Mark your calendar!
Ice Skating in the Park
Thursday, November 19 through February 28
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
Highlands Parks and Recreation brings the ice rink back to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park this winter, with skating from opening day into early March, weather permitting. Regular hours are:
Thursdays 3:30-8pm
Fridays 3:30-10pm
Saturdays 1-10pm
Sundays 1-5pm
Look for extended hours during Thanksgiving week and Christmas break, plus a New Year’s Eve skate from 1pm to 1am. Admission is $8 with or without skates, and hot drinks are available to warm your hands between laps. See the rink schedule.
Holiday Market at The Bascom
October 31 through December 26
Each holiday season, The Bascom fills its galleries with handcrafted gifts from local and regional artists: ceramics from its own studio members, along with glass, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, books and cards. Little ones can write letters to Santa, make ornaments to take home and explore the SmART Space, while the Gingerbread House Workshop and holiday classes give everyone a reason to stay awhile. Hot chocolate is on hand while you shop. Holiday Market details and workshops.
Small Business Saturday in Downtown Highlands
Saturday, November 28
11am-4pm in Downtown Highlands
Spend Small Business Saturday in downtown Highlands, with an afternoon of holiday happenings from one end of town to the other. Collect treats along the Cookie Crawl, catch live music at Town Square and stop by The Bascom for face painting. Little ones can gather for a holiday story at Hudson Library, and everyone can watch a sculptor carve ice right on Town Square.
Between stops, a strolling quartet plays along the sidewalks, and local shopkeepers and restaurateurs will be ready to welcome you for the holiday weekend. It’s a lovely day to find a gift with a story behind it.
- 11am-4pm: Cookie Crawl
- 12:30-2:30pm: Music at Town Square
- 1-3:30pm: Face Painting at The Bascom
- 1-2pm: Story Time at Hudson Library
- 2:30-3:30pm: Strolling Quartet
- 3-4pm: Ice Carving at Town Square
Light Up the Park & Main
Saturday, November 28
6-8pm in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
As evening falls, neighbors and visitors gather in Founders Park for carols, treats and a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by the Mayor. Santa rolls in on a fire truck, and together we light up downtown Highlands for the season.
Santa in the Park
Friday, November 27 and Saturdays, December 5, 12 & 19
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
- Friday, November 27 | 11am-3pm
- Saturday, December 5 | After the parade until 3pm
- Saturday, December 12 | 11am-3pm
- Saturday, December 19 | 11am-3pm
Santa visits Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on select days from 11am to 3pm, arriving a little later on parade day. Children can drop their wish lists in the special mailbox in the park, and Santa collects the letters during each visit.
Highlands Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 5
Beginning at 10am along Main Street
Marching bands, llamas, camels, handmade floats and Santa himself make their way down Main Street for the Highlands Christmas Parade, a free tradition organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
Community groups and businesses are invited to join the lineup. Submit a parade application by noon on November 16
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 12
Beginning at 8:30am at Highlands United Methodist Church
Start the season with Breakfast with Santa at Highlands United Methodist Church. Kids enjoy a hearty breakfast, a visit with Santa and photos among the twinkling decorations. Suggested donation is $10 per family. Call (828) 526-3376 to reserve your spot.
Lighting of the Menorah
Celebrate Hanukkah with the Lighting of the Menorah. One candle lights the first night, with more each evening until all eight shine, symbolizing light’s triumph over darkness.
*Dates and times are subject to change*