Asheville

Lake Julian Park is celebrating the 10th Annual Festival of Lights December 3–19. Drive through more than 50 individual animated and stationary light displays. Open nightly from 6–9 p.m. The cost is $5 for cars, $15 for 15 passenger vans, and $25 for buses (20% of proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County and the balance will be used to purchase and maintain displays). Lake Julian Park is located off Long Shoals Road in South Asheville. Call Lake Julian Park for more information, 828.684.0376 or check out our website at buncombecounty.org/parks.

Black Mountain

Holly Jolly Christmas will kick off Black Mountain’s holiday festivities December 3 at 10 a.m. The downtown celebration will feature street music, refreshments, and Santa Claus. After the parade, head over to Lake Tomahawk Park for the Circle of Lights from 5–7 p.m. The event will include performing groups, live music, great food, hayrides, Santa, and a cozy bonfire around which to gather and share the spirit of Christmas. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit exploreblackmountain.com, bmrecreation.com, or blackmountain.org.

Brevard

The theme of this year’s annual downtown parade, December 4 at 3 p.m., is Jingle Bell Rock. Festive, upbeat holiday music will fill the streets as children of all ages delight in the sights and sounds of this much-anticipated annual event. Downtown Brevard takes a turn back in time, celebrating mountain Christmas traditions during its 23rd annual Twilight Tour from 4–8 p.m. on December 4. Take the family on a horse- drawn carriage ride past the twinkling lights of a decked out downtown. There will be strolling carolers, a live Nativity, Santa Claus, and shops will offer entertainment, refreshment, and special holiday gifts. For details, visit brevardnc.org or call 828.884.3278.

Burnsville

Winterfest kicks off the seasonal celebration in Burnsville this year with Santa rolling into town in a horse-drawn carriage December 3 at 6 p.m. Children will get to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. On December 4 at 10 a.m. will be the annual Christmas parade featuring fire trucks, floats, marching bands, old-timey cars, trucks, tractors, lots of kids, and Santa and his sleigh. For details, visit yanceychamber.com or call 828.682.7413.

Chimney Rock

Santa will scale the 315-ft cliff at Chimney Rock State Park twice this year, on December 4 and 11. Viewing on both days is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. He’ll rappel down the 535 million-year- old rock face, and then head back to the top and do it all over again. Mrs. Claus will also be there supporting her husband, taking note of children’s wish lists, and keeping a list of “naughty and nice.” Make handcrafted gifts during Handmade Holidays December 18 at 11 a.m. For information, visit chimneyrockpark. com or call 800.277.9691 or 828.652.9281

Hendersonville

“For the four weekends prior to Christmas—all 12 days—we are going to have a big celebration happening downtown,” says Randy Jones, executive director of Downtown Hendersonville, Inc. Festivities will include plenty of music and entertainment, Santa at the Gazebo every Saturday afternoon, the Grinch, and strolling carolers. Each Sunday a different local nonprofit will be featured, including Toys for Tots, Mainstay, and Four Seasons Hospice. The annual Christmas Parade will travel along Main Street December 4 starting at 11 a.m. The Carolina Concert Choir will perform two holiday concerts December 17 and 18 at St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main Street, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students.

Waynesville

The Christmas Parade will be on Main Street at 6 p.m. December 6. The procession of lights through downtown will provide an enchanting environment for holiday cheer. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Christmas.” On December 11, downtown will host “A Night Before Christmas,” a celebration of holiday traditions. Enjoy caroling, live music, a live Nativity scene, Santa Claus, old-fashioned wagon rides, and storytelling, a mountain tradition that engages and entertains while keeping alive our history. For information, visit downtownwaynesville.com or call 828.456.3517.

Weaverville

The annual Christmas Parade will be start at 1 p.m. on December 4, beginning the intersection of North Main Street and Dula Springs Road. It will feature local bands, floats, marching units, local dignitaries and Santa. On December 10, enjoy the Candlelight Stroll from 6–9 p.m. on Main Street. There will be choirs and bands, horse-and-buggy rides, and late- night shopping. Santa will be milling about as well. For more information, visit visitweaverville.com.