Mark Your Calendar for these January Events in the High Country
Updated By Chris Murphy
The month of January is full of fun and exciting events in the High Country, from Boone and Blowing Rock to Banner Elk. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly events, food and drink events, live music or free festivals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to pick up a High Country Visitors Guide to find even more events throughout the year.
Dec 31-Jan. 1: Fireworks in the Village at Beech Mountain Resort
Get ready to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 with a bang! Join Beech Mountain Resort for a dazzling midnight fireworks show on Wednesday, December 31, at Beech Mountain Resort.
The sky will light up right from our base area, so you’ll have a front-row seat no matter where you are. Cozy up by a firepit in the Alpine Village with a comfy Adirondack chair, or find your own perfect spot on the slopes to take in the show.
The best part? Admission and parking are totally free! Come celebrate with us and start the new year with a spark.
Dec 31-Jan. 1: New Years Eve at The Lodge
The countdown is ON! Get ready to welcome 2026 with a bang at our free, family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash at The Lodge on Wednesday, December 31. This isn’t your average party—we’re bringing the fun for everyone!
DJ Pete will be spinning tunes to keep you dancing all night long, while you challenge your family to games and activities. Snap a silly photo in the photo booth, get a cool design from the face painter, or watch a balloon artist twist up something amazing. And of course, no New Year’s Eve is complete without a spectacular fireworks show at midnight!
Fuel up for a night of celebration! Grab a delicious bite from the Claudia Y Los 4 Mariachis Mexican Food Truck, serving up authentic Mexican dishes. Adults can hit the full bar for a drink, and there will be plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for the whole family. The party kicks off at 7 p.m. and doesn’t stop until we light up the sky at midnight!
Jan. 3: Winter King Street Farmers Market
Run every week on Saturday until March 2026. Find seasonal fresh vegetables, storage crops, locally-raised meats, eggs, honey, homemade jellies, jams, baked items, handcrafted skincare, candles, photography, bird feeders, toys, and unique crafts. This market is indoors at the Watauga Agricultural Conference Center, perfect for a chilly winter day.
Jan. 6: Winter Trails Day
Winter Trails Day at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE. Discover the fun and fitness of snow sports. Guided tours are available on the hour from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.
The program includes a forty-five-minute tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for those who are 12 years old or older. Children’s tours are for those ages 8-11. Sign up at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time at the ski/snowboard school. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis.
Jan. 22-25: Blowing Rock Winterfest
Get ready to shake off the winter blues and dive headfirst into the frosty fun of Blowing Rock WinterFest! From January 22-25, 2026, this four-day extravaganza is your ticket to a weekend packed with snowy spectacles and delicious delights. Prepare for a rush of adrenaline (and a serious shiver) at the legendary Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake. Cheer on the brave souls who take the icy dip, or maybe even join them if you dare!
Once you’ve thawed out, satisfy your cravings at the WinterFeast, where local chefs serve up mouthwatering creations. The culinary adventure continues at the fiery chili cook-off, where you can sample some of the region’s best spicy stews. Don’t miss the live ice carving in Memorial Park, where master artists transform solid blocks of ice into stunning, shimmering sculptures. It’s a magical sight you won’t want to miss.
So bundle up and bring your sense of adventure. Blowing Rock WinterFest is the perfect way to turn a cold weekend into an unforgettable winter escape!
Want more High Country Events?
CALENDAR: Check out our High Country calendar of events to help plan your activities!
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up for our High Country Destination Newsletter to receive exclusive content for planning your vacation getaway to the North Carolina High Country!
