The Magic of Mill Spring: Celebrate the Holiday Season the Local Way
There’s a special kind of magic in Western North Carolina during the holiday season. With an abundance of stunning natural amenities, sprawling views, and tons of festive fun in the area, there’s no better place to call home this season than right here at Bright’s Creek.
You’ll find fantastic Western NC events in abundance all year round — but the holidays hold something extraordinary. From romantic retreats to family-friendly adventures, this month is all about the area’s best holiday events for everyone to enjoy.
1. Explore Enchanting Christmas Displays & Handmade Gifts in Asheville
Holiday events in Asheville make this lively city shine brighter than ever! Less than an hour’s drive from Bright’s Creek, it’s the perfect festive day trip for the whole family. Shop mountain-made gifts for everyone on your list by local makers. Check out this 2022 Asheville Holiday Gift Guide and make holiday shopping easy. Plus, don’t miss the North Asheville Tailgate Market’s Holiday Bazaar on the beautiful UNC Asheville campus for even more unique gifts.
Beyond the shopping, Asheville is home to incredible Christmas displays like the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Grover Park Inn. This amazing display runs from November 28-January 2nd and is a local tradition you won’t want to miss! Experience the stunning feats of edible architecture and get into the holiday spirit. Be sure to explore this amazing holiday guide featuring 50 of the best events this season.
Searching for even more holiday events in Asheville? No trip to the area is complete without a visit to America’s largest home, The Biltmore Estate. Experience more than 100 hand-decorated trees in this dazzling display that dates back more than 120 years. Enjoy the magical ambiance complete with 1,960 live poinsettias, 1,000 feet of fresh evergreen garlands, thousands of twinkling lights, and so much more. Stroll on a self-guided tour and listen to amazing musicians throughout the house — and don’t miss the delicious seasonal dishes offered by the estate’s many incredible restaurants. Plus, their exclusive Candlelight Christmas Evenings offer an amazing way to see the grounds all aglow. Book your tickets and learn more here.
2. Experience a Storybook Scene in Hendersonville
From early November through New Year’s Day, Hendersonville welcomes visitors to come “Home for the Holidays.” This charming town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains truly gets into the holiday spirit. Shops on Main Street are decorated for the holidays and feature gifts for everyone’s wish lists. Locals and visitors alike enjoy carriage rides, visits with Santa, a Christmas parade and tree lighting, tons of twinkling lights, markets, special shopping events, festive performances, and so much more.
Searching for sweets and stunning holiday scenes? The whole family will enjoy the 2022 Holiday Tour of Inns & Cookie Caper where you’ll walk through decorated historic inns and enjoy cookies along the way.
Don’t miss some of the best Christmas events in Western North Carolina! Check out Hendersonville’s holiday events here.
3. Discover the Tryon Resort Christmas Market
Just down the road at the Tryon Resort, you’ll find a festive Christmas Market from November 25-27th. Featuring more than 30 vendors, live music, ice skating, plus seasonal shops and boutiques, it’s the perfect way to explore the area and grab your holiday gifts, too. Best of all, admission is free!
Don’t leave Tryon without taking a drive through the Equestrian Center’s magical Winterfest. Book your tickets for this nightly light show and enjoy hundreds of thousands of bright lights animated to music. It’s a local experience you won’t want to miss! Happening now through January 1st.
4. Enjoy Winter Wonderlands in Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills
Forest City (just about 20 minutes from Mill Spring) boasts more than 1 million lights in its downtown, giving it the honor of being named one of the “Best Christmas Towns outside of Asheville.” From lighting up Lake Lure’s iconic flowering bridge to holiday concerts and Chimney Rock’s Santa’s annual “Santa on the Chimney Event” — there’s tons of festive fun for everyone in the area. Feeling adventurous? Go all in with Lake Lure’s New Year’s Day Polar Plunge! Explore the holiday magic these festive small towns have to offer in this winter events calendar.
5. Go Hometown for the Holidays in Saluda and Tryon
Enjoy music, shopping, goodies, and more when you visit Saluda’s free Hometown Christmas event, just about a 15-minute drive from Bright’s Creek. Located in charming McCreery Park, this family-friendly event features laser lights, a campfire for roasting s’mores, a toy donation box, and a Christmas carol sing-along. Plus, elf stations and a visit from Santa himself! Learn more about Saluda Hometown Christmas here.
Another quick 15 minutes down the road sits Tryon, where you’ll find a Christmas parade, Horse Wreath Hanging Party, a Christmas stroll, and more. Discover more festive fun in Downtown Tryon here.
Ready to make Bright’s Creek home for the holidays? Come visit during the most magical time of year and experience all that our community and Western North Carolina has to offer.
