold!
Christmas Barbecue Lunch
Saturday, December 7
11:30am-1:30pm
After the Christmas Parade, keep the festive spirit going with a delicious pork BBQ lunch at the Church of the Incarnation! Enjoy great food for a great cause, as proceeds support the Highlands Emergency Council and Highlands Childcare Development Center. Don’t miss this community tradition! For more info, visit incarnationwnc.org or call 828-526-2968.
Fireside at the Farm
Thursday, December 12
6-8pm
Get ready for the return of Fireside at The Farm: A Holiday Evening with Mike Kinnebrew! Join us at The Farm for a cozy, festive evening as holiday melodies fill the air, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. With his warm, heartfelt performance style, Mike Kinnebrew—a Highlands favorite—brings the magic of the season to life, making it a night you won’t want to miss. Experience the charm of this talented singer-songwriter and let the spirit of the holidays surround you.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 14
8:30am
Start your holiday season with a pancake breakfast and a visit from Santa Claus at Highlands United Methodist Church! Bring the family to enjoy pancakes, warm syrup, and plenty of holiday cheer. Santa will be there to greet kids, making it a great chance to share wish lists and snap a festive photo. The breakfast is free for all, with donations welcomed to support community programs. Everyone is invited!
Christmas Bird Count
Friday, December 20
7:30pm
Hosted by the Highlands Audubon Society, this annual event contributes to a nationwide effort to document bird populations. Participants will team up for the day to record both the number of species and individual birds spotted. For more details, visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org.
HANDS Christmas Dinner
Wednesday, December 25
11am – 5pm
The annual Christmas Day Dinner is back, with all proceeds benefiting local nonprofit organizations in the area. This festive meal will be served on Christmas Day at the Highlands Country Club. Reservations will open on November 15. The event is organized by HANDS. Click here for more information.
Lighting of the Menorah
Wednesday, December 25
5:30pm
Hanukkah is an eight-day winter festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Each night, one candle on the giant menorah is lit, starting with the first candle on the first night and adding one more each night. By the eighth night, the menorah will be completely lit. The celebration will take place at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Fabulous Equinox Orchestra
December 30
7:30pm
A Pre-New Year’s Eve party and concert. Across America and around the world, audiences have fallen in love with the high-energy show. Inspired by the style and swagger of legendary entertainers the orchestra is making their own revisions to the Great American songbook including favorite melodies from recent history–a dash of Motown, a shot of Country, some folk and rock sprinkled on top–and the stories behind them. Organized by Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact ltrevathan@HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.
2024 Olde Mountain Christmas Parade
What happens when the bands, camels, and floats arrive in Highlands? An amazing small-town Christmas Parade that you don't want to miss! Gather all…
Light up the Park and Santa in Highlands
It's the moment children who are young and old have been waiting for all year! The park is dark but there is a hum of excitement as people gather and…
Holiday Market
Join us for The Bascom’s Holiday Market, where our space transforms into a festive wonderland! Explore a curated selection of unique, handcrafted…
Home for the Holidays
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Mountain Theatre Company at their newest holiday spectacular! Fun for all ages, this festive…