Across McDowell County, the holiday spirit abounds with traditions and twists on the season including a Peppermint Pop-Up, a Neon New Year’s Celebration, Milk & Cookies Turndown Service at a 115 year-old resort, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and Handmade Gifts from the Heart
Old Fort, N.C. (Nov. 11, 2025) - For this holiday season, McDowell County, N.C., wishes for just one thing - a visit from travelers in search of mountain views, small-town sparkle, and cozy holiday cheer.
High on our Christmas wishlist is letting folks know that there’s no shortage of charming holiday-themed activities and things to do in McDowell County, between now and into January. Towns throughout the county offer unique activities that have the makings of new holiday traditions. The county’s calendar is full of pursuits designed to bring neighbors - and visitors - together.
Consider these holiday-spirit filled activities:
- Nov. 23: A Very Marion Christmas Parade
When looking to jump start the holiday spirit, look no further than the City of Marion’s annual Christmas Parade. Set for 3 p.m. on Nov. 23, downtown Marion’s beautiful historic architecture provides a scenic backdrop to twinkling floats, the McDowell High School marching band, pageant queens, dogs and their humans in their holiday finest, and dance troupes all promenading along Main Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus close out the procession, seated and waving from atop their float on their reindeer-powered sleigh. This year’s parade theme is “A McDowell Strong Christmas,” with Pastor Jerry Lewis from Grace Community Church serving as the 2025 Marion Christmas Parade Marshal.
- Dec. 1: “A Swiss-Mas to Remember” in Little Switzerland - Inn plans to be year-round
For the first time in its 115-year history, Switzerland Inn - known for its spectacular 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains - will be open for the holidays. Through Dec. 31, the Inn will celebrate “A Swiss-Mas to Remember,” with holiday treats for guests that include a special Milk and Cookies Turndown Service, “straight from Santa’s plate,” and a keepsake ornament. Also planned for Christmas is the Inn’s Peppermint Pub Pop-Up. The Inn’s cozy Fowl Play Pub & Taproom will transform into a holiday jewel box when the Peppermint Pub debuts on Dec. 1. Filled with twinkling lights and over-the-top seasonal decor, the temporary makeover will feature a Mistletoe & Mugs Menu of festive cocktails and seasonal bites. This extension of the calendar is a prelude to the Inn’s plans to remain open all year ‘round heading into 2026.
- Dec. 4: A Christmas Photo Adventure with Santa & Co.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, families and friends are invited for a festive evening of photo opps with Santa and other holiday characters. Participating businesses in downtown Marion will host themed photo stops. More information is here.
- Dec. 6: Christmas for All - A Holiday Benefit
Christmas for All is a free event presented by Hometown Pro Wrestling, an organization based in Marion, dedicated to celebrating grassroots wrestling, small-town pride, and building family-friendly entertainment. Set for noon to 6 p.m., Dec. 6 at the Asheville Mall, the event features live pro wrestling matches with Buff Bagwell, KC Thunder, Moonshine Express and Luke Fury. Jason Redick, a celebrated Master Bladesmith, known for his appearance on the History Channel series, “Forged in Fire,” will participate in a Meet & Greet, as well as Panhead Cooter McClure, the Moonshiner Master Distiller himself. This event is a benefit to help families impacted by Hurricane Helene. More information is available here.
- Dec. 6: Pet (and People) Photos with Santa
Gather at the fireplace in the main lobby of Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland from noon to 2 p.m. to share wish lists with Santa, snap a festive photo and soak up some holiday cheer with your furry babies. Free and open to the public. Friendly, leashed pets only.
- Dec. 18: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party & Christmas Fest Drawing
Set to start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 at City Stage in downtown Marion, this cheerful competition is a chance for attendees to bring out their best ugly sweaters and compete for the coveted Ugly Sweater Trophy and $50 cash prize. The Christmas Fest Drawing also takes place during the event and awards holiday prize baskets to those who shop at participating Marion businesses from Nov. 20 through Dec. 14. Details are available here.
- Dec. 31: Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve in Marion: The Annual Nugget Drop and a Ton of Neon
This year’s family-focused end-of-year celebration - “Neon New Year’s Eve” - will transform downtown Main Street into a glowing night of fun. The festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a Glow Up Station where participants may get glowing face paint, glow sticks, glow hair spray, and more to glam-up their look. The evening’s schedule includes carriage rides, a DJ, a Kids Train, Magic Bubbles and a Laser Show, and a Roller Skating Rink. At 8 p.m., to ring in the new year, the annual Gold Nugget Drop takes place, with an Apple Juice Toast and a 4-Foot Donut from Mr. Bob’s Donuts. After that, at 8:30 p.m., a Scavenger Hunt starts, followed by the 9 p.m. All Things Geeky Costume Contest and The Neon 5-K. Food vendors will be serving throughout the evening.
- Dec. 31: A glitzy Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve party
Tabletop Inn in Marion will host a fancy Great Gatsby-Themed New Year’s Event from 7 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 31. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous work, the party will feature discussions from the creators of The Asheville Literary Tour about Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald’s connections to western North Carolina. More details are available at www.tabletopinn.com.
