NC Christmas Towns: Marion lights up with holiday magic

As the holiday season continues, cities and towns across the state transform into magical Christmas cheer celebrations, where visitors and natives alike feel as if they have stepped into a Hallmark movie. This week’s edition of the Carolina Journal series “NC Christmas Towns” highlights Marion and the town’s unique traditions leading up to Christmas.

Marion, NC, in McDowell County, rests at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, beautifully situated against the backdrop of Mount Ida. Marion’s truly gives visitors that hometown holiday experience. The streets of downtown Marion are lined with the gorgeous architecture of historic buildings and churches. The charm and beauty of Marion offer the perfect setting for small-town yuletide fun.

One of the most significant pieces of historical architecture in Marion is the cupola at the top of the Marion Courthouse, which is located at the corner of South Main and West Court Street. The courthouse is a 1903 Gothic Revival structure that boasts a large bell tower, Romanesque Revival elements, steeply pitched roofs, and stained-glass windows. 

Just a few steps from the courthouse is Marion’s Railway Depot District, an 1860s-era depot, a national historic district set in a park-like gathering place. Restored in 2005, this is the oldest surviving depot on the Western rail line. The bright red car offers an excellent backdrop for those who want to draw attention to their Instagram feeds. 

“Marion’s shops, restaurants, and attractions are open and ready to welcome visitors to enjoy the Christmas season,” Shannon Odom, Executive Director of Destination McDowell, said in a press release. “We’ve continued to navigate through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and we are joyful and grateful that Marion and parts of McDowell County are coming back strong.”

Holiday activities include Christmas shopping downtown, ice skating, and axe throwing. The shops downtown are perfect for tourists to find creative and unique holiday gifts from various local artists. Local shops include Flavors on Main General Store, Lucky Crow Hat Company, Vintage Market Marion, and Time Travelers Trading Company.

The Miller Business Complex downtown also offers a unique blend of businesses under one roof, including Marion Hot Wheelz Skating Rink, The Heathen’s Den Axe Throwing and Ales, Chance of Sprinkles Bakery, All Things Geeky by 2 Nerds and The Fruit of Her Hands Boutique.

Pottery lovers will want to plan their visit around Dec 7^th,  the 36th Annual Appalachian Potters Market, one of the Southeast’s largest pottery markets. This regional holiday tradition attracts more than 40 pottery artists who show and sell their work.

Another fun event is the McDowell Arts Council Association’s annual Blue Ridge Artisans’ Show and Sale, which features art created by locals in McDowell County. The event runs from Nov 29th through Dec 23rd.

Marion’s festivities do not end at Christmas; the town also hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Before the midnight festivities, Marion’s will hold their first-ever Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party, starting at 7 pm with a DJ, light refreshments, a countdown-style Ball Drop, and a kid-friendly apple juice toast at 8 pm. The first 200 kids will receive a boa, party hat, and noise maker. A photo booth will be set up to capture memories. This is a way for families to celebrate together, and parents can still get the kids in bed at a decent time. The event is hosted by Marion’s Rotary Club and Barefoot Baby Foundation on Main St.

The adult festivities continue through midnight with the Resolution Run 5-K Race, a scavenger hunt, contests, wagon rides, street dancing, and the unique and time-honored midnight Gold Nugget Drop, a tribute to Marion’s and McDowell County’s early history as the center of the United States’ gold mining industry long before the California Gold Rush.

The post NC Christmas Towns: Marion lights up with holiday magic first appeared on Carolina Journal.