Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Dillsboro Luminaries

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Celebrate the enchanting Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries festival, a dazzling holiday tradition held annually during the first two weeks of December in the quaint town of Dillsboro. This remarkable festival beckons visitors from all corners to experience the magical ambiance created by the illumination of 2,500 candles and twinkling white lights. This festive event, which started as a one-night showcase of luminaries in 1983, has since blossomed into a highly anticipated multi-day festival, drawing both locals and travelers to immerse themselves in the festive cheer and camaraderie. Explore the glowing downtown streets, where the air is filled with the harmonious sound of carolers and the sweet scent of cider and cocoa, generously offered by the welcoming shop owners. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Indulge in the nostalgia of the season with complimentary horse and buggy rides, offering a charming perspective of the twinkling surroundings. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, the Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries festival invites you to partake in the delightful festivities and create wonderful holiday memories in this charming locale. The allure of this radiant festival extends beyond the sparkling lights and warm melodies; it’s an annual gathering of joy, tradition, and community spirit, inviting one and all to bask in the glowing warmth of the holiday season.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Dillsboro Luminaries

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Journey back to the days of yesteryear. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will take place the first two Friday and Saturdays of December.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Dillsboro Luminaries

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Journey back to the days of yesteryear. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will take place the first two Friday and Saturdays of December.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Dillsboro Luminaries

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Journey back to the days of yesteryear. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios as shopkeepers provide holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Enjoy live music while the children will experience a socially distant and safe visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will take place the first two Friday and Saturdays of December.

Assault on Blackrock

Assault on Blackrock

Sylva, NC’s extreme trail race How does running a seven-mile trail race with 2,770 feet of elevation gain sound? Trail runners who compete in the Assault on BlackRock trail race will summit BlackRock at 5,810 feet – and that’s just the halfway point of the race. The course weaves through the spruce forests along the spine of the Plott Balsam Mountains on challenging rocky/dirt roads and single track. The final climb to the summit ridge comprises 650 feet of elevation gain in 1/3 of a mile on steep single track. T-shirts are guaranteed to runners registered prior to 3/1/2024. Awards will be given to the overall top 3 female and male finishers and the top individual female and male “Masters” finishers (50+). For those looking for an additional challenge, runners who complete the BlackRock 101 Challenge will receive a belt buckle. All proceeds from this race will go to Hands on Jackson. Hands on Jackson is a community based effort in Jackson County, North Carolina that focuses on providing assistance to neighbors in need by mobilizing community volunteer teams of all skill levels. Jobs performed range from installing energy efficiency measures, building ramps, cleaning yards/gutters an so on. BlackRock 101 Challenge Runners who complete the course in 101 minutes or less (1 hour 41 minutes) will earn a belt buckle. Can anyone break the 1 hour mark? The first participant to complete the course on race day in under 1 hour will receive a $200 cash award!

Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K

Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K

Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K

The 2023 Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K will be hosted on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on Saturday April 6th, 2024. The 5K course is completely on campus and navigates through the heart of campus with moderate elevation change. The half marathon course starts on campus, and then heads off campus for a few miles before returning back to campus for the finish line. The Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K (formerly known as Valley of the Lilies) is hosted by the Western Carolina University School of Health Sciences and the Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness. All race proceeds go to support student professional development and travel, and academic scholarships.

Greening up the Mountains

Greening up the Mountains

The Greening Up the Mountains Festival is a heritage arts festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring through both traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and beverage which honor our community and local artisans.

Top Vacation Rentals with Hot Tubs in the NC Mountains

Top Vacation Rentals with Hot Tubs in the NC Mountains

From cozy cabins, private island retreats, luxury resort properties, and more, you can find the perfect stay for every style and budget. Our ‘Secret Season’ is here, and what better way to enjoy the scenery of frost-covered North Carolina mountains than in the comfort of a mountain view hot tub? Enjoy the laidback lifestyle of the mountains at your pace and avoid the tourist traps and traffic by booking your winter mountain getaway in the NC Mountains.