We may be a Small Town, but We Celebrate Holidays in a Big Way!
The streets are decorated with holiday lights and garlands; our shops offer plenty of gifts, unique arts and crafts, and tasty foods and wines. Our 20-foot Christmas tree on the town square is in front of the Visitor Center, where kids can write a letter to Santa (now through Christmas Eve), and find “to-go cups” with cookies and hot chocolate packets. The Visitor Center is open every day. 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, and giving them a silver sleigh bell. (1-1/4 hour round trip). Don’t forget to wear your pajamas! November 7 – December 31. Tickets and more info
For a small town, we have a surprising variety of restaurants to tempt you with meals from fine dining to pizza and burgers. To satisfy that sweet tooth, save time for a treat at a bakery, a chocolate shop, or an ice cream parlor. Try some of our local brews at one of three breweries.
During the November – December Polar Express season expect wait times at restaurants. Reservations, where accepted, are recommended.
IN OUR BLOG…
Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade
Enjoy a small-town Christmas parade with hometown spirit.
Bryson City Holiday Events
Beginning November 7
Letters to Santa, Cookies & Cocoa. Available every day. All materials provided to write a letter to Santa and mail it at the Swain County Visitor Center through December 24. Complimentary packets of cookies and cocoa mix will be available “to go” in the lobby through December 31.
All Aboard the Polar Express! The 1-1/4 hour round trip excursion takes riders to the North Pole to pick up Santa, who visits with each child on the train and presents them with the silver sleigh bell. Enjoy singing, warm cocoa, and a treat. (no trains, November. 11, 12, 28, or December 25) Schedules vary by the day. Steam and diesel trains. The final train is on December 31. More info
Drive-thru Holiday Lights Show. The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park will dazzle you with its giant LED displays, including drive-thru arches and holiday-themed exhibits. November 7 through January 1. (no show on November. 11, 12, or 28); or December 25 or January 1) Light Show info
Saturday, November 9
Holiday Arts Market at the Nantahala School for the Arts. Great Christmas gifts made locally by students and instructors. Learn more
Mid-November – mid-December
Holiday Market. Fridays only, November 22, 29, and December 6, 13, 20,. Local artisans handmade quality market at 117 Island Street in front of the Aquarium. 10 am – 3 pm. Market Info
Christmas Wonderland Hayrides through the lights at Darnell Farms. Limited Seating available. Receive hot drink and sweet treat. Order tickets at www.darnellfarms.com. US 19 East of Bryson City, on the Tuckasegee River. Facebook
Ice Skating at The Yard in Bryson City. Fridays 4-8 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 1-8 pm. Facebook
Heritage Arts Center – Book an ‘on-demand’ 1 or 2-hour class in pottery, printing, sketching or printing by calling the SCC Center at 828-366-2000. Just 10 minutes from downtown Bryson City.
Saturday, November 23
Turkey Strut 5K Walk/Run in Cherokee. 11:00 race day am registration. Race starts at noon. Race begins and ends at the Kituwah Mound. Learn more
Friday & Saturday, November 29-30
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 in Bryson City and Robbinsville/Stecoah. Free self-guided tour. More info and directions.
Saturday, November 30
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.
Christmas Tree Lighting Event. 5:00 pm. Christmas caroling and live nativity. Tree lighting by Bryson City Mayor Tom Sutton at 6 pm. Free cookies and hot cocoa, letters to Santa, take family photos in front of the tree. Please bring a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy for donations to local Swain County charities. Visitor Center / Heritage Museum.
Saturday, December 7
Beginning at 9 am. Annual Cookie Walk & Christmas Bazaar. Fellowship Hall, Bryson City United Methodist Church. 76 Main Street.
7:30 am – 11:30 am. Breakfast with Santa at River’s End Restaurant. Enjoy the buffet and deliver your letters to Santa in person as he visits each table.
2 pm. The 50th Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade takes to the streets. This year’s theme is “The Wonder of Christmas.” The annual parade features floats, fire trucks, bands, classic cars, beauty queens and more …and of course, Santa! More info & video – Parade entry form
Weekends, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
Ice Skating and Food Truck Rodeo. Cherokee Islands. This exciting event brings together the thrill of ice skating with the mouthwatering delights of a food truck festival. Glide across the ice under the stars while enjoying a variety of savory and sweet offerings from local food trucks. More info
More events just a short drive away
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. Various Christmas programs. More info
December 6, 7, 13, 14. 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
Come enjoy our crisp, mountain air and breathe in some holiday spirit!
Sponsors of Bryson City / Swain County Chamber of Commerce Events
Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor
Executive Director
828-488-3681
Order a free Visitor Guide featuring Bryson City and the North Carolina Smokies
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