Highlands does the holidays on a small-town scale. The season starts the week of Thanksgiving, when the ice rink opens in the town park and The Bascom’s holiday market is in full swing. It builds through the Saturday after Thanksgiving, when Main Street lights up, and peaks with the Christmas parade on the first Saturday in December. The dates below are the 2026 schedule published by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber notes that dates and times can change, so confirm on its Holidays in Highlands page before you go.
Thanksgiving week
Thanksgiving falls on November 26 in 2026. It is one of the busiest weeks of the year for group rentals, and the town schedules plenty for the long weekend.
- Ice skating opens Thursday, November 19 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street. The rink runs Thursday through Sunday through February 28, weather permitting, with extended hours during Thanksgiving week and Christmas break.
- Santa in the Park, Friday, November 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can drop wish lists in the mailbox in the park.
- Gingerbread house workshops at The Bascom, November 27, morning and afternoon sessions, plus a Holiday Market reception the same day.
- Small Business Saturday, November 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown, with a cookie crawl, music on the Town Square, face painting at The Bascom, story time at Hudson Library, a strolling quartet and ice carving.
- Light Up the Park & Main, November 28, 6 to 8 p.m. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Carols, treats, the Mayor reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Santa arriving on a fire truck. This is the evening the holiday lights on Main Street and in the park come on.
December in town
Highlands Christmas Parade
The Highlands Christmas Parade runs down Main Street on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. It is free. Entries come from local businesses and community groups, and Santa makes an appearance. Get to Main Street early for a curb spot, especially with small kids. Santa heads to the park after the parade and stays until 3 p.m.
Santa in the Park and Breakfast with Santa
Santa is back in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19. On December 12, Highlands United Methodist Church hosts Breakfast with Santa starting at 8:30 a.m. It asks for a donation per family and takes reservations at (828) 526-3376.
Lighting of the Menorah
The town also marks Hanukkah with a menorah lighting, adding a candle each evening. The Chamber had not posted this year’s time and place when we checked, so look for it on the holiday page.
Skating under the lights
The rink in the park is the center of town on winter evenings. It stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights, and on New Year’s Eve it runs from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. With a big group, send the skaters out and let everyone else grab hot chocolate on Main and watch.
The Bascom’s Holiday Market
The Bascom, the art center at 323 Franklin Road, runs its Holiday Market from October 31 through December 26, 2026. Expect handmade gifts from regional artists. Special days this year include a hot chocolate bar on November 14 and receptions on November 27 and December 5. The exhibitions and shop are open Tuesday through Saturday. It is an easy stop on parade day.
Holiday shows at the PAC
The Highlands Performing Arts Center at 507 Chestnut Street has two holiday shows on its 2026 calendar:
- Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas, Saturday, November 21, 7:30 p.m.
- A Highlands Christmas with Mike Kinnebrew, Thursday, December 17, 6 p.m., an evening of Christmas music, stories and original songs.
Holiday shows are popular, so buy group tickets together and early. Fairview House sits across the street, so the walk home is about a minute.
Old Edwards Inn
Old Edwards Inn on Main Street has a long-running Christmas tradition, with trimmed trees and a fire going in the lobby. Some seasonal events are for overnight guests only, so check oldedwardsinn.com for anything open to the public, and book holiday meals there well ahead.
Planning a holiday trip with a group
- Pick your weekend by what you want. Thanksgiving weekend gives you the lighting, Small Business Saturday and Santa. The first weekend of December gives you the parade. Mid-December is quieter.
- Book restaurants early. Thanksgiving and Christmas week tables for big groups go fast, and some restaurants close for the holidays.
- Watch the weather. Snow and ice are possible by December. Check road conditions before you drive up, and read our winter guide for mountain driving tips.
- Split and regroup. Kids and grandparents can do Santa and the rink in the afternoon. Adults can shop Main Street. Everyone meets for the lighting or a show.
For the rest of the year’s events, see Highlands events by month.
Common questions
When is the Highlands NC Christmas parade in 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. on Main Street. It is free to watch.
When does Highlands light up for Christmas?
Light Up the Park & Main is on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, with carols and Santa arriving on a fire truck.
Is there ice skating in Highlands, NC?
Yes. The rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park opens November 19, 2026 and runs Thursday through Sunday through February 28, weather permitting, with extra hours over the holidays.
What is there to do in Highlands over Thanksgiving weekend?
Ice skating, Santa in the Park on Friday, gingerbread workshops at The Bascom, Small Business Saturday downtown, and the Light Up the Park & Main celebration Saturday evening.