But that’s just the tip of the Tannenbaum, friends. Because Brevard’s hauling out the holly and jingle bell rocking for our marvelous, magical White (Squirrel) Christmas, a jam packed six weeks for conoisseurs of the cool Yule. 

So let’s start with the tree. We have a few up in these parts. And even better, if you visit one of our Christmas tree farmers, you can pick out your favorite and tote it home for the holidays. Those inclined to eschew the natural in favor of something in, say, a metallic fuschia will enjoy taking in the seasonal sights at the Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum, where the spirit of the season has a great sense of humor and a real affinity for the styles of 1955.

Next up, you’ll need some presents. Brevard’s beloved monthly Gallery Walk provides shoppers with an excellent excuse to grab a glass of wine and check out (and maybe pick up) some world-class arts and crafts, as well as peruse the fine wares at many of the boutiques downtown.  There’s a Thanksgiving Gallery Walk for the early birds, and a Holiday Gallery Walk in December for me and the rest of us last minute shoppers.

Of course, you could always wait for Santa. Rumor has it he’ll be arriving on Saturday, December 1st, at Brevard’s 47th Annual Christmas Parade and Twilight Tour, where the marching bands, floats and seasonal fun will be followed up by an evening of live music, sparkling decorations and classic holiday cheer throughout downtown Brevard. 

Holiday entertainment is in no short supply. Devotees of tutus and Tchaikovsky alike will scurry to find seats for “The Nutcracker,” performed by local dancers and visiting artists from North Carolina’s prestigious Governor’s School on November 18. And at Brevard College, join students and faculty on December 6 for a traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols based on the iconic program at Kings College, Cambridge.

And it’s not too early to make New Year’s Eve plans. I’m partial to the Oskar Blues Hootenanny, which brings together a bunch of my favorite things: killer live music (Southern Culture on the Skids, Johnny Fritz, and Pretty Little Goat), delicious food, great company and, of course, plenty of frothy beer to send out 2018 in the style its accustomed to.

As always, if you need places to settle in for a long winter’s nap, check out our list of holiday-perfect accommodations and remember, there are plenty of adventures to be had in town, in the forests, or on top of a mountain before or after figgy pudding. 

I’m dreaming of a White (Squirrel) Christmas. Aren’t you? Make your plans today and discover more here.