Holiday & Winter Events 2023
Our complete event calendar may be found here.
It is that time of the year to take things slowly. Breathe in nature's sweet fragrance, enjoy serene and joyous moments with family and friends, and let the magic of the season surround you in Highlands. Experience the wonder of walking behind an icy waterfall, outdoor ice skating in our park, snow tubing or skiing down a mountain slope. No matter how you immerse yourself in the season, a crackling, stone fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate surely is near-by.
Take a glimpse at Holidays in Highlands through this video and mark your calendar for our seasonal events!
All events are free and open to the public, and all are made possible by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. Pets are welcome but should be leashed. For more information, call the Highlands Welcome Center at 828-526-2112 or email events@highlandschamber.org.
Light Up the Park & Main
Saturday, November 25, from 6 - 8 p.m. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
Santa leads this celebration as the sparkling holiday lights turn on for the first time in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and along Main Street.
This event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.
Trim Our Town 
Voting begins November 26. Winners will be announced December 24.
This storefront decorating contest draws creative entries along and near Main St. to be enjoyed by all. Anyone will be allowed to vote online for their favorite display for a chance to win a gift card. Better yet, holiday shoppers can make everyone on their list happy with gifts purchased from local Highlands merchants. Prizes are presented to local businesses who win a People’s Choice Award.
Highlands Olde Mountain Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2, from 10:30 a.m. - 12p.m. along Main Street.
What better way to kick off the holiday season than by an old-fashioned, small-town parade?
This free event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.
Santa in the Park
Saturdays in December in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
Santa will take his place at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park each Saturday during December. Come share your wish list!
This free event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.
Santa will also periodically sneak into the park to retrieve letters placed in a special mailbox from the North Pole! Stop by the park any time to drop off letters or see the festive decorating of Santa's sleigh by his elves -- and be sure to take a few photos!
Snow Fest @ 4118
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Saturday, January 27 & Sunday, January 28, 2024 | Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
Bring friends and family for guaranteed winter fun (courtesy of snow blowers, if needed) at an elevation of 4,118 feet. A snowball toss, a snow tube merry-go-round, a snow slide, an ice-skating rink and more will be waiting. Watch our video for more! You'll have Snow Much Fun - don't miss it!
