The Holidays
at Lake Junaluska
Let the nostalgic charm of Appalachian hospitality warm you this holiday season at Lake Junaluska.
Get in the holiday spirit during our celebration from mid-November through early January. Our lakeside village is merry and bright, decorated by more than 70 Lake Junaluska community volunteers. This season, enjoy Christmas at Lake Junaluska, Dec. 13-15, featuring the Holly Jolly Trolley, Festival of Lessons and Carols, carriage rides and more. Stay with us at the lakeside Terrace Hotel or historic Lambuth Inn, and delight in viewing Christmas lights, garlands and wreaths on everything from lampposts to gazebos. Book early to save on your holiday trip with the Holiday Getaway Lodging Special.
Join us for our Thanksgiving feast or enjoy a weekend of amazing music and fun at the Balsam Range Art of Music Festival! Last-minute shoppers can enjoy exploring Junaluska Gifts & Grounds, the Christmas Memories shop in Lambuth Inn and the Lake Junaluska Golf Course pro shop too. You can also book a Holiday Party dining event for your group!
Located near Maggie Valley and Waynesville, we’re just a short drive from Asheville and Biltmore. Come for a peaceful getaway, a ski weekend, or plan a special family gathering Christmas week or New Year’s Eve.
Book your stay at the lakeside Terrace Hotel. Enjoy mountain lake views from our spacious lobby, decorated for the holidays.
2021 Travelers' Choice by Tripadvisor
With hundreds of acres to explore, our mountain lake destination features a variety of places to stay – including a contemporary hotel, historic inn and vacation rental homes. Both The Terrace Hotel and Lambuth Inn received the prestigious 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for being rated in the Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide!
The Terrace Hotel
The Terrace Hotel is one of the few lakeside hotels in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Find plenty of rocking chairs on the hotel’s deck to enjoy the peaceful lake and snowy mountain views. Rates include a hot breakfast at The Terrace Hotel dining room with scenic indoor and outdoor seating, and access to many lakeside amenities. Learn more about The Terrace Hotel and check availability online now.
Lambuth Inn
The historic Lambuth Inn sits high on a hill above the lake with a “national park lodge” feel. Built in 1921, the hotel’s recent renovations have added modern guest comforts while preserving the charm of the beloved landmark. Adjacent is Inspiration Point with the best views overlooking the lake and Great Smoky Mountains. Read more about Lambuth Inn and check availability online now.
Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska
- Date:
- November 28, 2024
- Time:
- 11:00 am–2:00 pm
- Location:
- Lambuth Inn Dining Room
- Categories:
- Dining Events
We have much to be thankful for and invite you to join us this Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska.
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Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot 5K
- Date:
- November 28, 2024
- Time:
- 9:00 am
- Location:
- Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym (Registration and Start)
- Categories:
- Holidays
The annual Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot 5K will be held on Thanksgiving Day at 9 a.m.
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Balsam Range Art of Music Festival
- Date:
- December 6, 2024–December 7, 2024
- Categories:
- Concerts
Hosted by internationally acclaimed group Balsam Range, the Art of Music Festival features concerts by some of the top bluegrass and acoustic musicians in the nation.
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Holly Jolly Trolley
- Date:
- December 13, 2024
- Time:
- 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
- Location:
- York Dining Commons
- Categories:
- Holidays
Join Jolly Elf as you circle the lake and see the beautiful Christmas decorations while riding the Holly Jolly Trolley!
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Festival of Lessons and Carols
Join us for a festival of Lessons and Carols on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel. Guests and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Carriage Rides
- Date:
- December 15, 2024
- Time:
- 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
- Location:
- Harrell Center
- Categories:
- Holidays
Enjoy a scenic 15-minute ride on a horse-drawn carriage at Lake Junaluska that offers breathtaking mountain views and the lakeside Rose Walk decorated for the holidays.
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Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska
Let us do the cooking and cleaning while you enjoy a special Thanksgiving getaway with your family. Book a two-night minimum stay over the Thanksgiving holiday at The Terrace Hotel, savor our scrumptious Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at The Lambuth Inn dining room, plus enjoy daily breakfasts. See Lake Junaluska decorated for the holidays, watch (or join!) the Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot at the lake, and shop and explore the wonderful mountain towns nearby.
Guests who purchase the Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska package do not need to book holiday buffet reservations separately; holiday buffet reservations will be made when the package is booked.
- Availability:
- Fall,
- Holidays,
- Winter
- Pricing Information:
- Thanksgiving lodging packages for a two-night stay for two adults start at $442 + tax and service charges. (Ask us about adding additional nights or guests to your package!)
- Booking Details:
- Call our reservations team at 828-452-2881 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to book your package.
Holiday Getaway Lodging Special
During the holiday season at Lake Junaluska, warm hospitality and beautiful decorations from lights along the lakeside trail to Christmas trees near the Terrace Hotel fireplace fill guests with a sense of joy, peace and wonder.
Plan your holiday retreat today and take advantage of our Holiday Getaway Lodging Special. When you book directly with Lake Junaluska by Sept. 30, 2024, using Promo Code HOLI2024, you can enjoy lodging rates starting at just $169 for a two-night stay at historic Lambuth Inn or $189 for a two-night stay at The Terrace Hotel. This offer is valid for stays between Nov. 17, 2024, and Jan. 10, 2025.
