Holiday Logo

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 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Bascom (@thebascom)

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! Click HERE to learn more. 
 

Light Up the Park & Santa in Highlands 
Saturday, November 30 
6-8pm 

A crowd of people at Highlands' Christmas tree lighting.

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! Get tickets HERE.
 

2024 Olde Mountain Christmas Parade 
Saturday, December 7 
10am-12pm 

Santa Parade

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. Get tickets HERE.
 

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! For more information go to www.highlandsmethodist.org
 

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
 

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. Get tickets HERE.