HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES IN THE HIGH COUNTRY OF NORTH CAROLINA

By Local Information November 25, 2023

December brings cold weather and the beautiful snow to the High Country. Whether you are visiting family, taking a day trip up to the mountains, or are searching for the perfect mountain cabin to hide away in, there’s plenty of holiday festivities for you to enjoy. Christmas in the High Country of North Carolina has a little bit of fun for the entire family.

5 FUN CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AROUND BOONE

#1: CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS

If you’re standing in the middle of Boone, close your eyes, spin around and point your finger, you’ll most likely land in the direction of a Christmas tree farm. There are plenty to choose from Ashe County to right here in Watauga County. Some of our favorites include:

  • Bear Wallow Choose & Cut
  • C & J Christmas Trees
  • Bluestone Greenery
  • Circle C Tree Farms
  • Clawson’s Choose & Cut
  • Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm
  • Swinging Bridge Farm
  • RRR Laurel Knob
  • Mistletoe Meadows

Grab a cup of coffee in downtown Boone and head over to any of these vendors to find the Christmas tree of your dreams.

#2: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT CHETOLA RESORT

The Festival of Lights is a wonderful way to stay warm and cozy inside your car while enjoying a lovely view of the famous Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Every day, starting at 6 p.m., visitors can take a drive or stroll through the resort grounds to view the Christmas lights stationed all around. It is located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock, N.C., 28605.

#3: APPLE HILL FARM CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

The name might be confusing, but the Apple Hill Farm Christmas Celebration doesn’t actually have apples, the farm is home to alpacas! Visitors can take an educational walking-tour of the farm to meet the animals and view the many Christmas decorations. There’s even a little gift shop full of local goods! Reservations are required, so don’t miss out!

#4: BOONE’S WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET

Still looking for the right gift? Need last minute ingredients for your favorite holiday recipe? The Boone Winter Farmers’ Market is a great place to visit! Every Saturday December through April, various local vendors sell their products from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is located at the Watauga Agricultural Conference Center in Downtown Boone. The vendor list includes:

  • Against the Grain
  • Sweet Dreams Patisserie LLC
  • Mountain Flowers Hemp
  • Resupply LLC
  • Creeksong Farm
  • Carringer Farms
  • Black Birch Her-Pothecary
  • Berry Patch Farm
  • Fermenti Farm
  • Mountain Roots Farm
  • Devorah Chocolate
  • Sweetwater Ktichen
  • Laughing Springs Farm
  • Between the Trees
  • Happy Hens
  • and MANY more!

#5: SKIING, SNOWBOARDING AND SNOW TUBING

For the beginner to the professional, people from all across the East Coast flock to the High Country of North Carolina to hit the slopes. During certain parts of the year, students at Appalachian State University can even opt to take a class in snowboarding or skiing to fulfill certain requirements.

Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort, Inc. provide visitors with the ultimate winter sports and activities experience! But, if you’re not up to going down the mountain while standing up, no worries! Sit down and relax in a snow tube at Hawksnest Tubing.

There’s plenty of holiday festivities for you to experience in the High Country of North Carolina. At 828 Real Estate we’re in the holiday spirit. If you are in downtown Boone during the holiday season, come by our office and say hi!

About the Author
Sarah Long, NC Broker/Owner/REALTOR® • 828-773-2413 • [email protected]
I am a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, but I have been in North Carolina since1997 when I moved to Boone to attend Appalachian State University. I earned my degree in Theatre Education and Communications. While at ASU I met my husband, Matt Long, a Boone native and general contractor, and gained a heart for these mountains and my beloved ASU Mountaineers. After graduation, I spent 5 years teaching in Charlotte before being given the opportunity to move back to the High Country. In 2007 I earned my NC Real Estate License and began in full-time brokerage. In 2010 I helped to open a franchise brokerage in the High Country. I gained impactful knowledge and built important relationships during my 8 years there, but began to feel the calling to get back to my roots.

In June of 2018, my dream became a reality when I opened 828 Real Estate. We are a boutique brokerage that is locally focused, community-minded and client-driven. I feel so fortunate to be in a career that I love, have opportunities to serve wonderful clients, and get to work with the best team here at 828 Real Estate.

I am a member of The High Country Association of Realtors, the North Carolina Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors. I am a member the Boone Chamber of Commerce and I am on the board for the Downtown Boone Development Association. I have also completed the Realtor  e-Pro certification that specifically focuses on the technology tools needed in the purchase or sale of a property. Additionally, I have earned my CLHMS Designation. (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) and a qualified LuxuryHomes.com Affiliate. Over the years I have been awarded various Top Producer Awards. I am honored each year to be invited to the Top 50 Brokers in the High Country celebration.

My husband and I reside in downtown Boone and have 2 beautiful children, Sadie Rose and Levi. We attend Alliance Bible Fellowship and stay connected by serving the community and supporting local non-profits like Western Youth Network, The Appalachian Theatre and Valle Crucis Community Park. We love to spend time outside hiking, playing on the river, running with their dog, Emmie Lou, hitting the slopes and making the most of our time in this amazing place we get to call home!