It’s a wonderful time of year to visit and shop at Lake Junaluska at our Christmas Memories shop located in Lambuth Inn, Junaluska Gifts & Grounds or golf course pro shop. You can also explore nearby mountain towns of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Clyde and Canton, or venture out for a day trip to Asheville, Biltmore or Cataloochee Ski Area.
- Availability:
- Holidays,
- Winter
- Pricing Information:
- Rates start at $189 for a two-night stay at the lakeside Terrace Hotel (includes breakfast in our lakeside dining room!) and $169 for a two-night stay at historic Lambuth Inn. For the best rates, book mid-week getaways Sunday-Thursday nights.
- Booking Details:
- To book, click here to apply Promo Code HOLI2024 and book online or call our reservations team at 828-452-2881 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and ask for the Holiday Getaway Lodging Special.
Must be booked by Sept. 30, 2024, for stays at The Terrace Hotel or Lambuth Inn between Nov. 17, 2024, and Jan. 10, 2025. Offer is based on availability at time of booking and cannot be combined with other offers or used for group travel. Two night minimum required. Some blackout dates and additional restrictions may apply.
Balsam Range Art of Music Festival Package
Book a 2024 Balsam Range Art of Music Festival Package.
Enjoy on-site festival lodging at Lake Junaluska, premium reserved seating at the 2024 Balsam Range Art of Music Festival concerts and more when you purchase a 2024 festival package. The 2024 Balsam Range Art of Music Festival concerts will be Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, and Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, with a kickoff event on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. The 2024 festival package includes:
• Nightly guest accommodations (2-night minimum) at The Terrace Hotel or Lambuth Inn
• Tickets for premium reserved seating for the 2024 Balsam Range Art of Music Festival concerts at historic Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska on Dec. 6 & Dec. 7, 2024, for each registered guest
• Breakfast each day of your stay, served at The Terrace Hotel
• Lake Junaluska Gift Upon Arrival (one per room)
• Festival workshops on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
- Availability:
- Holidays,
- Winter
- Pricing Information:
- A variety of pricing options are available for consideration between The Terrace Hotel and Lambuth Inn packages based on length of stay (2-night minimum) and room type. Please review options online or call reservations at 800-222-4930 for assistance.
- Booking Details:
Purchase Online
Visit our online reservation system. Under the “Art of Music 2024" option, select "Show Rooms" and choose your room. To add or change your reservation dates, click "Change Request." Please note a two-night minimum stay is required, and tickets to the festival kickoff event on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, must be purchased separately.
Book By Phone
Our reservations team is available by phone at 800-222-4930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Lake Junaluska Golf Course Package
Enjoy a round of golf for two people including cart at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course plus two nights at The Terrace Hotel or Lake Junaluska Apartments with hot breakfast at The Terrace Hotel Dining Room each morning. The package includes:
- Two (2) Nights lodging at The Terrace Hotel or Lake Junaluska Apartments at Lake Junaluska
- Hot Breakfast Daily at The Terrace Hotel Dining Room
- One round of golf for two people, including golf cart
- 10% off Lake Junaluska Golf Course Pro Shop Merchandise
- Availability:
- Fall,
- Holidays,
- Spring,
- Summer,
- Winter
- Pricing Information:
- Package pricing varies depending on the lodging preferences selected.
- Booking Details:
Book By Phone
Call 800-222-4930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Book Online
- Click "Book Now."
- Select an arrival date and 2 or more nights for your stay.
- Look for "Golf Course Package" rates and click "Show Rooms" to see room availability and prices.
- Choose a room, click "Book Now," complete your reservation and mark your calendar to join us for a great golf getaway!
Lake Junaluska is grateful for support from Visit NC Smokies! Explore all there is to do near Lake Junaluska at VisitNCSmokies.com as you plan your trip.
Christmas Tree Farms
Three farms are located just six miles from Lake Junaluska. On your way home, stop by to choose and cut the perfect tree (mid-November through mid-December). Each farm makes the experience very festive and kids of all ages love to explore the farms: Boyd Christmas Tree Farm, Mehaffey Tree Farm, WNC Christmas Trees.
Cataloochee Ski Area
Just 12 miles from Lake Junaluska is one of the best places for skiing and snowboarding in the South. Enjoy panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains as you ride 18 slopes and trails on 50 acres at 5,400 feet elevation. With one of the most advanced snowmaking systems, Cataloochee Ski Area has great skiing conditions much of the winter. Lessons and equipment rental available.
Learn More
Tube World
Tube World, located in nearby Maggie Valley, provides fun snow tubing for the entire family – no experience needed! Book a two-hour session that includes specially designed inner tubes. Ride down the slope and ride back up on the moving carpet to repeat as much as you want. They usually open by mid-December, depending on the weather.
Go to their website for details.
Shopping
Shop for the perfect gifts with plenty of stores and galleries in downtown Waynesville and Maggie Valley. Favorite spots include Mast General Store in Waynesville and Cabbage Rose in Maggie Valley. Just 30 minutes away in Asheville, go to Christmas at Biltmore or drive through the half-million lights at the North Carolina Arboretum.
