A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk

Small Town Christmas Celebration Banner Elk North CarolinaSoak up a season of holiday cheer with “A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk” the first full weekend in December. Escape the rush and enjoy an authentic small town holiday Dec. 2-4, 2022, in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Festivities start Friday and run through Sunday. Most events take place within walking distance in the downtown area of Banner Elk, and the 2022 schedule is listed at the bottom of this page. For out-of-town visitors, weekend lodging packages are available that include a choose & cut Christmas tree from Elk River Evergreens.

Christmas in Banner Elk NCGet in the mood for the weekend on Friday evening with caroling, hot chocolate and the lighting of the official town tree in the Corner On Main Park at 6:30 p.m.

After the tree lighting, Ensemble Stage presents “A Banner Elk Christmas 4” at 7 p.m. just a short walk away at the Historic Banner Elk School. The holiday musical variety show is one of the most popular shows each year by the local professional theater group.

Saturday’s schedule starts early with the 5K Reindeer Run at 9:00 a.m. beginning in Tate-Evans Park. Less strenuous activities that morning include Breakfast with Santa from 9-10:30 a.m. at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, and story time with Santa (and firetruck tour)  at 10:30 a.m. at the Banner Elk Fire and Rescue Station.

Christmas carols in Banner Elk, NC

During the afternoon Saturday, events include “Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm” (tickets required), a Christmas market and kids crafts activities in the Cultural Arts Center at Historic Banner Elk School, and a 3 p.m. Community Carol Sing at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.

More Saturday afternoon events are listed below, and on the Banner Elk Chamber’s A Small Town Christmas webpage.

Saturday’s festivities continue with a 6 p.m. Christmas Parade on Main Street leading back to Tate-Evans Park for a synchronized Christmas light snow, train rides through luminary lights, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a DJ with karaoke, hot chocolate and more.

Christmas train rides North CarolinaVisitors can put a bow on their holiday experience Sunday with a visit to one of many Christmas tree farms in the area, or they can opt for a 2 p.m. performance of “A Banner Elk Christmas 4” at Historic Banner Elk School.

“The whole town gets involved with A Small Town Christmas,” says Nancy Owen, Banner Elk’s tourism director. “We love seeing families and couples get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a simpler celebration in a small town. And what better way to end the weekend than visiting a tree farm and driving home with a hand-picked tree on top of the car?”

Also available all three days are Christmas-themed walking tours of Apple Hill Alpaca Farm. Tours take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for children ages 4-10 and $3 for children 3 and under.

An added bonus all weekend — Santa’s Mailbox accepts letters to Santa at the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. Children may write letters at the Chamber during business hours; see www.bannerelk.org for hours.

Great Lodging Options Available

Because it is a resort town, Banner Elk has many accommodations that allow families and couples to find the idea lodging option for this special weekend. Seek out your perfect accommodations by clicking here. Or, check our special Choose & Cut Christmas tree lodging packages by clicking here.

 

Schedule of Events for 2022*

Friday, Dec. 2
6:30 p.m. –
Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling at Corner on Main Park
7:00 p.m. A Banner Elk Christmas 4 musical variety show at Historic Banner Elk School

Saturday, Dec. 3
9:00 a.m. –
5K YMCA Reindeer Run in Tate-Evans Park
9:00 a.m. – Breakfast with Santa at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church (through 10:30 a.m.)
10:00 a.m. – Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (through 4:00 p.m.; tour purchase required)
10:30 a.m. –
Story time with Santa, plus a firetruck tour, at Banner Elk Fire & Rescue
11:00 a.m. – Holiday market and kids crafts activities at the Cultural Arts Center at Historic Banner Elk School (through 4:00 p.m.; times may vary)
11:00 a.m. –
Treats for pets and humans at My Best Friend’s Barkery (through 5:00 p.m.)
3:00 p.m. – Community Carol Sing at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. The church invites everyone to join in a small-town sing-a-long of familiar Christmas carols inside the beautiful sanctuary of the historic stone church. The 45-minute casual service includes favorites for adults and children, ranging from Let it Snow to Joy to the World. The grand piano and pipe organ will provide festive accompaniment. Soloists and special musicians will allow the audience to take a few breaks. Admission is free.
3:30 p.m. – Christmas cookie decorating for kids at Banner Elk Café
6:00 p.m. – Christmas Parade on Main Street
6:00 p.m. – Festivities in Tate-Evans Park including: luminary-lighted train rides, synchronized Christmas light show, visits with Santa, chocolate and more
All day – Letters to Santa at the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday, Dec. 4
Choose and cut Christmas Trees Banner Elk  All Day – Choose & Cut Christmas Trees at Avery County tree farms (get a free tree with Choose & Cut lodging package)
10:00 a.m. – Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (through 4:00 p.m.; tour purchase required)
 2:00 p.m. A Banner Elk Christmas 4 musical variety show at Historic Banner Elk School

*Schedule is subject to change. Check here for the latest updates or call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-8395.