Light Up Blue Ridge

Step into the enchanting world of Light Up Blue Ridge, where the town comes alive with free activities, live entertainment, a parade and tree lighting.

Event Details

Schedule of Events

Top Activities

Always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Light Up Blue Ridge invites you to kick-off the holiday season with a day full of free, family-friendly festivities. Sing along with carolers, get a picture with Santa, listen to merry tunes, watch the parade, and marvel as the Great Tree is illuminated with hundreds of dazzling lights at around 7pm.

Three women look in a store window while shopping in Downtown Blue Ridge. A wreath hangs behind them for the Blue Ridge Christmas event.

Friday, November 27, 2026

Don’t Miss Blue Friday

Get your holiday shopping done early while supporting small businesses. During Blue Friday, shoppers can enjoy store discounts, live entertainment, and food vendors in Downtown Blue Ridge.

Blue Friday Schedule of Events

12:00pm - 4:30pm Live music on E. Main Street, multiple locations
12:00pm - 4:15pm Santa visits in gazebo

Light Up Blue Ridge Event Details

Date: November 28, 2026

Time: 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: Downtown Blue Ridge

Schedule of Events

11:00am - 1:00pm Live music near Depot St.
- 11:00am - 12:00pm Tuba Christmas
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm Brasstown Big Band

12:00pm - 4:30pm Live entertainment, multiple locations along E. Main Street
12:00pm - 4:15pm Pictures with Santa in gazebo
5:30pm Parade begins at the corner of Church and E. Main See Parade Route Here
Approximately 7:00pm Lighting of the Great Tree

Mrs. Claus and Santa wave to a crowd of families from the front of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train, a Blue Ridge Christmas event.

Top Light Up Blue Ridge Activities

Meet Santa

Santa has arrived in town and he’s spreading holiday cheer. Bring your little ones to the City Park gazebo so they can meet Santa and pose for a photo. Don't miss the chance to capture a magical moment with the beloved, jolly old man.

Close-up of a gingerbread house on display during the Light Up Blue Ridge gingerbread contest, a Blue Ridge Christmas event.

Explore the Gingerbread Village

Stroll through The Arts Center to explore the enchanted Gingerbread Village and admire the impressive gingerbread creations created by members of the community. Before you leave be sure to vote for your favorite gingerbread house and check out the Holiday Show to shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts.

Enjoy Live Entertainment

Listen, dance and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs performed by a variety of local musicians throughout the event. Be sure to check the Schedule of Events to find out when each band will be on stage.

Leave a Letter in Santa’s Mailbox

Make a stop at Santa's Mailbox, where children can write a letter to Santa and, in return, receive a pen keepsake and a handwritten reply in the mail a few days later.

People dressed as elves ride on trucks decorated with colorful lights and a Christmas tree during the Blue Ridge Christmas parade

Watch the Parade

In the afternoon, line the streets of Downtown Blue Ridge to admire creative floats covered in colorful lights and holiday decorations and people dressed in festive costumes. You may even catch some candy from those passing by in the parade!

Families gather around a large tree covered in lights and ornaments, and topped with a star for Light Up Blue Ridge

Lighting of the Great Tree

After the parade gather around with friends and family and end the evening by witnessing the magical illumination of the Great Tree as its lights brilliantly come to life.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train outlined with Christmas lights for the Holiday Train as part of the Blue Ridge Christmas event.

November 27 — December 24

Take a Ride on the Holiday Train

Embark on a festive scenic train ride throughout the holiday season on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Listen to holiday music and stories while sipping hot chocolate. Kids will have the opportunity to see Santa and enjoy fun activities.

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