- Jan. 10: Ice Sculptures at the Lake James State Park Ice Festival
And after ringing in 2026, Lake James gets ready for its annual Ice Festival. Around 40 intricate and whimsical ice sculptures created by World Ice Art Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Aaron Costic will be on display at The Lake James State Park on Jan. 10 at the Lake James Visitor Center in Paddy's Creek Recreational Area. This year’s theme is “Down on the Farm,” and is a tribute to Fonta Flora and Whippoorwill Dairy. Guests will be able to walk among the sculptures, and observe Costic and his team doing live ice carving demonstrations. The event is set for 5 to 9 p.m. More information will be available at this link.
Holiday Shopping? Yes!
With so many artisans living and creating in McDowell County, the area is the perfect place to visit now to shop for unique holiday gifts.
In Old Fort, holiday shoppers can select from an array of pottery, painting, woodwork, jewelry, and fiber arts at venues such as Nanu Gallery, Arrowhead Gallery, and Grove Hill Pottery for pottery, fiber arts, flowers and yarn.
In Marion, you can try the art of loom weaving at Appalachian Remedies, where you can create a rug, placemats or a table runner to give as a gift (or keep for yourself). Marion is also home to
Mackey Creek Mud, and the McDowell Arts Council Association. The association operates a gallery on Main Street, and exhibits works by artists living in the county.
In Little Switzerland, the Artisan League of Little Switzerland Art Gallery is located inside Little Switzerland Books and Beans. Members of the league display and sell their work which includes cards, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, literary works, marbled paper, mixed media, paintings, photography and woodwork.
Several special art events are planned for the holidays.
- Nov. 29: Shop Small Main Street Craft Crawl: Set for National Shop Small Saturday, more than 50 McDowell-based artists will line Main Street with their creations, alongside Marion’s downtown shops, restaurants, and breweries.
- Nov. 29 (through Dec. 31): The Blue Ridge Artisan Sale and Show at McDowell Arts Council Association, downtown Marion. This month-long holiday market features McDowell County potters, crafters, silversmiths, jewelry and fiber artists, and heritage crafters offering holiday-themed and year-round art.
- Dec. 6: The 37th annual Appalachian Potters Market in Marion is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McDowell High School.
- Dec. 12: The Old Fort Art Walk features artists demonstrating and selling their craft along the sidewalks and in the stores and galleries along Old Fort’s main business district, Catawba Avenue and West Main Street.
- Dec. 14: The Winterfest Arts and Crafts fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.at St. John’s Parish House on South Main Street in Marion. More than 15 vendors will be selling their art, with live Christmas music.
Bundle up and explore the outdoors
Late fall and winter offer some of the most serene hiking opportunities of the year. From the hiking trails around Lake James State Park and the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway to waterfalls like Catawba Falls near Old Fort, visitors can enjoy the crisp beauty of the season. With the continued growth of local trails, Old Fort welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to experience the fresh mountain air and scenic views along the newly expanded network. Be sure to check local listings for current road and weather conditions before heading out. Visit Destination McDowell for more information on our trails.
Soaking up local flavor in the indoors
Part of a holiday journey should include slipping into more of the locals’ places for cozy, one of a kind experiences. Check out music trivia at Mica Town Brewing in Nebo; a song and seed swap at Foothills Watershed; some stretching and relaxing with winter yoga sessions at Old Fort Yoga; or an author talk or a hootenanny sing-along at Bigfoot Books & Brews in Marion.
Unique winter lodging options. Book now for the holidays!
When it’s time to rest and recharge, McDowell County offers some of the most distinctive overnight options in the region. Travelers can choose Marion’s retro-chic, board game-themed Tabletop Inn or the whimsical Soulshine Glamping Geodesic Dome, retreat to Old Fort’s secluded Little Mountain A-Frame or the artful Wunderland Resort, explore the riverside charm of Gold River Camp, or enjoy the European alpine vibe of Little Switzerland with stays at Switzerland Inn and Chalet Restaurant, Skyline Village Inn, or Big Lynn Lodge. For a playful touch of local flair, Bigfoot Manor in Marion provides a cozy home complete with a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
Free McDowell County Travel Guide
For more information about McDowell County and things to do while visiting, a free travel guide is available for download at this link.
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About Destination McDowell
Formerly known as Blue Ridge Traveler, Destination McDowell is the official tourism resource for McDowell County, dedicated to showcasing the beauty, culture, and outdoor adventure of this iconic Western North Carolina region.
About McDowell County, N.C.
McDowell County, N.C., is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills of Western North Carolina. It is home to an abundance of natural beauty with nearly 200 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, charming small towns, and cultural experiences that celebrate its rich Southern Appalachian history. With easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the graceful bends and turns of the Catawba River, moments of awe and beauty are plentiful throughout the county. More information about McDowell County, N.C., may be found at www.destinationmcdowell.com.
