As the temperatures drop in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike. 

Families can partake in wagon rides, iceless skating, craft sales and art demonstrations, all the while enjoying authentic mountain music, clogging and parades through several downtowns. These are just some of the innumerable activities to be had.

Within every date, time and place found amid this section, the communities around the region once again open their arms to share in the winter festivities.

It’s a winter wonderland out there. It’s yours for the taking — so reach out and enjoy all Southern Appalachia has to offer.

HART presents ‘My Favorite Christmas’ 

A special holiday production of “My Favorite Christmas” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

This holiday season, HART invites you to unwrap the magic of “My Favorite Christmas,” an exquisite production featuring some of the region’s most exceptional talent. 

Artistic Director Candice Dickinson has curated a spellbinding evening of stories, beloved holiday tunes and enchanting dance to captivate audiences of all ages.

“It’s been such a pleasure to collaborate with this cast,” Dickinson said. “I think when you get a cast full of people who love Christmas and encourage them to recreate their favorite past memories, you are bound to get a magical experience.”

The magic extends beyond the stage with HART’s annual “Holiday Market” in the lobby providing you with deals on vintage clothing, costumes, accessories, and so much more. As you step into the theatre, you’ll be transported to a world of enchantment with a magical miniature Christmas village, creating a festive atmosphere that will linger in your memories.

At intermission, you’re invited to an up-close look as you step right onto the stage to purchase a photo with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves, along with hot chocolate and other holiday treats.

Tickets start at $17.50 per person with different options available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 828.456.6322 or go to harttheatre.org.

Ready for ‘A Kilted Christmas’?

“A Kilted Christmas” with Celtic/Americana act Eireann’s Call will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

A popular Celtic band based in Waynesville, Eireann’s Call is a charming and narrated journey through Celtic and Nordic lands, where we find eccentric and fun characters celebrating the holiday season in a variety of ways — honoring traditions both old and new.

Eireann’s Call will play Waynesville Dec. 15. File photo

Formed by David (bagpipes/accordion/ vocals) and Catherine Doersch (drums/ vocals), the group also brings together Rich McGuire on guitar/vocals, Chris Dawson (fiddle) and Steve Smith (bass).

Doors open at 6 p.m. The Wolf Street Bistro food truck will be onsite. There will also be beverages available. Tickets are $20 per person.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to folkmoot.org.

Bryson City

• “Polar Express” train ride will resume rides on select dates from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City. For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or go to gsmr.com . 

The ‘Polar Express’ train ride is a popular WNC holiday tradition. File photo

• “Holiday Market” with local and regional artisans will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 15-16 on the river at the Aquarium & Fly Fishing Museum Park. 828.488.7857.

• “Merry Market” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the Nantahala Gorge. For more information, go to noc.com.

Canton

• “Santa Clause 2” will be screened outdoors at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at Sorrells Street Park in Canton. The event is free and open to the public. Bring chairs, blankets and movie snacks. cantonnc.com.

Cherokee

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort will host Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. For a full schedule of events and/or to buy tickets, caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

Franklin

• “Christmas On Ice” will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $20 per person with priority seating available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to smokymountainarts.com or 866.273.4615.

• “Holiday Market” will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin. For more information, call 828.634.1163.

• “A Christmas Celebration” will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Join the Overlook Theatre Company and other local artists as they celebrate with stories, songs and holiday memories in this annual gathering of Christmas cheer. Sing along with traditional favorites and enjoy new, modern renditions of classic Christmas tunes. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to smokymountainarts.com.

Waynesville

• “Jingle Bell Jam” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. They’ll be taking polaroid family photos that you can then use to decorate a Christmas family ornament with. There will also be a cookie decorating station, grinch punch and a station for the kids to write a letter to Santa and put it in the mailbox to the North Pole. Cost is $15 per family, $7 per individual. For more information, call 828.456.2030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• A holiday open studio will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Hazelwood Pottery in Waynesville. Joe Frank Mckeee will be demonstrating horsehair and alcohol raku firing with his portable kiln. Neal Howard will bring her hand dyed and woven silks. There will also be a wheel-throwing demonstration. The afternoon will end with a “Community Christmas Carol” sing-along. Free and open to the public.