Bryson City may be a small town, but we celebrate holidays in a big way.
The streets are decorated with holiday lights and garlands; and our shops offer plenty of gifts and one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, as well as tasty foods and wines. Scroll down for all events.
All Aboard the Polar Express!™ Sing some Christmas carols, and enjoy warm cocoa and a treat, while listening to this magical children's story. Santa is waiting at the North Pole, where he'll board the train, greeting each child, giving them their own silver sleigh bell. (1-1/4 hour round trip. Don't forget to wear your pajamas! November 13 - January 3. More info
Take time for a visit with the old Appalachian Toymaker, located in the Storytelling Center across the parking lot from the train depot. Watch the toymaker create handcrafted wooden toys and listen to a holiday story or two. Toymaker Schedule
For a great family experience, visit the Ted Craig Farm in Alarka for a choose and cut Frasier Fir. Precut trees, live trees and wreaths available. More information and directions. Of course precut trees are available in town at several locations. We can beat big city prices with our locally grown trees.
Friday & Saturday, November 27-28
You're invited to visit local artists' studios and galleries during the Annual Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour. Find that one-of-a-kind holiday gift made by a local artisan. Free self-guided tour. More info and directions.
Friday, November 27
Green Friday Fund raiser – Join Wildwater for the 5th Annual Green Friday at their adult and kidzip Zipline Canopy Tours location in the Nantahala River Gorge. Half the proceeds go to local environmental groups, helping to plant trees and improve green spaces in our community.
Saturday, November 28
Shop Local Saturday! Bryson City is a great town to shop at small businesses. You'll find unique crafts, trendy clothing, souvenirs, furniture, antiques, bakeries and more. And a surprising variety of restaurants for a small town.
11 am - 3:30 pm. MacNeill Uncorked Wine Experience. A 3.5 hour Tuckasegee River specialty train experience aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad featuring wines selected by French Broad Vignerons to pair with your meal. Full service all-adult first class ride in the McNeill car. Narrator on board to discuss the 6 wines selected to accompany an exclusive sampling of local cheeses, a freshly made entree and a chef-selected dessert.
6 - 8 pm — Spirit of Christmas. Join friends and neighbors for caroling from Caboose Corner to the square for the town Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Afterwards enjoy a Christmas concert in front of the Visitor Center, and come inside for hot cocoa and cookies, letter writing to Santa, and a visit with St. Nick himself! In the true Spirit of Christmas bring a canned good to donate to the food pantry or a new unwrapped gift for for the local toy drive!
December: Babes in Toyland Musical
Fridays, Dec. 4 & 11, 7:30 pm. Saturdays, Dec. 5 & 12, 7:30 pm (Dec. 12, also at 3 pm). Sundays, Dec. 6 & 13, 3 pm. The musical – with memorable songs by Victor Herbert – weaves together various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes into a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza. 134 Main Street. $10 for adults & $5 for children.
Saturday, December 5
8-10 am — Breakfast with Santa. At the Rescue Squad on Bryson Walk (Between Everett and Slope streets, behind the Dollar General.) $3. Bring your own camera for photos with Santa.
828-488-3681 or 800-867-9246.
Beginning at 9 am – 12th Annual Cookie Walk & Christmas Bazaar. Fellowship Hall, Bryson City United Methodist Church. 76 Main Street.
2 pm — "The Biggest Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies" takes to the streets. Our 40th annual parade features floats, fire trucks, bands, classic cars, beauty queens and more ...and of course, Santa! VIEW VIDEO
Saturday, December 12
6 - 10 pm. The Nanta Claus Christmas Children's Benefit. Nantahala Brewing Company. Several holiday craft beers on tap. Bring an unwrapped, unused toy donation for local children, enjoy the Worst Holiday Sweater Contest. More info
Saturday, December 19
10 am - 2 pm — Holiday Homecoming. Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in the Smokies with traditional music, holiday crafts, and cider and cookies! Oconaluftee Visitor Center for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee. More info
More events just a short drive away
December 5 - January 1 — Cherokee Lights & Legends. Stroll under the lights at Cherokee Fair Grounds. Enjoy interactive displays, the 40-ft Christmas tree, a visit with Santa, a bazaar and the synthetic ice rink. Fridays & Saturdays, 6-9 pm.
December 4, 5 & 11 & 12 — Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios, carolers, holiday treats, live music and a visit with Santa. More info
December 5 — Christmas in the Mountains Indoor Arts & Crafts Show & Sale at the Stecoah Valley Center. 10 am - 5 pm. More info
December 5 – Dailey & Vincent Spirit of Christmas Tour at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. More info
December 6 – Raleigh Ringers Christmas Celebration at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. More info
December 11 & 18 – It's A Wonderful Life - a radio play at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. More info
December 11 – Penn & Teller. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Event Center. More info
December 12 – Christmas with the Lettermen at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. More info
December 19 – Rockapella Merry Christmas Tour at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. More info
Come enjoy our crisp, mountain air and breathe in some holiday spirit!