1 of 9

The Town of Tryon transformed into a winter wonderland as residents and visitors gathered for the annual Christmas Stroll (Photo by Storme Smith)

The evening started with the Morris the Horse wreathing ceremony. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Mayor Peoples officially lit the Town Christmas tree at the plaza, creating a heartwarming moment that drew cheers from the crowd. (Photo by Storme Smith)

The sounds of the holiday season filled the air, with the Columbus Tuba Christmas group serenading passersby at the corner of Oak and Trade Street. (Photo by Storme Smith)

The Town of Tryon transformed into a winter wonderland as residents and visitors gathered for the annual Christmas Stroll. (Photo by Storme Smith)

S'mores were available on the back patio of Mirrorball Gallery, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Tryon. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Attendees were treated to the delightful harmonies of carolers at the stroll. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Local businesses participated in a silent auction, with bids available at various locations throughout town. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Zuber's Petting Zoo brought smiles to many at the Depot. (Photo by Storme Smith)

TRYON—On Friday night, the Town of Tryon transformed into a winter wonderland as residents and visitors gathered for the annual Christmas Stroll. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the streets were filled with holiday spirit as local businesses extended their hours and the community came together to celebrate the season.

The evening started with the Morris the Horse wreathing ceremony, setting a festive tone for the night. At 5:30 p.m., Mayor Peoples officially lit the Town Christmas tree at the plaza, creating a heartwarming moment that drew cheers from the crowd. The sounds of the holiday season filled the air, with the Columbus Tuba Christmas group serenading passersby at the corner of Oak and Trade Street, while Judy and Jim entertained guests inside the Fitzgerald Event Center and saxophonist Ray Jackson playing at K.D.’s Sea Shack. 

Wandering along Trade Street, attendees were treated to the delightful harmonies of carolers, the Sincerely Quartet and cast members from the Tryon Little Theater, who strolled the streets singing traditional Christmas carols. The scents of gingerbread wafted from the Trade Street Diner, where families enjoyed gingerbread decorating activities, and children delighted in face painting and crafts at Creators Vault.

“This has been a wonderful collaboration between our local businesses, many of which are staying open late and participating,” said TDDA Director Lourdes Gutierrez. “We’ve got a little something for everyone from Santa on the Square to face painting and live music.”

For those seeking sweet treats, s’mores were available on the back patio of Mirrorball Gallery, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Tryon. Zuber’s Petting Zoo, with its adorable animals, brought smiles to many at Depot Plaza.

“It’s great to see so much activity on Pacolet St.,” Vincent Martinez, co-founder of Mirrorball Gallery, said. “It is finally becoming a destination, thanks to businesses like the Fitzgerald and Valhalla Bakery. It’s not just Trade St. anymore.”

In addition to the festivities, local businesses participated in a silent auction, with bids available at various locations throughout town. Participants were encouraged to visit the listings at each business, including Mirrorball Gallery, Chef Sharone, Tryon Painters & Sculptors, and Tryon Coffee House, among many others, to support local artisans and organizations.

More Community

Tryon Painters & Sculptors redesigns gallery  

Tornado confirmed in Mill Spring on Dec. 29

Meet animals with Chimney Rock at Columbus Library

Bridge replacement project to enhance safety at Blue Wall Preserve