
Photo courtesy of Explore Brevard
Beginning Friday, November 29, downtown businesses in Brevard will have their windows festively decorated for the annual Holiday Windows Competition and Walking Tour. This year’s theme, mirroring the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade theme, is Merry & Bright. Downtown visitors vote on a People’s Choice Award and judges decide on winners in other categories. The competition lasts through December 31.
The annual Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 2:30 p.m. Afterwards, from 4–7 p.m., Heart of Brevard and Transylvania County Parks and Recreation present Light Up the Night in downtown Brevard. Visitors will be treated to the official tree-lighting ceremony, live music, performances, ice skating, hayrides and more. The event provides an opportunity to shop at downtown businesses and at the brand-new Makers Market, and to patronize restaurants and food trucks.

Photo courtesy of Explore Brevard
“Events like this bring our community together, and that’s a big part of what we do as a small business,” says Doug Miller, owner of Newfound Artisan. “Our business community here in Brevard shows up to help during tragic events like what we experienced with Hurricane Helene and we are also here for celebrations like Light Up the Night. Businesses of all types stepped up to support our community after the storms hit and we look forward to coming together again for something more uplifting and celebratory so we can continue to heal and recover as a community.”
Newfound Artisan offers handmade metal jewelry and leather goods made in the shop as well as serving as a hub for all things handmade by local and regional artists. “We like to tie that into everything we do,” Miller says, “including Light Up the Night. Our plans this year are to build something unique for our window display that will include lots of color and, of course, plenty of light to keep things ‘merry and bright.’ Inside the shop we will have a live tree decorated with lots of handmade items.”

Photo courtesy of Explore Brevard
The Makers Market offers a chance to shop locally for unique gifts made by local artisans, crafters and creators. “It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season by giving back to the people who make our community special,” says Nicole Bentley, executive director of Heart of Brevard.
Family-friendly events like this one bring visitors downtown to discover local businesses, Bentley says, but are also important as a means of fostering a sense of community among those who live in Brevard. “For residents, it’s a chance to celebrate the unique character of our town, support local shops and enjoy a shared experience,” she says. “Especially during the holiday season, events like these help strengthen the local economy while offering a festive atmosphere that brings people together.”
Learn more at BrevardNC.org and ExploreBrevard.com.