A Small Town Christmas Weekend

2023 Small Town Christmas Weekend

When: Friday through Sunday, December 1-3, 2023
Where: Downtown Banner Elk and Nearby Locations

This year we are asking parade participants to register their float, vehicle, bicycle, ATV, llama, etc. The winner will receive our Edgar Award of Excellence (see the picture above) for their participation in our Small Town Christmas Parade.

Reverend Edgar Tufts played a vital role in the early development of the Banner Elk community, and it is our great honor to name this award after him.

You can also stop by our Welcome Center during operating hours and fill out a paper registration form.

Please feel free to email us with any questions at BannerElkChamber@gmail.com.

 A Small Town Christmas Weekend 2023 Schedule 

*Schedule subject to change - Please check for updates
​Friday, December 1st
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.​

10:00AM - 4:00PM:  Christmas at Apple Hill Farm 
6:30 PM: Christmas Tree Lighting at the Corner on Main 
7:00PM:  "A Banner Elk Christmas" - A Holiday Musical Variety Show

Saturday, December 2nd
9:00 a.m. - 5K Reindeer Run organized by Williams YMCA & Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk (Registration & packet pickup begins at 8:00 a.m.)
  • 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. -  Breakfast with Santa at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church - Breakfast will be held in the King Fellowship Hall, bottom floor of the church. We ask everyone who attends this event to give a donation to support BEPC Preschool.
    • The preschool program is half day, five days a week, for children aged 2-4. Please contact Preschool Director Jarrett Koski at jkoski@bannerelkpresbyterian.org for more information or visit our website www.bannerelkpresbyterian.org to learn more about the church, worship times and programs.
  • Various activities and special events at local downtown (and near downtown) businesses. 
  • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. -  Christmas at Apple Hill Farm 
  • 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Storytime with Santa & Fire Truck Tour at Banner Elk Fire and Rescue Station
  • 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Christmas Market & Kids' Craft Activities at the Historic Banner Elk School
    • 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Bookmark making for kids in the Banner Elk Book Exchange
    • ​11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Christmas ornament making in Common Ground
  • 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - My Best Friend's Barkery - Light refreshments and snacks for people and pooches (dog treats, hot chocolate, cider, and holiday cookies)
    • 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Paw Printing Christmas Ornament Activity
  • 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Stop by It's All About the Art to make a wooden keepsake ornament for kids while enjoying a nice hot cup of apple cider and a candy cane.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Wooden Snowman craft making for kids hosted by the Blind Elk Taproom in the loft area. Sponsored by Premier Sotheby's International Realty and Blind Elk Tap Room. 
  • 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Christmas ornament making at the Banner Elk Cafe. Enjoy music from the Avery County High School Chorus while sipping on hot chocolate.
  • 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Community Carol Sing at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church
    • We invite everyone to join in a small-town sing-a-long of familiar Christmas carols inside the beautiful sanctuary of our historic stone church on the hill. The 45-minute casual service will include favorites for adults and children alike, ranging from Let it Snow to Joy to the World. The grand piano and pipe organ will provide festive accompaniment. Soloists and special musicians allow the audience to take a few breaks.
  • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Ornament Making at The Bayou Smokehouse & Grill
  • 6:00 p.m. - Christmas Parade on Main Street - Participants will need to line up on College Drive on the Lees-McRae College campus at 5:00 p.m. Register
  • 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Christmas in the Park at Tate-Evans Park including: Luminaries, train rides,
    synchronized Christmas light show, Hot chocolate by the bonfire, Lees-McRae College’s Highlanders caroling group, and more!

Sunday, December 3rd
10:00AM - 4:00PM - Christmas at Apple Hill Farm 
2:00 PM - "A Banner Elk Christmas" - A Holiday Musical Variety Show - Production by Ensemble Stage Company at the Historic Banner Elk School

Questions?
Please mail BannerElkChamber@gmail.com or call us at (828) 898-8395.