Christmas Event Guide2026 · Amanda Moncrieff
Rutherford County·
Forest CityRutherfordtonSpindale

Rutherford County

Forest City's Hometown Holiday Lights blanket historic Main Street with over a million lights — worth the trip. Rutherfordton and Spindale share one hometown Christmas parade, and Rutherfordton celebrates Home for the Holidays at Main St. Park.

All Rutherford County events

Every verified 2026 holiday event across Rutherford County, grouped by what to do — the Forest City lights lead the way. Prefer a single town? Jump to its page below.

Forest City

4 events

Rutherfordton

2 events

Spindale

1 event

Parades & tree lightings

3 verified events for 2026.

Forest City Christmas Lighting Ceremony

Forest City
Tree Lighting
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 · Ceremony/music 6:30 PM; lights on 7 PM ET
Historic Main Street
Cost: check link
Hosted by Town of Forest City
Main Street Broadway–Church closed 7 AM–9 PM; no Main St parking. Use municipal lots between Main/Trade, around Florence Mill, or the grassy area across from First Baptist Church. Links to the lights feature without duplicating its season dates.
View details

Forest City Christmas Parade

Forest City
Parade
Sun, Nov 29, 2026 · 3:00–5:00 PM ET
Main Street, east toward First United Methodist Church
Cost: check link
Hosted by Town of Forest City / Forest City Merchants
Route origin conflict: the seasonal page says Cool Springs Administrative Building, the event page says McNair stadium. Main Street route is shown and linked; confirm the exact origin on the event page. No parking eastbound Main between Church/Broadway. Rain or shine.
View detailsForest City Christmas hub

Spindale–Rutherfordton Christmas Parade

Spindale / Rutherfordton
Parade
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 4:00 PM Spindale; 5:00 PM downtown Rutherfordton ET
Downtown Spindale and downtown Rutherfordton
Cost: check link
Hosted by Towns of Spindale and Rutherfordton
One shared parade, not two independent county cards. Registration deadline Nov 30 noon pertains to entrants, not spectator tickets.
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Lights & house displays

1 verified event for 2026.

Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights

Forest City
Light Display
Lighting Nov 26, 2026; nightly display Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 · Nightly 5:00–11:30 PM ET after opening ceremony
Historic Main Street and Pavilion on Park Square (POPS), 153 Park Square
Free to view lights; optional rides/purchases extra
Hosted by Town of Forest City
Worth the trip for the lights. Drive and stroll historic Main Street under over a million lights; visit POPS for the giant illuminated ornament/photo stop. Opening night lights switch on 7 PM, not 5 PM. Prefer the town closing date of Jan 3 over the tourism page's Jan 1.
View detailsRomantic Asheville guide

Kids & family

2 verified events for 2026.

Forest City Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Under the Lights

Forest City
Other
Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2026 · 6:00–8:45 PM ET
Huntley Alley behind POPS concession stand, 153 Park Square
Cost: check link
Hosted by Explore Forest City Main Street Association / Town of Forest City
Private carriage seats four adults or fewer adults plus children. Online advance reservations only via exploreforestcity.com (Christmas menu). Dec 4/5 releases Nov 30 noon; Dec 11/12 releases Dec 7 noon; Dec 18/19 releases Dec 14 noon. No day-of sale; arrive 10 minutes early. Weather cancellation refund policy on the town page. Hayrides (tickets onsite, price not stated) and Santa 6–9 PM same six dates are included as supporting notes, not in the carriage fare.
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Home for the Holidays — Main St. Park

Rutherfordton
Other
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 5:00–7:00 PM ET
Main St. Park, downtown Rutherfordton
Cost: check link
Hosted by Town of Rutherfordton
Confirmed town announcement: festive decorations, carolers, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, photo opportunities and local shops. A separate 2026 Christmas market or tree-lighting schedule was not verified — check the town page for updates.
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