Let the nostalgic charm of Appalachian hospitality warm you this holiday season at Lake Junaluska.

Get in the holiday spirit during our celebration from November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023. Our lakeside village is merry and bright, decorated by more than 70 Lake Junaluska community volunteers. You’ll delight in viewing Christmas lights, garlands and wreaths on everything from lampposts to gazebos.

During our Christmas at Lake Junaluska weekend December 9-11, we’ll host carriage rides plus Lessons and Carols at Memorial Chapel with a candlelit singing of “Silent Night. ” Last-minute shoppers can enjoy Christmas at Lake Junaluska sales at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds and the Lake Junaluska Golf Course pro shop too. You can also book a Holiday Party at Lambuth Inn 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.

Plan a Ski Trip

Tripadvisor 2021 Travelers' Choice emblem

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.

Things to Do at Lake Junaluska This Winter

Walk the loop around the lake and take in clear, crisp mountain views, holiday decorations and perhaps even spot one of our bald eagles.

Pick up a cozy fleece and shop for all your holiday gifts at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds. You’ll find locally made preserves, art and pottery and jewelry, along with many items just right for stocking stuffers.

Visit Inspiration Point to take in sweeping views of the lake surrounded by majestic mountains and the iconic Cross. Located adjacent to Lambuth Inn, the Point’s sculpture of Christ and Memorial Cross provide a focal point for reflection and meditation.

Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska

Date:: November 23, 2023
Location:: Terrace Hotel 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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Terrace Dining Room at Thanksgiving with Holiday Decor and Christmas Tree

Balsam Range Art of Music Festival

Date:: December 1, 2023–December 2, 2023
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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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.

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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.