Forest City, NC – Come celebrate the holidays with the Town of Forest City! For years this small town in Western North Carolina has been known as a “Hallmark Christmas” movie set during the holiday season. In fact, RomanticAsheville.com calls it the #1 Christmas town in the greater Asheville, NC area and the #2 place to see Christmas lights in Western North Carolina!
New this year is the addition of the Forest City Pavilion on Park Square (POPS). This urban park is located just 50 feet off historic Main Street. The park opened in May 2019 and hosted a variety of events in its first year. For Christmas the park features new displays of lights as well as several excellent photo spots for those holiday selfies!
The Town of Forest City kicks off the holiday season on Thanksgiving night, November 28, with the annual tree lighting ceremony near the fountain! The ceremony begins at 6pm and features live music from the local quartet, “In His Glory”. The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will be drawing the winning ticket from their “Cash for Christmas” raffle. At 7pm, Mayor Steve Holland and his special guest will flip the switch to turn on over one million Christmas lights! After the lighting ceremony, make your way to the Santa House for complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. The ice-skating rink will be open, and Santa will be on-site. Ice-skating is $8 per person and includes skates. With the competition of POPS, the Santa House and ice-skating rink have been relocated to Park Square, next to the Rutherford County Farmers Market on Park Square!
On Sunday, December 1, the Forest City Merchants Association and the Town of Forest City present the Forest City Parade at 3pm. Applications for the parade are being accepted through Tuesday, November 26. There is no entry fee for the parade, but everyone is asked to complete an application. With an estimated 100 units, this parade is always a crowd pleaser! The parade lines up at McNair Stadium and travels East on Main Street to the First United Methodist Church. There will be no parking allowed along the parade route. From Church Street to Powell Street, no parking will be allowed on Eastbound Main Street. From Powell Street to First United Methodist Church, no parking will be allowed on Main Street.
Beginning on Friday, December 6, the Town kicks off the weekend Hometown Holiday Festivities! On Fridays through December 20, join us for hayrides, ice-skating, movies at POPS and Santa at the Santa House. Tickets for hayrides can be purchased at the POPS ticket window on Park Square. After purchasing tickets, folks will walk through POPS to the loading area near the POPS water fountain at the corner of Huntley Alley and Mill Street. Cost is $3 per person. Hayrides run from 6pm-9pm. The Santa House is open from 6pm-8:30pm. There is no charge to visit with Santa, but donations are accepted. Cost for a printed picture is $3. Ice-skating is from 6pm-until. Cost is $8 and includes skates. The movie begins at 7pm.
On Saturdays, December 7 through December 21, join us for carriage rides, ice-skating, and Santa at the Santa House. Tickets for carriage rides can be purchased at the POPS ticket window on Park Square. After purchasing tickets, folks will walk through POPS to the loading area near the POPS water fountain at the corner of Huntley Alley and Mill Street. Carriage rides run from 6pm-8:30pm. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 3-12). Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations are accepted, and it is cash only. This is often a sell-out and ticket sales are not guaranteed to continue until 8:30pm. The Santa House will be open from 5pm-8:30pm. There is no charge to visit with Santa, but donations are accepted. Cost for a printed picture is $3. Ice-skating is from 5pm-until. Cost is $8 and includes skates.
Explore Forest City Main Street Association will be selling hot chocolate, cider and coffee at the POPS concession stand on Friday and Saturday nights.
Santa Paws will be at the Santa House on Sundays, December 8 -December 22. Bring your pet and have their picture made with Santa. Hours are 2pm-6pm. A $5 donation is requested, and all proceeds go to the Community Pet Center.
While in Forest City, make sure to visit our local restaurants and shops on historic Main Street. Grab a bite to eat, shop for unique Christmas gifts, and view the decorated storefront windows!
Lights are on each night Thanksgiving, November 28 through Sunday, January 5 and are on from 5pm-11pm.
