Mountain Holiday Tips

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY.

Special holiday menu offerings from our local restaurants and seasonal selections from our extraordinary craft brewers and tap rooms give new meaning to the term “holiday cheer.” No matter what your taste buds fancy, we’ve got a table (or a bar stool) with your name on it.  

GO TREE CRAZY.

For many of us, Christmas is best evoked in the heady scent and furry limbs of a fresh evergreen tree decked with tinsel, lights, random ornaments both grand and sentimental. And then there are some of us who just can’t feel the holiday spirit until they bask in the glow of a neon pink, metallic tree. Fortunately, Transylvania County offers a little bit of everything when it comes to our most enduring holiday symbol.

Since 1997, the good people of ATOM (the Aluminum Tree and aesthetically-challenged seasonal Ornament Museum sponsored by the Transylvania Heritage Museum) have  been dedicated to preserving one of America’s most timeless holiday traditions: the shiny aluminum tree. Billed as the “world’s only museum dedicated to the preservation and public enjoyment of vintage Aluminum Trees,” ATOM’s collection has been featured in The New York Times, Southern Living and Money Magazine, as well as on NPR and the BBC.

MAKE YOUR LIST. CHECK IT TWICE.

When it comes to shopping, Brevard and Transylvania County’s local stores, boutiques, galleries, and outfitters offer an extraordinary breadth of one-of-a-kind gift ideas for everyone on your list. From charming artisan goods to locally crafted treasures, there’s no better place to make your list and check it twice—explore more in our Holiday Shopping Guide.

If you’re shopping for the hiker, biker, paddler, climber, or outdoor enthusiast in your life, Brevard is the ideal destination. Our Gear Up for Adventure guide showcases top local outfitters and gear shops that specialize in equipping adventurers for every type of terrain and experience, making it easy to find the perfect gift that inspires their next journey.

LET HEAVEN AND NATURE SING.

Our hills are alive with the sound of music all year long. And when it comes it comes to the holidays, you’ll find plenty of live local soundtrack to your holly, jolly Christmas.  Whether you’re looking for classical stands, traditional carols, or a solid jingle-bell backbeat for rockin’ around the tree, Transylvania County talented musicians are here for your listening pleasure.

Check out great holiday performances at Brevard Music Center’s Parker Concert Hall, concerts from the Brevard Philharmonic, and regular live music at 185 King, among others.

SETTLE DOWN FOR YOUR WINTER’S NAP.

Brevard and Transylvania offer a myriad of cozy accommodations for your holiday getaway, from intimate cottages to luxurious suites, all equipped to handle your visions of sugar plums or visits from St. Nick. No matter whether you’re looking to hang stockings by a chimney with care or roast marshmallows with Rudolph under the stars, you can find your sweet spot here.

HAVE A THRILL ON THE HILL

What could be more fun than an evening snow skiing or snow tubing with the family (weather permitting) at the Ski Sapphire Valley? It’s the perfect way to embrace the winter season, create unforgettable memories, and enjoy a little adventure in the heart of the mountains.

THINK OUTSIDE.

In Brevard, adventure doesn’t take a holiday. Mild temperatures and great winter views make our rivers, roads, rockfaces, and trails terrific places to explore throughout the season. While most outdoor facilities are open year-round, it is always a good idea to check in at Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest and Gorges State Park for up-to-date information about site-specific details.

As always, practice good trail etiquette and Leave it Better no matter what time of year you hit the trail. And keep in mind a few winter-specific tips:
● Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Higher elevations tend to be cooler, and parts of Transylvania County are a temperate rainforest, so conditions can change quickly.
● Bring a map. Snow makes trails difficult to follow.
● Dress in layers.  Place clothes with wicking properties close to the skin.
● Bring your phone and keep your batteries warm. Even if service is spotty, it’s still the most reliable way to get word out when you need it.
● Stay bright. Winter means shorter days. Start your hikes earlier in the day and bring a flashlight just in case.