(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
Lighting Up the Season
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2018/11 - November
Thanksgiving weekend in Highlands is an event to be looked forward to all year long. The spirit of the coming Holiday Season is born in the heartwarming activities of the weekend’s celebration. Families gather around a warm hearth, giving thanks for all their blessings and sharing a traditional meal, followed by relaxing days and nights of football, shopping, hiking, family game nights, and the anticipation of the beginning of the Christmas season.
Family time, that what it’s all about, and Highlands’ own Christmas Tree Lighting caps the Thanksgiving weekend on a joyful note. The festivities this year will begin on Saturday, November 24, in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 6:30 P.M.
The park is transformed into a festive wonderland, with families bundled in their warm sweaters, children gleefully anticipating the arrival of old St. Nick, who makes his first appearance of the season following the tree lighting, and neighbors sipping hot chocolate and catching up with friends or making new ones.
The fun starts with caroling led by an adult chorus, but everyone joins in to bring these hills alive with the joyous refrains of familiar carols. The reading of the Christmas story follows, and cookies and hot chocolate are served as the perfect complement to a frosty evening.
Winners of the merchant’s window contest and art contest winners for the design of the annual Olde Mountain Christmas keepsake sweatshirt and Christmas poster will be announced. Sweatshirts with the winning artwork will be available for sale.
The highlight of the evening follows as the Town Christmas Tree and the entire park are lit for the season. When the park is lit, we realize the season of magic is upon us. It all adds up to a holiday tradition that is cherished by young and old.
The Highlands Downtown Tree Lighting is sponsored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call the Highlands Visitor Center at (828) 526-2112.
