Holidays in Highlands

Written By: Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC | Issue: November 2023

As we wrap up a remarkably busy “leaf peeping” season here in Highlands we can now turn our attention to the holidays and gathering with friends and family amid the warm glow of twinkling lights, filled with a festive spirit, to celebrate cherished traditions.

In fact, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC hosts a bustling schedule of events and activities in the Town of Highlands through the end of the year. Be sure to mark your calendars for:

Ice Skating in the Park – Thursday, Nov. 16, 3:30 to 8:00 P.M. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

The Highlands Parks and Recreation-managed Ice Skating in the Park kicks off and runs until March 3. The hours are Thursdays 3:30 to 8:00 P.M., Fridays 3:30 to 10:00 P.M., Saturdays 1:00 to 10:00 P.M. and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. The price is only $5, with or without skates. Coffee and hot chocolate are available for purchase.

Light Up the Park – Saturday, November 25, 6:00 to 8:00 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 the Foxfire Boys, 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 Street. Watch the park come alive with thousands of holiday lights that will remain throughout the season, along with ice skating and photo-op fun. 

Santa in the Park – Saturdays in December in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Every Saturday through Christmas, Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance in the park to listen to the wishes of children, both young and young at heart. Additionally, he will make periodic visits to collect letters placed in a designated mailbox within the park.

Highlands Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 2, 10:00 A.M. to Noon along Main Street. As part of this longstanding tradition, expect to witness a delightful procession along Main Street featuring marching bands, llamas, camels, imaginative floats, and, of course, the star of the show, Santa Claus. Those who wish 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 [email protected] or call (828) 526-5841. 

Lighting of the Menorah – Thursday, December 7, 5:30 p.m., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

Hanukkah is an eight-day winter festival of lights, celebrated to mark the triumph of light over darkness. One candle of the giant menorah will be lit on the first night of Hanukkah and an additional candle each successive night. This will be done until the eighth night when the Menorah is fully illuminated. 

All events, other than ice skating, are put on by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC and are free of charge.

The Holidays in Highlands are a magical time for visitors, residents, their friends and family to gather together and enjoy.