Christmas in Waynesville

If you have ever spent time in North Carolina, you may have heard the tagline "Got to Be NC."  Here in the North Carolina, the moderately temperate climate and the range from warm coastlines to cool mountain ranges means we can grow just about anything. And in December in the mountains, that means Christmas Trees.  Not just any Christmas tree, but the Fraser Fir.  There are no shortage of Christmas tree farms to choose from, but we went to  Mehaffey Tree Farm in Waynesville to pick ours.

Most tree farms in this area are "full service" meaning that you select the tree, but the farm will usually cut it down and bring it back to your car for you, although if you really want to saw it down yourself, you can do that, too.  Some farms will even let you dig your tree so you can take it home to plant!

Although there was no snow on the ground, it was hard to miss it when we surrounded by such breath taking views.

Once we had our tree taken care of, it was time to explore downtown Waynesville.  Although the winter is typically a slow time for mountain towns, Waynesville puts on some great activities for Christmas.  In addition to the monthly "Art after Dark" event, Waynesville puts on a great Christmas parade featuring local businesses, schools, churches, and charities as well as local fire departments and police stations and, of course, Santa.  The town and the businesses along Main Street also do a fantastic job of decorating, making even a simple stroll downtown a festive event.

Downtown Waynesville also puts together an evening even called "A Night before Christmas."  Featuring a horse drawn wagon, wandering carolers, dozens of luminaries lining Main Street, a live nativity scene, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause.

The horse drawn wagon takes passengers up and down Main Street during "A Night before Christmas"

One of the churches puts on an incredible live nativity scene - sample foods from biblical times, learn how to basket weave and see live demonstrations of pottery, wood working, and candle making.  Just stay away from the Romans.

Dozens of luminaries line Main Street

Main Street is closed to traffic, turning downtown Waynesville into a street fair

Groups of carolers make their way up Main Street

A concert held during "A Night before Christmas"

And, of course, never forget the true meaning of the holiday season - peace, love, and beer.

We anticipate reopening the Red Leaf River Inn in the Spring of 2015 and hope you will follow along as we renovate and restore this beautiful property in Waynesville, NC.  Find us on Facebook and Google+, follow us on Twitter @RedLeafRiverInn, or visit us at our website.