Trailborn Highlands
Mountain Ways
& Winter Days
Winter in Highlands feels like a mountain town turned all the way up on cozy. Skate under the lights at Founders Park, browse Main Street, head to Scaly Mountain for tubing, then return to Trailborn for firepit nights, Nordic Spa sessions, and dinner inside the historic Highlands Supper Club. Come for the holiday glow, stay for the slower side of the season.
Seasonal Programming
From Campfire & Cocoa Nights to Nordic spa sessions and downtown festivities, our calendar is stacked with cozy, only-in-Highlands moments.
Nordic Spa Experience
Available Daily
Reserve a 50-minute session to enjoy our outdoor sauna and spa patio for your group.
Campfire & Cocoa Nights
Available Daily
Steaming cocoa by the fire under pine-tipped stars. Swap stories, then stroll back warm and happy.
Paint (By Numbers) and Sip
Every Saturday
You're never too old for a little arts & crafts, and they're even more fun with a bottle of wine.
Top Things to Do During Winter
Holiday Happenings
Light Up the Park
Late November
Kick off the season at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park as the town gathers for carols, cocoa, Santa’s arrival, and the first glow of holiday lights.
Late November
Kick off the season at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park as the town gathers for carols, cocoa, Santa’s arrival, and the first glow of holiday lights.
Highlands Christmas Parade
Early December
Main Street comes alive with marching bands, creative floats, community cheer, and a Santa sighting to close out this beloved Highlands tradition.
Early December
Main Street comes alive with marching bands, creative floats, community cheer, and a Santa sighting to close out this beloved Highlands tradition.
Santa in the Park
Late November–late December
Bring the kids to Founders Park to share wish lists, drop letters in the mailbox, and soak up the small-town magic between skating and shopping.
Late November–late December
Bring the kids to Founders Park to share wish lists, drop letters in the mailbox, and soak up the small-town magic between skating and shopping.
Holiday Market at The Bascom
Early November–late December
Browse handmade gifts, ornaments, ceramics, textiles, and artful finds from regional makers at The Bascom’s festive holiday market.
Early November–late December
Browse handmade gifts, ornaments, ceramics, textiles, and artful finds from regional makers at The Bascom’s festive holiday market.
Home for the Holidays at Mountain Theatre Company
Early–late December
Warm up indoors with a 90-minute holiday performance from Mountain Theatre Company, filled with seasonal songs, sparkle, and Highlands cheer.
Early–late December
Warm up indoors with a 90-minute holiday performance from Mountain Theatre Company, filled with seasonal songs, sparkle, and Highlands cheer.
Gift Cards
Give the Gift of Trailborn
Now you can share the Trailborn experience with your loved ones. Our new gift cards are redeemable for hotel stays and dining at our restaurants–perfect for every traveler and tastemaker on your list.
Offers & Packages
Make the most of winter in the mountains with seasonal offers designed for cozy escapes, holiday weekends, and easy stays close to downtown Highlands.
Why Visit Highlands, NC in Winter
Winter activities in Highlands include ice skating, snow tubing, spa experiences, live music, and seasonal dining throughout the town and surrounding mountains.
Highlands can experience snowfall during the winter months, particularly in higher elevations, creating a scenic mountain atmosphere.
Yes, winter offers a quieter and more relaxed experience compared to peak summer and fall travel seasons, with cozy accommodations, seasonal activities, and mountain scenery.
Guests can enjoy nearby snow tubing, outdoor ice skating, hiking, wellness experiences, and seasonal events throughout Highlands.
Yes, Trailborn Highlands offers seasonal wellness experiences such as the Outdoor Nordic Spa Experience alongside cozy seasonal programming.
Winter in Highlands, NC offers a quieter and more relaxed way to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains. From outdoor ice skating and snow tubing to fireside drinks and wellness experiences, the season blends outdoor adventure with slower moments indoors. Trailborn Highlands provides a cozy base for exploring winter activities in Highlands while enjoying mountain views, seasonal dining, and wellness-focused experiences throughout your stay.
