A beloved annual tradition, the “Christmas at Lake Junaluska” celebration will be held Dec. 12-14 at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. 

A special production of “Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberly” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 11 and 13, 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. 

The second annual Cold Mountain Christmas Craft Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Bishop Johnson Dining Hall in Lake Logan.

Holiday shopping, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, live music and more. Guests will experience a charming holiday event in a pristine gem of Haywood County. 

A special production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 19-20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13-14, 20-21 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

When the unruly Herdman kids, the “worst children in the history of the world,” show up at church and muscle their way into the annual Christmas pageant, everyone expects total disaster.

The 42nd annual “Lights & Luminaries” will return from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 in the streets of downtown Dillsboro.

Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. Over 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. 

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. 

The Christmas season, dreaded by some, beloved by others, especially children. Already you’ll find houses festooned with lights and yards dotted with inflatable Santas, “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night” on the radio and grocery store shelves stuffed with cards, chocolates and holiday cookies. 

Normally, when I’m interviewing storied Haywood County musician Darren Nicholson, we’d be talking either about an upcoming gig of his or a new album coming down the pipeline. But, today, we’re talking all things Christmas trees. 

“Well, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Nicholson tells me when I ask him about how to pick out the perfect tree for the holidays.

The Summit Charter School Foundation announced that the 2025 Cashiers Festival of Trees will open on Friday, Nov. 28, at 370 Mitten Lane in Cashiers. The festive fundraiser — accessible both in person and online — will run through Saturday, Nov. 29, with doors open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce announced that plans are underway for the Annual Christmas Parade, which will officially ring in the holiday season. The celebration will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30.