Chimney Rock – Santa’s Christmas Eve deliveries to good children worldwide require immense skill, including climbing down countless chimneys. To ensure preparedness, Santa practices by rappelling the 315-foot Chimney at Chimney Rock State Park. This iconic rock formation offers a stunning 75-mile view of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. On Saturday, December 9th, at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm, Santa will be there, slowly descending the granite chimney one step at a time. You and your family can observe him from the parking lot, the top of the Chimney, or along the walkways. Unfortunately, Santa couldn’t practice last week due to inclement weather on December 2.
Prior to the descent, Santa’s Elves have prepared a delicious breakfast at the Old Rock Cafe, which is not inside the Park. They will be offering holiday pancakes and classic breakfast stables, including hot chocolate. Then you can head to see Santa rappel down Chimney Rock.
Since climbing down the Chimney is no easy feat. Santa has been practicing here for many years. This will be his 26th year. Santa will take breaks at the top of every hour starting at 11 a.m., so that he and Mrs. Claus can visit with children in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts. Children can get their photo taken with Santa during his break. Free digital copies of Santa photos will be available for download after the event on the Park’s Facebook page. Visitors can enjoy music in front of the Cliff Dwellers Gifts as well. Boys and girls who haven’t had a chance to make their wish lists can stop by poet Eddie Cabbage’s table, where Cabbage will help kids put their wishes on paper using his old-fashioned typewriter.
Complimentary cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will also be available for visitors. Each day there will be a special drawing for a two-hour climbing lessons for two from Fox Mountain Guides, Santa’s special climbing friends. The winner of the drawing will be announced at the end of each Santa on the Chimney event at 2 p.m.
Other activities will be taking place as well. Making festive, outdoor-themed ornaments with one of Santa’s helpers will be possible. There will be a guided hike with an elf at 11:30 am on December 9th. Visitors can explore the Hickory Nut Falls Trail with one of Santa’s helpers on a moderate hike to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. To attend, meet in front of the Cliff Dwellers Gifts for the approximate 45 minute walk.
In additional Park Naturalists will have an an informal program to meet a few of the animal ambassadors, like seeing Essie and Valentine the Virginia opposums or Potato and Yam the groundhog ambassadors, at the Outcropping Deck at 12:30 pm. These animals who have been unable to return to the wild are part of the Animal Discovery Den and have therefore come to live at the Park and be wildlife ambassadors.
A one-day ticket to the Park for an adult is $17; a youth tickets, ages 5-15, is $8 and ages 4 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Ticket Plaza. One might consider buying an annual pass. For less than the cost of two-day tickets, you can come back and visit the Park as much as you want for a full year! You also get other great benefits, like discounts in the Park and the Old Rock Cafe, invitations to Annual Passholder-exclusive events and special offers from Biltmore, Tweetsie and Grandfather Mountain to name a few.
A Brief Background
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a nature lover’s paradise, offering breathtaking views and exceptional hiking trails. It’s located approximately 25 miles south via US-74 ALT E, taking about 40 minutes to reach. “Our State” magazine featured Chimney Rock State Park as the cover story of their August issue this year, highlighting its fascinating history. Dr. Lucius Morse, seeking recuperation from tuberculosis in the early 20th century, was captivated by the panoramic view from the top of Chimney Rock. He purchased the property in 1902 with the vision of creating a tourist attraction. Today, countless visitors ride the 26-story elevator inside the mountain or climb nearly 500 steps on the Outcroppings Trail to experience the same awe-inspiring vistas that captivated Morse.” Yelp has also recognized Chimney Rock State Park as one of the top 50 U.S. State Parks that everyone should visit.
In the 1992 film, “The Last of the Mohicans,” which starred Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe, a number of scenes were filmed there. Apparently the last 17 minutes of the movie were filmed along the Cliff Trail, including the climatic fight scene at the top of Hickory Nut Falls.
For more information on visiting Santa, activities throughout the year and general information on future events at this amazing State Park, go to: https://www.chimneyrockpark.com