McDowell County, NC
December, 2025

Across McDowell County, the holiday spirit abounds with traditions and twists on the season including a Peppermint Pop-Up, a Neon New Year’s Celebration, Milk & Cookies Turndown Service at a 115 year-old resort, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and Handmade GIfts from the Heart.

For this holiday season, McDowell County, N.C., wishes for just aone thing – a visit from travelers in search of mountain views, small-town sparkle, and cozy holiday cheer. 

For the first time in its 115-year history, Switzerland Inn – known for its spectacular 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains – will be open for the holidays. Through Dec. 31, the Inn will celebrate “A Swiss-Mas to Remember,” with holiday treats for guests that include a special Milk and Cookies Turndown Service, “straight from Santa’s plate,” and a keepsake ornament. Also planned for Christmas is the Inn’s Peppermint Pub Pop-Up. The Inn’s cozy Fowl Play Pub & Taproom will transform into a holiday jewel box when the Peppermint Pub debuts on Dec. 1. Filled with twinkling lights and over-the-top seasonal decor, the temporary makeover will feature a Mistletoe & Mugs Menu of festive cocktails and seasonal bites. This extension of the calendar is a prelude to the Inn’s plans to remain open all year ‘round heading into 2026

On Dec. 6 Gather at the fireplace in the main lobby of Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland from noon to 2 p.m. to share wish lists with Santa, snap a festive photo and soak up some holiday cheer with your furry babies. Free and open to the public. Friendly, leashed pets only.  

Does A glitzy Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve party grab your knickers? The Tabletop Inn in Marion will host a fancy Great Gatsby-Themed New Year’s Event from 7 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 31. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous work, the party will feature discussions from the creators of The Asheville Literary Tour about Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald’s connections to western North Carolina. More details are available
at www.tabletopinn.com.

Late fall and winter offer some of the most serene hiking opportunities of the year. From the hiking trails around Lake James State Park and the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway to waterfalls like Catawba Falls near Old Fort, visitors can enjoy the crisp beauty of the season. With the continued growth of local trails, Old Fort welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to experience the fresh mountain air and scenic views along the newly expanded network. Be sure to check local listings for current road and weather conditions before heading out. Visit Destination McDowell for more information on our trails. 

When it’s time to rest and recharge, McDowell County offers some of the most distinctive overnight options in the region. Travelers can choose Marion’s retro-chic, board game-themed Tabletop Inn or the whimsical Soulshine Glamping Geodesic Dome, retreat to Old Fort’s secluded Little Mountain A-Frame or the artful Wunderland Resort, explore the riverside charm of Gold River Camp, or enjoy the European alpine vibe of Little Switzerland with stays at Switzerland Inn and Chalet Restaurant, Skyline Village Inn, or Big Lynn Lodge. For a playful touch of local flair, Bigfoot Manor in Marion provides a cozy home complete with a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.

McDowell County, N.C., is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills of Western North Carolina. It is home to an abundance of natural beauty with nearly 200 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, charming small towns, and cultural experiences that celebrate its rich Southern Appalachian history. With easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the graceful bends and turns of the Catawba River, moments of awe and beauty are plentiful throughout the county. For more information about McDowell County and things to do while visiting, a free travel guide is available for download at this link. www.destinationmcdowell.com.