Boone for the Holidays

Four Days of High Country Holiday Magic

The Boone Area knows how to do the holidays right—think crisp mountain air, twinkling lights, and small-town charm with just enough bustle to keep things interesting. Whether you're here for the slopes, the Santa sightings, or simply to slow down with the people you love, here’s how to savor four festive days in our corner of the High Country.

^{Photo courtesy of Tweetsie Railroad}

Day 1: Settle In & Stroll the Town

Check in to your home for the holidays—cozy cabin, boutique motel, brand hotel, or slopeside lodge of your choosing. Drop your bags, take a deep breath of that fresh mountain air, and ease into vacation mode.

Head downtown, where King Street glows up for winter. Duck in and out of local shops, admire window displays, and let the kids pick out an ornament or locally made treasure. Swing by an outfitter for last-minute gear to keep you cozy.

For dinner, lean into Southern tradition: Dan’l Boone Inn serves up hearty, family-style comfort food that warms you from the inside out. It's a popular first and last stop for many visiting the area, so be prepared for a bit of a wait on weekends & make sure to grab cash from an ATM beforehand. (Cash or check-only payment adds to the old-fashioned charm of this Boone staple!)

Still got a little room? We'd be surprised, but if so, head over to App Cookie Co. or Venture for a dessert that pairs perfectly with a chilly evening.

‼️ Pro Tip: Mountain weather has a mind of its own, so be sure to prepare by checking the forecast (locals rely on Ray's Weather for local expertise). It's always best to book attraction tickets a few days in advance, especially for slope tickets, snow tubing, and Tweetsie Christmas.

Day 2: Hit the Slopes

Rise and shine! Grab a bite on your way to one of the area’s ski resorts (each with great brunch spots en route). Then it’s time to find your “ski legs.” A lesson with App Ski Mountain's iconic French-Swiss Ski College makes even first-timers feel mountain-ready.

Not ready to commit to skis or a board? Try ice skating at one of our picturesque outdoor rinks for the perfect blend of nostalgia and winter magic.

Lunch at the resort keeps you close to the fun, because there’s plenty more ahead:
• Snow tubing at Beech Mountain—don’t miss the cosmic tubing glow-up at night—or at Hawksnest, the Southeast’s largest snow tubing park.
• Tired of snow? Hop on the Alpine Coaster near Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain instead, but be warned – tickets often sell out in advance. 

On the way back to your home base, pick up dinner from a local favorite and settle in for a quiet, cozy evening. You’ve earned it.

^{Photo by Megan Sheppard Photography, Courtesy of the Downtown Boone Development Association}

Day 3: Holiday Happenings

Ease those sore muscles out of bed, then head toward Valle Crucis, one of the charming historic communities that surround the Boone area 

Keep holiday spirits high while perusing for a locally-made gift at Rivercross Market or stop by the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis (or the downtown Boone store) to meet Santa himself.

For lunch nearby, you can’t go wrong with Pearl’s Kitchen or Holloway Corner Kitchen—both locally-owned and operated eateries with Southern Appalachian warmth you can feel as soon as you walk through the door. 

This afternoon, lean into creativity with a festive pottery class at The Pottery Lot. There’s something meditative and grounding about shaping clay while snowflakes drift outside. Their holiday-themed hand-building classes are perfect for beginner potters of all ages, and they'll even ship your creation to your home once it's been fired. 

Back in Boone, enjoy a nice dinner in town, then end your night with one of these classic holiday events: 
• Tweetsie Christmas, complete with a sparkling train ride and live show
• A holiday performance or festive film at the Appalachian Theatre
• A wondrous walk or drive through the Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort.

Day 4: Panoramic Views on Your Way Out

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations, pack the car, and wrangle the crew for a fond farewell to the heart of the High Country. 

Driving home? Swing by a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm and bring a piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains home with you.
Flying or don’t have space? Stretch your legs with a peaceful winter hike instead—some favorites include Elk Knob State Park or the peaceful Boone Greenway.

Wrap things up with a quick stop downtown for last-minute gifts, support local makers one more time, and roll out with your mountain memories still warm.

Visiting for New Year’s? Don’t Miss These Events:

• Horton Hotel’s NYE Ball Drop – Boone’s annual sparkling countdown can be viewed from the rooftop, but be sure to grab tickets well in advance! 
• NYE Fireworks at area ski resorts – Ring in the new year with a bang on a snowy mountaintop.
• First Day Hikes or Sunrise at Grandfather Mountain – Welcome the year from a stunning mountain viewpoint you won’t soon forget.

Check out our comprehensive Events Calendar for more details on what's occurring during your visit!