Spirit of the Season

Dillsboro will be set aglow this weekend during the Lights & Luminaries Festival. Photograph courtesy of the Dillsboro Merchants Association Spirit of the Season From Santa sightings and plays to charitable occasions and shopping, head out for fêtes to put you in the holiday mood written by Melissa Smith Winter Wonderland December 2 \| Franklin On Friday, Franklin’s frosty festival of lights features Christmas characters, ice sculptures, and decorated wagon rides. Ice sculptor Jeff Pennypacker will create an ice slide for kids. Music from the Rye Roller Boys, along with performances by the South Macon Elementary School Chorus and Men Making Music, will bolster the Christmas cheer. Stores will stay open late, offering hot cider and refreshments. Downtown; Friday, 5-9 p.m.; free; (828) 524-2516; www.franklinnc.com Festival of Lights & Luminaries December 2 & 3, 9 & 10 \| Dillsboro In the coming weekends, thousands of lights and luminaries will transform Dillsboro into a charming storybook village. Explore the shops and enjoy hot cider and cocoa while the voices of carolers ring out. Horse and buggy rides will be available, and kids can visit Santa at Town Hall. Downtown; Friday & Saturday, 5-9 p.m.; free; 1-(800) 962-1911; www.visitdillsboro.org Santa on the Chimney December 3 & 10 \| Chimney Rock Want to know how Santa makes it down so many chimneys? Find out as he practices for the big night on 315-foot Chimney Rock. Santa will rappel down to meet the crowd before climbing back up. Premiering this year is Mrs. Claus, who will relay gift requests to her husband and pose for pictures with guests. Chimney Rock Park, U.S. 64/74A; Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; $14, $6 children six to 15, free for ages five & younger; (828) 625-9611; www.chimneyrockpark.com Blue Ridge Food Ventures’ Holiday Market December 7 \| Candler You’d be hard pressed not to find something for everyone on your gift list at this tasty event, because who doesn’t like locally made gourmet goodies. Imladris Farms and Lusty Monk Mustard will be there, along with Jack’s Nutter Butters, Bamboo Ladies Bamboo Pickles, and other WNC culinary creators who got their start thanks to the BRFV entrepreneurial kitchen. A-B Tech Enka Campus, 1459 Sand Hill Rd.; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. & 4-7 p.m.; www.advantagewest.com Christmas Wine Tasting December 10 \| Sylva Next Saturday, Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva invites you to try six wines that pair with holidays eats. The event is just in time to help you plan your party. Papou’s Wine Shop, 141 W. Main St.; Saturday, 2-5 p.m.; $5; (828) 586-6300 The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever December 15-18 \| Hayesville When the lying, cheating, stealing, swearing Herdman kids get involved in the church holiday play, you know it’s going to be The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever. The Licklog Players take the stage for this classic production that reveals the true meaning of Christmas. Peacock Playhouse, 301 Church St.; Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; $13, $8 students; (828) 389-8632; www.licklogplayers.org For more holiday happenings, visit www.wncmagazine.com.