Banner Elk kicks off the holiday season with a Small Town Christmas festival this Friday and Saturday, December 2 & 3.
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 highlight of the festival, The Parade of Lights, will be held Saturday evening at 6pm. The high country’s original night time parade: cars and floats covered in Christmas Lights, The Avery County High School Marching Band and Santa will all be seen parading down Main St in Banner Elk. Following the parade in Tate Evans park will be train rides thru luminary lighted trails, meet Santa and see a light show.
“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 Daytime Events begin with a 5K reindeer run and include lots of family friendly events in town.
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
Parade of Lights- 6pm followed by train rides and light show in Tate Evans Park
For more information call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce 828-898-8395 or visit www.bannerelk.org
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
