High Country Holiday Checklist

Your Guide to the 2009 Holiday Season

Compiled by Anna Oakes

Check the High Country Press weekly now through the end of the year for a listing of local holiday events. From parades to concerts to local shopping opportunities, we’ll summarize it all for you in the High Country Holiday Checklist.

HOLIDAY MARKETS & CRAFT SALES
Skip the catalogs and do your Christmas shopping at these upcoming holiday markets and craft sales.

Wear your warm coats, hats and scarves to browse the variety of goodies available at this year’s holiday markets.

Ashe Holiday Markets—Saturday and December 12
The Ashe County Farmers’ Market will host holiday markets on Saturdays, December 5 and 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.

The holiday markets will feature baked goods, cheeses, desserts, meats, honey, molasses, culinary vinegars, apple butter, jams, preserves, handmade soaps and lotions, knitted items, quilts, candles, wood crafts, framed photographs, jewelry, ornaments and a variety of holiday décor and greenery. The market shelter will be decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. Fresh coffee and hot apple cider will be available.

On Saturday, December 5, the Blue Ridge Elementary sixth grade chorus will perform Christmas carols at the market. The market is located at the Backstreet in West Jefferson. For more info, call Market Manager John Smyre at 910-309-1932 or 336-877-4141 or click to www.ashefarmersmarket.com.

Crossnore Weavers and Gallery Christmas Sale—through Saturday
The Crossnore Weavers and Gallery will hold a Christmas sale featuring 25 percent off all hand weaving through Saturday, December 5. The gallery is located at 206 Johnson Lane in Crossnore. For more info, call 828-733-4660.

Old-Fashioned Christmas Bazaar—Saturday
The Deerfield United Methodist Church in Boone will have an old-fashioned Christmas bazaar, open house and “Tree for All” this Saturday, December 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The bazaar will feature cookie decorating, a miniature pony wagon, a bake sale and Christmas shopping. A tree, wreath and roping sale will last until 6:00 p.m. For more info, call 828-264-8569.

Greater Gift Sale—Saturday and Sunday
First Presbyterian Church in Boone will sponsor the Greater Gift Sale this Saturday, December 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The nonprofit fair trade organization SERRV will host the sale. Items sold are made by artisans and farmers from around the world. For more info, call Arlene Steeves at 828-297-9212. 

ASU Craft Sale—December 7
ASU will have a craft sale on Monday, December 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the lobby of Harper Hall. Crafts include pottery, jewelry, weaving, woodworking and glasswork. For more info, call Kay Dixon at 828-264-4773.

HOLIDAY PARADES
Fire trucks, colorful floats, costumes, horses, scout troops, beauty queens, Santa and more! These processions are marching through the High Country in the coming weeks.

Newland Christmas Parade—Saturday
The Newland Business Association sponsors a Christmas parade this Saturday, December 5, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The parade will begin at Newland Town Square and end at Newland Elementary School. Anyone who wishes to be in the parade should line up at 12:15 p.m. at the square. For more info, call Brian Powers at 828-733-9301.

The colorful Boone Christmas Parade will take place on King Street on Saturday, December 12, at 10:00 a.m.

Boone Christmas Parade—December 12
High Country residents are invited to join Santa Claus, friends and neighbors in downtown Boone for the annual Boone Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, at 10:00 a.m. The parade takes place along King Street. The Friends of the Watauga Public Library will host a reception immediately following the parade. The reception will feature photos with Santa Claus, music, refreshments and holiday festivities. For more info, call the Downtown Boone Development Association at 828-262-4532 or the library at 828-264-8784.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Local artists present special performances of music, dance and theatre for the holidays. Get your tickets now because they’re likely to sell fast.

Holiday Scholarship Concert—Friday
The holiday season will be celebrated Friday, December 4, with the annual holiday scholarship concert presented by the ASU Hayes School of Music. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Farthing Auditorium.

