How Merry in Mitchell Came to Be: Celebrating the Magic of Christmas in Our Mountain Communities

There is something special about Christmas in the mountains. It is the glow of Christmas lights along familiar roads, the smell of fresh-baked treats, the excitement of a small-town parade, and the feeling that everyone is part of something a little bigger than themselves.

That spirit is exactly what inspired Merry in Mitchell, a growing holiday tradition that brings our communities together and helps visitors discover the magic of Christmas in our mountain towns.

From a Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights to Merry in Mitchell

The story of Merry in Mitchell began with the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce and its A Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights, which was developed around 2018–2019. The idea was simple but meaningful: celebrate the holiday season by encouraging residents and businesses to decorate, spread Christmas cheer, and give people a reason to explore the county during one of the most wonderful times of the year.

A few years later, when the Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established, the Chamber graciously gave permission for the TDA to take over the Trail of Lights. That handoff created an opportunity to build on an already beloved tradition and grow it into something even bigger. Today, Merry in Mitchell serves as a central place to celebrate the season, promote holiday happenings, and connect residents and visitors with everything taking place across Mitchell County. What began as a trail of Christmas lights has grown into a broader celebration of the people, businesses, organizations, and traditions that make our mountain communities so special.

Why Holiday Marketing Matters

For small towns and rural destinations, the holiday season is an opportunity to do more than decorate storefronts and host events. It is a chance to bring people together, support local businesses, encourage overnight stays, and remind residents why they love calling these mountains home.

Holiday marketing helps visitors plan their trips, discover events they might otherwise miss, and find new reasons to explore Mitchell County. It also gives local businesses and community organizations a platform to share what they are doing, whether they are hosting a large festival or offering a small, intimate holiday experience.

Just as importantly, having one central place to find holiday event information makes it easier for everyone to participate. Instead of searching multiple websites and social media pages, people can turn to Merry in Mitchell to discover what is happening throughout the county. From Christmas parades and shopping opportunities to creative workshops, community gatherings, and dazzling light displays, every event helps tell the story of Christmas in Mitchell County. And every event matters.

Big or Small, Every Event Belongs

One of the most important parts of Merry in Mitchell is that it welcomes holiday events of all sizes. A large community celebration may draw hundreds of people, while a small workshop may introduce visitors to a new creative experience. Both contribute to the character and charm of our holiday season. Don't forget we also love to share local Church christmas play dates as well!

We want Merry in Mitchell to reflect the full range of experiences our mountain communities offer. It is a place where residents can find something fun to do, visitors can build a holiday itinerary, and local organizers can share their ideas with a wider audience.

We also want to encourage people to dream up something new! Each year presents an opportunity to add another tradition, introduce a new experience, or give families one more reason to make memories here. For example, this year, Mica Gallery will host a festive sip-and-learn on November 19, where participants can create woven Christmas stars. It is a wonderful example of the unique experiences that make Mitchell County's holiday season special, blending creativity, community, and Christmas cheer.

As new events are developed and added to the calendar, Merry in Mitchell continues to grow. Our hope is that it becomes a resource people return to year after year, knowing there will always be something new to discover alongside the traditions they already love.

Let There Be Lights!

Of course, the Trail of Lights remains a beloved part of Merry in Mitchell! Each year, homes and businesses help transform our communities into a festive mountain landscape, giving families a reason to load up the car, turn on their favorite Christmas music, and take a drive to see the displays. The lights are more than decorations. They represent the time, creativity, and community spirit that residents pour into making the season brighter for everyone. Whether a display features thousands of twinkling lights or a few carefully placed decorations, each one adds to the magic.

We also love recognizing the people who go above and beyond to bring that magic to life.

Congratulations to Our 2025 Trail of Lights Winners!

A big congratulations to last year's winners for helping make the season shine across Mitchell County:

• Best Display: Sid Brewer

• Most Creative: The Grindstaff Family

• Best Commercial Display: L&L Furniture

• Best Display in Bakersville: The Phillips Family

• Best Display in Spruce Pine: The Settles Family

Thank you to these winners and everyone who participated in making last year's Trail of Lights such a special part of our holiday season. Your efforts help create memories for families and contribute to the welcoming, festive atmosphere we all love about Christmas in the mountains.

Help Us Make This Christmas Merrier

Merry in Mitchell belongs to all of us. It is built by the businesses that decorate their storefronts, the families who create spectacular light displays, the organizations that organize community celebrations, and the individuals who come up with new ways to bring people together.

As we look ahead to another holiday season, we encourage event organizers, businesses, artists, and community groups to share their holiday happenings so they can be included in the growing Merry in Mitchell calendar. Simply send an email to tda@mitchellcountync.gov with all the information and any graphics we can share.

Whether you are planning a major celebration or a small gathering, there is a place for you.

Our goal is to make it easier than ever for residents and visitors to discover the season's activities, support local businesses, and experience the joy of Christmas throughout Mitchell County.

This year, let's make Mitchell County merrier than ever. Explore the growing list of holiday events, enjoy the Trail of Lights, support our local businesses, and help us create the kind of Christmas season that brings our entire community together.

Visit Discover Mitchell and follow Merry in Mitchell for holiday event information, updates, and more ways to celebrate the season in our mountain communities.