“A Small Town Christmas” is a three-day celebration of traditional holiday experiences wrapped in small-town charm. Always the first weekend of December, dates for 2026 are Dec. 4-6.
Cookie decorating, ornament making, story time with Santa, choose-and-cut Christmas trees, a festive evening Christmas parade and illuminated train rides make this a special weekend in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
A highlight each year is two performances of the popular holiday musical revue, A Banner Elk Christmas, by Ensemble Stage professional theater.
The fun also includes a pancake breakfast with Santa, holiday carol sing at the Presbyterian church, a 5K run, holiday shopping, art gallery shows.