Family-Friendly Holiday Activities in WNC
Western North Carolina is a magical place in the winter! Don’t miss out on these great opportunities to make life-long memories with your kids. There are loads of holiday activities to enjoy across various towns in the area. Here's a breakdown of some of the most exciting events you and your family can look forward to the remainder of the holiday season.
Andrews
On Dec. 9 from 5:30-7:00pm, the Andrews Christmas Parade will be taking place. Throughout December, enjoy the family-friendly movie "Trolls Band Together (PG)" at Twin Cinema.
Brevard
In Brevard, there are numerous activities to look forward to. On Dec. 8, you can bring your kids for the Pajama Storytime at the Library from 5:30-7:00pm. The Festival of Lights at Deerwoode Reserve runs from Dec. 8-10 and 15-17 from 6:00-8:00pm. You can also enjoy breakfast with Santa at Earthshine Lodge on Dec. 10 & 17 from 8:30-11:30am.
Bryson City & Canton
The Polar Express Experience will be running at the GSMR Train Depot throughout December in Bryson City. Bryson City is also offering Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms on weekends through Dec. 23 and the Holiday Market at 117 Island Street on Dec. 8-9 and 15-16 from 11:00am-3:00pm. Don't forget to check out the Canton Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 at 6:00pm and the Family Christmas Movie at Sorrell’s Street Park on Dec. 21 at 5:30pm.
Cherokee & Dillsboro
All through December, Cherokee offers the Enchanted Island of Lights at Oconaluftee Island Park. On Dec. 14, there will also be a Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Museum of the Cherokee People from 5:00-8:00pm. In Dillsboro, catch the Lights & Luminaries event downtown from 5:00-9:00pm on Dec. 8 & 9.
Franklin
Franklin has lots of fun activities for kids. These include Breakfast with Santa at Junaluskee Masonic Lodge on Dec. 9 from 9:00-11:00am, Cookies with Santa at Holly Springs Community on Dec. 10 from 2:00-4:00pm, and Kid’s Holiday Craft DIY at Lowe’s Home Improvement on Dec. 16 from 10:00-1:00pm. Also, don't miss the Holiday Market at Macon Community Building on Dec. 16 from 12:00-5:00pm.
Hayesville & Highlands
Hayesville invites you to A Night in Bethlehem at Moss Memorial Baptist Church on Dec. 10 at 6:00pm. In Highlands, enjoy ice skating at Kelsey Hutchinson Park from Thursday to Sunday all through December. You can also have fun snowtubing at Highlands Outpost and taking photos with Santa at Kelsey Hutchinson Park from 11:00-3:00pm on Saturdays.
Maggie Valley & Murphy
Throughout December, the Cattaloochie Ski Area in Maggie Valley offers snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding. In Murphy, look out for Winter Wonderland at the Smoky Mountain Event Center on Dec. 9 from 9:00am-3:00pm, Storytime & Photos with Santa at Narrative Books & Records on Dec. 8 from 4:30-6:30pm, and the Holiday Pajama Storytime at Murphy Public Library on Dec. 14 from 6:00-7:00pm.
Sapphire & Sylva
Enjoy snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding all through December at Sapphire Ski Resort. Sylva offers a Kid’s Holiday Craft DIY at Lowe’s Home Improvement on Dec. 16 from 3:00-6:00pm and a special screening of A Muppet’s Christmas Carol Movie at Jackson County Public Library on Dec. 22 at 1:30pm.
Waynesville
Finally, in Waynesville, you can enjoy Holiday Farm Tours at Winchester Creek Farm throughout December and a Kid’s Holiday Craft DIY at Lowe’s Home Improvement on Dec. 16 from 10:00-1:00pm.
With all these fun-filled activities, there's no shortage of things to do in Western North Carolina during the holiday season. So pack your winter gear and prepare for a memorable holiday experience!
