PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE PRISCO | TOWN OF BEECH MOUNTAIN The ’stars‘ from the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department grace the inaugural Beech Mountain Christmas parade in 2020.
Holiday happenings in the High Country BY MARISA MECKE
T
he most wonderful time of the year is in full swing during the holiday season in the High Country. Celebrations for many holidays take place throughout the region during the winter months, ranging from craft festivals to the 76
annual reopening of the area’s many winter sports facilities. In Boone, holiday festivities will kickoff on December 3 with the Festive First Friday. Featuring the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Jones House on King Street, the event will start the holiday season on a high note. Over in Blowing Rock,
the holiday season starts with an early kickoff the Friday after Thanksgiving from 1 to 6 p.m. on November 26. The Blowing Rock Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town takes place at Memorial Park in downtown Blowing Rock and is free to all visitors. With hayrides, games and crafts, a gingerbread house contest and
more, the festival is a great start to the holiday season. To learn more, visit blowingrock.com/ christmas-park. At 2 p.m. on December 11, the Town of Boone will host its annual Christmas Parade on King Street. Traveling east on King Street beginning at the Poplar Grove Connector and ending at Hardin Street,
community groups of all kinds will partake in the annual holiday spectacle. In Banner Elk, Apple Hill Farm will host guests for its Christmas at Apple Hill Farm from Nov. 19, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can participate in a guided tour of the working alpaca farm
decorated for the holiday season and enjoy all the farm has to offer. To learn more, call (828) 963-1662 or visit www. applehillfarmnc.com. Up in Banner Elk the Christmas cheer does not stop at the Apple Hill Farm. From December 3 to 5, the town SEE HOLIDAY ON PAGE 77
WINTER TIMES 2021
