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✈️How to get to Christmas In July
Planning your trip to Christmas In July? Here's how to get there by plane, train or car, and plan your route to the festival site.
- Nearest airport: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 18 km from the venue.
- Major international airport nearby: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), about 132 km away (more routes).
- Allow about 25 min by car from the airport to the site.
- By train, head for Asheville or the nearest major station, then finish by bus, shuttle or taxi to the site.
- By car, plan for on-site parking and expect heavy traffic around the venue on festival days.
🛏️Where to stay near Christmas in July 2026 (Christmas In July)
Accommodation near the Christmas In July site fills up fast. Compare hotels, apartments and rentals nearby and book early to stay as close to the stage as possible.
Also consider staying around Asheville, the nearest large city, if the closest options to the site are sold out.
Estimated travel time to the site
| Distance | 🚗 Car / taxi | 🚴 Bike | 🚶 On foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~1 km | ~3 min | ~4 min | ~12 min |
| ~3 km | ~7 min | ~12 min | ~36 min |
| ~5 km | ~11 min | ~20 min | ~1 h |
| ~10 km | ~22 min | ~40 min | ~2 h |
Public transport: depends on the network around Asheville.
Each accommodation's distance to the site is shown on the map above. Rough estimates; allow extra time during festival peak hours.
🌤️Christmas In July 2026 weather
Weather in Christmas in July 2026 in July 2026?
Typical weather
Chance of rain: about 33% of days
| 2025 | Light drizzle | 31° / 18° | no rainy days |
| 2024 | Light rain | 26° / 18° | 2 rainy days |
| 2023 | Light drizzle | 29° / 18° | 1 rainy day |
Based on the last 3 years over the same period.
Hour by hour
Tap a day to see how temperature and rain changed across 24 hours.
🗺️Things to do near Christmas In July
Many shows happen in the evening, so use your days to explore the area around Christmas In July. Guided tours, museums, outdoor experiences and local activities can be booked in a few clicks before you go.
Nearby, Asheville and its surroundings offer museums, walks and local gems to discover between sets.
Bookings via our travel partners. Prices stay the same for you; festt may earn a commission.
📋About
❓FAQ
What are the festival dates and hours?
The festival takes place on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2026. Friday, July 3 runs from 5 PM to 9 PM (live music and food vendors). Saturday, July 4 runs from 9 AM to 5 PM (live music, food, craft and nonprofit vendors). Fireworks are launched from downtown West Jefferson on Saturday from 9:30 PM to 10 PM.
Where is the festival held and where can I park?
The festival is held in downtown West Jefferson, North Carolina, along Main Street. Several free public parking lots are within walking distance of the festival. Some private lots, run as fundraisers by local organizations and church groups, may charge a fee; the online festival map shows all parking areas.
How much does it cost to attend?
Admission is free. Christmas in July is a free-admission street festival run by a 501C-3 nonprofit organization.
What is the daily music lineup?
The festival features live traditional mountain music. Friday, July 3: Wayne Henderson & Friends (5:00 - 6:00 PM), Pressley Laton (6:30 - 7:30 PM), Hot Sauce (8:00 - 10:00 PM). Saturday, July 4: Taylon Hope (9:00 - 10:15 AM), Jeff Little Trio (10:45 AM - 12:00 PM), Denim and Plaid (1:00 - 2:15 PM), Special Occasion Band (2:45 - 5:00 PM).
Is there food available on site?
Yes. Numerous food vendors serve classic street food and local vendor favorites (the festival's well-known signature foods). A map and a full list of food vendors and their locations are available on the festival website.
Are children and families welcome?
Yes, it is a family event. Children's activities are held at the Ashe Arts Council booths on the east end of Main Street: face painting, activities, roaming street performers (magic, balloons, stilt walking) and a visit from Santa. A farmers' market, roving performers and fun competitions are also part of the festival each year.
Can I bring my pet?
You are asked to refrain from bringing pets. The festival is held on the street, and hot pavement can harm paws: on a 77°F (25°C) day, asphalt can reach roughly 125°F (52°C). Only service dogs are permitted.
What lodging options are nearby?
A range of lodging is available across the High Country around West Jefferson, so you can enjoy a full weekend in the North Carolina mountains. The festival directs visitors to Visit West Jefferson's lodging information (visitwestjefferson.org).
When was the festival founded and what is its history?
The festival began in 1987 as a celebration of the Christmas Tree Industry that Ashe County is known for — in 2015, Ashe County was named the #1 Christmas tree producer in the United States. Traditionally held the first weekend of July (hence "July" in the name), it draws thousands to West Jefferson each year for traditional mountain music, handmade arts & crafts, and food. It is run entirely by volunteers as a nonprofit organization.
