If you’re looking for charming small town vibes and family holiday events that make lasting memories this Christmas season, look no further! Smyth County has some great options for the whole family!
Holiday Events in Chilhowie
Chilhowie, VA has beloved annual traditions to usher in the holiday cheer. Enjoy the annual Christmas parade followed byshopping opportunities with Saint Nicholas at The Chilhowie Christmas Bazaar. The businesses in Chilhowie compete each year in a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest organized by the Chilhowie Apple Festival Committee for visitors to view. For more information on these events, contact The Town of Chilhowie by phone: (276) 646-3232.
Chilhowie Christmas Bazaar | December 4th | 10am-3pm
Bring a non-perishable food item to support the local food bank to gain entry to this annual shopping tradition, featuring arts, crafts and baked goods. Saint Nicholas will be in attendance, much to the delight of little shoppers, and you’ll find hot chocolate, hot apple cider and cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. Located at the old high school building.
Chilhowie Public Library Bake Sale | December 4th | 11am – 6pm
The Friends of Chilhowie Public Library invite you to a Christmas bake sale to support the work of the libarary. For more information, call (276) 646-3404.
Annual Christmas Parade | December 4th | 11am
There’s no place like home for the holidays, and Chilhowie’s Christmas Parade will have you feeling right at home!
Christmas Market at Chilhowie Christian Church | December 4th | 9am-3pm
Make it a full day of Christmas shopping supporting local artists by adding this Christmas Market to your day in Chilhowie.
Holiday Events in Marion
Marion is the hub of Christmas cheer in Smyth County! Along with scheduled events, you can also stroll the small town sidewalks to enjoy the window decorations as part of a town-wide competition.
Merry Marion | December 2nd | 5-8pm
Merchants will be open later with discounts, open houses and drink and food specials. Enjoy the holiday window decorations, a downtown full of twinkling Christmas lights and a Town Christmas Tree in the middle of it all.
Christmas Market at the General Francis Marion Hotel | Dec 2-5th | Various Times
The General Francis Marion Hotel will host an indoor Christmas Craft Market, with almost 20 vendors, Santa Claus, The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who.
First Friday/Make it Marion | December 3rd | 5-8pm
Enjoy “First Fridays” with live music, extended hours, tours, food and drink specials, and shopping discounts at participating businesses throughout downtown.
Christmas Parade | December 3rd | 7pm
The jolly festivities continue on Friday evening with a quintessential small town Christmas Parade beginning at 7pm. As is tradition, Santa will be riding at the end of the parade in a vintage fire truck – don’t forget to wave to stay on his Nice List!
MINI Market | December 4th | 10am-6pm
Find unique gifts for those hard to shop for relatives at the outdoor MINI Christmas Market on Saturday open from 10am – 6pm.
The Lincoln Theatre Presents John Hardy’s A Christmas Carol | December 5th | 3pm
Enjoy a showing of John Hardy’s A Christmas Carol back in the nostalgic and historical Lincoln Theatre on Sunday at 3pm.
Holiday Events in Saltville
Annual Christmas Parade | December 11th | 6pm
Enjoy this small town night parade, when the lights twinkle the brightest!
Christmas Tree Lighting | November 28th
Details about Saltville’s tree lighting ceremony coming soon…
Holiday Events in Sugar Grove
Christmas Craft Fair at Sugar Grove Baptist Church | November 20th | 8am – 1pm
Get a head start on your holiday shopping!
Sugar Grove Christmas Parade | December 5th | 3pm
Enjoy this small town night parade, when the lights twinkle the brightest!
Regional Holiday Events
Barter Theatre | Abingdon, VA | Nov 18 – Dec 29th
Join our neighbors in the next town over at Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia, for their beloved Christmas production of A Christmas Story. While you’re there, enjoy a Holiday Market produced by the Virginia Highlands Festival directly across the street at the historical Martha Washington Inn.
Speedway in Lights | Bristol, TN | Nov 12 – Jan 1st from 6-10pm
It may be in a different state, but Bristol Motor Speedway is only a short drive from Smyth County. Take a lap around “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” while witnessing over 3 million lights
“A Timeless Christmas” | Wytheville, VA | Dec 4th from 12-7pm
Our close neighbors host this event, starting at noon with horse and carriage rides, kids crafts and visit with Santa Claus at Withers Park/ Heritage center. The Christmas tree lighting and parade begin at 5pm.
