Winter Events
2021 Holidays in Highlands
It is that time of the year to take things slow. Slow down, breath in nature's sweet fragrance; enjoy the chirping of the birds and the serene moments with family and friends. May the magical feeling of Christmas surround you this holiday season.
Take a glimpse at Holidays in Highlands through this video.
November 27th - January 2022
LIGHT UP THE PARK
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 share candy canes and hot chocolate waiting for the program to begin. It's coming together to share traditions of reading the Christmas story, singing carols and wait for it..... Santa arrives and Lights the Park with millions of twinkling lights! There is a sense of magic at the first blink of twinkling Christmas lights and that magic will happen at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park starting 6pm on November 27th. Evenings set amongst the softly lit trees of the park, joy and laughter from the ice skating rink, it's all available for you throughout the holiday season.
November 27th - December 24th
TRIM OUR TOWN
The downtown Christmas Season in Highlands also launches with Trim Our Town on November 27th. The event is a storefront decorating contest and is a People’s Choice award! As a voter you can win a $200 gift card by participating. Watch for the poster at participating stores and vote online for your favorite storefront!
If you are looking for a present for your family, just want to make them happy, or just want to make yourself happy.... the stores are decked and full of the most endearing gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Spend the day shopping, lunching (with a special holiday drink) and end your day with ice skating. It's holiday bliss!
November 27th - December 24th
SANTA'S MAILBOX AT THE PARK
Santa and Mrs. Claus will have a special mailbox from the North Pole set up in the Kelsey Hutchinson Park this year. Be sure to write a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Claus for your Christmas wishes. Santa will be sneaking into the Park to get his mail from you. His mailing address is 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888
November 27th - December 24th
HOLIDAY PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Holiday photos bring back those special memories for years to come. Stop by Kelsey Hutchinson Park and you will find the elves have decorated Santa's sleigh for the holidays and your perfect photo opportunity! No worries if the photographer wants to be in the photo too, you'll find Highlanders are a very friendly bunch and can snap a shot of the whole group!
December 4th
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 your family, friends and neighbors and join the merry making on Main Street for this long standing Highlands Christmas tradition. The parade begins at 10:30am, don't be late!
Download Parade Entry Applications
2022 Winter in Highlands
Walk behind an icy waterfall, ice-skate just off Main Street, and go snow tubing or skiing in Highlands, NC. The hot chocolate is creamy, the fireplace is crackling - so plan your trip now!
January 29 - 30th
SNOW FEST at 4118
Cold-weather magic front and center, featuring everything from twinkly lights and winter fun. Jan 29th and 30th is Highlands first annual Snow Fest. The event is for those of us who are adventurous and unfazed by the blustery wind and temps, and an outdoor activity is just the ticket to fight off those wintertime blues.
Put on your best winter coat and mittens for 2 adventurous days of snowballs, ice slides, a merry go round, smores, snow-ga and more at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The Festival will be open Saturday, January 29th from 10am – 9pm and Sunday, January 30th from 10am – 5pm.
Avoiding the cold may cause you to miss out on some of the most authentic and festive events in Highlands, NC mark your calendar now.
