Social Events Calendar Winter 24-25

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the rundown on what to do and explore.

DECEMBER

Winter Lights

Dec 1 - 31

The 11th annual Winter Lights returned to The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville with the show running nightly through Dec. 31st. This year, Winter Lights is unveiling “Seasons of Light,” a celebration of the four seasons interpreted in more than one million lights. Enjoy the towering flowers of “Spring Sprouts” and the magical mushrooms of “Fall Fungi” to behemoth butterflies and the beloved giant caterpillar across acres of lights. This is the Arboretum’s largest fundraiser of the year and directly supports the Arboretum’s employees, programming, and improvements to the grounds. It is a major economic driver for local vendors, musicians, and seasonal staff. Tickets are now on sale at ncwinterlights.com and are purchased per vehicle. Ticket purchasers are encouraged to donate additional tickets for those in need around the region. 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville. (828) 665-2492

2024 Olde Mountain Christmas Parade

Dec 7th

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC, sponsors of the parade, start a day of parades on the plateau with a 10 a.m. start at the Hudson Library. With more than 60 entries. The festivities are sure to please the hometown crowd and the many visitors who have made this a tradition. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be joined by floats, marching bands, classic cars and motorcycles, firetrucks, llamas, camels and the Highlands High School Homecoming Court. Arrive early to find parking and a spectator spot with a clear view. When the parade ends, relax and grab a bite or shop a bit. Then, head east to Cashiers for another Christmas parade at 3 pm.

50th Annual Cashiers

Peppermint Stick Parade

Dec 7th

On December 22, 1974, Cashiers hosted its first annual Christmas Parade. This year will be extra special, with floats and festivities welcoming in the Holiday Season. Bring your camp chairs and arrive early to stake out a good location to watch all the fun and enjoy a little retail therapy by shopping locally. This year, the parade route is new, beginning at the US Hwy 64 entrance to The Village Green and traveling east to the Crossroads; it will then proceed south on Hwy 107 to The Cashiers United Methodist Church. Beginning at 3 pm.

Live Music at Happ’s

Dec 7th

Rock Holler, the rocking party band out of Robbinsville, NC, is known for getting folks out of their seats and on the dance floor or, at Happ’s, the dance yard. The band covers hits from Outlaw Country and Southern Rock, to Motown, Classic Rock and Top 40 Funk. This popular restaurant just north of Lake Glenville on Hwy 107 draws locals and visitors alike with a spacious outdoor area with covered and open seating, roaring fire, craft cocktails, gourmet pizza and full entrees. —6 pm to 9 pm 5914, Hwy 107, Glenville.

Highlander Mountain House Tea Party

Dec 7th

Kick off Christmas with an authentic tea party at the Roughed Grouse tavern inside Highlander Mountain House. The Tea & Spice Exchange and Rosenthal’s Premier Apparel will host the party, featuring a spread of exotic teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and other sweet delights. Tickets available at TheHIghlanderMountainHouse.com  Begins at 3 pm. 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC. 828-526-2590.

Fireside at the Farm –

An Orchard Session

Dec 12th

Singer-Songwriter Mike Kinnebrew returns for an evening of holiday songs at the pavilion at Old Edward’s Half Mile Farm. This special event is open to the public as part of Old Edwards' Orchard Sessions, a series of live events with a cash bar and complimentary light bites. Tickets are available at OldEdwardshospitality.com. The show is from 6 pm to 8 pm. 336 Arnold Road, Highlands.

Live Music at Happ’s

Dec 13th

Blue Jazz, a jazz, blues and soul trio, features Dave Stuart, Delphine Kirkland, And Scott Crowley covering the tunes of Billy Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Tom Waites and more. It's the perfect band for a fun night of dancing. Happ’s is just north of Lake Glenville on Hwy 107 and draws locals and visitors alike with a spacious outdoor area with covered and open seating, roaring fire, craft cocktails, gourmet pizza and full entrees. —6 pm to 9 pm 5914, Hwy 107, Glenville.

Live Music at Happ’s

Dec 14th

Singer-songwriter Charles Walker returns to the delight of locals and visitors. A Charlotte native, he relocated to Nashville but returns home this winter, bringing his melodic Americana music and Southern-style storytelling. Happ’s is just north of Lake Glenville on Hwy 107 and draws locals and visitors alike with a spacious outdoor area with covered and open seating, roaring fire, craft cocktails, gourmet pizza and full entrees. —6 pm to 9 pm 5914, Hwy 107, Glenville.

Salon Series – Highlander Mountain House

Dec 19th

World-class singer-songwriters The Secret Sisters round out this cozy mountain tavern’s months long salon series. Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle's Americana style has been compared to the Everly Brothers. A self-titled debut album is a mix of covers and original music and the show promises the same. From 8:30 pm to 11 pm. Tickets are available at HighlanderMountainHouse.com, 270 Main Street, Highlands. 828-526-2590

Live Music at Happ’s

Dec 20th

Franklin, NC-based Remnants bring their high-energy cover sets that generate a lot of singing along. Celebrate the season dancing to hits that span decades. Happ’s, located just north of Lake Glenville on Hwy 107, draws locals and visitors alike. It has a spacious outdoor area with covered and open seating, a roaring fire, craft cocktails, gourmet pizza and full entrees. —6 pm to 9 pm 5914, Hwy 107, Glenville.

Live Music at Happ’s

Dec 28th

Doug Ramsey is a popular solo artist who always draws a crowd of devoted fans on the plateau. Enjoy covers of hits from Van Morrison to the Allman Brothers. Happ’s is just north of Lake Glenville on Hwy 107 and draws locals and visitors alike with a spacious outdoor area with covered and open seating, roaring fire, craft cocktails, gourmet pizza and full entrees. —6 pm to 9 pm 5914, Hwy 107, Glenville.