November 23, 2018-January 1, 2019
If you haven't been to Hendersonville lately for the holidays, you need to check out all the new, festive events along with magical Main Street decked out in many thousands of lights. With more than 100 one-of-a-kind stores and galleries plus 24 local restaurants, it's a delight to spend the day exploring downtown. Events during their "Come Home for the Holidays" include Flat Rock Playhouse productions, carriage rides, concerts and even ice skating. This charming, bustling town is just 25 miles south of Christmas at Biltmore and Asheville.
Discover one the best downtowns for shopping in all of North Carolina. Mast General Store is always a must stop. Galleries abound. The charming Main Street of beautifully restored historic buildings looks ready for a Hallmark Channel movie filming! Many stores stay open late, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Highlights
- The glow of thousands of lights, including the giant Christmas trees at the historic Courthouse, kicks off on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving (November 23) with sing-a-longs, Santa, hot chocolate and great shopping.
- Carolers sing at the Historic Courthouse Square on Friday and Saturday evenings, November 30-December 22.
- Carriage Rides down Main Street will be offered Saturdays 6-9 PM on December 5, 15, 22, 29 - plus New Year's Eve. No reservations, small fee.
- The hometown Christmas Parade travels Main Street from Five Points to Caswell Street on December 1, starting at 10:30 AM
- The Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper is a self-guided tour of several of the grand homes downtown that are now B&B, December 16, 1-4 PM. Admission benefits the local preservation efforts.
- The Iceless Skating Rick has synthetic ice for great conditions no matter the weather. It's at the Visitor Center parking lot (201 South Main St), December 18-Jan 1. It's open 11 AM-7 PM Monday-Saturday and 1-4 PM Sunday.
See holiday Broadway shows at Flat Rock Playhouse State Theatre - two locations!
Go to the Hendersonville Web site for a full schedule of their "Come Home for the Holidays" events. Most are free.
Santa's favorite store is Dancing Bear Toys (418 North Main). Other favorite shopping stops include Carolina Mountain Artists Guild (444 North Main) with creatives by 30 local artists, Wine Sage and Gourmet (416 North Main) kitchen wonderland and Wag! Unique Pet Boutique (231 North Main).
Children of all ages are excited to greet Santa as he arrives on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving to light the Christmas trees.
A must stop is McFarlan Bakery (309 North Main), a local's favorite since 1930 with plenty of holiday treats.
More Things to Do
