Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. What better place to practice for the big night than on one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Come cheer Santa on as he rappels down the 314-foot Chimney Rock with help from our friends at Fox Mountain Guides. Plus, write a letter to Santa, make a holiday craft, take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, and meet live Park animal ambassadors.

Schedule of Events: 

Santa rappels down the Chimney – 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
Come cheer Santa on as he prepares for his big night!

Photos with Santa – 11:15am-1:45pm
Get your photo made with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Guided hike with an Elf – 11:30am
Explore the Hickory Nut Falls trail with one of Santa’s helper on a moderate hike to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts. (45 minutes)

Winter Animal Encounters – 12:30pm
Join one of our Park Naturalists for an informal program where your family will meet a few of our animal ambassadors. This activity takes place on the Outcroppings Deck. (30 minutes)

Holiday Tunes
Enjoy some of your favorite holiday tunes on the dulcimer with local favorite, John Mason.

Write a letter to Santa
Write a letter or send your wish list to Santa. Give your letter to Santa himself of keep as a souvenir.

Create a holiday ornament
Make a festive outdoor-themed holiday ornament with one of Santa’s helpers.

Holiday Treats
Help yourself to complimentary cookies and hot cocoa by the elevator tunnel.

Ever wondered what Santa eats for breakfast at the North Pole? We have the answer! Some of Santa’s elves have joined us to cook up a delicious breakfast for kids and kids-at-heart. Meet the elves and enjoy festive holiday pancakes and classic breakfast staples. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, then head to the Park and watch Santa prepare for Christmas Eve by rappelling down the 315-foot Chimney Rock! This event is at the Old Rock Cafe, not inside the Park.

Update 12/9, 9:00 am.

Unfortunately due to inclement weather, Santa will not be able to rappel down the Chimney at today’s event. However, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos in the Sky Lounge, and guests can listen to live music, make crafts, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, and meet a few of our wilder teammates this afternoon.

Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. What better place to practice for the big night than on one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Come cheer Santa on as he rappels down the 314-foot Chimney Rock with help from our friends at Fox Mountain Guides. Plus, write a letter to Santa, create a holiday craft, take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, and meet live Park animal ambassadors.

Schedule of Events:

Santa rappels down the Chimney – 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
Come cheer Santa on as he prepares for his big night!

Photos with Santa – 11:15am-1:45pm
Get your photo made with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Guided hike with an Elf – 11:30am
Explore the Hickory Nut Falls trail with one of Santa’s helper on a moderate hike to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts. (45 minutes)

Winter Family Animal Encounters – 12:30pm
Join one of our Park Naturalists for an informal program where your family will meet a few of our animal ambassadors. This activity takes place on the Outcroppings Deck. (30 minutes)

Holiday Tunes
Enjoy some of your favorite holiday tunes with Western North Carolina local, Tim McWilliams.

Type your Letters to Santa
Join a local poet and create your letters or wish lists to Santa on a vintage typewriter. Give your letter to Santa himself of keep as a souvenir.

Create a holiday ornament
Make your own festive, outdoor-themed ornament with one of Santa’s helpers.

Holiday Treats
Help yourself to complimentary cookies and hot cocoa by the elevator tunnel.

Join a naturalist on a guided hike to one of the rarely seen parts of the Park. This ridge hike traverses an area of the Park not open to the public, so lace up your hiking boots and get ready for some stunning long-range views. The bare trees of winter leave much of the Gorge visible from this ridgeline. Note: this hike is off-trail and is considered moderate to strenous. Hiking experience is recommended.

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!