Nestled in the majestic mountains of North Carolina’s famed High Country, Eagles Nest offers a truly magical experience around the holidays. Snow-dusted mountain views for miles. An array of outdoor activities. Local Christmas festivities for the whole family. Whether you enjoy our on-site amenities or explore festive fun in our very own Blue Ridge backyard, there’s no better place to call home for the holidays than right here at Eagles Nest.

This month, we’re featuring the very best ways to celebrate the holiday season within our gates, as well as in the stunning surrounding areas.

Small Town Christmas Charm

There’s certainly no shortage of festive things to do in Banner Elk this time of year! In fact, just outside our gates in beautiful Banner Elk, North Carolina, you’ll discover endless ways to make fun holiday memories with the whole family.

Banner Elk really embraces the spirit of the season, with an array of local winter festivities you won’t want to miss. Bring the kids to Christmas at Apple Hill Farm, running now through January 3rd. Embark on an educational guided tour of a working alpaca farm and experience their one-of-a-kind Christmas store. Shop locally made holiday gifts and goodies during this seasonal celebration unlike anything else!

Searching for more things to do in Banner Elk this holiday season? Enjoy an authentic holiday escape in early December as downtown transforms into a festive oasis for the annual celebration, A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk. Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas caroling, hot cocoa and treats, and of course, the town’s official tree lighting! Plus, enjoy everyone’s favorite Christmas parade, a 5K Reindeer Run, holiday crafts, luminary-lighted train rides through the park, breakfast with Santa, and so much more. The whole town comes together for this festive affair — and there are even great lodging options for out-of-town guests, too.

Be sure to grab tickets for A Banner Elk Christmas holiday musical variety show patterned after those nostalgic Bing Crosby Christmas specials. It’s hosted in Banner Elk’s very own professional theater, Ensemble Stage.
Just a short drive from Eagles Nest, you’ll find local small towns with even more holiday festivities to enjoy. From Blowing Rock’s Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt to Crazy Christmas at Mystery Hill and must-see holiday markets in the area, there’s High Country fun everywhere you turn this season. Explore more High Country events to add to your list this holiday season.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Ready to add some great Banner Elk restaurants to your holiday list? Explore highly rated local gems from fine dining options to cheap eats and everything in between thanks to this handy Tripadvisor list of the best Banner Elk restaurants. If you don’t want to do any driving though, you’ll be thrilled to discover that Eagles Nest has recently announced the Great Camp Restaurant right here on site! A 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant located next to our amphitheater, this exciting new project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2023 for all of your foodie family’s needs.

Don’t forget about our exclusive Cigar & Wine Bar perched at 4,500 ft. elevation right here within our gates, too. The Eagles Nest Winery is the perfect place to unwind during the best (and busiest) time of year!

Beyond Banner Elk, there are plenty of High Country restaurants ready to make sure you and your family enjoy the perfect Christmas dinner! Whether you want to grab some holiday classics to go, or get out and let someone else do the dishes, here’s a list of Blowing Rock restaurants (about a 30-minute drive from Banner Elk) and more area favorites for you to check out. But, don’t miss this extended list of Blowing Rock restaurants to enjoy around your holiday vacation beyond just Christmas dinner!

Explore the Local Ski Scene

The High Country is home to an array of renowned resorts and ski options for the whole family. Best of all, mild temperatures year round mean you can experience all that the area has to offer this winter without the extremes.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, just about 10 minutes from Banner Elk, is home to more holiday fun from elite skiing to shopping and family-friendly events. Bring the kids to Santa at Sugar, enjoy a Snowshoe Guided Tour, or stop by Sugarfest featuring ski and snowboard demos. Check out more Sugar Mountain Ski Resort winter events here!

Hit the slopes in Beech Mountain NC, the highest ski resort in eastern North America at more than 5,500 feet. Beech Mountain Resort is home to wintery fun for everyone — all just about a 15-minute drive from Banner Elk! Visit the Resort Village for ice skating, winter tubing, ski rentals, snacks, and more. Grab winter slopes tickets for all ages and levels — or explore ski school with group and private lessons.

Beyond Christmas, Beech Mountain Resort also offers family fun for New Year’s. Enjoy New Year’s Eve fireworks and more festivities at their very own Beech Mountain Brewing Co.

However your family gets in the holiday spirit, there are amazing options for everyone right here in the Eagles Nest area. There’s no better time to take in the magic of our mountain community than right now. Happy holidays!

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