Christmas in Highlands, NC feels genuinely special. December settles gently over the mountains, bringing crisp air, evergreen scents, and the soft glow of lights strung along Main Street. The pace slows, the town feels close-knit, and the season unfolds through simple traditions that make the holidays feel warm and familiar.
Trailborn Highlands fits naturally into this atmosphere. As a modern and welcoming home base, guests can enjoy the magic of a Highlands Christmas and return each evening to comfort, warmth, and good company. Here are the festive events we are most looking forward to this season.
Light Up the Park - November 29th
Light Up the Park marks the true beginning of Christmas in Highlands, and it is every bit as heartwarming as locals say. As evening settles over Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, the space feels still and expectant. Families gather with hot chocolate, children wave candy canes in the cold air, and neighbors catch up while bundled in scarves and gloves.
The program begins with a reading of the Christmas story, followed by familiar carols that rise gently through the night. Anticipation builds until Santa arrives and the switch is flipped. When the lights come on, the entire park transforms, trees shimmering overhead and pathways glowing beneath them.
The magic does not end that night. Through December, the park remains softly illuminated, and the nearby ice-skating rink adds its own charm. Visitors wander among the lights, take photos beneath the trees, or simply stand in the glow for a quiet moment. For guests staying at Trailborn Highlands, it is an easy stroll into town to enjoy the display as often as they like.
Highlands Christmas Parade - December 6th
The Highlands Christmas Parade is a beloved small-town tradition that brings Main Street to life each December. Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade moves through downtown with a lively mix of floats, marching bands, community groups, classic cars, and a few animals that always delight the kids.
Spectators line the sidewalks early with warm drinks in hand, greeting familiar faces and settling in for the show. The atmosphere feels upbeat and community-driven, with locals, weekend visitors, and holiday travelers sharing the same cheerful stretch of Main Street.
It is one of the highlights of the season, and attending is simple. Step out early, find a good viewing spot, and enjoy. For travelers staying at Trailborn Highlands, it is a relaxed morning event within easy walking distance, perfect to pair with lunch or holiday shopping afterward.
Home for the Holidays - December 5th-21st
For a cozy evening indoors, Home for the Holidays: Sounds of the Season offers a festive, music-filled performance at the Mountain Theatre Company. Running December 5 through 21, this 90-minute show blends holiday classics, original arrangements, costumes, and storytelling into an experience that pairs beautifully with a winter night.
The theatre’s warm lighting and intimate setting make it a welcome retreat after time in the cold. Couples settle in side by side, families share snacks during intermission, and visitors step back outside afterward feeling fully immersed in the season.
It is one of the most beloved December traditions in Highlands and a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.
The Bascom Holiday Market - November 4th - December 27th
From early November to late December, The Bascom transforms into a creative holiday market filled with thoughtful, handmade gifts. The galleries showcase work from regional and local artists, featuring:
- Textiles and cozy knitted pieces
- Hand-thrown ceramics
- Woodwork and carved decor
- Jewelry and glass art
- Books, cards, small prints
- One-of-a-kind ornaments and seasonal décor
It feels intimate and art-focused, more like stepping into a curated winter workshop than a traditional market. Visitors wander slowly through the rooms, discovering pieces made by artists who know the mountains well. It is one of the best places to browse for gifts, support local makers, and experience another side of the Highlands creative community.
Stay Cozy at Trailborn Highlands
After an evening of lights or a morning at the parade, Trailborn Highlands offers the perfect place to warm up and unwind. The location puts you close to every major holiday event, yet the property feels calm, inviting, and distinctly winter-friendly.
Rooms are modern and cozy; the kind of space where you can return from an evening in the cold, kick off your boots, and settle in with a blanket. Shared spaces like the Lounge or Back Patio feel social but relaxed, ideal for lingering over a warm drink or chatting about weekend plans. And for guests who want an easy dinner close to home, Highlands Supper Club offers a seasonal, welcoming spot to gather.
Trailborn blends effortlessly with the mood of Highlands at Christmas: cozy, community-driven, and grounded in mountain charm.
Plan Your Highlands Christmas Visit
Light Up the Park, the Christmas Parade, the theatre performances, and The Bascom’s Holiday Market all add to the charm of Christmas in Highlands, NC. Winter here feels warm in its own way: bright lights, friendly faces, evergreen trees, and crisp air that makes every moment feel fresh and memorable.
Trailborn Highlands offers the perfect place to stay during the season. We’re close to the festivities, comfortable, and full of mountain warmth. Plan your December visit and enjoy the simple, glowing magic of a Highlands Christmas.
