Waynesville, NC is a beautiful and vibrant mountain town with lots to see in town and all around town. Waynesville is well known for its historic downtown area, full of shops, restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. This historic downtown area will transport you into a living Norman Rockwell setting, especially during the holidays.
Waynesville NC is one of our favorite Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas towns, due to the beautiful setting, decorations, and events, including a small-town Christmas parade that is one of the bests you'll see.
Let's just explore all the best things to do in our hometown, Waynesville, NC at Christmas!
Updated: 11/10/2025 with 2025 Event Information
Waynesville Christmas Parade
The annual Waynesville Christmas parade is one of the best we've ever attended. The parade goes through downtown Waynesville and begins at 6:00 pm on December 1st, 2025. This may seem a little late to some, but starting the parade at 6 pm lets the colorful lights really shine, making for pure Christmas magic.
The parade is full of colorful floats, marching bands, local police and fire departments, Jeeps, tractors, dancers, and much more! The highlight of the parade is at the end when Santa makes an appearance.
Be sure to get there early to get the best spots and bring some chairs and blankets!
Holiday Fun Tours at Winchester Creek Farm
Winchester Creek Farm is a wonderful local Alpaca and miniature animal farm you can tour. The farm is open for tours year-round but also has several yearly events, including Holiday Farm Tours.
During Holiday Farm Tours, the farm is all decked out for the holidays. During the holiday tours, you can see the decorations, visit with Santa, and write and mail a letter to Santa. You'll also receive holiday cookies and candy canes! Granny's House is also open, with lots of great (and unique) holiday gifts!
Come visit the farm and animals for the holidays!
Here's our video from our visit the farm!
Smoky Mountain Christmas (previously called: A Night Before Christmas)
Smoky Mountain Christmas in Waynesville, NC is a festive way to celebrate the holidays. This annual holiday tradition is held in downtown Waynesville, against the backdrop of hundreds of luminaries lining the old brick sidewalks. The trees and businesses are full of twinkling lights, red velvet ribbons, garland and bows.
While visiting, you can enjoy carolers, live music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn old-fashioned wagon rides, and a Living Nativity scene sponsored by First Baptist Church.
Shops, galleries, and restaurants are all open. Some even have musicians and entertainers performing on the streets outside.
When: December 13, 2025 6-9pm
Christmas Season at the HART Theatre
A true local favorite here in Waynesville is the HART Theatre. This semi-professional community theatre consistently puts on high-quality productions featuring talented performers from across the region. Throughout the year, HART’s stage is full of energy, creativity, and memorable performances.
During the Christmas season, HART becomes even more magical, offering festive shows and family-friendly events that have become a holiday tradition for many.
The 2025 Christmas lineup includes:
- Saturday, December 6, from 12–4pm: Santa is coming to HART Theatre!
- For $10, guests receive time with Santa, one Polaroid ornament, two hot chocolates, and unlimited photos with your phone.
- Kids and pets are both welcome.
- Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
- Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon and directed by Jason Williams
- Showtimes: December 5, 6, 11, and 13 at 7:30pm; December 7 at 2pm; December 14 at 5pm
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- Written by Barbara Robinson and directed by Erin McCarson
- Showtimes: December 12, 19, and 20 at 7:30pm; December 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 2pm
If you’re looking to add some heartwarming holiday magic to your trip, catching a Christmas show at HART Theatre is always a magical choice.
Pick out a live Christmas tree
Mehaffey Tree Farm, Maggie Valley NC
The Waynesville, NC, area is one of the most popular locations to choose and cut a live Christmas tree in Western NC. The area around Waynesville offers several very nice Christmas tree farms. A visit to these farms to browse the fields as a family, and choose your own Christmas tree to bring home, is a holiday adventure in itself.
Many of the farms that allow you to browse the farm and pick out your tree also have gift options and wreaths for sale, and offer hayrides, hot chocolate, and other activities.
Go shopping in historic Downtown Waynesville, NC
Not only is downtown Waynesville beautiful and historic, it's also full of wonder shops, restaurants, and art galleries as well. There are many locally owned shops, that provide unique gift items for the holidays. Waynesville is also home to a Mast General Store as well.
While browsing the shops, you can stop and grab food, coffee, or a treat at one of the many restaurants as well.
During the holiday season, Waynesville is beautifully decorated for the holidays and will make your visit pure Christmas magic.
Visit Lake Junaluska
Photo courtesy of Lake Junaluska
While technically not part of Waynesville NC, Lake Junaluska is just outside of it. Lake Junaluska is a gorgeous lake and retreat that is open to the public. The lake provides a number of outdoor activities, restaurants, hotels, and things to see and do.
Lake Junaluska decorates for the holidays and has a number of unique and fun activities to enjoy, including candlelight services, wagon rides, caroling, and more.
