Frosty weather, dazzling twinkle lights, and the anticipation of spending time with loved ones; it is truly the most magical time of the year here in North Carolina. Visit Bryson City and prepare to be amazed as you observe how a small town can celebrate the holidays in a big way. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure such as a ride on the Polar Express™ Train, a bit of holiday shopping from local artisans, a spirited community event, or a cup of something warm from a nearby café, your time spent in this Great Smoky Mountains town will be infused with magic. Without further ado, here are eight ideas for experiencing some of the most magical things to do in Bryson City at Christmas.

1. Hop aboard the magical Polar Express™ Train.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
https://www.gsmr.com/polar-express/
All aboard! The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers the annual Polar Express™ Train Ride to passengers of all ages. For the little ones, it's a wonderful time to visit with Old Saint Nick himself. For everyone else, it's a unique opportunity to feel like a kid again. During the excursion, there will be a reading of the famous Polar Express story, along with Christmas carols and warm cocoa. Not to mention the beautiful scenery you'll enjoy from the passenger window. Tickets sell quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot on the magical Polar Express™ Train ride as soon as possible.

2. Enjoy a scenic drive through the wintery countryside.

Swain County, NC, USA
Flickr/Gerry Dincher
The weather might be chilly, but that's no reason to stay indoors. Swain County is a treasure trove of beautiful, scenic drives for you and the family to enjoy. In fact, Western North Carolina is famous for its winding roads and picturesque scenery. You'll find that the dense forests and majestic mountains are all the more dramatic in the winter -- especially with a dusting of snow!

3. Tackle some of your Christmas shopping list.

Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Flickr/Robert Taylor
If there are a few names on your holiday shopping list, you can venture to downtown Bryson City and browse countless gifts and handmade items. From books to galleries, antiques, and clothes, there's a little something for everyone...including you! Usually on the last Saturday in November, the downtown hosts its annual Shop Local Saturday. Who knew Christmas in Bryson City, NC could be such a delightful experience?

4. Take a historic stroll downtown and admire the Christmas decorations.

Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum, 2 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Flickr/Warren LeMay
The opportunity to take a self-guided history tour of Bryson City while also observing the festive Christmas decorations is a must. The Swain County Heritage and Visitors Center is a great place to start. Inside, you'll find a guide to the historic landmarks around town as well as some helpful local recommendations. And the best news of all? There will be cookies, hot cocoa, and stationery for the kids to write letters to Santa Claus.

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5. Don't forget to check out the 50-foot Christmas tree!

Flickr/Steven Miller
Just across the street from the Visitors Center, you'll find a dazzling 50-foot Christmas tree, arguably one of the best places to enjoy Bryson City Christmas lights.. The lighting ceremony includes caroling and other fun festivities. Don't forget to bundle up!

6. Take part in the annual Bryson Christmas Parade.

Flickr/Kim Klieger
Usually held the first weekend in December, this event can only be described as "The Biggest Little Christmas Parade in the Smokies." This beloved annual parade features floats, firetrucks, live music, and Kris Kringle himself. The weekend also features a Breakfast with Santa, the Annual Cookie Walk, and a Christmas Bazaar where you can enjoy some of the best holiday shopping in the state!

7. Venture to Indian Creek Falls.

Indian Creek Falls, Indian Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Flickr/BrianBoardman
Located in the Deep Creek Recreation Area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Indian Creek Falls is located along a trail that showcases two other waterfalls. This beautiful natural attraction is just a short distance from Bryson City and is especially stunning in the winter.

8. Simply enjoy the surroundings and take in the holiday magic!

Flickr/Amy Meredith
There's no wrong way to catch the spirit of the holidays in Bryson City. Peruse the shops, enjoy a meal out, and take in the natural beauty of this spirited mountain town and you'll feel refreshed and ready for the holidays.

Have you visited Bryson City, North Carolina during the holidays? If so, we’d love to see your amazing holiday photos and hear more about your experiences there! For updates and trip ideas, you can visit the official Bryson City Tourism Facebook page. Bryson City at Christmas really is a fantastic treat!

For other holiday-themed things to do in North Carolina, check out this list of the top 10 Christmas towns. Or you could take our Christmas lights road trip. Just don’t forget to peruse our road trip packing guide so you don’t forget anything critical.

More to Explore

Holiday Time in North Carolina

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 26, 2022

In addition to the Bryson City Christmas lights, where else can we go to see holiday light displays?

There are plenty of places all over the state where you can see some amazing holiday light displays. These include the:

  • Chetola Resort Festival of Lights in Blowing Rock
  • The Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons
  • Christmas at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville
  • The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden just outside Charlotte
  • Christmas Town USA in McAdenville

Are there any Christmas towns in North Carolina?

Oh yes! You will find some wonderful Christmas towns dotted all over The Tarheel State, each one offering its own unique flavor and flair of the season. Among them are:

  • The town of New Bern where you can visit the historic Tryon Palace, Edenton, which puts on a fabulous annual Christmas Candlelight Tour.
  • Winston-Salem, which gets into the spirit via the historic Moravian culture here.
  • A double holiday whammy (in nothing but a good way!) at both Wilmington along with Wrightsville Beach.

Where can we go hiking in the winter in North Carolina?

North Carolina is a wonderful place to go hiking any time of the year. And if you aren't too averse to the cold, there are some great winter hikes that you can enjoy:

  • The Max Patch, which is along the famous Appalachian Trail
  • Several trails located at the DuPont State Forest
  • The Linville Falls in the Pisgah Forest
  • The trail to the summit of Pilot Mountain in the Piedmont region

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Bryson City, NC 28713, USA