The festival begins on Friday evening at 6pm with the lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree at the Historic Banner Elk School, Christmas carolers, and a symbolic Menorah lighting. Then head into the Historic School for a free showing of the movie “Elf” in the gym, bring chairs or blankets to sit.

Hunter’s Tree Service helps establish the giant evergreen that will serve as community Christmas Tree for events in downtown Banner Elk this year. Photo by Jim Swinkola.
“The whole town gets involved with this special holiday celebration,” Jo-Ann McMurray of the Banner Elk Chamber said in a recent release. “We love seeing families and couples get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a traditional weekend in a small town. And what better way to end the weekend than by visiting a farm and driving home with a hand-picked tree on top of the car?”
Saturday’s event Schedule:
Williams YMCA 5K Reindeer Run 8:30am in Tate-Evans Park
Breakfast with Santa 9:30am at Dunn’s Deli
Christmas Celebration 10am-4pm Apple Hill Farm
Candy Cane Hunt 1pm in Tate-Evans Park
Read with Santa 11am-2pm Banner Elk Book Exchange
Waggin Wassail & Paw-Licious Hot Coco 10am-6pm & Bring your pup for a treat at My Best Friends Bakery
Decorate Christmas Cookies 3pm-4pm at the Banner Elk Cafe
Christmas Ornament Decorating 1pm-3pm With Santa’s Elves at the Bayou- free


Tony Hunter drills the hole for the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce Christmas tree, assisted by Hunter’s Tree Service employees. Photo by Jim Swinkola.

The massive evergreen is readied by Hunter’s Tree Service personnel.

Tony Hunter skillfully places the massive Christmas tree in anticipation of the December 2 & 3 celebration of A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk. Photo by Jim Swinkola.

Banner Elk Christmas in the Park 2015

Banner Elk Christmas in the Park 2015

Banner Elk Christmas in the Park 2015