Light Up Blue Ridge
Visitors can enjoy live musical entertainment, food vendors, and store discounts from downtown merchants. Children can take pictures with Santa Claus and explore dozens of displays at the Gingerbread Village. The celebration also features a nighttime holiday parade with brightly lit floats and Santa's arrival, followed by caroling and the lighting of the Great Tree.
Nov 27 – Nov 28, 2026 All ages
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Plan Your Visit
Hours
Blue Friday, Nov 27: downtown merchants, food vendors and live entertainment noon–5 pm; pictures with Santa noon–4:15 pm, with Santa continuing to visit children already in line until 4:30 pm. Light Up, Nov 28: entertainment on E. Main 11 am–5 pm; pictures with Santa noon–4:15 pm, with Santa continuing to visit children already in line until 4:30 pm; parade starts at 5:30 pm; Great Tree lighting right after the parade, approximately 7 pm.
Neighborhood
Downtown Blue Ridge
Food & Drink
Food vendors are listed for Blue Friday.
Parking
All cars must be off East and West Main Street before the Light Up Saturday parade.
Location
Tips & Advice
- If driving on Light Up Saturday, park before 4:00 pm because cars must be off East and West Main Street by then.
- Join Santa's line before 4:15 pm; he continues visiting children already waiting only until 4:30 pm before leaving for the parade.
- The Gingerbread Village opens to the public at noon on Blue Friday and is open whenever the Arts Center is open through December 22.
- Stay after the parade for caroling around the tree, followed by the Great Tree lighting.
- Dress for outdoor weather, since the event continues rain, snow, or shine.
Special Events & Promotions
- Downtown merchants offer store discounts on Blue Friday.
- Light Up Saturday features the holiday parade.
- The Great Tree lighting takes place after the parade on Light Up Saturday.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Light Up Blue Ridge suitable for children?
Yes. The event is family-oriented, with a special focus on children, including Santa photos and the Gingerbread Village.
What happens during the celebration?
Blue Friday has live entertainment, food vendors and downtown merchant discounts. Light Up Saturday features entertainment, a holiday parade, caroling and the Great Tree lighting.
Can children still see Santa if they are in line when photos end?
Santa continues visiting children who were in line before the photo session ends, until he leaves to prepare for the parade.
What food and entertainment are available?
Food vendors are included on Blue Friday. Live entertainment is offered on Friday and Saturday; Saturday's schedule includes Tuba Christmas and the Brasstown Big Band.
Does the event go ahead in bad weather?
Yes. The celebration is scheduled to happen rain, snow or shine.
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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.