HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828NEWS now) — Downtown Hendersonville is aglow this holiday season with lights, carriage rides, local shopping and a variety of festive events for the whole family.
The season kicks off with the Thanksgiving Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22 on Maple Street in the 7th Avenue District. Shoppers can find locally made gifts, holiday decorations, baked goods and seasonal food items.
On Nov. 27, the 13th annual Turkey Trot 5K will take place in downtown Hendersonville. Organized for the first time by the Hope Coalition, the race welcomes runners, walkers and participants in festive costumes. Registration and information are available at elementsofhope.org.
The Holiday Tree Lighting is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse. Attendees can sing Christmas carols, enjoy hot cocoa and watch for Santa, who will flip the switch at 6 p.m. to illuminate the plaza tree and Main Street lights. Free carriage rides will begin following the lighting.
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 29, encouraging shoppers to support downtown businesses during the holiday season.
On Dec. 5, Olde Fashioned Christmas returns to historic downtown from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring destination shops, family-friendly entertainment and local restaurants. Henderson County Parks and Recreation will host Santa on the Square, offering selfies with Santa, games, crafts and other seasonal activities at the Historic Courthouse.
Dec. 6 brings a full day of holiday fun, starting with the Christmas Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 7th Avenue District, with a Cookie Stroll from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local businesses will offer cookies and festive activities along 7th Avenue, Locust Street, and Maple Street. Participants can collect stamps on a passport and turn it in for a chance to win prizes. The evening concludes with the Hendersonville Christmas Parade at 6 p.m., themed “Light Up the Night,” heading south down Main Street.
Holiday festivities continue on Dec. 20 with Holiday Train Rides from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse. Mountain Fresh Orchards will provide train rides, fresh baked and canned goods, while Ellaberry Llama Farm offers a photo opportunity with llamas. Kids can enjoy face painting, fairy hair and holiday crafts.
For a full schedule of holiday events in Downtown Hendersonville, visit downtownhendersonville.org.