Holiday Events Welcome Visitors in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and “Small Town Friendly” Main Streets in Rutherford County, NC. We’re North Carolina’s secret mountain gem, located between Asheville and Charlotte.

Download holiday images at bit.ly/LakeLureNMore-holiday

Lake Lure, NC (Oct. 17, 2014) Did you know Santa Claus lives in Forest City among the town’s display of one million lights, drives a red convertible Mustang, and “practices” for his big night by climbing down one of the world’s largest chimneys at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park? Read on for the complete guide to holiday fun in the Blue Ridge mountains and foothills of Rutherford County, N.C.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS (LIGHTS, CARRIAGE RIDES AND HAYRIDES, SKATING

Nov. 27-Jan.1, 2015 Downtown Forest City, bit.ly/HometownHolidays  In 1930, the Town of Forest City hung its first set of lights on two trees, and today more than one million shine brilliantly every season. Bundle up with a cup of hot chocolate and hop on a carriage or hayride through the magical display of holiday lights. The lights glow from the Lighting Ceremony at 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) through year’s end. Carriage rides are offered Dec 6,13, 20. Hayrides are offered Dec. 5,12,19. Ice skate Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20. On Dec. 7,14, 21, visit “Santa Paws” at Santa’s House and get your photo made with your pet. Call 828-248-5200.

WINTERFEST IN THE GORGE (BEACH BONFIRE, LIGHTS, MUSIC)

Nov. 28, 2014–Jan. 1, 2015 (Hayrides, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13); Lake Lure Beach to Chimney Rock Village, bit.ly/WinterFestInTheGorge Experience holidays in the mountains at the second annual WinterFest in the Gorge. Shop Chimney Rock Village; lights glow from the kick-off on Nov. 28 at 3 pm through year's end. On Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13, eat s’mores by a beachside bonfire, take pictures with Santa, and enjoy hayrides and a trolley ride. Go by the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, decked with lights and its annual Christmas Fairy Village. Hayrides are $5 per person or $20 for families of four or more. Call 828-625-2725.

SANTA ON THE CHIMNEY (Santa Rappels Down Chimney Rock)

Dec 6 & 13, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, bit.ly/ChimneyRockXmas How does Santa climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices on one of the world’s largest natural chimneys from 11 am to 2 pm on Dec. 6 and 13, and you can watch. In between climbs, kids sit on St. Nick’s lap, meet Mrs. Claus and snack on cookies. In addition, one guest will receive a free, two-hour rock-climbing lesson for two with Santa’s helpers, Fox Mountain Guides. Events are free with park admission; check the park website for inclement weather updates. Call 800-277-9611. To book your own rock-climbing lesson at Chimney Rock, visit www.FoxMountainGuides.com or call 888-284-8433.

OLD ST. JOHN’S SHAPE NOTE SINGING

Dec 13 & 14, St. John’s Historic Church, 702 N. Main St., Rutherfordton www.christianharmony.org/schedule.html (scroll way down). Listen in awe as participants sit facing one another in a square, exchanging a cappella harmonies – it's America’s oldest form of music. Saturday features Sacred Harp singing (four shapes). Sunday features Christian Harmony (seven shapes). For more than 18 years, singers from across the region have gathered at St. John’s Historic Church in Rutherfordton to keep the tradition vibrant and alive. Free and open to the public. 10 am to 3 pm. Bring your covered-dish for dinner on the grounds, both days, at noon. Call 828-287-0508.

NEW YEAR’S DAY POLAR PLUNGE

New Year’s Day, Lake Lure, bit.ly/PolarPlungeLakeLure Watch or join in as hundreds of people brave the freezing waters of Lake Lure in costumes. The annual celebration takes place at the Beach at Lake Lure and includes prizes. Call 828-625-2725.

Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is part of Rutherford County, North Carolina. The area is home to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and “small-town-friendly” main streets nestled in the Western NC mountains and foothills. An emerging outdoor destination gaining national recognition with its bouldering, bike trails, waterways and lake, the getaway is also known for its relaxing pontoon boat tours on Lake Lure, family-friendly destinations and movie heritage. “Last of the Mohicans” was shot here, and Lake Lure is forever famous for the “lift" movie scene and more in “Dirty Dancing."

Call the Welcome Center at 800-849-5998. Visit us at www.rutherfordtourism.com, Twitter @VisitRCNC and Facebook.

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Download holiday images at http://bit.ly/LakeLureNMore-holiday. Call us to schedule your visit. Media Contacts: Susan Dosier at susan@dkcommunicationsgroup.com / 704.993.7871 mob or Diane Jackson at diane@tributemediaconsulting.com / 678.428.1596 mob