5 Towns Near Asheville for a Quick Winter Visit

Although Asheville has reopened to visitors as the destruction left behind by Helen is slowly repaired, many area residents still hope to escape for a day or two this winter to participate in outdoor festivities.

Luckily, Asheville isn’t the only city in the region famous for its beauty, culture, and holiday cheer. If you’re looking for a day trip, or perhaps an overnight stay, here are some seasonal suggestions.

Town of Bryon

About 60 miles from Asheville, Bryson City has been described as “at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” The city’s holiday offerings include:

• 50th Annual Bryson City Christmas Parade: On December 7, the city will celebrate the season with its 50th annual Christmas parade featuring floats, marching bands, prom queens, fire trucks, vintage cars and an appearance by Santa Claus.

• Spectacular Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights: A drive-in light show from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily until January 4. Start the journey at the Smoky Mountains Event Park, 1130 Hyatt Creek Road, Bryson City. Purchase tickets at the door or on Eventbrite.com for $20 for cars and family vans, $40 for activity vans and limousines.

• The Polar Express train ride: A WNC classic from the Smoky Mountain Railroad through December 31. Enjoy cocoa and a treat while listening to the story of “The Polar Express.” Santa will board the train and give a gift to each child. Visit www.gsmr.com or call 800-872-4681 for dates, times and prices.

More: The Polar Express Train Ride returns for the season despite Hélène: timetables, tickets

Blow the rock

Blowing Rock, about 60 miles from Asheville, is famous not only for its geological features but also for nearby ski slopes and other seasonal favorites. Some vacation deals include:

• Christmas Tweetsie: A second warm and festive rail option is Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. The railroad’s outdoor Christmas train ride with Christmas decorations, classic rides, visits from Santa and a s’mores roasting area opens at 5 p.m. Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13- 15, 18 to 23 and 26 to 30 December. Tickets must be purchased in advance at tweetsie.com/special-events/tweetsie-christmas.

• New Year’s fireworks: The slopes close at 11:30 p.m. on December 31 at Appalachian Ski Resort to prepare for the torchlight show and fireworks celebration. Visit appskimtn.com for more information.

• Holiday Glow Time: Since Thanksgiving, Blowing Rock has been lit up with Christmas lights, with festive displays located throughout town. Visit Blowingrock.com/blowing-rock-holidays for a list of the city’s annual events.

Banner Moose

As another town with well-known WNC ski trails, Banner Elk is no stranger to celebrating winter. Here are some of this year’s vacation options in the city, located about 80 miles from Asheville:

• A Christmas in a Small Town: In the spirit of a small town, Banner Elk will host events December 6-8 including the lighting of the town’s trees, Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Carol, Christmas Parade, cookie decorating, ornament making, mini-train rides and two holiday song performances. -and-dance review.

• New Year Celebration: Another option for ringing in the new year, the Banner Elk Celebration will take place on December 31 at Sugar Mountain Resort, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Featuring music from The Collective, the Last Run Lounge with a champagne toast at midnight for those aged 21 and over. , a third floor cafeteria for all ages, music and dancing, hors d’oeuvres and a free Alpine Flame parade and fireworks at 11:45 p.m., the celebration has something for everyone.

• Elk Banner Christmas Light Parade: Finally, the city’s Christmas parade is scheduled for December 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More: Snow in Asheville, Western North Carolina: See highest totals, where more is expected, weekly forecast

Brevard

While Brevard may not have as many holiday events as it does waterfalls, the area still has plenty of offerings. Here are some selections this year in Brevard, which is about 30 miles from Asheville:

• Light up the night and the Christmas parade: The Brevard Christmas Parade also takes place on December 7, starting at 2:30 p.m. After the parade comes another town event, an official tree lighting ceremony on the courthouse lawn with Christmas carols, a festival market for holiday craft shopping, an ice skating rink. , a Tuba Christmas concert and much more.

• Brevard Holiday Window Contest and Walking Tour: Through December 31 in downtown Brevard, you can vote for your favorite festive window display. Windows will be decorated throughout the city, reflecting the theme of this year’s Christmas parade, “Holidays: Past, Present and Future.”

Greenville, South Carolina

Finally, there is a city outside of North Carolina: Greenville, South Carolina. Only about 50 miles from Asheville, Greenville makes an easy and fun day trip. From the Greenville News, here are some vacation options:

• 30th Annual Dickens of a Christmas: On December 3, not far from Greenville in downtown Spartanburg, the 30th annual Dickens of a Christmas event will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m. The event includes horse-drawn carriage and train rides, live entertainment, a holiday market and a 7:30 a.m. Christmas tree lighting.

• Night of Lights: On December 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Greenville will celebrate a Night of Lights. A 30-foot Christmas tree adorned with 25,000 LED lights will be lit between 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., with a countdown from Mayor Knox White. The event also includes food trucks and vendors, live music and a visit from Santa.

• Poinsettia Christmas Parade: A tradition that spans more than 75 years, the Poinsettia Christmas Parade returns December 7 at 6:30 p.m. Thousands of people gather in downtown Greenville to view the floats and holiday festivities. The parade is also in the running for “Best Holiday Parade” at the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Iris Seaton is the trending reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Christmas, Holiday Events Near Asheville: 5 Cities for Day Trips in North Carolina and South Carolina