The holiday season is extra special here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. McDowell County is ready to welcome you and yours with open arms to join in the seasonal celebrations this year! Small town charm with lots of yuletide cheer awaits throughout the coming winter months, in the forms of holiday markets, seasonal parades, and close-up encounters with Santa himself. The holiday events in McDowell County, NC, will definitely add to your joy and wonder, so make sure to plan your visit soon to take advantage of all the old and new holiday traditions.
Please note: All event info is subject to change! Check our event page for the most up-to-date info.
November Events
November 14th: Harvest Festival - Song & Seed Swap
- Location: Foothills Watershed, Old Fort, NC
- Time: Friday 2 - 9P
- Details: Spend a Fall evening enjoying live traditional music and storytelling at Foothills Watershed from 5-7P while swapping seeds at the community seed exchange, starting at 2P. It will be a great day to spend on this beautiful property alongside the Catawba River.
November 22nd: Holiday Market at the MTM (Marion Tailgate Market!)
- Location: Three Sisters Cheese, Marion, NC
- Time: Saturday 10A - 2P
- Details: This market kicks off the holiday season at the Marion Tailgate Market, featuring a big pancake breakfast fundraiser - a most delicious way to support the market and all its makers and vendors. Get your breakfast tickets in advance, then have a blast at the market.
November 23rd: A Very Marion Christmas Parade
- Location: Historic Main Street, Marion, NC
- Time: Sunday 3 - 5P
- Details: The parade’s theme this year is ‘A McDowell Strong Christmas,’ and you are welcome to register and participate or revel in being a spectator for this annual holiday Blue Ridge Mountains celebration.
November 27th: Thanksgiving Day Dinner
- Location: The Chalet at the Switzerland Inn, Little Switzerland, NC
- Time: Thursday, starting at 4P
- Details: How does no cooking sound for Thanksgiving this year? Then make plans to give thanks and spread the cheer at The Chalet, Switzerland Inn’s restaurant, where the food is as unmatched as the views. Make plans to stay the whole weekend! Spend Black Friday on the mountain instead of the mall.
November 29th - December 31st: The Blue Ridge Artisan Sale and Show
- Location: McDowell Arts Council, downtown Marion, NC
- Details: This month-long holiday market features McDowell County’s finest potters, heritage crafters, jewelers, fiber artists, and more, all offering holiday-themed work in addition to their year-round art.
November 29th: 2025 Shop Small Main Street Craft Crawl
- Location: Main Street, Marion, NC
- Time: Saturday 10A - 4P
- Details: Soak in the small-town holiday spirit while shopping for beloved gifts at the local downtown shops and additional artists and vendors who will be showcasing their seasonal goods. Support local!
December Events
December 1st: “A Swiss-Mas to Remember”
- Location: Switzerland Inn, Little Switzerland, NC
- Details: For the first time in its 115-year history, the Switzerland Inn will be open for the holidays through December 31st. The Inn plans to shower guests with special holiday treats, and the Peppermint Pub Pop-Up at the Fowl Play Pub & Taproom will bolster your holiday mood with its over-the-top decor and seasonal specialty drinks and eats. Make your reservations now!
December 4th: Photos with Santa and Friends
- Location: Downtown Marion, Marion, NC
- Time: Thursday 5 - 6:30P
- Details: No need to wait for photo opportunities with Santa this year when you can catch him at the City Stage while having fun exploring downtown Marion in all of its holiday vibes.
December 6th: 37th Annual Appalachian Potters Market
- Location: McDowell High School, Marion, NC
- Time: Saturday 10A - 4P
- Details: A must-do for the pottery lovers out there! You’ll want to experience this annual potter’s market for yourself and pick up some treasures to share this holiday and to keep for yourself to commemorate your Blue Ridge adventure.
December 12th: The Old Fort Art Walk
- Location: Business District, Old Fort, NC
- Details: Stroll Catawba Avenue and West Main Street for a hefty dose of holiday cheer this season. Enjoy the slow pace while exploring the shops and galleries of Old Fort—experience street-side artist demonstrations with the opportunity to take home the hand-crafted goods.
December 18th: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party & Christmas Fest Drawing
- Location: City Stage in Downtown Marion, NC
- Time: Thursday 6P
- Details: Dig out that ugly holiday sweater and compete for a cash prize and the coveted Ugly Sweater Trophy this year in downtown Marion! Take lots of photos - you’ll want to remember this!
December 20th: Festive Christmas Caroling
- Location: Silver Fork Winery, Morganton, NC
- Time: Saturday 2 - 4P
- Details: We all know someone who loves to sing the Christmas carols, or maybe it’s you? Well, this is the event for that! Join in for the yuletide trimming celebration and lots of sing-alongs. Food and wine will be there, as well.
December 31st: Family-Friendly “Neon New Year’s Eve”
- Location: Main Street, Marion, NC
- Time: Wednesday, starting at 6:30P
- Details: Mark your calendars now for big-time family fun for NYE this year in downtown Marion! The dance party starts at 6:30P, and the fun continues throughout the evening with music, rides, games, and all things fun and free for the entire family.
December 31st: Great Gatsby themed New Year’s Eve Party
- Location: Tabletop Inn, Marion, NC
- Time: 7 - 10P
- Details: Be warned! This promises to be a super fun and slightly fancy event, offering an excellent way to ring in the New Year with award-winning food, lots of great beer, and a terrific reason to dress up your wardrobe for the evening.
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