COVID-19 pandemic, or not, Santa Claus is coming to Highlands.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday that Christmas in Highlands will not be halted by coronavirus.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan said in a written statement, an entire weekend of Christmas related festivities are planned for Saturday, Nov. 28 kicking off a week-long holiday celebration that culminates on Saturday, Dec. 5 with a COVID-19 modified Christmas parade and visit from St. Nick himself.
The festivities kick off with the “Trim Our Town” contest, which will run throughout the holiday season with voting concluding on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 and winners announced on WHLC and social media on Christmas Day.
Trim Our Town is a storefront decorating contest for businesses in town. The contest is open to any town of Highlands business.
“It is your choice of theme,” McHan said. “And it does not have to be contained within a window.”
The only rules are that the decorations adhere to any town restrictions and must be visible from the outside since voting happens after business hours, McHan said.
Prizes will be awarded for the top three vote getters, with first place being a full-page ad in the chamber’s 2021 Experience Guide. Second place will get a half-page ad in the Experience Guide, with third place being awarded a free quarter page ad.
Those who vote will be eligible for a drawing to award a one night stay and dinner in town.
Residents and visitors are the judges of the “Trim Our Town contest.” A contest poster and counter tent will be provided to each business for voters to participate on the spot with a QR code, or voters can log in to the web address.
Also on Nov. 28, McHan said, the annual Christmas Stroll begins with shopping on Main Street at 10 a.m.
Light Up the Park will turn on the lights on the town Christmas tree at 6 p.m. in Kelsey Hutchinson Park with music provided by WHLC.
The Nov. 28 festivities will also feature the arrival of Santa Claus and a firetruck ride through town.
There will also be ice skating available at the town’s ice rink. Those who want to skate need to call ahead to make reservations. Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, a limited number of skaters will be allowed on the ice at one time, according to Park and Recreation Director Lester Norris.
“Only 30 skaters will be allowed on the ice at a time,” Norris said.
Reservations for a 90-minute skating session must be made in advance via the highlandsnc.org website, Norris said. Skating sessions can be reserved by calling 828-526-3556.
After dark, the Will Ferrell movie, “Elf” will be shown in the Martin Lipsomb Performing Arts Center Parking Lot on its portable movie screen.
On Dec. 5, the festivities continue with the Christmas Stroll kicking off the day’s activities at 10 a.m. on Main Street with visitor shopping. Holiday dining will be available throughout the day.
From 6–9:30 p.m. the Olde Mountain Christmas drive-thru festival featuring floats and antique cars, the Highlands School Homecoming Court, music by Curtis Blackwell, the Otis family and bagpipers will take place in Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park.
“Santa will be on the firetruck to wave at children with elves handing out candy canes to children in cars,” McHan said.
The Pinnacle Brass Ensemble will play on the park stage.
Also, Santa will be available from Saturday through Friday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, for socially distanced photo opportunities and letters to Santa at his hut, sleigh and mailbox located in Kelsey Hutchinson Park.