Winter Activities
Winter/Special Activities
Polar Express Runs from 11/10-12/31
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion that comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
18 Fry StPolar Express Runs from 11/10-12/31
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion that comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS™, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.
Winter Wonderland. Gazebo and all of Main St. 11/26 & 12/3 special evening shopping 5-8pm. Carriage Rides
11/26 Tree Lighting
Visit
townoffranklinnc
winter-wonderland-franklin-nc
Northeast Main Street
Northeast Main StreetWinter Wonderland. Gazebo and all of Main St. 11/26 & 12/3 special evening shopping 5-8pm. Carriage Rides
11/26 Tree Lighting
Visit
townoffranklinnc
winter-wonderland-franklin-nc
12/16-12/17 Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer The Musical. Live on Stage
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Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
1028 Georgia Rd12/16-12/17 Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer The Musical. Live on Stage
11/26 Light up the Park
Every Saturday in December Photo ops. Elves decorating sleighs 🛷
Watch the park come alive with thousands of holiday lights that will remain throughout the season, along with ice skating and photo-op fun.
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Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
411-499 Pine St11/26 Light up the Park
Every Saturday in December Photo ops. Elves decorating sleighs 🛷
Watch the park come alive with thousands of holiday lights that will remain throughout the season, along with ice skating and photo-op fun.
Main Street
Main StreetHighlands Christmas Parade
12/3 10:30am-noon
1/28-1/29
Snow fest @ 4118
It’s back and better! Bring friends and family for guaranteed winter fun (courtesy of snow blowers, if needed) in the park. A snowball toss, a merry-go-round, a snow slide, s’mores, “snowga” (a twist on yoga) and more will be waiting.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
411-499 Pine St1/28-1/29
Snow fest @ 4118
It’s back and better! Bring friends and family for guaranteed winter fun (courtesy of snow blowers, if needed) in the park. A snowball toss, a merry-go-round, a snow slide, s’mores, “snowga” (a twist on yoga) and more will be waiting.
November-March Ice Skating in the park.
If barreling across the rink isn’t your scene, grab a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, and stay toasty as you watch the activity on the ice. It’s like something from a Currier & Ives print, and its heaps of fun whether you’re on the ice or just watching.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
411-499 Pine StNovember-March Ice Skating in the park.
If barreling across the rink isn’t your scene, grab a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, and stay toasty as you watch the activity on the ice. It’s like something from a Currier & Ives print, and its heaps of fun whether you’re on the ice or just watching.
Sapphire Valley Ski Area
127 Sapphire Valley RdSkiing and Snowboarding
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
7420 Dillard RdSnow tubing, alpine coaster.
Winterlights
11/18-12/31
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
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INorth Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted WayWinterlights
11/18-12/31
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
Christmas at Biltmore 11/4-1/8
(Daytime Celebration)
By day, the elegant rooms of Biltmore House shimmer, beautifully bedecked with Christmas trees, ribbons, garlands, and thousands of twinkling lights.
Candlelight Christmas Evening
11/4-1/7
Flickering candlelight, glowing fireplaces, and live music invite you to imagine yourself a guest at the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895.
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Biltmore
1 Lodge StChristmas at Biltmore 11/4-1/8
(Daytime Celebration)
By day, the elegant rooms of Biltmore House shimmer, beautifully bedecked with Christmas trees, ribbons, garlands, and thousands of twinkling lights.
Candlelight Christmas Evening
11/4-1/7
Flickering candlelight, glowing fireplaces, and live music invite you to imagine yourself a guest at the first Vanderbilt family Christmas in 1895.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Daily from November 10 through December 31.
Features include custom built, GIANT, all-LED displays showcasing Christmas and holiday scenes to delight everyone from young to old! Pack up your friends, family, favorite tasty treats, and come enjoy an evening of Christmas bliss in Bryson City, NC, all from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle.
Great Smoky Mountains Event Park
1130 Hyatt Creek Road6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Daily from November 10 through December 31.
Features include custom built, GIANT, all-LED displays showcasing Christmas and holiday scenes to delight everyone from young to old! Pack up your friends, family, favorite tasty treats, and come enjoy an evening of Christmas bliss in Bryson City, NC, all from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle.
11/16-12/23
It's a Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms in Bryson City! Come enjoy the annual tradition of a hayride through the lights and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on Wed – Sat Evenings.
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Izinkunzi zeDarnell
2300 Governors Island Rd11/16-12/23
It's a Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms in Bryson City! Come enjoy the annual tradition of a hayride through the lights and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on Wed – Sat Evenings.
Mid November
The Yard in Bryson City, NC is a recreation and experience venue. During the holiday and winter season, The Yard is transformed into a synthetic ice rink with food truck, and a full-time bar with snacks.
43 Depot St
43 Depot StreetMid November
The Yard in Bryson City, NC is a recreation and experience venue. During the holiday and winter season, The Yard is transformed into a synthetic ice rink with food truck, and a full-time bar with snacks.
10am-3pm
11/18/2022, 11/19/2022, 11/25/2022, 11/26/2022, 12/2/2022, 12/3/2022, 12/9/2022, 12/10/2022, 12/16/2022, 12/17/2022
Pet friendly event
Back for the holiday season, the very talented crafters of our Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisan Market have come together for all of your holiday gift needs! The Holiday Market is sure to be a one stop shop- complete with home décor, toys, jewelry, artisan foods, pottery, artwork, and much, much more!
Smoky Mountain Farmers & Artisans Market
117 Island Street10am-3pm
11/18/2022, 11/19/2022, 11/25/2022, 11/26/2022, 12/2/2022, 12/3/2022, 12/9/2022, 12/10/2022, 12/16/2022, 12/17/2022
Pet friendly event
Back for the holiday season, the very talented crafters of our Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisan Market have come together for all of your holiday gift needs! The Holiday Market is sure to be a one stop shop- complete with home décor, toys, jewelry, artisan foods, pottery, artwork, and much, much more!
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Named one of the “Top 20” events in the Southeast for the month of December
12/2-12/3, 12/9-12/10
5-8pm
2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Front Street
Front StreetDillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Named one of the “Top 20” events in the Southeast for the month of December
12/2-12/3, 12/9-12/10
5-8pm
2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Downtown Sylva Historic District
669 West Main StreetHoliday Fireworks in Downtown Sylva
12/16/22
7:30-8:30pm
I-Restaurant ye-Dillard House
768 Franklin StChristmas or Christmas Eve Dinner
Christmas Dinner in Madison's from 12 - 6 pm (adults $88 and children $45, plus tax and gratuity). Call to book, reservations required
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Madison's Restaurant
445 Main StChristmas Dinner in Madison's from 12 - 6 pm (adults $88 and children $45, plus tax and gratuity). Call to book, reservations required