31st Annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries in Dillsboro NC

The year was 1983. A clear mountain night was filled with stars echoed by twinkling lights set around all the downtown Dillsboro businesses. No shops were open, and there were no electric lights - just the simple twinkling lights, the luminaries. Residents of the area drove through the town or walked along the streets. On that first beautiful night of Luminaries with the moon and stars shining above,  the streets of Dillsboro were all aglow. The next morning Dillsboro was the talk of the mountains.  A tradition was born.

And so on this, the 31st Festival of Lights and Luminaries, “Follow the Star” to the historic town of Dillsboro, NC once more to experience the spirit of Christmas. On the first Friday and Saturday of December as well as the second Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 9 PM, there will be thousands of white lights adorning the historic buildings, while the flickering flames of luminaries cast soft shadows along the streets. Excitement will abound as the merchants of Dillsboro open their doors and hearts to the community. 

Each night of the Festival shops will stay open long into the night providing free refreshments as musicians and singers perform at individual shops. The clip-clop of hooves will be heard in the streets as guests enjoy old-fashioned horse and buggy rides. 

Festival goers can purchase Christmas trees, greenery and wreaths in the yard of Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop. Children may share their wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop in Dillsboro’s Town Hall. With retail shops offering a variety of quality arts and crafts, unique gifts, clothing, gourmet foods and wine, and specialty Christmas items, the festival also provides a unique holiday shopping experience.

And still, above all the fun and splendor will be the Star, leading the way to a live nativity scene at Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church. Nestled in the center of town, the Church invites all to “Follow the Star” and return to the town of Bethlehem on the glorious night that started it all.  Look carefully and you may see Mary atop a donkey, as she and Joseph make their way through town, followed by the Wisemen. The church will begin the walk though the Nativity at 6:30 PM and will also open the Fellowship Hall for a warm break from the cold with refreshments.


Friday, December 5, is Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College Night. The WCU Holiday Dancers will kickoff the Festival activities at 5:30 PM by performing “Happy Holidays” on Front Street. The dancers are led by Karyn Tomczak, a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette and director of WCU’s dance program.

Claymates will offer a free paint-your-own ornament (one per customer while supplies last). The Jackson County Green Energy Park will have a Gallery show, demonstration and Christmas sale. Dillsboro Merchants will donate a percentage of their sales on College Night to The Christmas Connection, which provides new toys and clothing for children of families in Jackson County who need assistance during the holidays. Festival attendees are also invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to The Christmas Connection. There will be several collection boxes throughout the town. 

WCU’s Staff Senate will also be selling WCU 125th Anniversary ornaments in front of Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop. Proceeds will support student scholarships. 

Free parking and shuttle transportation for the event will be available at Monteith Park each night of the festival. Come on out, bring your sweetheart, your friends or the family and stroll among the lights illuminating this special mountain town and start your holiday full of good cheer. Sing along with carolers, take the children to see Santa Claus and have some hot chocolate or hot cider. All the restaurants will be open, so come for an early family meal and then join in the festivities. 

Dillsboro NC is located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina at the intersection of US Highways 19/74 and 441, 45 minutes west of Asheville and 20 minutes from Franklin, Cherokee or Bryson City. For more information, call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce call 1-800-962-1911 or visit www.mountainlovers.com.

a special thanks to Amy Ammons Garza and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia for
providing the news release and information for this post