November 26, 2020-January 1, 2021
For the ultimate festive small town experience to get you in the holiday spirit, drive and stroll down Main Street decked out with a million lights for Hometown Holidays in our top "Christmas Town" Forest City in Rutherford County. Wrapped around the live oak trees and hanging overhead, the displays center around the town fountain. The tradition dates back to 1930 when the town hung its first set of lights on two trees. Bundle up with a cup of hot chocolate and hop on a carriage or hayride (offered on weekends) through the magical display of holiday lights. Read more about Forest City.
While you can enjoy the lighting extravaganza free of charge every night of the week, there are some extra events:
Thanksgiving Night
Join the kick-off celebration from 6-9 PM with the annual lighting ceremony. Enjoy favorite Christmas songs by a local quartet. Stroll down Main Street to Santa's House located on the Pavilion on Park Square, next to the Rutherford County Farmers Market. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies and visit the ice-skating rink. Stores and restaurants will be open and a DJ will play Christmas tunes at the Fountain throughout the evening. Iconic small-town America festive evening - just like a Hallmark movie!
Sunday after Thanksgiving
Starting at 3 PM, watch the much-anticipated annual Christmas parade on Main Street - starts at McNair Stadium and ends at First United Methodist Church.
Fridays Before Christmas (Dec 4, 11, 18)
- Hayrides (6-9 PM), tickets $3/person available at the Pavilion on Park Square ticket window, 153 Park Square. Hayrides load at Pavilion on Park Square fountain at the corner of Mill Street and Huntley Avenue. Arrive early - sells out! Activities are cancelled if rainy or snowy, but lights will still shine.
- Visit Santa's House (6-8:30 PM)
- Ice skating (6 PM until) $8/person includes skates
- Live music
- December 20: Kid's Train Ride around Pavilion on Park Square (5-7 PM)
Saturdays Before Christmas (Dec 5, 12, 19)
- Carriage Rides (6-8:30 PM), tickets are $10/adult and $5/child (ages 3-12). Line up early! Tickets for carriage rides at the Pavilion on Park Square ticket window, 153 Park Square. Carriages load at Pavilion on Park Square fountain at the corner of Mill Street and Huntley Avenue. Arrive early - sells out! Activities are cancelled if rainy or snowy, but lights will still shine.
- Visit Santa's House (5-8:30 PM) FREE
- Ice skating (5 PM until) $8/person
Sundays Before Christmas (Dec 6, 13, 20)
Bring your pet and have their picture made with Santa during Santa Paws at the Santa House! (2-5 PM)
Santa spotted in his Mustang cruising Main Street
Other Nearby Small Town Holiday Events
December First Saturday: Rutherfordton-Spindale Christmas Parade
See decked out Christmas floats, fire trucks, dance teams, marching bands all ending with a visit by jolly old St. Nick himself. Enjoy many activities in the Main Street Park. Spindale Parade begins at 3:30 PM, Rutherfordton Parade begins at 5 PM. Also enjoy many decorated store live window displays along Main Street. Rutherfordton Tree Lighting (NC's largest living Christmas tree) and Jazz concert at 6 PM. Read about Rutherfordton & Spindale.
December First Two Saturdays: Santa on the Chimney
Watch Santa practice his climbing skills on the biggest chimney around at Chimney Rock Park. Read more!
December: Christmas in Chimney Rock Village
Stroll Main Street to see the Christmas decorations and lights. Shop at a variety of local stores and galleries or dine at one of the cafes and restaurants, all open with extended hours. Read about Chimney Rock Village.
Main Street Restaurants
Some great dining options have opened during the last couple of years. Check them out:
- Copper Penny Grill, 146 E. Main St.
- Smith's Drugs, 139 E. Main St
- El Michocan, 107 W. Main St
- Louie's Cafe, 235 S Powell
- Moes Original BBQ, 164 E. Main St
- Slim's Bar & Grill, 114 N Powell St
Drinks & Music
Twisted Pear,184 E. Main St with choice of 200 beers and live music.
Shops
Don't miss Banfield Gallery at 171 East Main Street (pic above) with works from 20+ artists including owners Tom & Kathy. They are open until 8 or 9 PM most nights. Another great stop is Mirror Mirror at 106 East Main.
Directions
Forest City is located about 60 miles southeast of Asheville - about halfway to Charlotte along US Highway 74. See our Forest City Guide for more things to do nearby. Come early to visit a winery in the Tryon Foothills Wine Country.
Video: Lighting Ceremony
Watch the lighting of the 1 million lights from Thanksgiving Night
More Forest City Things to Do
This year, in light of COVID-19, take a festive drive through The North Carolina Arboretum's elaborate Winter Lights show, ... read more
At the Tryon International Equestrian Center, drive through an... read more
