Dress warmly and come on out tonight and through the weekend for continuing holiday festivities in downtown West Jefferson. It’s a hometown Christmas where you can support retailers throughout the county by spending your holiday cash in Ashe.

Tonight there will be carolers roaming the streets of West Jefferson dressed in costumes from ‘Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol’, and participating shops will again be open until 8 p.m. A horse-drawn wagon for rides around town is planned.

Saturday, Dec. 4

10 a.m.: Run for the Wreath with Blue Ridge Endurance LLC organizing a new 7.2 mile race to the summit of Mt. Jefferson and back. Runners begin and finish at Ashe Civic Center. Visit www.NewRiverMarathon.com for more information.

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Santa Claus at Ashe County Farmers Market on the Backstreet. Bring a $10 new toy or donate $5 for charity and have your photo taken with Santa by Angelia Shepherd. Homegrown and handmade products are available for a unique Christmas gift.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open house at the Ashe Arts Center with Santa visiting for photos ($2 per child) and story time with Mrs. Claus along with milk and cookies and holiday crafts, and visits from Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.

12-3 p.m.: Photos of your pet with Santa at Backstreet Yoga. $12 group sitting. Enjoy hot cider and fresh-baked goods.

1-3 p.m.: Open house at the Chamber of Commerce including artist Bessie Clay signing this year’s holiday ornament featuring Cascade Falls.

Sunday, Dec. 5

7:30 p.m., the Ashe Choral Society presents the annual holiday concert at Ashe Civic Center with both secular and sacred music, under the direction of Grady Lonon with accompaniment by Michael Bell. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for students.

Friday, Dec. 10

Hometown Christmas Social - come to downtown West Jefferson and enjoy hot chocolate and purchase goodies for your holiday entertaining or gift giving. Proceeds go to Ashe Really Cares. Judging for the ‘Old Hometown Decorating Contest’ sponsored by The Mountain Times. Participating shops open until 8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.: The Night Before Christmas Carol at Ashe Civic Center. Witness this solo drama presentation by EBZB production telling the story of the writing of Dickens’ famous novel. Admission charged, reserved seating. Call 846-ARTS.

Saturday, Dec. 11

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Christmas at Florence, celebrating Florence’s collection of antique dolls and paintings. Free event with refreshments at the Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School on Trading Post Road in Glendale Springs.

Friday, Dec.17

Last Minute Shoppers Extravaganza! Participating stores will offer special sales while Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer dash about the streets of West Jefferson filling last minute wish lists; participating shops open until 8 p.m.

This is also Choose and Cut season as local tree farmers welcome visitors from near and far to choose their perfect Christmas tree. Support your local tree growers and set up a real Ashe County grown Christmas tree, and choose freshly made wreaths, decorative garlands and greenery. There are 22 growers participating. Get a map from the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce on Jefferson Avenue in downtown West Jefferson or call 846-9550 for more information.

You can also enjoy some truly uniquely decorated Christmas trees at the Ashe Arts Center during Tree Fest through Dec. 29. Visit Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to see seven themed trees and the Christmas Miniatures exhibit along with paintings and photography.