ARCHIVED- A Small Town Christmas Weekend

2021 Small Town Christmas Weekend

When: Friday through Sunday, December 3-5, 2021
Where: Downtown Banner Elk and Nearby Locations

A Small Town Christmas Weekend 2021 Schedule

Note: Schedule subject to change and additions. Check back in this page and on our Facebook for updates. Find a printable schedule (PDF) here.
Friday, December 3rd
  • All Weekend - Santa’s Mailbox is accepting Letters to Santa at the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce Children may write letters at the Chamber during open business hours; see bannerelk.org for current hours.
  • 10:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. - Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (tour tickets required)

  • 6:30 p.m. - Tree Lighting at the Corner on Main St.
  • 7:00 p.m. - Ensemble Stage: "A Banner Elk Christmas" - A Holiday Musical Variety Show

Saturday, December 4th
  • 9:00 a.m. - 5k Reindeer Run in Tate-Evans Park with Williams YMCA sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk (registration and packet pickup at 8:00 a.m.)
  • Various activities and special events at local downtown (and near downtown) businesses. Find contact info on the Chamber website at Bannerelk.org > Directory.
    • 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Breakfast with Santa at Stonewalls Restaurant
    • 10:30 a.m. - Storytime with Santa and Firetruck Tour at the Banner Elk Fire and Rescue Station
    • 10:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. - Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (tour tickets required)
    • 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. - Christmas Market and Kids Craft Activities (times may vary) Cultural Arts Center in the Historic Banner Elk School
    • 3:00 p.m. - Christmas Carols at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church
    • More coming coon….
  • 6:00 p.m. - Christmas Festivities in Tate-Evans Park including: Luminary-lighted train rides, synchronized Christmas light show, Christmas movie at the Amphitheatre, Hot chocolate and more!

Sunday, December 5th
  • 10:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. - Christmas at Apple Hill Alpaca Farm (tour tickets required)
  • 2:00 p.m. - Ensemble Stage: "A Banner Elk Christmas" - A Holiday Musical Variety Show
  • All Day - Check out Banner Elk's local shops and visit one of Avery County’s choose & cut Christmas tree farms!

2020 Small Town Christmas Weekend Update

In light of the surging cases of COVID-19, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce Board has decided to minimize crowd events for the holiday season. As a result, the Chamber is hosting only the Annual Christmas Tree Festival and the Letters to Santa Mailbox at the Chamber Visitor Center this year. Learn more below. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to returning to the full slate of festive holiday events next year!

Annual Christmas Tree Festival

Vote between December 1-18, 2020!

The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce's Annual Christmas Tree Festival competition has begun! Vote for your favorite tree using the link below. One response per person, please. Voting ends on Friday, December 18th with the winner announced on our website and Facebook on Saturday, December 19th! 

Notes: (1) Voting online requires sign-in with a Google account. Alternatively, you may submit your vote in person at the Chamber of Commerce 24 hours a day or call them during open hours with your vote at 828-898-8395. (2) View larger images in our Google Photo Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LhtgjzXujfkj8HVr5

Call for Participants in the Annual Christmas Tree Festival