This Nearly 100-Year-Old North Carolina Resort Is Decked for the Holidays, and It's Pure Christmas Magic

By Betsy Cribb December 15, 2021
Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

High Hampton, a beloved family resort in Cashiers, North Carolina, reopened this spring with a fresh new look, and now it's celebrating its first-ever holiday season. "High Hampton has so much history over its nearly 100 years of welcoming friends and family, but since it was previously a seasonal destination, the property never had the opportunity to establish traditions during the holiday season," says Scott Greene, the hotel's general manager. "So we are really excited to start this year with an over-the-top celebration and have this become part of our guests' holiday traditions for generations to follow." In the spirit of the season, spectacularly decorated trees and thousands of lights have transformed the property, and there are festive activities galore, from cookie decorating to potpourri classes and a station where little revelers can pen letters to Santa. Here, sneak a peek at the mountain magic.

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High Hampton's First Christmas

Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

Reimagined by the talented team behind Tennessee's luxuriously bucolic Blackberry Farm, the restored High Hampton feels especially welcoming for its first holiday season.

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Bright Lights (And Lots of Them)

Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

More than 50,000 linear feet of lights dance across the property's fences, trees, and doorways. Larger-than-life (6 feet tall, to be exact!), shimmering snowflakes are also scattered about the grounds.

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Natural Wonders

Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

Aromatic garlands ornamented with berries and burlap ribbon reflect the resort's stunning surrounds.

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Merry Mantel

Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

Whimsically arranged greenery elevates fireside game nights in the resort lobby.

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New Traditions

Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

One of the hotel's trees is decked with nostalgic photo memories from its 99-year history. Another tree ushers in the resort's next chapter, featuring photos of guests who are spending the holiday season at High Hampton.

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Snail Mail for Santa

Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

For young guests who wish to dash off last-minute lists to St. Nick, there's a letter-writing station set up with all the essentials.

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Better by the Dozen

Credit: Courtesy of High Hampton

Lean into the holiday's sweet side and take a cookie decorating class, available each Friday through Christmas. For guests who favor the scents of the holiday over its flavors, a potpourri-making class is offered December 10 and December 27.

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By Betsy Cribb