The Annual Tree Lighting celebration is getting a new twist this year. A partnership between the Downtown Advisory Committee and the Henderson County Heritage Museum means that not only will Santa be turning on the lights, but he will be taking your requests too!

The Tree Lighting celebration begins at 5:30 pm with a performance by local favorite “Letters to Abigail.” The band will be performing seasonal favorites before leading the crowd in “Here Comes Santa Clause,” so bring your singing voice! Santa plans to help the community light the two majestic spruce trees on the Courthouse Plaza along with the holiday lights throughout downtown. There will be complimentary carriage and trolley rides on Main Street and a warm welcome inside the courthouse from the Heritage Museum, where Santa will, following the Tree Lighting, listen to your child’s Christmas wishes. Santa photos may be purchased for a small fee.

Joining Santa, the Heritage Museum’s first ever Christmas Bazaar will take place in the Courthouse and will include an assortment of books, unique gifts and stocking stuffers. A number of local authors will be on hand to personally sign their books including Dr. George Jones, Terry Ruscin, Bill Moss, Nicholas Warr, and Terrell Garren among others. Reservations are not required, and there is no admission charge.

Throughout downtown many restaurants and merchants will be open late to help you kick off your holiday shopping and offer a break from all that cooking. Plan to join us and make an evening of it in Historic Downtown Hendersonville.

A special thanks to the merchants, “Friends of Downtown” volunteers, City of Hendersonville Public Works Department and, notably, Mountain Arborists and C&M Crane who help make this event a reality. The help of Mountain Arborists and C&M in lighting the trees at the courthouse is invaluable and we’re grateful for their community spirit!