News & Events

This is the most magical time of year in the mountain towns in North Carolina, and Lenoir’s holiday traditions are well known for adding warmth and meaning to the folks who live in this charming region.  The City of Lenoir Main Street Program keeps the sense of community vibrant, and at this time of year keeps us all humming Christmas carols through the streets.  More than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities have come together to create an unusual bond—the Main Street America Program.  Initiated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the focus is to build amazing communities with hearty downtowns. 

What does this mean for all of us who are fortunate enough to live in Lenoir?  There is a never-ending list of celebrations and events throughout the year that provide us with a variety of things to do in Lenoir NC.  No matter what your holiday heart yearns for—it’s happening in Lenoir!  Shows, parades and breakfasts with Santa will be making this Christmas season merry and bright.  Check out all the holiday festivities in Lenoir:

Between November 27 – December 22 in the mountain towns in North Carolina, there are almost as many magical occasions to have a selfie with Santa as there are days of Christmas!  Downtown Lenoir  transforms into a holiday extravaganza that will warm the hearts of the young and old alike!  Made possible by our COL Main Street Program,  these are all the dates and places you, and the youngsters in your life, can visit with Santa. Be sure to let this jolly fellow spread his yuletide cheer:

•  Tuesday, November 27:  6-8 pm—1841 Café

•  Friday, November 30:  4-6 pm; Lenoir Christmas Parade

•  Tuesday, December 4:  6-8 pm; Fercott Fermentables

•  Friday, December 7:  5-7 pm; Piccolo’s Pizza

•  Saturday, December 8:  4-6 pm; Walgreens

•  Saturday, December 8:  6-7 pm; LHS Auditorium

•  Friday, December 14; 5-7 pm; Side Street Pour House

•  Saturday, December 15; 11 am-1 pm; Tybrisa Books

•  Friday, December 21; 5-7 pm; Cookies and Cream

•  Saturday, December 22; 6-8 pm; Shake-n-Dog

If you’re in the mood for a holiday performance, the Foothills Performing Arts will be presenting “The Adventures of Santa Claus” November 29-December 2 at JE Broyhill Civic Center, 1909 Hickory Blvd SE.  This musical production will entertain the entire family.  “Discover how Santa Claus became the legend we know today in a tale full of magic and whimsy.”

The performance on Friday, November 30 will include dinner and a show. And if you’re looking for things to do in Lenoir NC, why not enjoy a delicious holiday-themed dinner at 5:30, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the menu before the show: chef-carved honey-glazed Virginia ham, baked chicken and dressing with gravy, rosemary-roasted potato medley (Yukon Gold, red and sweet potatoes); southern green beans; rolls with butter; assorted desserts; coffee, tea, and warm apple cider—all for only $15 per person.

Performances:

11/29/2018 – 7 pm

11/30/2018 – 5:30 pm

11/30/2018 – 7 pm

12/1/2018 – 7 pm

12/2/2018 – 2 pm

Single Ticket Price $16.25 (includes tax) Group and child/student tickets are available; for more info contact 828.726.2404.

It’s impossible to think of Lenoir in December without conjuring up images of sugar plum fairies and the downtown parade!  The theme of this year’s Lenoir Christmas Parade, on November 30, 6:30-9:30 pm, is sure to warm your festive heart–“Home Sweet Home for the Holidays ~ Celebrating the Sweetness of Coming Home for the Holidays.” For those local folks who love taking part in the heart of the parade, decorate your own float—“choose your favorite holiday candy, sweet treat, or gingerbread creation and decorate your float to celebrate our flavorful holiday traditions!”

Hosted by Lenoir Parks and Recreation, with over 200 entries, this holiday parade is a cherished tradition.  University and high school bands create the festive music to accompany the floats, community groups, and, of course, Santa!  Don’t forget–streets close at 3:30 along College Avenue and Harper Ave for the parade line-up along Harper Ave, Mulberry St, Main St, Ashe Ave, and West Ave for the Parade Route.

But the fun this holiday season doesn’t end there in the mountain towns of North Carolina!  December 2, from 12:30-4:30, the Christmas Cruise-In & Toy Drive is presented by the Lenoir Cruisers on 801 West Avenue NW.  This is a fun-spirited and free event.  Make sure you participate by bringing along a new and unwrapped toy for a child aged two up to eleven,  and make his or her Christmas a little brighter.  The sight of Santa delivering your carefully-chosen toys to all the sweet little girls and boys of the area will certainly put you in the holiday spirit!

“Shine up those rides one more time and join us as we wrap up 2018 and celebrate the season of giving.”

There are boundless events when you and your family are searching for meaningful things to do in Lenoir NC to lift your spirits. Be sure to put breakfast with Santa, a worthy and joyful morning on your calendar: December 1; 8:30-10:30 am; at Fatz; 975 Blowing Rock Blvd, Lenoir, NC.

You can purchase your tickets at Second Bloom Boutique, 2301 Morganton Blvd in Lenoir to be sure you have a reservation.  This holiday affair will help support the Shelter Home of Caldwell County.  What better than to be helping those in need while enjoying a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes and sausage?  Children can celebrate and preserve the celebration with a keepsake photo with Santa! 

Now, if you’re feeling creative and crafty this holiday season, put Satie’s Holidays Workshops—at Caldwell Arts Council on your schedule!  Join in the fun as you Make-and-Take an Aluminum Wrap Ring with Ellen Ball on December 4 from 9-11 am; 601 College Avenue SW, Lenoir.  This is the time and place to “learn how to apply texture with hammers on pre-cut pieces of light-weight aluminum to create a forged wrap ring.” Tools and materials included; no experience necessary. Children 12 and up or mature children ten to twelve with an adult.

There’s more happening at the Caldwell Arts Council throughout the month.  Lenoir celebrates artisans December 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 in true homemade fashion with its Hometown Downtown Holiday.  Fridays from noon to 7 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

When the mood strikes to hunker down for a Christmas film, COL Parks and Rec and Main St Program will be showing Christmas with the Kranks at 7 pm on December 8 at Historic LHS Auditorium.  Come a little early (6 pm) with your little ones for a visit with Santa. The whole night is family-friendly and free!

Also on December 8, the Elfin’ Around Christmas Show at the JE Broyhill Civic Center from 10 am-3 pm–45 vendors will provide crafts, food and prizes.  Santa will be there to spread his joy and inspire the community to make donations to the needy families in Caldwell County.

Maybe your house needs a little sprucing up for Christmas?  Santara McGlynn of Santara Flowers will be returning for a live wreath-making workshop at the Caldwell Arts Council on December 8 from noon to 2 pm.  Those folks who have cozy homes at The Coves know how festive the perfect holiday wreath can look on their front door.  “Enjoy a creative time, complete with all supplies, finger foods, and a hot chocolate bar for only $75/person! 1828 Collective will be on hand to photograph participants with their wreaths.”

This is the sweetest time of year to visit The Coves and see the gated community with its idyllic mountain homes all decked out.  The celebratory and festive air of Lenoir is carried into The Coves where the folks create a tight-knit community.  They share the holiday spirit, and usher in the season with carols, hot cider and home-cooking—all while gathering around the hearth inside their charming homes.  Be sure to plan a winter outing to the mountains of North Carolina. 

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.