High Country Events Calendar: This Week 2022 - events and festivals for Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro
This events calendar is updated weekly every Monday by the NC High Country Regional Visitor Center staff.  The newest print version is also available for pick up every Monday in the visitor center located between Boone & Blowing Rock.  Download to your phone for easy reference!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE YEARLY (INTERACTIVE) EVENT CALENDAR

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 25- January 29, 5-10pm, Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock
The “Festival of Lights” is free and open to the public, and you are invited to enjoy thousands of dazzling illuminations throughout the resort.  As you drive or stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, “Rudolph” reeling in a big fish, strolling carolers and many more captivating holiday scenes. 

AFTERNOON ART FOR KIDS
November 29, 3:30pm, Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Children ages 6 - 12 are invited to join us for creative art-making activities through a variety of media, from watercolor to clay. Each week features a famous artist, book, or theme.  ONLINE REGISTRATION is required.

“NATIONAL LAMPOONS CHRISTMAS VACATION” SCREENING
November 29, 7pm, Appalachian Theatre, Downtown Boone
Based on Hughes' short story "Christmas '59" that was published in National Lampoon, it tells the story tale of the Griswold family spending Christmas vacation at home with their relatives and the ensuing mayhem. Admission is $5.

APPALACHIAN THEATRE TOUR
November 30, 1pm, Various, Appalachian Theatre, Downtown Boone
The tour includes a walk-through of the venue, insight into the theatre's history, and a 15-minute short film chronicling the evolution of the space and featuring first-hand perspectives. Tours are free and last approximately 45 minutes.

DAVID CHILDERS CONCERT
November 30, 7:30pm, Jones House, Downtown Boone
North Carolina-based singer/songwriter/musician/poet/historian/painter

OLD TIME JAM
December 1, 7pm, Jones House, Downtown Boone
Bring an acoustic instrument to play along or just enjoy the music as local musicians play old-time fiddle and folk songs until the "last call for tunes" at 9:45pm. 

CHARLES BILLINGSLY CHRISTMAS CONCERT
December 1, 7:30pm, Walker Center, Wilkesboro
 Join Charles and his full band for a fun and festive Christmas concert.

CHRISTMAS CRAWL
December 2, 5-7pm, Downtown West Jefferson
Visit downtown shops and galleries featuring festive decorations and gifts. Stroll town and take in the Christmas lights.

BOONE FESTIVE FIRST FRIDAY
December 2, 5-8pm, Downtown Boone
4:00 & 6:00- Watauga County Public Library How the Grinch Stole Christmas Performance
5:00 - 7:30-  Downtown Post Office Cookies with Mrs. Claus & Letters to Santa
5:00 – 8:00 Mast General Store Visits with Santa Claus
5:00 – 8:00 Boone Town Hall Face painting with Fake-A-Face
5:00 – 8:00 Jones House Music Holiday Menorah & Tree Lighting, refreshments
5:00 – 8:00 Howard Street Horse-drawn carriage rides
7:00 Hope Center Parking Lot “Snowball” fight with local mascots
5:00 – 9:00 Turchin Center Winter Exhibition Celebration -Free
6:00 – 9:00 Appalachian Theatre Fundraising Gala -$35, Harris Brothers, Silent Auction, Food

A BANNER ELK CHRISTMAS
December 2, 7pm, December 4, 2pm, Old Banner Elk School
Our holiday musical variety show is patterned after the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television Christmas specials of the 60's and 70's. With all or parts of nearly forty songs performed in just over an hour, it is a fast paced musical and visual experience full of singing and dancing lots of costume changes.

CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW
December 3, 8-4pm, Alleghany Fairgrounds Emerson Black Building, Sparta
We will have a wonderful array of vendors to help you finish your Christmas shopping, and food will be available.

APP SKI ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
December 3-4, 9-5pm, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock
Enjoy roll back ticket prices on both Saturday & Sunday Day Sessions for only $10! Advanced reservations required.

BOONE WINTER FARMERS MARKET
December 3, 10-1pm, Agricultural Conference Center, Downtown Boone
The Boone Winter Farmers' Market offers a wide range of local products such as fresh produce, meats, bouquets, pottery, prepared foods and preserves, honey, homemade body products, herbal remedies, chocolate, coffee, and so much more!

HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET
December 3, 10-2pm, Backstreet, Downtown West Jefferson
We will have fresh garland, wreaths, fresh winter bouquets, ornaments, reindeer, candles, pottery, jewelry, alpaca items, woodworking items, doggie treats, honey, maple syrup, fresh eggs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuces, pork, yak, lamb, chicken, turkey, pecan pie, black walnut cake and apple butter.

SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS
December 3, 9-8pm, Downtown Banner Elk
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Storytime with Santa & Fire Truck Tour at Banner Elk Fire and Rescue Station
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Christmas Market & Kids' Craft Activities at the Historic Banner Elk School
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - "Kid Sized" Wooden Christmas Snowman Keepsake Making at Blind Elk Taproom 
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Ornament Decorating at the Bayou Smokehouse & Grill
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Community Carol Sing at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Christmas Cookie Decorating at the Banner Elk Café
6:00 p.m. - Christmas Parade on Main Street 
6:00 p.m. - Christmas Festivities at Tate-Evans Park including: Luminary-lighted train rides, synchronized Christmas light show, Hot chocolate and more!

HOLIDAY MARKET IN THE VALLE
December 3, 10-4pm, Apple Barn, Valle Crucis
This year, more than 30 vendors are taking part in the holiday market, with products ranging from jewelry to ceramics to clothing.

SATURDAY WITH SANTA
December 3-4, 12:30-3pm, The Blowing Rock Attraction
Visit and take your photo with Santa.  Free admission for one child and one adult to attend!

CHRISTMAS IN THE COMMONS
December 3, 3:30-8pm, Wilkes Heritage Museum, Wilkesboro
10:00 am – 6:00 pm - Santa’s Helpers Scavenger Hunt to win awesome prizes
10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Wilkes Heritage Museum Open House- Colonial Cooking, Children's Heritage Activities, Victorian Card Making, Christmas Cookies, Live Music
4:00 pm - Music and a Photo Booth put on by On Target DJ, as well as Axe Throwing put on by Backyard Ninja 
5:30 pm - Santa and Mrs. Claus visits. Late shopping with downtown merchants!
Sunset - Holiday Laser show
7:00 pm - Lighting of the Heritage Square Christmas Tree in front of the Wilkes Heritage Museum! 
*Admission to all activities is free.

TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
December 3, 6pm, Alleghany Courthouse & Main Street, Sparta
Music, Santa & Mrs. Claus (6-7:30pm), Extended store hours, Hot Chocolate and treats + more!

ALICE GERRARD CONCERT
December 3, 7:30pm, Jones House, Downtown Boone
Alice Gerrard is an American bluegrass singer, banjoist, fiddler, and guitar player.

A CAROLINA SNOWBELL CHRISTMAS
December 3, 7:30pm, December 4, 2 & 4pm, Appalachian Theatre, Downtown Boone
A CAROLINA SNOWBELLE CHRISTMAS made its debut in Washington DC at the world renowned Kennedy Center's Millennium Stages and is now the High Country's newest holiday tradition for the whole family.

CAROLINA SNOWBELL CHRISTMAS TEA EXPERIENCE
December 4, 4pm, Appalachian Theatre, Downtown Boone
In addition to tea and finger foods, experience will include games, crafts, dancing, photo opportunities with the Snowbells.