The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC invites residents and visitors to celebrate the season with a festive lineup of events. From ice skating under the stars to the annual Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Menorah, Highlands offers holiday traditions that bring warmth and wonder to the mountains.
Ice Skating in the Park – Thursday, Nov. 20 through early March
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park will once again host ice skating, managed by Highlands Parks and Recreation. The rink opens on Thursday, November 20 and continues into early March, weather permitting. Regular hours are Thursdays from 3:30 to 8pm, Fridays from 3:30 to 10pm, Saturdays from 1 to 10pm, and Sundays from 1 to 5pm. Special holiday hours include extended skating during Thanksgiving week and Christmas break, with a festive New Year’s Eve skate running from 1pm to 1am. Admission is just $8, with or without skates, and hot drinks will be available for purchase.
Small Business Saturday Holiday Stroll – Saturday, Nov. 29, 11:30am-4pm
Downtown Highlands will come alive with holiday cheer during this community-wide celebration of shopping local. The festivities begin at 11:30am with Storytime at the Hudson Library. Enjoy lively bluegrass tunes from Southern Highlands between noon and 2 pm and stop by The Bascom for face painting from 1:30 to 2:30pm. At 2:30pm, The City Carolers will stroll along Main Street, filling the air with festive songs as shoppers explore special offers from local businesses. Adding to the fun, the Highlands Police Department will spread holiday cheer by handing out candy canes.
Light Up the Park – Saturday, Nov. 29, 6–8pm
As evening falls, the community will gather at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park to welcome the holiday season. Guests will enjoy songs by The City Carolers, a special reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and tasty holiday treats. The highlight of the evening comes when Santa arrives atop a firetruck to help usher in the lighting of the park and Main Street, transforming Highlands with thousands of sparkling lights that remain throughout the holiday season.
Santa in the Park – Nov. 28, Dec. 6, 13, 20
Santa Claus will make special appearances in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on select dates from 11am to 3pm (a little later after the Christmas Pade and 12/6). Children will also have the opportunity to share their holiday wishes with a designated mailbox in the park. Santa will collect letters during his visits.
Highlands Christmas Parade – Saturday, Dec. 6, 10am
The longstanding Highlands Christmas Parade will bring Main Street to life with marching bands, llamas, camels, creative floats, and, of course, Santa himself. Community members are invited to participate by submitting an application to the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC no later than noon on November 15. Applications are available online at www.highlandschamber.org/chamber/christmas-parade/.
Lighting of the Menorah – Sunday, Dec. 14, 5:30pm
Hanukkah will be celebrated in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with the Lighting of the Menorah. On the first night, we will gather at the giant menorah where one candle will be illuminated. An additional candle will automatically light at the same time each evening until the menorah shines in full on the eighth night, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
For more information about the Holidays in Highlands, call the Highlands Welcome Center at 828-526-2112 or visit www.visithighlandsnc.com.
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