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For 20 years, two weeks in December, the Jolly Ol’ Man shows up to practice at Chimney Rock! Santa Claus comes to the Village of Chimney Rock and from the top of the rock, he drops down 200 feet! He is practicing for all the chimneys, regardless of size, he will have to come down on Christmas eve, all over the world.
The yearly event is something to behold. It is very popular especially with the kids. As they stand down below, in anticipation of his decent, you can hear them say: “Be careful Santa!” - “Don’t get hurt Santa!”. Each child shows his or her concern as they tilt their heads all the way back to see the amazing feat. Each of them seems relieved when he gets to the bottom. Each wants a hug from their favorite man this time of the year.
The Chimney Rock State Park staff and park rangers are very accommodating. At a special tent set up at the landing, they display artifacts of animals and things the park is home to. The most popular is the live white possum and Grady the groundhog. Each is in a cage on either side of the tent. The rangers pick them up and let the children enjoy the thrill of petting them. Bring some sweet potatoes or apples for them to eat. For both parents and grandparents, all questions are answered. This annual “big show” at Chimney Rock is greeted by a large display of people with cameras trained on Santa and capturing the decent from the top of the rock.
The special event has been named “one of 10 great places to catch up with Santa” by USA Today. Considering your slow and curvy drive up, you are 1000 feet above Hickory Nut Gorge! Kids are invited to have a picture taken on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. Of course, Santa checks his “naughty or nice list” to see if they qualify.
“I’ve been good Santa, really, I’ve been very good!” is the reply most often heard. Also, you can meet Mrs. Claus and share some warm hot chocolate with marshmallows and great cookies. You also might find Santa’s elves hanging around if you’re lucky.
What a wonderful time everyone can have every year at this special holiday event. What better to do than watch Santa practice for his “big night” coming down chimneys. You can share stories and meet special friends at Chimney Rock Park. Once you have been there, you’ll want to come back every year.
