“The Polar Express” train ride will roll down the tracks on select dates from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City.

Climb aboard one of the powerful locomotives and historic train cars as it departs the Bryson City Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself.

Jackson County Americana/folk duo Bird in Hand will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City. 

The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29-30 at featured studios in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville. 

As the temperature drops in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike. 

Americana/folk singer-songwriter Woolybooger will perform at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Mountain Layers Brewing in Bryson City.

Swain County is on its way to building a new middle school after securing $52 million in grant funds from the state. 

“Hurricane Helene has reiterated the necessity of our students having access to safe, modern and structurally sound learning environments,” State Superintendent Catherine Truitt said in a press release.

The annual corn maze and pumpkin patch will continue through Oct. 31 at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. 

There are two seats open on the Swain County Board of Commissioners this year, and voters will see four candidates on the ballot. However, in a slightly unusual turn, two of those candidates are unaffiliated. 

Singer-songwriter Wyatt Espalin will hit the stage at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at Mountain Layers Brewing in Bryson City. 

Regional country/rock act The Jon Cox Band will perform as part of the “Halloween Costume Party” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Unplugged Pub in Bryson City.