Must-go holiday events in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Please note: All event info is subject to change. Check our event page for the most up-to-date info.

November events

November 14: Harvest Festival - Song & Seed Swap

• Location: Foothills Watershed, Old Fort, NC

• Time: Friday 2 - 9P

• Details: Spend a fall evening enjoying live traditional music and storytelling at Foothills Watershed from 5-7P while swapping seeds at the community seed exchange, starting at 2P. It will be a great day to spend on this beautiful property alongside the Catawba River.

November 22: Holiday Market at the MTM (Marion Tailgate Market!)

• Location: Three Sisters Cheese, Marion, NC

• Time: Saturday 10A - 2P

• Details: This market kicks off the holiday season at the Marion Tailgate Market, featuring a big pancake breakfast fundraiser, a way to support the market and all its makers and vendors. Get your breakfast tickets in advance, then enjoy the market.

November 23: A Very Marion Christmas Parade

November 27: Thanksgiving Day Dinner

• Location: The Chalet at the Switzerland Inn, Little Switzerland, NC

• Time: Thursday, starting at 4P

• Details: How does no cooking sound for Thanksgiving this year? Then make plans to give thanks and spread the cheer at The Chalet, Switzerland Inn’s restaurant, where the food is as unmatched as the views. Make plans to stay the whole weekend. Spend Black Friday on the mountain instead of the mall.

November 29 - December 31: The Blue Ridge Artisan Sale and Show

November 29: 2025 Shop Small Main Street Craft Crawl

• Location: Main Street, Marion, NC

• Time: Saturday 10A - 4P

• Details: Soak in the small-town holiday spirit while shopping for gifts at the local downtown shops and additional artists and vendors who will be showcasing their seasonal goods. Support local.

December events

December 1: “A Swiss-Mas to Remember”

• Location: Switzerland Inn, Little Switzerland, NC

• Details: For the first time in its 115-year history, the Switzerland Inn will be open for the holidays through December 31. The inn plans to shower guests with special holiday treats, and the Peppermint Pub Pop-Up at the Fowl Play Pub & Taproom will bolster your holiday mood with its décor and seasonal specialty drinks and eats. Make your reservations now.

December 4: Photos with Santa and Friends

• Location: Downtown Marion, Marion, NC

• Time: Thursday 5 - 6:30P

• Details: No need to wait for photo opportunities with Santa this year when you can catch him at the City Stage while exploring downtown Marion in its holiday décor.

December 6: 37th Annual Appalachian Potters Market

• Location: McDowell High School, Marion, NC

• Time: Saturday 10A - 4P

• Details: This annual potters market offers pottery lovers the chance to experience the event and pick up treasures to share this holiday and to keep as a way to remember a Blue Ridge adventure.

December 12: The Old Fort Art Walk

• Location: Business District, Old Fort, NC

• Details: Stroll Catawba Avenue and West Main Street for a dose of holiday cheer this season. Explore the shops and galleries of Old Fort and experience street-side artist demonstrations with the opportunity to take home handcrafted goods.

December 18: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party & Christmas Fest Drawing

December 20: Festive Christmas Caroling

• Location: Silver Fork Winery, Morganton, NC

• Time: Saturday 2 - 4P

• Details: Join in for a yuletide celebration and sing-alongs. Food and wine will be available.

December 31: Family-Friendly “Neon New Year’s Eve”

December 31: Great Gatsby themed New Year’s Eve Party

• Location: Tabletop Inn, Marion, NC

• Time: 7 - 10P

• Details: This event offers a way to ring in the new year with food, beer and a reason to dress up for the evening.