The most wonderful time of the year has come to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit! Here are a few of our top event picks for the 2022 holiday season.
Please note: All event info is subject to change!
Marion Christmas Parade | Sunday, November 20, 2022
Come celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in downtown Marion. The parade of local floats will travel down Main Street beginning at 3 p.m.
Carolina Christmas Show | December 16-18, 2022
This heartwarming Broadway-style show will brighten your holiday season. Don't miss this year's event featuring performers from western North Carolina and special guest artists performing many of your seasonal favorites. The dazzling performances include dance, live music, and comedy.
Shop Local in the Blue Ridge
Don’t miss these opportunities to pick out a handmade or locally crafted gift for the loved ones on your shopping list:
Marion Shop Small Main Street Crawl | Saturday, November 26, 2022
Support local small businesses and artisans at this Small Business Saturday event on Main Street in downtown Marion. Dozens of vendors will be displaying jewelry, pottery, baskets, woodwork, ornaments, gifts and more! Stay tuned to the event’s Facebook page for up-to-date information.
Blue Ridge Artisans Craft Show | November 25-December 24, 2022
This annual show hosted by the McDowell Arts Council Association showcases the work of local artisans working in pottery, woodworking, jewelry, textiles and other fine arts. Every item is handmade right here in McDowell County! Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.
34th Annual Appalachian Potters Market | Saturday, December 3, 2022
Find pottery pieces in a wide variety of style — each as unique as the artist who made them! From functional ceramics to whimsical decorative items and even jewelry, the potters market is a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift. All proceeds benefit the McDowell Arts Council Association.
Make Your Own Gifts at Old Fort’s Arrowhead Gallery & Studios
What better gift than something you made with your own hands! Sign up for a hands-on crafting class with one of the artisans at the Arrowhead Gallery & Studios in Old Fort, and you’ll walk away with a stained glass ornament (Nov. 29), a mosaic candle holder (Dec. 2), a wrapped-wire tree (Dec. 8), a stained glass snowflake (Dec. 11), or a kudzu basket (Dec. 17) to share — or to keep for yourself!
See the Lights & Sights
Enjoy holiday decorations and lights throughout the season at one of these holiday hot spots.
Carson House | November 30-December 4, 2022
The historic Carson House, built by the locally influential Carson family in the late 1700s, will be decorated in 19th-century Christmas splendor. Guided tours are available hourly, Wednesday-Sunday. Call ahead to reserve your spot for a Candlelight Tour on Saturday or Sunday, December 3 or 4, 5-7 p.m. This half-hour guided tour highlights Christmas customs from the late 1800s and includes hot cider and cookies. Candlelight tours are $5 for adults and free for kids.
Christmas at Biltmore | Now through January 8, 2023
Visit America’s Largest Home to see dozens of decorated trees, miles of garland and thousands of sparkling ornaments displayed throughout the house. Buy a separate ticket to enjoy the magic of Biltmore’s Candlelight Christmas Evenings, and don’t miss the immersive Leonardo da Vinci exhibit on display now.
Black Mountain Holly Jolly & Christmas Parade | December 2 & 3, 2022
Stroll the streets of picturesque Black Mountain as the town celebrates Holly Jolly on the first Friday evening in December. Shops stay open late and serve seasonal treats to shoppers, while local groups put on live holiday performances. Return on Saturday at 4 p.m. for the annual Christmas parade.
Winter Lights at the N.C. Arboretum | November 18-December 31, 2022
Stroll among beautifully lit holiday displays featuring thousands of colorful, twinkling lights and a breathtaking 50-foot lighted tree placed throughout the gardens. Tickets are available nightly, with time entries between 6 and 9 p.m.
Ring In the New Year
Resolution Run 5K Race | Saturday, December 31, 2022
This fun family event serves as the official kick-off for Marion’s New Years' Eve celebration. Runners gather from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (headlamps and flashlights are recommended) before a 9 p.m. start time. Run or walk this fun 5K course through downtown Marion to welcome in the year ahead!
Marion’s New Years' Eve Celebration | Saturday, December 31, 2022
Celebrate the arrival of 2022 at this family-friendly event in downtown Marion. At midnight, watch a giant gold nugget — crafted by the artisans at Turtle Laboratories — drop to welcome in the new year. Stay tuned to the event’s Facebook page for up-to-date information.
