Start a Festive Family Tradition
in the Mountains
The holiday season in Brevard is stacked with events. There’s something to look forward to each day of the week—festivals, parades, special exhibits, live music—and that doesn’t include all the shopping and dining in between. Spend a few days in our corner of the mountains to soak up enough feel-good holiday cheer that would make even a Hallmark movie character jealous. Gather your whole crew together, and plan a holiday trip that they’ll want to repeat year after year.
Where to Stay
When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more comforting and cozy than staying at a cabin in the mountains. Keep warm in a relaxing hot tub at Meraki Escape or Valley Bear Farms. If a fire pit by the lake is more your speed, book a stay in the Greystone Inn. For an immersive holiday stay, check out Earthshine Lodge and the Appalachian Christmas event, which includes brunch with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, and other fun festivities (visitors can also participate in the event without staying at Earthshine). Or, make your basecamp at Deerwoode Reserve—an old summer camp turned accommodations and nature preserve. Whether you’re staying at Deerwoode or not, you can experience the magic of the holidays during their Festival of Lights. For more lodging options, check out our Stay page and our Lodging Specials.
Where to Eat & Drink
Start your day with a warm drink and pastry from Cup & Saucer or Bracken Mountain Bakery before wandering through the shops and galleries of Downtown Brevard. When it’s time to toast the season, stop by one of Brevard’s five breweries for a local craft beer. Many offer festive seasonal taps, perfect for a chilly afternoon. If you’re craving something heartier, settle in at The Falls Landing for fresh mountain trout, Square Root for creative comfort food, or The Bohemian Restaurant for globally inspired dishes. And if your sweet tooth strikes before the night ends, treat yourself to a treat from Kilwins Chocolate & Ice Cream or Downtown Chocolates. Whether you’re sipping, savoring, or simply soaking in the season, Brevard’s food and drink scene serves up the perfect taste of mountain holiday magic.
Holiday Markets & Shopping
Avoid crowds at big box stores and the mall—because Brevard is a fun place to spend time shopping for locally made holiday gifts. You’ll find something that’s one-of-a-kind, and you won’t feel the crunch among throngs of other shoppers. To get your shopping trip started, check out Transylvania County’s Local Makers and find out more about holiday markets in the events section of our Holiday Visitor Guide.
Holiday Events
Brevard likes to ring in the holiday season in style. The first weekend in December, on Saturday the 6th, experience Light Up the Night and the Christmas Parade in Downtown Brevard. This beloved day of holiday cheer features live music, hayrides, food trucks, holiday shopping, and the official tree lighting ceremony.
Late November through December, businesses in Downtown Brevard decorate their windows and storefronts with lights and tinsel for the Holiday Windows Competition. There’s a bit of friendly rivalry involved, but everyone wins when Downtown Brevard transforms into a picture-perfect Christmas town
Take a step back in time to Christmases gone by at the ATOM Aluminum Tree Exhibit. This colorful display of vintage aluminum Christmas trees runs from early November through the New Year, and proceeds support the Transylvania Heritage Museum. You may just get a little inspiration for your own holiday decorating. Or, you might be inspired to leave some of those trends in the past. Looking for more holiday cheer? Get in the spirit of the season with 12 Days of Holiday Cheer for 12 festive activities to fill up your holiday lineup!
Catch Festive Live Music Near Brevard
Live music is the cherry on top of a merry holiday excursion. The Brevard Music Center presents special shows throughout the season, such as Handel’s Messiah, piano showcases, and folksy classics. Check their calendar for more details.
The Brevard Philharmonic also puts on dazzling performances during the holidays, including their yearly Christmastime in Brevard. For a laid-back live music experience, check out the weekly jams on Saturdays at Cedar Mountain Canteen.
Insider Tip
Give your loved ones the gift of Brevard this holiday season. A gift card to a favorite local shop, restaurant, or spa lets them indulge in the town’s unique charm. You can also gift a future stay in North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls, offering adventure, relaxation, and memories they will treasure. Both are a thoughtful way to share a little holiday magic, no magic required.