All seats are reserved and cost $5. Children age 6 and under will be admitted free. Tickets are available now at the Farthing Auditorium box office weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by calling 828-262-4046. Proceeds will support student scholarships in the Hayes School of Music.

The concert features the University Singers, Chamber Singers, Men’s Glee Club, Treble Choir and Gospel Choir. Also performing are the school’s Brass Choir, Appalachian Tuba Euphonium Collective, Appalachian Flute Ensemble, Appalachian Brass Ensemble, Appalachian Trumpet Ensemble, Appalachian Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I and the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra.
For more info, call 828-262-2084.

Lees-McRae Candlelight Christmas Concert—Saturday and Sunday
Lees-McRae College Performing Arts will end the fall 2008 season with the annual Candlelight Christmas Concert on Lees-McRae College’s campus in Hayes Auditorium Saturday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children and students (any student ID is accepted).

This year’s concert will host students and faculty presentations including solos, duets, piano solos, dance pieces, reader’s theatre and a special appearance by Santa. This annual tradition is appropriate for all ages.

Tickets are only sold at the door. The box office will be open one hour prior to showtime. For more info, click to www.performingarts.lmc.edu or call 828-898-8721.

Ashe Choral Society Concert—Sunday
The Ashe County Choral Society’s annual Holiday Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday, December 6, at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson. The concert, a perfect way to usher in the holiday season, is both a tradition and a highlight of the season in Ashe County. The program will feature both sacred and secular pieces. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the Ashe Arts Center or by phone with a credit card. For more info, call 336-846-2787.

The Nutcracker at Ashe Civic Center—December 12
The Conservatory of Dance & Theatre in Galax, Va., will perform The Nutcracker at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson on Saturday, December 12, at 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. Advance tickets are available at the Ashe County Arts Council for $12 and $5 for children. General admission tickets are $10 and $4 for children. For more info, call the Arts Council at 336-846-2787.

Messiah Sing-Along—December 13
The 5th annual Messiah Sing-along will be held on Sunday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m. in Rosen Concert Hall in the Broyhill Music Center on the ASU campus. The audience will be invited to sing the chorus parts from the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah, including “Hallelujah.” Sheet music will be provided. Joby Bell will be the organist, and William G. Harbinson will conduct. Admission is free. For more info, call 828-262-3020 or 828-262-6467 or email belljr@appstate.edu.

HOLIDAY EVENTS
Christmas lights, art exhibits, nativity scenes and other events take place to celebrate the holidays. Here’s a list of miscellaneous events happening in the High Country.

Attendees to Chetola Resort’s Festival of Lights can have their picture taken with Santa Claus for $11.

Festival of Lights—through January
Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock hosts its annual Festival of Lights display now through January 31, 2010. This year, the display consists of 50,000 lights set up on the resort’s 87 acres of property. The public is invited to tour the display free of charge. For more info, call 828-295-5500 or click to www.chetola.com.

Local artists decorate Christmas trees at the Ashe County Arts Council’s annual Tree Fest, on display at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson beginning Monday, November 23.

Tree Fest—through December
The 10th annual Tree Fest exhibit presented by the Ashe County Arts Council at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson will run through December. Each year, a local Christmas tree farm donates seven trees to the arts council, and the council selects six local artists or organizations to each decorate one tree. Local artists create ornaments from clay, paper, fibers, wood and stained glass for the arts council tree. A reception and open house will take place this Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Ashe Arts Center is located at 303 School Avenue in West Jefferson. For more info, call 336-846-2787 or click to www.ashecountyarts.org.

‘Find Yosef a Holiday’—Thursday
The ASU Office of Multicultural Student Development will host a celebration of winter holidays from around the world in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of the Plemmons Student Union at ASU at 5:00 p.m. this Thursday, December 3. The celebration will have food, activities and info about many international holiday customs. Holidays explored include Chanukah, Bodhi Day, Junkanoo, Christmas, Diwali, La Befana, Irish St. Stephen’s Day, Hmong New Year, Winter Solstice, Day of the Dead, Moravian Love Feast and Egyptian Coptic Christmas. For more info, call 828-262-6252.

