Deck the Trees 2026: 16 Years of Keeping Neighbors Warm

Deck the Trees 2026: 16 Years of Keeping Neighbors Warm

Every December, dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees pop up in shops, restaurants and businesses across Black Mountain and Swannanoa. Each one is a chance to vote, and each vote helps a neighbor keep the heat on this winter.

That’s Deck the Trees, and 2026 marks its 16th year.

• When: December 4, 2026, through January 1, 2027
• Where: Participating businesses across Black Mountain and Swannanoa
• Theme: “Making Spirits Bright”
• How to vote: Donate to the trees you love. Every dollar counts as one vote.
• Who it helps: The Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) Fuel Fund, which helps local families pay their heating bills

How It Started

Deck the Trees began in 2011, while the trees serve as a visual treat, there’s a deeper purpose behind Deck the Trees. The event is not just about celebrating the holiday season; it’s about giving back to the community. Each tree is created by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, all working together to raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. The Fuel Fund plays a crucial role in ensuring that local neighbors in need stay warm during the harsh winter months. 

How It Grew

What started as a lobby display turned into one of the valley’s best-loved holiday traditions.

• 2011: About a dozen trees in the Monte Vista lobby.
• 2021: The 11th year brought 21 trees in the hotel and 24 more in businesses around town. By then, Deck the Trees had raised close to $200,000.
• 2023: Around 45 trees raised about $78,000 in a single season, a new record.
• 2024: 51 trees set another record, raising $126,000 to help neighbors still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
• 2025: With the Monte Vista closed for renovations, the trees moved out into the community. A record 52 trees were displayed at 34 businesses across Black Mountain and Swannanoa.
• 2026: Year 16, with the theme “Making Spirits Bright.” Since 2011, Deck the Trees has raised more than $545,000 for the Fuel Fund.

Over the years, some of the top fundraising trees have come from the Black Mountain Fire Department, local Girl Scouts, the Black Mountain Presbyterian Weekday School, the Black Mountain Beautification Committee and Tyson Furniture.

The People Behind the Trees

Deck the Trees doesn’t happen by magic. It’s run by a small committee of volunteers who work on it all year long: recruiting tree hosts, choosing the theme, keeping track of donations and getting the word out. For many years, Libba Fairleigh led the effort. When she retired from the committee in 2025, SVCM’s director called her the event’s “guiding light.” Today the committee is chaired by Kat Achtemeier.

Then there are the tree creators: shop owners, church groups, scout troops, school classes, first responders, and neighbors who spend hours stringing lights and hanging ornaments. Each tree is their gift to the community. We hold this event close to our hearts. We decorated our first tree in 2022, and we’re proud to serve on the volunteer committee that works year-round to bring Deck the Trees to life.

Where the Money Goes

Every dollar donated goes to the SVCM Fuel Fund. The fund helps families across the Swannanoa Valley pay for heating oil, propane, electric bills, and firewood when money runs short.

The need is bigger than ever. Many neighbors are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, heating costs keep rising, and federal and state energy help has been cut back. In 2025, SVCM gave more than $182,000 in heating assistance to 449 households in the valley.

That’s why a few dollars dropped in a donation box matters so much here. It goes straight to a family down the road.

How to Take Part

1. Find the trees. SVCM posts a tree map and list of locations on its Deck the Trees page. Look for the Deck the Trees sign in shop windows around town.
2. Vote with your dollars. Drop cash or a check in the box beside your favorite trees, or donate online. Every dollar is one vote.
3. Make it a family outing. Give the kids a few dollars each and let them pick their favorites. It turns into a scavenger hunt, and it’s a fun way to discover shops you might have walked right past.
4. Come back for the results. Winners are announced in January, both for the most votes and for the tree that best fits the theme.

Visiting for Holly Jolly weekend? See our Holly Jolly Weekend Guide and our full guide to Christmas in Black Mountain.