Rutherford County is home to charming small towns filled with big holiday spirit. Like entering a Norman Rockwell Christmas card, Rutherford County comes alive with twinkling lights, holiday events, and, of course, plenty of Christmas cheer that can be felt throughout all of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills.
Explore our quintessential small towns sprinkled with all of the beloved trimmings, like festive windows adorned with hand-painted holiday scenes and horse-drawn carriages that escort you through a canopy of more than one million twinkling lights. Whatever your vision of the perfect Christmas may be, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with Rutherford County and the magic it offers during the holiday season.
From annual Christmas parades to ice skating and visits with Santa, our ultimate guide to Christmas in Rutherford County features the best holiday events in NC for you and the entire family.
Forest City Hometown Holidays
As a cherished tradition that began more than 90 years ago, Forest City lights up every holiday season with Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights. The annual event kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. Watch the Mayor and his special guest flip the magic switch to turn on the lights at 7 p.m. while you stroll down historic Main Street with a piping hot chocolate in your hand. Every weekend in December, enjoy festive holiday tunes, take a spin around the ice skating rink, or stop by POPs to meet Santa. Don’t forget to attend the Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 1, at 3 p.m.
Spindale-Rutherfordton Christmas Parade
The towns of Spindale and Rutherfordton link up for the family-favorite Spindale-Rutherfordton Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7. The parade will make its way through Spindale at 3:30 p.m. and travel through Rutherfordton at 5 p.m. Join this Rutherford County Christmas Parade to spread Christmas cheer throughout the region. Participants are welcome, with the lineup for the Spindale parade beginning at 2 p.m. During your visit, support local businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene by shopping and eating local.
North Carolina’s Largest Living Cedar Christmas Tree
Marvel at North Carolina’s largest living cedar Christmas tree, which stands tall and proud on the Rutherfordton Courthouse lawn. For nearly 100 years, this notable tree has served as a shady spot for adults to take a break under, as well as a natural jungle gym for kids. At Christmas, however, it magically lights up as a delightful attraction that inspires visitors from far and near. Snap a selfie under the tree, then make your way down Main Street for a cup of cocoa at Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream.
Charming Places to Stay
Christmas spirit isn’t only found outdoors in Rutherford County. The region is home to historic and charming places to stay that quite literally deck the halls in Christmas glory. At Carrier Houses Bed & Breakfast, you’ll find tastefully decorated rooms full of antiques and period furniture, plus twinkling Christmas lights and trees throughout the interior. This centrally located B&B can serve as the perfect home base for exploring Christmas magic throughout Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills.
Another festive option is The Firehouse Inn, located only a block from historic downtown Rutherfordton. Originally built as the town’s city hall and firehouse, the Inn retains its historic charm with four elegantly appointed rooms. Throughout the holiday season, it is filled with Christmas decor, lights, and spirit
Experience the Magic
Enhance your yuletide season with traditions, sparkling lights, and crispy air in the picturesque small towns of Forest City, Spindale, and Rutherfordton. We thank you for supporting our community as we work hard to rebuild Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and other areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene. This year, more than ever, we’re eager to welcome you back to Rutherford County for Christmas magic.