Banner Elk Open House/Tree Lighting—Friday
The Town of Banner Elk will host a holiday open house and tree lighting this Friday, December 4, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall and Tate-Evans Park. The event includes hayrides, hot chocolate, hot cider, cookies and a visit from Santa. For more info, call 828-898-5398.

Greening of the Holidays—Friday
Green Mother Goods will host a holiday celebration this Friday, December 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. as part of the downtown Boone Art Crawl. The celebration will include holiday ornaments, crafts for kids, hot apple cider, information on green holidays and music by Matt Kinman and Josh Hayes. For more info, call 828-262-3525.

Live Nativity Scene—Friday to Sunday
Poplar Grove Baptist Church in Boone will hold its 4th annual drive-through live nativity scene Friday through Sunday, December 4 to 6, at the church on Poplar Grove Road.

Friday and Saturday hours are 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday hours are 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s live nativity scene is titled “A Family Christmas.” Each decorated scene is narrated by a CD or cassette tape that plays in drivers’ vehicles. Visitors can enjoy hot apple cider, homemade cookies and live carolers while they drive around the church.

Poplar Grove Baptist Church is located at 1228 Poplar Grove Road South in Boone. For more info, call the church at 828-963-9390 or click to www.poplargrovebaptistchurch.com.

Holiday Open House—Saturday
The Acorn Gallery in West Jefferson will host its 17th annual open house this Saturday, December 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The open house includes the release of new giclees “Christmas at Historic Black Bear Inn” and “Ashe County High School” by Raney Rogers. Refreshments and special sales will be available throughout the day. For more info, call 336-246-3388.

Children’s Council Holiday Family Fest—Saturday
The Children’s Council will host a Holiday Family Fest this Saturday, December 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at High Country Press, located behind Mast General Store in downtown Boone. Children will be escorted by elves to a special area to create gifts for their family members at a low cost. Parents can shop for gifts with local vendors. Children can also have their picture made with Santa. Hot cider, coffee, hot chocolate, chili and nachos will be served. All proceeds benefit The Children’s Council. For more info, call 828-262-5424.

Holiday Open House with the Arts—Saturday
The galleries in West Jefferson will host a holiday open house this Saturday, December 5, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The open house will feature a vast selection of art, refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists. For more info, call 336-246-4483 or 336-846-2787.

Todd Christmas Tree Lighting—Saturday
Join the Todd community in lighting the Todd Community Christmas Tree this Saturday, December 5, at 5:00 p.m. Community members decorated the tree last weekend. Ms. Ruby, 95 years old, will light the tree.

Have your pets’ portrait taken with Santa Claus on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, at the Little Red School House in Valle Crucis.

Santa Paws Portraits—Saturday and Sunday
The Watauga Humane Society will host a Santa Paws portrait session at the Little Red School House in Valle Crucis, located behind Mast General Store, this Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. each day. All varieties of pets can pose with Santa. Dogs must be on a leash. Prints are $10 for a 5-by-7 and $5 for additional copies. Weaver Cindy Long will demonstrate weaving on her loom. For more info, call 828-266-3568. The snow dates are December 12 and 13.

The paintings and vintage doll collection of Florence Thomas will be on display at the Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School in Glendale Springs this Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6.

Christmas at Florence—Saturday and Sunday
The Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School in Glendale Springs cordially invites everyone to “Christmas at Florence.” This event, to be held at Lee House on the Florence campus in Glendale Springs, will offer two opportunities for everyone to officially begin the Christmas season. Mark your calendars to attend the first Christmas at Florence either Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Sunday, December 6, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This free event with refreshments will celebrate Florence Thomas’ painting and vintage doll collection with a backdrop of the stone fireplace, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and holiday refreshments. For more info, click to www.florenceartschool.org or call 336-846-2787.

