Good old-fashioned Christmas celebrations just never go out of style. You circle the date on the calendar, pile the family into the car, and head to your town center to view the annual Christmas parade. Or, maybe you gather at a local church for a special musical program or Live Nativity experience. Here in Murphy, NC, we’re lucky to have several community holiday events during the month of December. So round up your family and friends, and make this a Christmas season you’ll remember for years.
Friday December 2 at 6 p.m.
Town of Murphy: Lighting of the Tree
Murphy’s town square will again host its much-anticipated “Lighting of the Tree” event. This family-friendly program includes children’s music and dance groups, and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a kids’ Jingle Bell Walk. To cap off this memorable evening, Santa Claus will arrive on a festive-looking fire truck. Busy Valley River Avenue will be closed for the evening, giving everyone plenty of room to enjoy the fun.
Saturday Dec. 3 at 11:00 a.m., Sunday Dec. 4 at 7:00 p.m., and Monday Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Murphy First Baptist Church
: 40th Annual Singing Christmas Tree
517 Hiwassee Street
, Murphy, NC
Share in a community Christmas tradition by viewing the Murphy First Baptist Church’s Annual Singing Christmas Tree. Now in its 40th year, the Tree features a “Find Us Faithful” theme presented by about 45 talented singers positioned on a 40-foot-high tree. While you listen to favorite songs from the Tree’s history, you can watch the Christmas story unfold before your eyes.
To create the Singing Christmas Tree, volunteers spent considerable time building and assembling the tree inside the church. Singers devoted many hours to rehearsals, blending their voices into soaring melodies and harmonies. Everyone’s hard work culminates in a memorable Christmas musical event you’ll want to experience every year.
Saturday December 3 at 2 p.m.
Murphy Hometown Christmas Parade
Bundle up the family, and get ready to enjoy a wonderful small-town Christmas parade. Beginning at the Valley Village Shopping Center, the parade route winds through downtown Murphy, ending at First Baptist Church across from McDonald’s. Choose your favorite vantage point, bring some chairs and hot chocolate, and prepare to experience some old-fashioned family fun.
Although parade participants vary every year, you’re likely to see marching units and floats sponsored by children’s groups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses. This year, The Poltrock Team will join in the fun, waving to parade-goers from the team’s “Santa’s Workshop” float. Come on out and greet them!
Friday December 16 & Saturday December 17 from 6 -8 p.m. (Drive Through)
Shepherd of the Mountains Church: Live Nativity
Providence Lane, Murphy, NC
With a calendar full of holiday parties, gift buying, and cookie baking, it’s easy to forget the real meaning of Christmas. Fortunately, Murphy’s Shepherd of the Mountains Church reminds us of the enduring value of the Christmas story, presenting a Live Nativity on its Murphy, NC campus every year since 2013.
Given as a community ministry, Shepherd Church’s Live Nativity re-creates the Christmas story using characters such as wise men, shepherds, angels, and even live barnyard animals. The much-loved manger scene is the highlight of the experience. This year, view the Live Nativity while you stay warm and comfortable in your vehicle. Note: The Live Nativity is free of charge, but donations are accepted.