November 28, 2024 - January 1, 2025
For the ultimate festive small-town experience to get you in the holiday spirit, drive and stroll down Main Street decked out with a million lights for Hometown Holidays in our top "Christmas Town" Forest City in Rutherford County. Wrapped around the live oak trees and hanging overhead, the displays center around the town fountain. The tradition dates back to 1930, when the town hung its first set of lights on two trees. Bundle up with a cup of hot chocolate and hop on a carriage (offered on weekends) through the magical display of holiday lights. And make sure to visit the Pavilion on Park Square to see the region’s largest, lighted Christmas ornament! Read more about Forest City.
While you can enjoy the lighting extravaganza free of charge every night of the week, there are some extra events below!
Carriage Rides, hay rides, ice skating, and more.
Santa spotted in his Mustang cruising Main Street
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Directions
Forest City is located about 60 miles southeast of Asheville - about halfway to Charlotte along US Highway 74. See our Forest City Guide for more things to do nearby. Come early to visit a winery in the Tryon Foothills Wine Country.
Video: Lighting Ceremony
Watch the lighting of the 1 million lights from Thanksgiving Night
More Forest City Things to Do
The Foundation Performing Arts
The "big city" 1,300-seat performing arts center is located on the Isothermal Community College Campus in tiny Spindale and features an impressive Mainstage Performing Arts Series featuring music… read more
The "big city" 1,300-seat performing arts center is located on the Isothermal Community College Campus in tiny Spindale and features an impressive Mainstage Performing Arts Series featuring music, dance, comedy, theatre and more.
Bennett Classics Antique Auto Museum
Named “Best Museum in the Nation” by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), see a big variety of 70 vehicles representing decades of history. Located in Forest City and Rutherford County… read more
Named “Best Museum in the Nation” by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), see a big variety of 70 vehicles representing decades of history. Located in Forest City and Rutherford County.
Rutherford County B&Bs, Cabins & Hotels
Find plenty of unique inns, bed and breakfasts, local boutique hotels, cabins and campgrounds near all the things to do in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton and Forest City.
Find plenty of unique inns, bed and breakfasts, local boutique hotels, cabins and campgrounds near all the things to do in Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Rutherfordton and Forest City.
