Christmas in the Mountains organizers welcome everyone to this year’s bigger and better event.

Sunday, Nov. 27, 6-8:30 p.m. – A Merry Little Christmas Party will be held at the Collier Center on Main Street in Inez for ages 16 and above. The semi-formal party will include delicious food from Shufflin’ Café, Christmas music and dancing, fellowship and the crowning and introduction of Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains, who will serve as parade grand marshals Dec. 3. Tickets for the event are $20 single/$30 couples and may be purchased by visiting Shufflin’ Café or by contacting Kendra Fletcher at 606-298-3727.

Thursday, Dec. 1, 4-8:30 p.m. – Local Musicians/Artists will entertain the crowds. Carnival games and the carnival food truck will be beside the government center.

A faux ice-skating rink will be in the business center parking lot. The price to skate is $5 for 25 minutes which includes skate rental.

Two carousel rides will please the children. Everyone rides for free.

There will be a rock-climbing wall, inflatables and more.

This year’s new attraction is the Dino Tilt-a-Whirl, which will cost $3 to ride.

Friday, Dec. 2, 4-8:30 p.m. – DJ FletchJ and local entertainment artists will be on hand 4-8:30 p.m.

Carnival games and the carnival food truck will be open for business, as will the ice-skating rink, carousels, Dino ride, Giant slide and more.

Hayride Light Tours are available 5-8:30 p.m. to give folks a perfect view of the many downtown displays and events. The price is $5.

Look for the Winter Wonderland Salon booth behind the courthouse to pamper young ladies (cost will apply). 

Saturday, Dec. 3 – The festival’s final day will begin with the Angel Breakfast, 9-11 a.m. at the Collier Center, featuring a complimentary delicious breakfast. 

At 9:30 a.m., gather at the steps of the Government Center and join Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and area pastors and church leaders for a Christmas Blessing Prayer to open the festival. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be served.

Vendors may begin setting up at 8 a.m. for the Vendor Market, which will open to the public at 10 a.m. Come out and support local artisans and food vendors as they peddle their wares. To rent a space, call 606-298-2807.

A climbing wall, obstacle course, giant slide (charge of $3 for the slide), inflatables, a toddler play area and other activities will be available for the kids. There will also be a Gaming Truck. 

The Joy to the World Concert will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature local entertainers Jack Ward, The Jude Girls, Savannah Jo Young accompanied by Wesley Young, Ella Parsley, Erin Grace Rudd, Hannah May and a special treat will be a group from the Martin County High School.

Jackie’s Gymnastics will perform from noon until 12:30 p.m. at the shed behind the courthouse.

A Meet and Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be held from 1-2 p.m. at the new stage on Main Street.

A Christmas Character Walk and Skit Performance, led by none other than Cindy Lou Who, will take place from 2:15 until 3 p.m. on Main Street. It will be followed by dance routines performed by the Inez Elementary Dance Team and the Martin County Middle School Cheerleaders.

Hayride Light Tours will be available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for $5.

From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., youngsters 12 years and under will participate in the Cruisin’ for Christ/ Live Nativity down Main Street. Bicycles will start at the empty lot across from Subway. Power Wheels riders will join in from behind the old library building. 

From 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., vintage and muscle car enthusiasts will want to make plans to attend the Cruise-In that will take place behind the business center.

The Shriner’s Train and the Big Sandy Trolley Car will give rides from point A to point B to let folks rest their feet. 

The Tour of Nutcrackers display will be open to the public at the Martin County Historical Society building on Main Street between the hours of 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Festival of Trees will be inside the historical courthouse from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Horseback Rides will be available for $5 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Find them in the grassy area behind the old library building.

A Petting Zoo will be set up beside the Circuit Court Building from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., with the lineup set for 5 at the county pool.

Following the parade, DJ FletchJ will take to the stage to provide music for the Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree street dance.

For more information regarding these events, visit the Christmas in the Mountains Facebook page or contact Fletcher at the Shufflin’ Café.