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 holiday play 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, candy cane hunt, storytelling, ornament making, cookie decorating, Parade of Lights, train rides through luminaries in the park, visits with Santa and a synchronized light show. Shopping is available, too, and all activities are within easy walking distance in this one-stoplight resort town in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Sunday is reserved for visiting one of the many choose & cut tree farms in the surrounding countryside. Lodging packages, which include a choose & cut Christmas tree, are available.