4th Annual Festival of Lights
Save the date for the 4th Annual Festival of Lights Fundraising Event, presented by Explore Brevard. December 10-13, 2026
Enjoy an evening immersed in twinkling lights, festive hayrides, photos with Santa, warm snacks, fun crafts, live music and more. All proceeds benefit The Family Place of Transylvania County whose mission is to build community & strengthen families.
Included with Admission:
- Snack on Holiday Treats of hot cocoa, hot cider, popcorn, and warm up & roast your own s’mores around the firepits
- Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus (don’t forget to take photos!)
- Kids Crafts area for hands-on activities
- Hayrides around the property to see the decorated cabins
- Cabin decorating contest showcasing Holiday Classic Films, plus, vote for your favorite cabin!
- Festive live music and fun photo ops
- Food available for purchase from Levi’s Lunchbox food truck
Don’t miss your chance to win awesome raffle baskets that include prizes like a 2-night stay at Deerwoode Reserve, a 2-night stay at Lake Toxaway, prizes from local outfitters and spas, local swag, and so much more. Purchase raffle tickets at the event, attendance not required to win.
WHERE
Deerwoode Reserve
395 Riversedge Rd
Brevard, NC 28712
WHEN
SAVE THE DATE!
December 10-13, 2026
Admission
$5 per person
Children 5 & under, FREE
Pay on-site, cash / credit card
No registration required.
2025 Festival of Lights Recap
More than 1,600 visitors gathered under the glow of twinkling lights at Deerwoode Reserve for four magical nights of hayrides, holiday cabins inspired by classic films, photos with Santa, and festive fun—all while supporting families across Transylvania County. Powered by 73 volunteers, generous sponsors, and an incredible community spirit, this year’s Festival of Lights raised $12,811 for The Family Place.
From heartwarming family moments to award-winning cabin designs, discover how this affordable holiday tradition continues to shine brighter each year.
2025 Festival of Lights Photo Gallery
2025 Cabin Sponsors
These Cabin Sponsors helped us transform the cabins at Deerwoode Reserve into festive holiday light displays for families to enjoy during the event.
Hallmark Christmas Lodge
David Wright Events
Home Alone
Brevard Academy
It’s a Wonderful Life
The Family Place Board of Directors
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Keystone Camp
The Christmas Story
Cedar Mountain Rotary
The Grinch
Young Life Carolina Point
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Grace Brevard Church
Elf
The Family Place Parent Chat
The Santa Clause
Mountain Decks & Exteriors
Nightmare Before Christmas
Deerwoode Reserve
The Polar Express
Jeremy Purcell, Realtor with BHS Drafting & Design and Mrs. Meg Buchanan
A Christmas Carol
Suncado’s
Thank you to our 2025 Festival Sponsors!
With the support of these amazing local businesses, we’re able to create our festive family village where everyone can gather for a good time, warm treats, fun crafts, and joyful hayrides allowing families to make holiday memories together.
Presenting Sponsor
Micki & Tony Gillman
Volunteer Opportunities
We are looking for elves to help create holiday cheer. Volunteers are currently needed to transform the Deerwoode Reserve property into a winter wonderland, assisting with putting up lights & installing displays around the property. During the event, we need helpers to work various stations from snacks, s’mores & hot chocolate, to helping kids with crafts & assisting with hayrides. Help us make this a fun & successful event by volunteering your time!
Thank you for giving your time to help bring this event to life!
Questions? Contact Sarah Miles at smiles@thefamilyplacenc.com.
