If you’re craving a holiday escape with small-town charm and a creative twist, head to Highlands, North Carolina — just about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Charlotte. Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this cozy town glows even brighter during the holidays. Beginning November 4, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts will once again transform into a festive marketplace filled with art, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
Running through December 27, The Bascom’s second annual Holiday Market turns the center’s retail space into a wonderland of handmade gifts and local talent, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday shopping.
Shop Handcrafted and Heartfelt
The market features one-of-a-kind works by regional artists, from ceramics and textiles to jewelry, woodworking, and playful pieces for children. Among this year’s featured makers are Frank Vickery, Ester Lipscomb, Christine Smith, Olga King, Virginia Fisher, Eva Hoke, Backyard Bees, Priscilla Galloway, and others — each bringing their own creative flair to the season.
Every purchase supports both independent artists and The Bascom’s Creative Community Initiative, which helps make art experiences accessible across the Plateau. It’s a meaningful way to shop local and give gifts that carry purpose.
Experience the Spirit of the Season
More than a market, The Bascom invites visitors to immerse themselves in the holiday atmosphere. Guests can sip hot chocolate, explore current exhibitions, or stop by the SmART Space to craft handmade wooden ornaments.
A lineup of holiday workshops offers something for all ages, including the much-loved Gingerbread House Workshop, where creativity meets confectionery design. New this year is a Holiday Paint and Sip on Saturday, December 6, from 2–4 p.m., right after the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade in downtown Highlands — a perfect way to keep the festive energy going.
A Tradition Worth the Trip
With its mountain setting, artistic energy, and genuine sense of community, The Bascom’s Holiday Market has quickly become one of Highlands’ most cherished seasonal traditions. Whether you’re hunting for artful gifts, planning a weekend getaway from Charlotte, or simply looking to slow down and savor the season, The Bascom offers a place where creativity and holiday magic meet.
The Holiday Market runs November 4 through December 27. For event details, workshops, and visitor information, visit thebascom.org.
