On the streets
“Christmas On the Green” will run Nov. 29 through Jan. 6 at the Village Green in Cashiers. This year the park will be brighter than ever with thousands of twinkling lights and mirthful decorations that will bring cheer to residents and visitors. While strolling the park pathways near the crossroads in Cashiers, guests can enjoy a Festival of Trees decorated by local merchants and area organizations. With a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, children of all ages can share their Christmas wishes with them from noon until 3 p.m. Nov. 29, at the gazebo. Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available. Later that evening, from 6 to 7 p.m., will be the Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting in The Village Green, where visitors can enjoy holiday music and “S’Mores and More” around the fire pit before the switch is flipped to light the 60-foot spruce tree. The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society will also bring the H.E.A.R.T. for a “Stop and Adopt” during that time. Free. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.
Santa Claus, author bring cheer to Franklin
Joe Moore, author of the Santa Claus Trilogy, will make a special appearance from 9
www.santaclausunplugged.com 828.497.9425 or 828.736.3245 www.mvcraftshows.com.
or or
The Polar Express returns to Bryson City
a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 at Santa’s Gift Shop at the Macon County Community Facilities Building in Franklin. Santa and Mrs. Claus will meet families and take pictures for both days. Santa will listen to wishes and talk with all who visit him. A picture purchase is not required to visit Santa. Moore not only writes about Santa Claus and the North Pole, but he also spends much of the year portraying Santa all over the East in his custom-made suits. Along with the photos, Santa (Moore) will be selling and autographing his works.
Take a holiday adventure with the Polar Express through Dec. 29 at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot in Bryson City. In 1985, Chris Van Allsburg wrote The Polar Express, a story of a magical train ride on Christmas Eve. The train takes a young boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus. The one-hour roundtrip excursion comes to life as the train leaves the Bryson City station for a quiet journey through the wilderness to an exciting visit at the North Pole. Set to the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat, while listening and reading along with the magical story. Santa will board the train, greet each child and present them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Ticket prices begin at $40 for adults and $26 for children ages 2-12 years. Children 23 months and under ride free. Crown Class ticket prices start at $50 for adults, $36 for children 2-12 years, $10 for 23 months and under. Prices vary for Christmas Eve Limited train. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.
Thursday, Nov. 28 Terrace Hotel
• “Cookies with Santa” will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Town Hall in Franklin. 828.524.2516 or www.franklin-chamber.com. • Fontana Village Resort will have the Thanksgiving table set from noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 28, with a full plate of holiday favorites prepared by the Mountview Restaurant and an even bigger plate of outdoor activities. The holiday schedule includes live music, hayrides, square dancing, kid’s crafts, tree-trimming parties, lake cruises, guided hikes in the forest, field games and marshmallow roasts around the campfire. Dinner reservations are required. 828.498.2115 or www.fontanavillage.com.
APPALACHIAN HRISTMAS CDecember 13-14 The Lake Junaluska Singers The Cockman Family Handel’s Messiah, featuring the Lake Junaluska Singers, combined choirs, and orchestra
Adults: $21.95 Children 6-11: $11 Children 5 and under Free
Reservations Required DESSERT OFFERINGS Pecan Pie • Pumpkin Pie • Banana Pudding Caramel Cheese Cake Pie • Coconut Sour Cream Cake Chocolate Éclair Cake • Oreo Cheese Cake Many other Desserts including Sugar Free Selections
$20 Reserved Seating $17.50 General Admission Youth 18 and under free in General Admission seating only
SIDE DISPLAY OFFERINGS Fresh Fruit Display Assorted Cheese Display Including Cheese Gourmet An Assortment of Sweet Breads and Homemade Rolls
For tickets and a schedule of events: www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas 828-452-2881
Smoky Mountain News
SALAD OFFERINGS Mixed Green Salad with Assorted Dressings Cranberry Congealed Salad • Red Potato Salad • Deviled Eggs Fresh Spinach & Strawberry Salad • Broccoli Salad Roasted Tom Turkey with Sage Dressing and Gravy Chef Carved Roast Beef • Baked Salmon • Herb Mashed Potatoes Apple & Cranberry Casserole • Vegetable Medley Green Beans Almandine • Macaroni & Cheese
ALSO:
Performances by:
11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
MAIN OFFERINGS
• The “Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Service” will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, in downtown Franklin. Live music. Free cider and cookies. 828.524.2516 or www.franklinchamber.com.
November 20-26, 2013
Thanksgiving Buffet
• “Thanksgiving: Give thanks for beer” will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, at Innovation Brewing in Sylva. Celebrating the holidays over fresh, handcrafted beer. www.innovation-brewing.com or www.mountainlovers.com.
arts & entertainment
Christmas in Cashiers
For Reservations and Tickets: Purchase online at www.shop.lakejunaluska.com Call 828-454-6662 Visit the Bethea Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 215-65
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