A Small Town Christmas 

Always the first weekend in December

Dec. 4-6, 2026

Create lasting memories during a special weekend filled with traditional holiday activities. A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk begins Friday evening with the lighting of the town tree and a Christmas variety show performed by Ensemble Stage at the Historic Banner Elk School.

Saturday’s events begin early in the morning and stretch well into the evening. Festivities include: a 5K run, Breakfast with Santa, storytelling, ornament making, cookie decorating, and an evening Christmas parade followed by mini-train rides through luminaries, visits with Santa and activities for kids.

Shopping is available, too, and all activities are within easy walking distance in this one-stoplight resort town in the Blue Ridge Mountains.