See the Holiday Lights this Christmas in Cherokee

It takes months of planning, weeks to set up, and lights--lots of lights!--to create the Cherokee Lights and Legends event at the Cherokee Fairgrounds on display through January 2nd. The event takes place Thursday-Saturday from 6 pm-9 pm, and is closed December 24-26.

Along the walking paths of the Fairgrounds, you'll see custom-designed interactive displays that reflect Cherokee stories traditionally told during the winter months. The legends include A Cherokee Welcome, How the Bear Lost His Tail, The Story of the 7 Clans, and Those Who Stayed. 

Admission into the Fairgrounds is free, as is the hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast, with local Cherokee storytellers sharing winter tales and legends around a bonfire from 7 pm to 9 pm each night of the event. 

For a fee, there are additional activities for the kids to enjoy, including:

Santa Claus portrait session ($5 for one photo, saved to a CD so you can make as many prints as you like)

Synthetic ice rink

Two bouncy houses

Mini golf course

Games with prizes

Face painting

And so much more!

This year's opening night saw record crowds of around 800 people who gathered to experience the holiday festivities, admire the beautiful 40-foot Christmas tree, and take in all the fun.

According to Lisa Frady, Events and Group Tour Coordinator for the Fairgrounds, "At Cherokee Lights and Legends, you can spend good quality time with your whole family."

"The kids enjoy it so much," she says. "It just lights them up."

For smiles as bright as the holiday lights, take your family to the Cherokee Lights and Legends event before Santa leaves for the North Pole on December 19th. On New Year's Eve, the event will feature a fireworks show not to be missed, to welcome in the new year with excitement and cheer.