Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC to host holiday and winter events

Last updated on October 6, 2022

HIGHLANDS, NC – The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC today announced a series of events it will host during the winter and holiday season, from November 2022 through January 2023. The schedule includes:

 Light Up the Park – Sat., Nov. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Anticipation will fill the mountain air as the community gathers in the park to enjoy treats and a program that includes live music and carols led by Silly Ridge, a display of children’s artwork and a reading of the Christmas story. Then, Santa arrives atop a firetruck to usher in the lighting of the park and Main St. Watch the park come alive with thousands of holiday lights that will remain throughout the season, along with ice skating and photo-op fun.

 Trim Our Town – Voting begins Nov. 26. Winners will be announced Dec. 24.

This storefront decorating contest draws creative entries along and near Main St. to be enjoyed by all. Anyone may vote online for their favorite display for a chance to win a gift card. Better yet, holiday shoppers can make everyone on their list happy with gifts purchased from local Highlands merchants. Prizes are presented to local businesses who win a People’s Choice Award.

 Highlands Christmas Parade – Sat., Dec. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon along Main St.

Spectators are likely to see marching bands, llamas and camels, creative floats and – of course – Santa Claus parading on Highlands’ Main Street as part of this longtime tradition. Those who want to participate in the parade must submit a completed application to the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC no later than Nov. 17. To apply and for more information, email events@highlandschamber.org or call 828-526-5841.

 Santa in the Park – Saturdays in December in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Santa will appear in the park each Saturday to hear wishes from children of all ages. He will also periodically stop by to retrieve letters placed in a special mailbox in the park.

 Snow Fest at 4118 – Sat., Jan. 28, and Sun., Jan. 29 in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

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.

All events are free and open to the public. Pets are welcome but should be leashed.

 For more information, call the Highlands Welcome Center at 828-526-2112 or email events@highlandschamber.org.