ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

5 Can’t Miss Festivals This Fall And Winter In Jackson County North Carolina

Fall is here and winter is quickly approaching. And this is the perfect time of year to plan a mountain getaway to the mountains of North Carolina. And the towns…

Cashiers Leaf Festival
JCTDA

Fall is here and winter is quickly approaching. And this is the perfect time of year to plan a mountain getaway to the mountains of North Carolina. And the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva are ready to host you and visitors from all over at 5 festivals and events in the Jackson County towns. This area is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Charlotte making it the perfect spot for a fall or winter getaway. From leaf season which is a site to see anywhere in the North Carolina Mountains, to winter and the holidays and maybe even a snowfall there is something for everyone to enjoy.

These 5 festivals and events take place between October and December and include fall craft festivals and holiday events across Jackson County. But even if you can't swing a trip before the holidays, perhaps pay a visit at the beginning of the year with small crowds and lower prices. And an even better chance for that snow I'm dreaming of! Keep reading to learn more about these events. And get more info on planning your visit here.

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

Cashiers Leaf Festival

Dates: October 6th-8th

Location: The Village Green 160 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC

This annual three day festival features 90 artisan vendors, live music, crafts for kids, food trucks, and more. Everything sold at the festival is handmade by the vendors including unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry, and more. All while the leaves are turning their gorgeous colors the beautiful mountain village of Cashiers. The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is free to attend.

WNC Pottery Festival

WNC Pottery Festival

Date: November 4th

Location: Bridge Park, Railroad Ave, Sylva NC

One of the top events in the North Carolina mountains and Top 20 event in November in the Southeast the WNC Pottery Festival features more than 40 master potters, with many demonstrations in a variety of techniques. Potters come from over 13 states and work with a variety of clay art styles.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries

Dates: December 1-2, and December 8-9th

Location: Downtown Dillsboro

2023 marks the 40th anniversary or Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries. The downtown of Dillsboro comes alive with 2,500 candles and white lights. There are carolers, cocoa and cider, and horse-drawn carriage rides. There is also live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Cashiers Christmas Parade

Date: December 2nd

Cashiers Christmas Parade

Location: Cashiers Crossroads

Don't miss the Cashiers Christmas Parade this December. Local businesses, organizations, and residents take part in the yearly parade that travels a 1-mile loop.

Sylva Christmas Parade

Sylva Christmas Parade

Date: December 3rd

Location: Downtown Sylva's Main Street

This hour-long parade features floats, bands, and of course, Santa makes an appearance. If you're in town you'll also want to check out the town's tree lighting and fireworks on December 1st.

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.