Christmas in the Park

The town of Blowing Rock wastes little time when it comes to getting over Thanksgiving and moving on to Christmas. Why, there’s still a little turkey on everyone’s breath as folks gather in Blowing Rock Memorial Park to start the yuletide celebration.

While many people are battling it out at Black Friday sales on Nov. 25, Blowing Rock will host a number of activities in the downtown park. The event is sponsored by Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation.

The fun gets started with a visit from Santa Claus at the park’s gazebo. It’s a perfect opportunity to give your wish list to the jolly old fat man and have some holiday photos taken. Santa’s visit to the gazebo takes place from 2 to 4 p.m.

From 4 to 9 p.m., you’ll have an opportunity to take a hayride through downtown Blowing Rock. Grab your kids and the camera for a unique perspective on “North Carolina’s Prettiest Town.”

Kids can also enjoy an inflatable playground, hot chocolate and apple cider, and games presented by Blowing Rock Parks and Rec. The inflatables run from 2 to 7 p.m. (weather and wind permitting), and the hot beverages are on tap from 5 to 9 p.m.

Nothing says Christmas quite like a round of caroling in the park. Join the acoustic duo, The Vagabonds, as they lead the crowd through a setlist of traditional holiday favorites. The Vagabonds will take the stage at the front of the park from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the Vagabonds will take a break from singing so that Blowing Rock mayor J.B. Lawrence can throw the switch that lights up downtown. Merchants and town employees are hanging lights right now to make this the biggest, brightest lighting of the town in the village’s history.

Did someone say, “I’m dreaming of a bluegrass Christmas?” Well, your dreams are about to come true at Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park event. Bluegrass favorites Diana and Sarvis Ridge will perform on stage in the park from 7 to 9 p.m. Wear something warm and listen to the good tunes roll.

Weather permitting, there will also be a bonfire during the Christmas in the Park celebration.

After Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park, go home and get a good night’s sleep. The very next day, the town will host its annual Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.

For more information, call Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation at (828) 295-5222.