There’s so much to enjoy in each of our Mast Store communities this holiday season. Many of our favorite events have already begun or kick off right after Thanksgiving. Below are just a few offerings that your family may want to add to your holiday schedule. Consider trying something new this year and it just might become a holiday tradition!

High Country
The beloved Downtown Boone Christmas Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 3rd. The lineup includes festive floats, draft horse-drawn wagons, shiny red fire trucks, performers from Horn in the West and Studio K's The Nutcracker, as well as an appearance by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. The Christmas parade runs west to east along King Street, between Poplar Grove Connector Road at Galileo's Restaurant, and the intersection with Hardin Street at Dan'l Boone Inn. And don’t forget to stop by The Jones House Cultural and Community Center at 604 W. King St. (next to Mast Store Boone) and indulge in some free cookies and apple cider after the parade. There's more information HERE.


Hendersonville
From November 17th through December 17th, the Flat Rock Playhouse presents their fresh take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Nancy, a Flat Rock native, raves, “This play house is a treasure! It’s conveniently located near quaint shops and wonderful restaurants. Ticket prices are very affordable, the shows are terrific, and it’s only 4 miles from Hendersonville.” Seats range in price from $15 - $40. Purchase yours HERE.


Waynesville
Just a little over a half hour from Waynesville is The Polar Express Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. It's a holiday tradition for kids of all ages. From now through January 8th, this one-hour round-trip excursion departs Bryson City for a journey over the river and through the woods to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, riders enjoy warm cocoa and cookies while reliving the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the “North Pole” to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa boards The Polar Express, greeting each child, and presents each with a special gift just like in the story: their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Depot. The Polar Express does not run on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. There’s more info HERE.


Asheville
If you’re looking for something different to enjoy this holiday season, the Smith-McDowell House offers a traditional historic home Christmas tour that will take you back to the Victorian age. The House is Asheville’s first mansion and oldest surviving structure, which is now restored as a history museum. Built by one of antebellum North Carolina’s most influential citizens, this National Register property was once the home of mayors, a Confederate Major, and friends of the Vanderbilts, who built the nearby Biltmore Estate (just three miles down the road). The mansion is authentically decorated for the Victorian period with fresh trees, garlands, ornaments, and toys. Six period rooms are decked out with gold, silver, and glassware from the museum's permanent collections. Tours are held now through January 8th and tickets are $9 per person. For more information about special Twilight Tours offered on December 2nd, click HERE. The house is closed on November 24 & 25, December 24 & 25, and January 1.


Winston-Salem
December 1st through the 10th, the Single Brothers' House is hosting its annual Candle Tea in historic Old Salem. Volunteers in period drss welcome you and guide you through the Candle Tea. Guests enter the Candle Tea in groups of up to 35 people. No reservations are necessary for public tours. Other Moravian traditions include singing carols accompanied by the 1798 Tannenberg organ, enjoying rich lovefeast coffee and Moravian sugar cakes, watching as beeswax candles are made by hand, and viewing the Candle Tea putz. The putz, a traditional Christmas decoration for both early and modern Moravians, is displayed in two parts. The first part is a replica in miniature of the town of Salem more than a century ago. The second part presents the Nativity scene as the Christmas story is read. Admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and under are $1. All proceeds, after expenses, are distributed to non-profit local and international agencies. For more information, click HERE.


Greenville
From November 18th through January 16th, slip on a pair of skates and at hit the ice at Ice on Main, located in the heart of downtown Greenville. Gliding around this open-air ice skating rink is one of Greenville’s favorite winter traditions. Ice on Main is in the Courtyard Marriott plaza at the corner of S. Main Street and Broad Street.  Admission for adults is $10 and children are $8 (including skate rental). There’s more information HERE.

Columbia
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is hosting its Lights Before Christmas event from November 19th through December 30th. Nearly one million twinkling lights, countless animated images, and nightly visits with Santa (on-site beginning at 6:00 p.m. each night through December 23) are the order of the evening. Holiday cheer is found in abundance around the Jingle Bell Bonfire. Hot cocoa, marshmallows, and other festive foods are available for purchase. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 12 to 3-years-old, and free for children 2 and under. Get all the details HERE.


Knoxville
From November 25th through January 8th, join in the fun at Holidays on Ice in the outdoor skating rink in the heart of Downtown Knoxville on Market Square. Enjoy skating under Christmas lights and stars while listening to music every night. The ice rink will be closed during inclement weather, so please check the Holidays on Ice Facebook page to stay updated. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.

In addition to these wonderful community events, Mast Store also hosts a number of holiday happenings in each of our stores like book signings, food samplings, and visits with Santa. Check in with our store calendars often as events are added regularly.