Banner Elk mayor Brenda Lyerly announced an early Christmas present for residents and visitors: The popular tourist town, impacted by Hurricane Helene, reopened to visitors just in time for the holidays.
Although the holiday/winter season is always a special time in this mountain community, there’s an extra sense of gratitude in 2024-2025. After weeks without power and more than a month without water and other services, the town cherishes a return to normalcy with a deep appreciation for all the help it has received.
“Banner Elk is glad to welcome back visitors for the holidays and winter season,” says Lyerly. “The resilience in our special town has been amazing and Thanksgiving in Banner Elk should be on everyone’s calendar. Then, come enjoy our ‘Small Town Christmas’ celebration the first weekend in December with three exciting days of holiday activities.”
Lyerly says Helene hit at the worst time for Banner Elk’s tourism-dependent economy. October’s fall color season brings the biggest economic boost to businesses and accommodations, and the cancellation of the famed Woolly Worm Festival dealt another blow.
“Not only did businesses lose revenue, but expenses of the cleanup after the storm are tremendous,” she says. “Things are not perfect yet, but most services have been restored. Our roads and doors are open and waiting for your arrival.”
Visitors are encouraged to spend a few days in Banner Elk. Plenty of accommodations – including hotels, inns and vacation rentals – are available.
Throughout the holidays and all winter long, skiing and snowboarding are available at Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort, both within five miles of downtown Banner Elk.
Banner Elk is known as “North Carolina’s Ski Town” because it is the only town in the state with two ski resorts in close proximity.
A new Holiday Stroll map highlights shops, restaurants and activities that have reopened in the walkabout downtown. Shopping and dining in these small businesses is a great way to support the recovery.
Also popular for winter visitors are downhill rides on Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster. North Carolina’s premier alpine coaster runs throughout the winter season, even with snow on the ground. Other winter time activities include ice skating, snow tubing and visits to Grandfather Mountain nature park.
A top-notch restaurant scene, two wineries and an array of cozy lodging options await winter visitors. Many of the lodging options include fireplaces and/or hot tubs.
“Banner Elk enjoys being a tourist destination. Our roads and doors are open and waiting for your arrival.” — Mayor Brenda Lyerly
For more info on annual holiday activities, check out our Holiday Season page.