Gianni Nava of Murphy enjoys the petting zoo at the 11th annual Christmas on Main Street on Nov. 23.
Many creative, fun and inspirational events are planned to celebrate Christmastime across Cherokee County this month. The fun is compiled in chronological order.
Friday Art Walk
The last First Friday Art Walk of 2024 in downtown Murphy will have extended holiday shopping hours from 1-8 p.m. Arts and crafts vendors will be set up on the square by early afternoon, while downtown shops will be staying open late.
The Murphy Art Center at 12 Peachtree St. will warm up visitors with a taste of homemade chili and complimentary beverages provided by the Valley River Arts Guild. This is also the last week to see world-renowned artist Rolando Estevez’s “Abstracts and Whimsical Arts Exhibit” in the Special Events Gallery.
Kids are invited to the MAC from 5-7 p.m. for a free make-and-take craft, “Creating a Snowman Ornament.” The MAC is also a registered drop-off location for Toys for Tots; bring in new, unwrapped toys through Monday.
As you walk around downtown, stop to admire the newly installed artworks in the Murphy Art Xplosion Outdoor Art Gallery. The exhibit, “Everything About Trees,” features 51 artworks from 40 contributing artists from around the region.
Details: Visit ValleyRiverArts.com or call Debra Vanderlaan at 828-360-3038.
Christmas tree lighting
Downtown Murphy’s annual tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The event is free, and you’re invited to take photos in front of the town’s Christmas tree, the MAC’s old-fashioned Christmas display and the beautiful light displays downtown.
Entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. There will be a Christmas carol sing-a-long before the tree is officially lit at 6 p.m.
Details: Visit townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/murphy-christmas-tree-lighting-0.
Grinch Night
The Town of Andrews presents Grinch Night from 6-8 p.m. Friday at 188 Main St. downtown. Come get a photo made during a meet-and-greet with the Grinch. There will be free gifts, snacks and hot cocoa for children. In addition, bring letters for Santa with a return address for a special surprise.
Details: Visit facebook.com/events/613311191584402/?_rdr.
Farmers Market Christmas
Everyone is invited to the Murphy Farmers Market’s annual Christmas at the Depot, which will be held inside The Ballroom, 51 Hiwassee St. downtown, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. There will be gifts and treats galore.
Details: Visit facebook.com/MurphyFarmersMarket.
Singing Christmas Tree
The popular Singing Christmas Tree will be held Saturday, Sunday and Monday at First Baptist Church of Murphy, 517 Hiwassee St. across from McDonald’s.
The musical “Noel – Born is the King” will be presented as a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday, and performances will continue at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The tree is a backdrop to the church’s annual Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Details: Visit fbcmurphync.org.
Murphy Christmas Parade
The annual Murphy Christmas Parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday from the Valley Village Shopping Center, 1176 Andrews Road, to the L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St. downtown.
Come out for music, lights and laughter as floats, trucks and tractors bring Christmastime to life. There are safe places for the entire family to watch along the route, and watch for Santa at the end.
The popular community event is free to participate in and watch; you can also view it via live streaming on the Cherokee Scout’s Facebook page. Parade registration can be done online.
Details: Visit townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/murphy-christmas-parade-0, email downtowndirector@townofmurphync.com or call Laura Lachance at 828-837-2510, Ext. 6.
Memories With Santa
The fellowship hall of Murphy First United Methodist Church, 73 Valley River Ave. downtown, will host Memories With Santa from 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday. There is no charge. Come see Mr. Claus, sit on his lap (if you like) and get your photo taken while sharing your Christmas wish list. There will also be goodie bags to go.
Details: Visit facebook.com/events/1022139712334804/?_rdr.
‘Mr. Scrooge’s Christmas’
Celebrate the season with the Cherokee County Schools of Innovation Theatre’s production of Mr. Scrooge’s Christmas at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at 4700 U.S. 64 E. Alternate in Peachtree. This heartwarming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol will take audiences on a magical journey through the true meaning of Christmas.
This delightful performance tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man known for his lack of holiday cheer, who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Through these visits, he learns the value of kindness, generosity and the joy that comes from sharing the season with others.
Everyone is invited to have a memorable night out, while also supporting local students. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.
Details: Visit facebook.com/p/Innovation-Theatre-100087350588688.
Jingle Bell Jog
Andrews Middle School, along with James Ellis of The Compound and the community, will hold the first Jingle Bell Jog 5K Fun Run/Walk/Roll starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
The event will raise funds for Hurricane Helene relief to affected portions of Swannanoa in western North Carolina.
The event looks to kick off the day, with the Andrews Christmas Parade culminating that evening. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest runner in each age class as well as the most festive team or holiday attire. Holiday attire is encouraged, and pets are welcome.
The Compound is at 46 Teas St. Registration can be completed online.
Details: Visit forms.gle/Snso21RGqo9fWfiA6mail or email jinglebelljog24@gmail.com.
‘One Night in Bethlehem’
You’re invited to experience a free family event, “One Night in Bethlehem,” from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Mountain Folk Center, 9275 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
The one-night-only event offers games, prizes, food, gifts, music, singing and fun with the help of more than 30 local churches and businesses. “And keep an eye out fort the newborn King,” officials said in a release.
Details: Visit facebook.com/BethlehemNightNC.
Andrews Christmas Parade
Downtown Andrews will be the place to be Saturday, Dec. 14, when the annual Christmas parade starts at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of Industrial Opportunities Inc., 2586 U.S. 19 Business. The town also plans to livestream the event via its Facebook page.
The theme of this year’s parade is “The Cat in the Hat Sure Knows A Lot About Christmas,” continuing the town’s Dr. Seuss-themed festivities. Entries are welcome by returning forms to Andrews Town Hall or the Andrews Recreation Department by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13.
Entrants are reminded that this is a nighttime parade, which means they must provide lighting for floats or vehicles. Andrews’ town Christmas tree was lit during the 11th annual Christmas on Main Street festival on Nov. 23.
Details: Call Andrews Recreation Department Events Director Brian Wilson at 828-557-6454 or email brian.wilson@andrewsnc.gov.
Santa Saturday
You’re invited to come meet Santa Claus by the Murphy Christmas tree downtown from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Santa will be in his sleigh waiting for visitors, where you can talk with him and take a photo at no charge.
Details: Visit townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/santa-saturday-downtown-murphy-nc-meet-santa-tree.
Staff Correspondent Nicole Wright contributed to this report.