Nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, the charming town of Banner Elk is ready to welcome visitors back for the holiday season. After being temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene's impact in late September, this beloved mountain destination is reopening to guests just in time for Thanksgiving week.
While Banner Elk is always a magical place during the holidays, there's a renewed sense of gratitude this year. After weeks of power outages and over a month without essential services, the community is celebrating a return to normalcy. The resilience and spirit of this special town have been nothing short of inspiring, and Mayor Brenda Lyerly invites everyone to join in the celebration:
“Banner Elk is ready to welcome back visitors for the holidays,” says Mayor Lyerly. “We’ve been through a lot, but our community’s strength shines through. Thanksgiving in Banner Elk should be on everyone’s calendar, and we can’t wait to share our ‘Small Town Christmas’ celebration the first weekend in December. It’s going to be a magical time for all ages.”
Banner Elk’s tourism-dependent economy was hit hard by the storm, especially during the prime fall color season. The cancellation of the iconic Woolly Worm Festival and other events brought additional challenges to local businesses. However, thanks to the hard work of residents, most services have been restored, and the town is now ready to greet visitors once again.
“Though it’s been a tough time for many, we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received,” Mayor Lyerly adds. “We’re not quite back to normal, but our roads are open, and our doors are ready to welcome you.”
If you’re looking for a cozy getaway, Banner Elk offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, inns, and vacation rentals. A new Holiday Stroll Map makes it easy to explore the town’s walkable downtown area, showcasing the businesses, restaurants, and activities that are open for the season.
A Small Town Christmas Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss
The highlight of Banner Elk’s holiday season is the highly anticipated Small Town Christmas celebration, taking place December 6-8. This three-day event is filled with festive activities for all ages:
- Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Breakfast with Santa
- Christmas Parade
- Carol Sing-Along
- Cookie Decorating & Ornament Making
- Mini-Train Rides
- Holiday Song-and-Dance Revue Performances
For those looking for the perfect Christmas tree, Banner Elk is home to the choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm at Elk River Evergreens. You can enjoy a relaxing stay with holiday lodging packages that include one or two nights of accommodation and a voucher for your own tree.
Winter Fun on the Slopes
Banner Elk is also a gateway to skiing and snowboarding, with two popular resorts—Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort—just a short drive from downtown. Whether you're hitting the slopes or enjoying a cozy fireside evening, Banner Elk offers the best of both worlds.
Plan Your Visit
There’s no better place to experience a mountain Christmas than in Banner Elk, NC. With its stunning views, charming shops, and festive spirit, it’s the perfect destination to create lasting holiday memories with loved ones.
For up-to-date information on the town’s reopening, holiday events, and lodging options, visit www.BannerElk.com.
Come celebrate the season with us—and experience the magic of a truly Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk!
