One of Rutherford County’s most beloved holiday experiences started in the small town of Forest City more than 90 years ago. It began with adorning two trees on Main Street with twinkling Christmas lights in the 1930s, and as the years went on, the tradition continued to grow and blossom. Today, Forest City is home to one of the most beautiful month-long displays of Christmas cheer and spirit in the North Carolina foothills. Each holiday season, the quaint, charming town comes to life with festive lights, activities, and decor for the annual Forest City Hometown Holidays celebration, which draws locals and visitors alike.
Forest City Hometown Holidays offers fun for the entire family, including festive parades, tree lightings, carriage rides, and Instagram-worthy visits with Santa. Holiday events and festivities will take place from November 28, 2024 to January 1, 2025. Here’s a guide to all of the fun and magic this holiday season.
Thanksgiving Weekend
Kick off the holidays this Thanksgiving weekend with the larger-than-life Forest City Hometown Holiday lights extravaganza. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 28 at 6:30 p.m. Get to Main Street early and save a spot to watch the Mayor and his special guest flip the magic switch to turn on the lights at 7 p.m. (Note that parking won’t be available on Main Street during the event.)
Many Forest City, NC businesses will open their doors to customers Thanksgiving night. Sip hot cocoa and shop local to support hardworking businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Enjoy delicious cookies and concessions as you stroll down historic Main Street and admire the local quartet as they sing classic Christmas carols. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening to welcome in Forest City’s holiday season!
December Weekends
Forest City continues to spread holiday cheer all December long. Lights are on each night from 5 - 11:30 p.m. from Friday, November 29 through Wednesday, January 1. The town’s highly anticipated annual Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 1 at 3 p.m., where carriages and cars intermingled with floats and music will make their way down Main Street. Throughout the event and beyond, eat local to support local restaurants or visit one of the local food trucks serving up delicious meals on Mill Street.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, December weekends in Forest City are full of holiday cheer. Reserve your own private horse-drawn carriage for a ride amongst the lights along historic Main Street, or enjoy a hayride under the stars with the entire family (tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis). Get your groove on at the Fountain where holiday tunes are spun by a local DJ, take a spin around the ice skating rink, hop on a hayride, or stop by POPS to meet Santa. Of course, don’t forget to shop for unique Christmas gifts!
We can’t wait to welcome you back this holiday season to enjoy our Forest City Hometown Holidays. Follow us on Facebook for weather announcements and updates on holiday events in Forest City, NC.