A donkey stands in front of a scenic mountain view typical of Apple Hill Farm. The farm will host Christmas at Apple Tree Farm on weekends beginning this Saturday, November 21.

Christmas on Apple Hill Farm—Weekends through December 13
Christmas on Apple Hill Farm takes place this Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, and Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Christmas trees and custom-made wreaths will be available for purchase, as will gift items offered at the Apple Hill Farm Store. A half-hour walking tour of the farm is available. The mini-tour fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Children under 3 are free.

Apple Hill Farm is located off Highway 194 at 400 Apple Hill Road in Banner Elk. For more info, call 828-963-1662 or click to www.applehillfarmnc.com.

Valle Crucis Fireside Tour—Sunday
The 4th annual Valle Crucis Fireside Tour will take place from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. this Sunday, December 6. The cost of the 12-stop, self-guided tour is $10 per person, and tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event at the Original Mast Store in Valle Crucis.

At each of the 12 historic buildings, attendees can ask questions about the history of the building. Some proprietors offer refreshments, some will lead a general tour and others will allow participants to meander at will. All proceeds benefit the Valle Crucis Community Park.

Tickets can be purchased with cash or checks made payable to Valle Crucis Community Park. For more info, click to www.vallecrucis.com. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 828-963-6511.

Moravian Christmas Lovefeast—Sunday
The First Presbyterian Church in Boone will celebrate Advent with a Moravian Christmas Lovefeast this Sunday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m. A brass choir concert will begin at 6:00 p.m. For more info, call 828-264-3906.

Holiday Open House—December 8
High Country Host will hold a holiday open house on Tuesday, December 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center in Boone. The open house will feature holiday snacks and door prizes every half hour. Participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped children’s Christmas gift or a donation to Santa’s Toy Box. No RSVP is required. For more info, call 828-264-1299.

Christmas Open House—December 12
The Watauga Humane Society in Boone will have a Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the animal shelter. Refreshments will be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring gifts for the animals who won’t have a home this Christmas. Wish list suggestions include Kong toys for dogs, cat toys, canned food, dog and cat nail clippers, grooming clippers, treats and gift cards to Lowe’s Food, Lowe’s Hardware, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Staples. For more info, call 828-264-8784.

SANTA SIGHTINGS
High Country Press has received reports that a man known as Santa Claus is going to be traveling through our area. Mr. Claus is described as an elderly male with a thick white beard, twinkling eyes and rosy cheeks, wearing a red jacket, pants and hat with white trim. Also goes by the aliases of Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas and St. Nick. Responds well to hugs, cookies and milk. Could be traveling alone or with eight reindeer.

We’ve heard rumors that he’ll be appearing at the following locations throughout the High Country…

• At the Banner Elk Open House and Tree Lighting this Friday, December 4, sip on hot chocolate or cider while discussing your wish list with Old St. Nick. Be at the Tate-Evans Park and Town Hall at 5:00 p.m.
  
• Make your case to Santa at the Boone Mall Fridays through Sundays, December 4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 24. Santa’s hours will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays and 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays. Santa will also receive last-minute requests on Thursday, December 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  
• Children can have their pictures made on Santa’s lap at the Holiday Family Fest hosted by The Children’s Council at High Country Press this Saturday, December 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  
• Have your pets’ portraits taken with Santa Claus this Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, at the Little Red School House in Valle Crucis from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. both days.
  
• At the annual Candlelight Christmas Concert taking place at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk this Saturday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m., Santa is scheduled to appear.
  
• Santa will peek in at the former Mast General Store Candy Barrel location on Main Street in Blowing Rock on Friday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m.
  
• Mr. Claus and all his local friends will ride by in the Boone Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
  
• Santa will be on skis at Sugar Mountain Resort to hit the slopes with all the good boys and girls Saturday, December 12, through Thursday, December 24.
  
• Your last chance to spot Santa in Beech Mountain will likely be at the tree lighting on Saturday, December 19.

LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST

LATEST COMMENTS FROM OUR READERS

TOP NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE