Winter’s better at altitude
Bundle up for icy adventures
Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains is when the land falls quiet. Enjoy wide-open views of frosty mountains, peaceful days, and cozy nights by the fire when you spend the cold season in Haywood.
Western North Carolina by season
Winter ACTIVITIES IN HAYWOOD
Your winter wonderland awaits
Make the most of winter in the mountains with cold-season activities. Brave the chill with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, or nip inside to enjoy award-winning theatre.
Carve out your winter legacy on the slopes of Cataloochee Ski Area, which packs 18 thrilling trails down the mountain.
Laughs will echo through the mountains as you slide down the hill at Tube World with the whole crew.
Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend
January 28 - 31, 2027
The crown jewel of winter events in the Western North Carolina mountains, Ice Fest Weekend jam-packs four days with frosty fun across all five of Haywood's mountain towns. Kick things off with a cool jazz concert at HART Theatre, explore a trail of life-sized snow globes in Maggie Valley, vote in Canton's "Anything But Snow" Snowman Contest, and wander through Lake Junaluska's glowing light garden. Attend an all-out winter bash on Saturday at the Ice Block Party in downtown Waynesville, which brings Main Street to life with glowing ice sculptures, fun activities, and shopping & dining specials as a DJ spins live music.
Cold never looked so cool
Nov 4 → Dec 31Small Works 2026 ExhibitIt’s the most wonderful time of the year! Haywood Handmade Gallery's annual, community-favorite Small Works exhibit celebrates creativity in a compact form. Featuring artwork 12×12 inches or smaller, as well as handcrafted ornaments, this show is perfect for gift-giving or adding a little joy to your own collection. Celebrate the season and discover the big impact of small art! Pictured work is by Jen Picicci.
Jan 28 → Jan 31Ice Fest Weekend 2027Enjoy four days of frosty fun across all five of Haywood's mountain towns during Ice Fest Weekend 2027! Soak in a Cool Jazz concert at HART Theatre's kickoff event on Thursday, head to in Canton's winter-themed Mill Around Town event on Friday, then watch Waynesville's Main Street glow with icy magic during the Ice Block Party on Saturday. All weekend long, explore Canton's "Anything But Snow" Snowman Contest and vote for your favorite, snap pics along a life-sized snow globe trail in Maggie Valley, and stroll through the Ice Light Garden at Lake Junaluska. Plus, score on Ice Fest-exclusive shopping, dining, and lodging deals. Bundle up and join Haywood County, NC for the coolest party of the year!
Mar 1 → Mar 31Fat Burger Month 2027Put on your stretchy pants and arrive hungry for Fat Burger Month! For the entire month of March, Haywood’s most outrageously delicious burgers reign supreme. Take a flavor-packed journey through local restaurants across Canton, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Waynesville, and Clyde. Collect a sticker for each towering burger you demolish, then turn in your completed sticker card to claim your burger-themed prizes!
Winter events for a not-so silent night
Wake up to winter wonder
A mountaintop chalet above the snow clouds, a blazing fireplace in a rustic cabin—there’s a stay in Haywood to match your winter vibe.
