Merry Christmas Burke County

Christmastime in Burke County doesn’t look like a Hallmark TV movie. There are no snowmen, ice rinks, or streams of snowflakes falling from the sky. Yet make no mistake — Christmastime in Burke County is indeed beautiful.

Christmastime in Burke County is the Old Courthouse Square on a frosty December night when the Moravian stars, the festive decorations, and the stately beauty of the old building itself combine for a gorgeous holiday scene.

Christmastime in Burke County is the Trail of Faith in downtown Valdese, glowing with thousands of lights as it retells the Christmas story in a most magnificent way.

Christmastime in Burke County is gathering with family and friends for a meal and a holiday beverage or two, whether at an intimate venue like Treat in downtown Morganton or the more boisterous atmosphere of 100 Main in downtown Valdese.

Christmastime in Burke County is a hike on the Fonta Flora Trail on a December day when the sky is crystal blue and in stark contrast to the gray and brown of the winter hills.

Christmastime in Burke County is a flaming sunset over the waters of Lake James, as the sun dips behind the towering Black Mountains and the sky turns from gold to pink to lavender.

Christmastime in Burke County is the Old Rock School’s beloved performances and concerts that bring the community together, filling the halls with the sounds of classic carols and holiday cheer.

Christmastime in Burke County is loading the kids — or the grandkids — in the car and driving through the magical grounds of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center and experiencing that special annual revisit to childhood.

Christmastime in Burke County is the small-town charm of holiday craft fairs, where handmade ornaments, quilts, and treats make every purchase a heartfelt keepsake.

Christmastime in Burke County is a drive to the top of Mineral Springs Mountain on a clear evening and looking out across the broad valley that makes up Burke County — a valley made festive by holiday lights both large and small.

Christmastime in Burke County is standing in the chilly air at the Brown Mountain Overlook an hour or two after sunset and gazing up at the clear December sky as the flaming stars of winter climb majestically in the east — Sirius and Procyon, Rigel and Betelgeuse, Castor and Pollux, Aldebran, and Capella.

Christmastime in Burke County is busily buying gifts for loved ones in our unique shops and boutiques.

Christmastime in Burke County is the evening Christmas Eve service hosted at many of our local churches, with candlelight and stained glass and the old familiar carols.

Christmastime in Burke County is family recipes, family feasts, family traditions, and the unspoken promises of the New Year just ahead.

And for us at The Paper, Christmastime is a time to give heartfelt and sincere thanks to you, our readers.

You have welcomed us into your homes each week, you have made us feel accepted and appreciated, and you have given us a level of success in our second year that has left us energized and looking to improve and grow stronger in 2025.

So, from our family at The Paper to your family and all those you love, we wish you oh so Happy Holidays!