Visit Santa in Western North Carolina

Nothing brings the holiday spirit home quite like visiting Santa Claus. As a child, he brought such a smile to my face. He literally lit up my world. As a parent, I look forward to seeing my own kids' faces light up with wonder. And what better way to see Santa than to find some special ways to visit with him! Perhaps you're visiting from out of town and want to create memories, or you are a local looking for a nearby day excursion? The listings below show a wide variety of events happening throughout Western North Carolina. Enjoy the holiday season!

The Malls of Asheville - of course it's always the one place you can count on Santa being at. Both Asheville Mall and Biltmore Square Mall have Santa on duty. Biltmore Square Mall offers "pets with Santa" every Tuesday. Bring your pet along and get a picture taken!

Of course not everyone wants to be at a mall at this time of year. Below are listed some other locations where shopping is plentiful but scenery is gorgeous!

Biltmore Estate, Asheville -River Bend Farm at Biltmore Estate. Each weekend Santa will stop by to visit with the children. Get discounted tickets online or purchase discounted tickets at any Ingles grocery store.

Black Mountain - Dec 4, 2009 5pm until 10 pm. Just 15 minutes outside of Asheville. Enjoy street music, shops open later than usual, refreshments, and Santa Claus!

Chimney Rock - Dec 5 & 12, 2009 11 am until 2 pm. Santa practices by rappelling down 315' on Chimney Rock. Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to entertain.

Cherokee Christmas Parade- Dec 12, 2009 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Starting by the Cherokee Bear Zoo and going down Main St. to 441 N., and ending near the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Visit with Santa afterwards.

Grove Park Inn Christmas, Asheville - Dec 23 - 27, 2009. Activities include visits from Major Bear and Santa Claus, a scavenger hunt, caroling, and a yule log lighting ceremony.

Santa's Land - West of Asheville, nestled in Cherokee North Carolina, we have our very own Christmas Theme Park. You can see Santa's home away from home! Enjoy rides like the Rudicoaster.

Dillsboro - Dec 4-5 & 11-12, 2009 starting at dusk. Luminaries light your way to shops through the town. Store owners offer holiday treats, hot cocoa, and apple cider. Visit Santa at the Town Hall!

Downtown Waynesville - Dec 4 & 11, 2009 6-10 pm. Theme is "A Night Before Christmas". Features live music, live Nativity Scene, wagon rides, and pictures with Santa.

Bryson City - Dec 4 8:30 Breakfast with Santa, 2pm Christmas Parade. Dec 10, 2009 5-8 pm, Second Annual Spirit of Christmas. Featuring wagon rides, scavenger hunt, visit Santa & Mrs. Clause at Town Square, and a tree lighting at 7pm.

From all of us in Western North Carolina, may you all have a wonderful and blessed holiday season!

Sources:
Explore Asheville
Smoky Mountain News
Biltmore Estate
Cherokee NC
Grove Park Inn
Santa's Land
Visit Dillsboro