Spend a Magical December in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Black Mountain is a special place all year long (if we do say so ourselves), but come December the mountain air fills our town with extra sparkle. With our twinkling lights, friendly shops, local art, live music, cozy places to dine, and winter-inspired activities indoors and out, our community transforms into a wonderland perfect for festive getaways, holiday shopping, and family fun.
Here’s a guide to some of the must-see and must-dos in Black Mountain this December.
Discover our Merry Mountain Christmas
Black Mountain’s annual holiday events are rooted in creativity, connection, and community. Here are some signature traditions that you won’t want to miss.
✨ Holiday Pottery Market at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts
Discover an extraordinary collection of one-of-a-kind ceramics made by 14 talented local potters, all members of the BMCA Clay Studio. From functional wares to decorative treasures, every piece is thoughtfully crafted and perfect for holiday gifting or adding warmth to your own home. Dec 1-6 and 8, 2025. Click here for details.
🎄 Deck the Trees
One of Black Mountain’s beloved winter traditions, Deck the Trees brings over 50 artistically decorated Christmas trees to life all over town. Local artists, businesses, and community members design trees according to this year’s theme, “Christmas in Music and Song.” Best of all, the event supports the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund, helping neighbors in need stay warm in winter. Dec. 5, 2025 - Jan. 5, 2026. Click here for details.
✨ Holly Jolly Black Mountain
Hosted by White Horse Black Mountain, a nonprofit venue known for live music and community gatherings, Holly Jolly is all about local makers showcasing their talents. You can shop there for handmade jewelry, art, knits, décor, and baked goods. There’s also live music, a chance to meet Santa, cozy drinks from the bar, and a wonderful opportunity to support the town’s creative community. Market dates are Dec. 5, 6, 13, and 20, 2025. Click here for details.
🎉 Black Mountain Christmas Parade
One of our most festive traditions, the Black Mountain Christmas Parade boasts charming floats, marching bands, community groups, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus. It’s a joyful, family-friendly way to get into our hometown holiday spirit. Dec. 6, 2025 starting at 4pm.
🌟 Circle of Lights
This signature moment is all about community, light, and shared celebration under the mountain sky. Join us at Lake Tomahawk after the Christmas Parade for a luminary walk around the lake with complimentary hot cider and hot chocolate from Four Sisters Bakery. Dec. 6, 2025 starting after the parade.
Discover Arts and Culture
Get to know Black Mountain through our devotion to the arts, history of our region, and places where we love to gather year-round:
Black Mountain Center for the Arts — hosts year-round performances, classes, and exhibitions
North Carolina Glass Center — a working glass studio and gallery that offers workshops and demonstrations
Red House Gallery & Studios — a collaborative art space with rotating exhibits and community workshops
Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center — perfect for history buffs who want to dive into the stories of the area
White Horse Black Mountain — a place for incredible local talent including live music, storytelling, and Holly Jolly
Shop Small, Shop Local
From the outdoorsy types to foodies, art lovers to homebodies, there’s nothing like finding the perfect gift in a perfect store for that perfectly picky person in your life. So skip the megastores and come straight to Black Mountain on Small Business Saturday (or any day) and put a check by everyone’s name on your holiday shopping to-do list. Click here for a handy dandy checklist.
Pro Tips for planning your December visit
If you’re thinking about a holiday trip to Black Mountain, here are a few pro tips:
Stay a few nights. With downtown shopping, special holiday events, great cuisine, terrific local breweries, and live music, a long weekend gives you time to soak it all in. Click here for our accommodations directory.
Combine your trip with nature. Use downtime between events to check out nearby trails or take in views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Click here for trail ideas.
Support local entrepreneurs and makers. Our downtown shops and the Holly Jolly Market are great places to shop for handmade gifts, but there’s something else to keep in mind. Shopping small and buying local helps sustain the artists who are still recovering from economic impact of Hurricane Helene. Click here for our Shops/Services directory.
Vote for your favorite tree, support the community. When you stroll through Deck the Trees, be sure to cast a vote for your favorite (via donation or QR code). Your contribution helps fund heating assistance in the community. Click here for details.
Dress warmly and bring shoes for walking. Many of the holiday events are outdoors, so cozy layers and good walking shoes are your friends.
Make Black Mountain your Holiday Hometown
December in Black Mountain is about community, creativity, and heart. Pack a jacket, bring your spirit of wonder, and let our Western North Carolina mountain magic do the rest. Click here to learn more About Black Mountain, NC.
About the Author
This blog story was written by Amy J. Schultz, an award-winning author, brand/marketing strategist, and overall creative type. She, her husband Brian, and their giant dog Bentley love their downtown Black Mountain neighborhood.
