Holly Jolly Weekend in Black Mountain: Your 2026 Guide
There’s something about Holly Jolly weekend in Black Mountain that feels like an old-fashioned Christmas. Shop windows glow on Cherry Street, carolers stroll the sidewalks and neighbors stop to chat over hot cocoa. It’s a small town at its best, full of charm and that easy community feel that brings people back year after year.
Holly Jolly is Black Mountain’s town-wide kickoff to the holiday season, thanks to the community-wide efforts it involves downtown businesses, local organizations, and nonprofits. This year it falls on Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, with the Christmas parade rolling down State Street at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Here’s how we’d plan the weekend if you were our own guests.
Your Holly Jolly Weekend Plan
Thursday, December 3: Arrive early
Friday night is the busiest night of the whole weekend, so we always tell friends to come Thursday. Check in, walk downtown while it’s still quiet and have dinner without a wait. You’ll get a first look at the decorated shop windows and know your way around before the crowds arrive.
Friday, December 4: The big night
Starting at 5 p.m., downtown turns into one big holiday open house. Here’s what to expect:
- Shops stay open late with holiday specials
- Carolers and live music on the sidewalks
- Hot cocoa and cider to keep your hands warm
- Santa visits for the little ones (and the not-so-little ones)
- The Holly Jolly Christmas Markets at White Horse Black Mountain, with gifts from local makers
Park once, bundle up and wander. Downtown is only a few blocks across, and the fun is everywhere.
Saturday, December 5: Lunch, shopping and the parade
Saturday has a slower start, which makes it the perfect day to see what you missed. Have a late breakfast or lunch downtown, browse the galleries and pick up a few gifts. Then find your spot on State Street before the parade steps off at 4 p.m.
The Black Mountain Christmas Parade
The parade rolls down State Street at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 5. It usually has 60 or more entries and shares its theme with Deck the Trees, so watch for “Making Spirits Bright” on the floats.
This is a true hometown parade. Expect high school marching bands, local dance groups, decorated tractors and trucks, fire engines and floats from area businesses, churches and clubs. Santa brings up the rear in his sleigh, and that’s when the kids really start cheering.
The Christmas Window Display Contest
The Chamber’s Christmas Window Display Competition is back for its second year. Local shops dress up their storefronts, and a map leads you from one window to the next. Pick up a map early and walk the route Friday evening, when the windows are lit up, or Saturday before the parade. The windows stay up all month, so if you miss a few, you can always come back.
Holiday Markets
Holly Jolly weekend is the best time to cross a few names off your gift list.
- Holly Jolly Christmas Markets at White Horse Black Mountain: Local makers and artisan gifts at 105 Montreat Road. The markets open Holly Jolly weekend (Dec 4 and 5) and return on Saturdays, Dec 12 and 19.
- Holiday Pottery Market at Black Mountain Center for the Arts: Mugs, bowls and handmade pieces from the Center’s clay studio potters, at 225 West State Street. It opens in early December, just in time for Holly Jolly.
Almost every shop downtown is locally owned, and between the galleries, shops and markets you’ll find work from more than 100 local artists and makers.
Where to Eat Between Events
Restaurants fill up fast on Holly Jolly weekend, so eat a little early or a little late.
- Breakfast and coffee: Dripolator Coffeehouse, Open Oven Brunch & Bakery and Cousins Cuban Cafe are all an easy walk from the parade route.
- After the parade: Warm up with a cocktail on the rooftop at Hell or High Water, or a pint at Lookout Brewing.
For the full list, see our Where to Eat and Drink guides.
Parking and Getting Around
- Walk if you can. Downtown is compact, and parking fills up fast Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
- Arrive early on Saturday. Parts of State Street close for the parade, so plan to be parked well before 4 p.m.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet, and most of the fun is outside.
Where to Stay
The best Holly Jolly weekend is one where you never have to move your car. Book somewhere within walking distance of downtown, and book early, because this is one of the busiest weekends of the year. See our guide to Where to Stay in Black Mountain for cozy cabins, inns and vacation homes close to the action.
Holly Jolly FAQ
Do I need tickets? No tickets are needed to stroll downtown, visit the shops and watch the parade.
What else is happening in December? Plenty. Deck the Trees runs Dec 4 through Jan 1, with holiday markets, day trips, and more. See our full guide to Christmas in Black Mountain.
