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Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves have been busy all year long making preparations for a month full of merry magic in our region. Christmastime in the Blue Ridge Mountains is already storybook perfect thanks to Mother Nature’s backdrop. Add twinkling lights, the Christmas spirit and special events, and your holiday heart is sure to be full. From sipping hot cocoa with neighbors to tubing down Seven Devils and continuing the tradition of visiting a nearby tree farm, there is family fun at every turn this time of year. In today’s post, we’re showcasing some of the region’s best and brightest holiday events. Keep reading for a handful of our favorite 2022 holiday events in Banner Elk, NC.
A Small Town Christmas
When it comes to Christmas traditions held dear for Elk River Club residents, A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk is full of must-see holiday magic. This year’s event will be held Dec. 2-4 at 185 Azalea Circle SE. The festivities kick off Friday evening with a tree lighting and holiday variety show at the Historic Banner Elk School.
Saturday is brimming with Christmas goodness with an impressive lineup that includes a 5K run, Breakfast with Santa, a candy cane hunt, storytelling, ornament making, cookie decorating, train rides through luminaries in the park, visits with Santa and a synchronized light show. It wouldn’t be Christmas without something special from Santa; holiday shopping is also a part of the festivities, with handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
It’s all about finding the perfect tree on the final day—Sunday is set aside for making trips to nearby tree farms. Be sure to visit the A Small Town Christmas website for the most up-to-date lineup, or call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-8395.
Beech Mountain Sledding Hill
Take the kids and grandkids for an afternoon of snow and sledding at Beech Mountain. As the “only municipal sledding hill in the southeast,” children ages 12 and under can’t get enough of this action-filled attraction (adults are welcome to accompany preschoolers on sleds). The hill opens on Nov. 24 and runs through Feb. (weather permitting). View hours and more on the Beech Mountain website.
SugarFest at Sugar Mountain
Adventure seekers, mark your calendars for a Weekend of Winter Fun from Dec. 9-11 at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. Check out the latest ski and snowboard equipment from your favorite brands and participate in the pre-season ski clinic. Groove to your favorite holiday sounds with live music from Glen Harlow & North Fork band and watch the dazzling fireworks show on Saturday evening. Fill your belly with festive food and drinks, such as their hot chocolate & whipped cream bar, soup safari, bbq and sweet tea lunch and dinner, and more. Learn more about SugarFest on the Sugar Mountain website.
Christmas Parades
Add some sparkle to your December with Beech Mountain’s “A Very Beary Christmas Parade,” planned for Dec. 22 from 4 pm – 6 pm. The festivities begin at the Beech Mountain Ski Resort and travel to the White Wolf Lodge. Festivities conclude at Town Hall with Santa’s Workshop, with activities for the little ones, cookies and hot chocolate and photos with Santa. Boone, Sparta, Wilkesboro and neighboring towns will have Christmas parades as well—check the High Country Host website for information as it becomes available.
Christmas Festivities at Apple Hill Farm
Apple Hill Farm is a family-owned, mountaintop alpaca farm in Banner Elk; visitors to this working farm are able to see alpacas, llamas, angora goats and more. From Nov. 18-Jan. 1, the farm is decorated for the holiday season and open for educational tours.
Elk River Club is a private mountain golf community in Western North Carolina with the first Signature Jack Nicklaus golf course in the state. Residents and guests enjoy surrounding views of Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain. Amenities include an Equestrian Center, a private, on-premise airport, Har-Tru tennis courts, a pool complex, spa services, Clubhouse, casual and fine dining, fishing, events and more.
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