The only feeling better than welcoming your family into your home for Thanksgiving is the feeling of peace & quiet after everyone has left for a fun activity together! Here’s some of our favorite ways to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend in Harlan County…
The Festival of the Mountain Masters– Taking place at the Village Center Mall on the Friday & Saturday following Thanksgiving, this festival is in its 39th year. In addition to live performances and demonstrations by skilled artists and craftspeople, you can shop with vendors offering only handmade, handcrafted, and home baked treasures. It marks the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas season and will give you a leg up on Christmas shopping as you leave with one-of-a-kind finds!
Wonderland Mini Golf at Kingdom Come State Park– This mountaintop mini-golf course transforms into a stunning Christmas wonderland with thousands of lights, music, and decor. Challenge family and friends of all ages to a mini golf showdown or just walk through and take time to enjoy the sites. Afterwards, you can warm yourself with hot cocoa and a visit to the gift shop. This experience opens on the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs until New Year’s Eve.
Harlan County Celebrates Christmas Light Display– This Christmas display is a family favorite. Drive through the Shriner’s Fairgrounds at Putney and marvel at the lights. Admission is free and so are the candy canes and hot chocolate. Donations are encouraged with all of the money going to support the Harlan County Christian School. The display opens on the Friday after Thanksgiving and continues on until Christmas. We have a feeling you’ll want to visit more than once this season!
Locked in Appalachia– Can your family survive being locked in a scene where your creative thinking and teamwork is your only hope of escape? This challenge is perfect for a group of mixed ages and can be scheduled around your family plans for a time that worst best! Call ahead or book online to make sure the room is ready and waiting for you in Downtown Harlan.
Christmas Shopping– Hit the shops as you check off your Christmas list. Many of your favorite shops and boutiques may offer special hours or promotions for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Harlan Tourism is sponsoring a game of Christmas Bingo beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving. Cards can be picked up at any Downtown Harlan restaurant. Cards that complete a row are eligible for a drawing to win $100 and cards that are completely filled are entered in a drawing for $500! You’ll find details on the back of your card. You can shop local and win cash!
Dinner Out– Leave the dishes to someone else as you show your out of town guests some of your favorite restaurants. Stop by Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets or Raven Rock Coffee, Cafe, & Curiosities for seasonal drinks. Take the kids to Dairy Hut for a sweet treat. Catch a game on while you enjoy drinks and appetizers at the Harlan County Beer Company. Celebrate all of the fun of a full table without the work of cooking and cleanup!
No matter how you choose to spend your family time, we wish a Thanksgiving full of laughter and memories with those you love most!
