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High Country Holidays; Get Your Holidays Started a Little Bit Early with November Holiday Events

by Madison V. Fisler

Nov. 18, 2013. It’s getting to the end of November, and the High Country is abuzz with excitement over Thanksgiving and the events taking place between then and the official start of the holiday season. The area has so many fantastic events to help bring in the holiday season before December graces our calendars. From holiday markets, to parades and more, the High Country has something for everyone this holiday season. 

Chetola Resort’s festival of lights begins Nov. 29 and continues through the holiday season until Jan. 26. Join Chetola for Horse and Carriage Rides, visits with Santa Claus, cookie decorating and more Nov. 29-30. 

imgresBlowing Rock’s annual Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town will take place Nov. 30 in downtown Blowing Rock. Memorial Park will play host to Santa Claus from 2-9 p.m. where guests can enjoy downtown with hot chocolate before the town is officially lit up for the holiday season. 

Don’t miss out on the annual Thanksgiving Kiln Opening in Blowing Rock at Traditions Pottery Studio. Come check out all of the pieces that the studio will be pulling out of the wood-fired kiln the weekend after Thanksgiving and take home a one-of-a-kind treat. 

Don’t forget about one of the best highlights of the holiday season, the Blowing Rock Christmas Parade. Taking the streets in downtown Blowing Rock Nov. 30, the annual tradition will take place at 2 p.m. 

Mountain Home Music will present A Celtic Christmas Nov. 30 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the performance are $18 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children under 12. 

West Jefferon’s official lighting of the community Christmas tree will be Nov. 23, at 5 p.m. Santa will be making a special appearance, carolers singing in the holidays and hot chocolate for everyone in downtown West Jefferson.

Come out to celebrate Christmas at Apple Tree Farm in Banner Elk Friday, Nov. 22. Celebrate the Christmas season with mini tours of the farm, pony rides on Saturdays as well as complimentary homemade hot chocolate, hot apple cider and Christmas cookies. The store is fully stocked with your favorite alpaca yarns and accessories as well as table top Frasier fir trees, hand tied wreaths, and white pine garland.

Ensemble Stage will present live radio play “It’s A Wonderful Life” Nov. 30. The treasured holiday film comes to life before your eyes in the style of the classic 1940’s radio dramas. Complete with all the characters you love and love to hate, it’s a story of redemption that resonates with all ages, It’s a Wonderful Life has become our American Christmas Carol. Experience the true spirit of the season with this gift for the entire family. A special treat for anyone kicking off their Christmas holiday season in our real-life Bedford Falls.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, bring the kids out to Todd Mercantile in Todd to meet Santa Claus.