The Christmas season officially begins in downtown Hendersonville on Nov. 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving, with the Holiday Street Lighting and Santa’s arrival.
Visitors and residents gather on the Historic Courthouse Square at 5:30 pm for carols, hot chocolate, and cider. When it gets dark, Santa appears on the courthouse balcony. He then flips the switch to light two trees on the Courthouse Plaza and displays along the street. Eight blocks of Main Street, from Seventh Avenue to Barnwell Street, feature new LED lights. This year’s display includes more than 5,000 additional lights.
“The downtown lighting is an exciting event for us,” says Beth Carden of the Henderson County TDA. “We have caroling and shopping and community fellowship. We encourage families to come out and create memories.”
Once downtown is aglow, Mr. Claus greets children in the courthouse. After Friday’s festivities, he will reside in the Santa House at Sixth and North Main streets until Christmas.
Many Main Street businesses will have extended evening hours. Friday, Nov. 23 is also the first day of the Main Street Merchant Decoration Contest, so businesses will be decked out in holiday finery.
“It’s a great time to bring people downtown to enjoy Main Street and do some shopping,” says Lew Holloway of the Downtown Hendersonville organization.
The next day, Saturday, Nov. 24, the downtown Hendersonville Curb Market hosts an Old-Timey Christmas. The market has been in operation since 1924 and is known for its fresh produce, flowers, jams, jellies, arts and crafts. The Christmas market includes fresh greenery, handmade gifts, mulled cider and snacks. Hours are 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Also on Saturday, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock celebrates Christmas at Connemara (as well as its 50th anniversary!) with music, storytelling, hot cider and crafts. Hours are 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The street lighting, Santa’s arrival, Old-Timey Christmas and Christmas at Connemara are all part of Hendersonville’s Home for the Holidays events, which continue through the New Year.
For more info about spending the holidays in Hendersonville and a complete list of events, visit www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244.