2021 Holiday Events in Forest City and Rutherfordton

In 1930, the Town of Forest City hung its first set of lights on two trees, and today more than 500,000 shine brilliantly every season. Bundle up with a cup of hot chocolate and hop on a carriage or hayride through the magical display of holiday lights.

Voted the #1 Top Christmas Town near Asheville!

LIGHTING CEREMONY

Join us on Thursday, November 25 at 6PM for our annual lighting ceremony! Local gospel quartet In His Glory will be performing a collection of Christmas songs, both old and new. Make sure you are on Main Street when Mayor Steve Holland and his special guest flip the magic switch that turns on the lights at 7PM!

NOTE:  Historic Main Street will be closed from Broadway Street to Church Street beginning at 10AM on Thursday, November 25.  There will be no parking on Main Street due to the lighting ceremony. We encourage you to park in the municipal lots between Main Street and Trade Street and in the grassy area across from First Baptist Church if you are attending the lighting ceremony. Main Street will reopen at 9PM. Many of our businesses will be open on Thanksgiving night for your shopping pleasure. Stop in and support our local businesses this holiday season!

CHRISTMAS PARADE

The annual Forest City Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, November 28 at 3PM.  The parade begins at Cool Springs Administrative Building and travels east on Main Street to First United Methodist Church. There will be no parking on eastbound Main Street during the parade. Applications for the parade will be available after October 31. Applications will be available online at townofforestcity.com and in-person at the Town Hall Collections Office (128 N. Powell Street, Forest City, NC 28043).

CARRIAGE RIDES

Reserve your own private horse-drawn carriage for a ride under the lights along historic Main Street. Carriage rides will be available on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 6-8:45PM. Carriage rides will be sold online in advance through a reservation system. Visit exploreforestcity.com beginning Monday, November 29 at 12PM to make reservations.  Carriages can seat 4 adults or fewer adults plus additional children. Carriages are $40 for 15 minutes. The carriages will depart from Huntley Alley behind the concession stand at POPS (153 Park Square, Forest City, NC 28043).

HAY RIDES

Bring the family and enjoy a hayride along historic Main Street. Hayrides will be available on December 3, 10 and 17 from 6PM-8:45PM. Hayrides will load at the Rutherford County Farmers Market (172 Park Square, Forest City, NC 28043 – across from POPS). Browse and shop with Rutherford County Farmers Market art and craft vendors while waiting for your hayride.

ICE SKATING

The ice skating rink will be open December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 6PM-until. Located across Park Square from POPS, the rink is a hit with both young and old alike.

ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS

Stroll through POPS and view the largest lighted ornament in the region! The ornament makes a great photo op for your holiday photos. And don’t miss the decorated tree located on the small splash pad – it has grown several feet since last year!

Explore Forest City Main Street Association will be selling hot chocolate, cider and coffee at the POPS concession stand on Fridays and Saturdays during Hometown Holiday Festivities.

While in Forest City, make sure to visit our local restaurants and shops on historic Main Street. Grab a bite to eat, shop for unique Christmas gifts, and view the decorated storefront windows!

Lights are on each night from 5PM-11:30PM from Friday, November 26 to Sunday, January 2.

Come visit with us this holiday season and experience our Hometown Holiday Festivities!

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