BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Get ready to make your December unforgettable with Christmas in the Mountains, a weeklong celebration running Dec. 1-7 in Inez. A crowd gathered Sunday behind the courthouse to begin a new tradition: lighting the Christmas tree for this cherished annual festival that brings something for everyone: sparkling lights, theatrical magic and high-octane fun like ziplining and ice skating—all wrapped in the warm embrace of small-town charm.
Kick things off with the Merry Little Christmas Party at the Collier Center, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1. For $15 (singles) or $25 (couples), enjoy dinner, live music, dancing and the coronation of Ms. and Mr. Christmas in the Mountains 2024: Thelma Moore and Garmon David Preece. Tickets are available at Paula’s Hair Image or via PayPal at citmfunds@gmail.com.
Adventure awaits. This year’s festival boasts a brand-new 175-foot zipline and rock wall climbing combo, courtesy of Martin County Extension Services. Take the plunge on Dec. 7 for just $10 (all-day bracelet) or $5 per ride.
Prefer classic carnival thrills? Unlimited rides—including a 50-foot Ferris wheel, a Dino carousel, a motorcycle carousel, a horse carousel and a giant slide—are yours for $10 for an all-day bracelet or $4 single ticket.
Enjoy free inflatables and train rides.
The ice skating rink offers a cool escape for just $5 (skate rental included).
Martin County students get VIP treatment with exclusive access to rides and the rink Dec. 3-5 (8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) and Dec. 6 (10 a.m.–noon).
Organizers will release a detailed live performance schedule soon but have nailed down a main course of attractions.
Public festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6 with live music, vendors, carnival rides, and the beloved A Walk to Bethlehem, a moving live retelling of the Christmas story (5-8 p.m.).
Saturday, Dec. 7 is a day packed with joy from dawn to dusk as Christmas spirit fills every corner of Inez. Here’s what you can’t miss:
•Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Perfect for a romantic ride ($25 per couple, $10 per extra rider). Reserve tickets via Kendra Fletcher at Maddison Blue Boutique or PayPal at citmfunds@gmail.com.
•Live Performances: Enjoy all-day music, plus gymnastics, cheer, and dance performances behind the courthouse.
•Belle’s Christmas Tea Party: A magical tea party at Masterpiece Kitchen & Café (11:30 a.m., $25). Reserve your spot at chasitybilly762@gmail.com.
•Cruise-In: Classic cars take center stage from 2-5 p.m. at the Martin County Extension Office. Entry is $10, with door prizes up for grabs (contact Travis Parsley at 304-417-0553).
•The Nutcracker Tour: Stroll through a holiday classic at the Historical Society (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).
•Gingerbread Contest: Details to come—but it’s sure to be a sweet showdown!
The evening presents a double dose of parade magic: Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade and the Snow Glo ATV Parade at 6 p.m. Both line up at 5:30 p.m. at the Martin County Swimming Pool. The ATV parade follows immediately behind the main parade, so deck your ride and light up the town.
On Saturday, to make things easy for everyone, a trolley will shuttle guests between the old IGA parking lot and the Collier Center.
Join the celebration and make memories that will last a lifetime.
