Holiday Tree Arrival

In addition to seeing Grandfather’s mascot, Millie the Bear, escort this year’s holiday tree through the Entrance Gate and up the park road to the Wilson Center, visitors can also take part in snowflake-themed crafts while enjoying hot chocolate and candy canes. The hour-long event begins at 11 a.m. and is included with park admission. The tree, which will be harvested on Thursday, Nov. 20, is from Mountain Top Fraser Fir farm in Newland, N.C. Owner Larry Smith has previously supplied trees to the White House, North Carolina State Capitol and other prominent government buildings and residences. The full schedule for the celebration is below. 11 a.m. | Millie the Bear escorts the tree through the Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate. Guests are welcome to park at an overlook or parking lot along the road to wave to Millie as she and the tree make their way up to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery! 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Hot Chocolate and Candy Cane Bar and Snowflake Craft Table open at the Wilson Center. 11:10 a.m. | Millie and the tree arrive at the Wilson Center. (Guests are also invited to help welcome Millie and the tree at this location!) 11:10 a.m. | Tree is carried into the Wilson Center. 11:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Millie is available to “meet and greet” guests!