Regional weather and fire check for the holiday weekend
Cool December air and mostly dry skies set the stage for holiday parades and markets across Cherokee, Clay, and Graham Counties, along with nearby north Georgia. Daytime highs hover in the upper forties to low fifties, with overnight lows near freezing and only a slight chance of light showers late tonight into early Saturday. Winds remain light, and no severe weather is expected.
Fire danger across the region sits in the low to moderate range today, and statewide maps show no active countywide burn bans in the far western counties. Even so, forestry officials continue to urge caution with outdoor burning, especially around leaf piles and brush. Residents are encouraged to avoid burning on breezy days, never leave a fire unattended, and keep water or a hose nearby whenever burning is allowed.
* Outdoor event conditions look good for Friday night and the weekend, with typical early December chill after sunset.
* Travelers headed to parades and light displays should plan for cold hands and feet once temperatures dip back toward the low thirties.
* Outdoor burning is permitted but still requires careful attention, especially where leaves and understory fuels remain dry.
Sources:
* NC State Climate Office Fire Danger Map – https://climate.ncsu.edu/fire-weather
* NC Forest Service burn ban and fire danger updates –
https://www.ncforestservice.gov
* National Weather Service forecast for Murphy, NC –
https://www.weather.gov
News Date: December 5, 2025.
Murphy Christmas Parade set to roll Saturday evening
Murphy is gearing up for its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, bringing floats, marching units, and plenty of lights to downtown. Lineup begins near the Valley Village Shopping Center, with the parade expected to step off at 6:00 p.m. The route runs through the heart of downtown and finishes near the historic L and N Depot.
Town and regional event listings highlight the parade as part of a wider Christmas in the Mountains weekend, with downtown shops and restaurants planning extended hours and special activities. Residents from Peachtree, Martins Creek, Marble, and surrounding communities are encouraged to arrive early, dress warmly, and plan for downtown street closures and limited parking near the core.
* Murphy’s parade gives local schools, churches, civic groups, and small businesses a shared stage in front of the community.
* Families should plan for traffic delays and consider parking just outside the downtown core and walking in along the River Walk or side streets.
* Downtown businesses are likely to see strong foot traffic before and after the parade as visitors look for food, drink, and last-minute gifts.
Sources:
* Murphy Christmas parade event listing – https://allevents.in/mc-caysville/christmas-parades
* Regional holiday events roundup referencing the Murphy parade –
https://www.fox5atlanta.com
News Date: November 27, 2025.
Hayesville’s Peacock Performing Arts Center hosts ‘Christmas with the King’
In Hayesville, the Peacock Performing Arts Center is headlining the weekend with “Christmas with the King 2025,” an Elvis-themed holiday concert featuring Travis Ledoyt. The show is scheduled for Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m., with multiple outlets noting strong ticket demand and limited remaining seats.
The event caps a year of busy programming at the Peacock, which draws audiences from Clay County, Cherokee County, and north Georgia. For residents and visitors looking for a holiday night out that does not require a long drive to a major city, the concert offers a professional-level tribute show with a small-town venue feel.
* “Christmas with the King” is a one-night event, making tonight the only chance for local Elvis fans to catch the show this season.
* Ticket tiers include adult, senior, military, student, and kids pricing, reflecting the Peacock’s mix of tourist and local audiences.
* The venue’s broader schedule includes family shows and winter programming that could bring repeat visitors back into downtown Hayesville.
Sources:
* Peacock Performing Arts Center event listing – https://peacockperformingartscenter.thundertix.com/events/234483
* Mountain Lake Guide event summary – https://mountainlakeguide.com/event/hayesville/christmas-with-the-king-2025
* Social and news highlights referencing “Christmas with the King” – https://www.cherokeescout.com/events/spotlight-events-292
News Date: December 3, 2025.
Blue Ridge Holiday Market and Blue Ridge on Ice anchor downtown winter fun
Blue Ridge has shifted into full holiday mode with a combination of arts, markets, and winter recreation. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is hosting its Holiday Market at the Art Center on West Main Street, featuring locally made art, crafts, and gifts through late December. Regional tourism sites describe the market as a downtown anchor for holiday shopping and small-business support.
At the same time, Blue Ridge on Ice has opened at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market, offering outdoor ice skating that runs into early January, weather permitting. Visitors can lace up skates and spend an hour or two on the ice, then head into downtown for food, drinks, and shopping. Together, the market and rink give families and visitors a one-stop cluster of activities without leaving the immediate Blue Ridge area.
* The Holiday Market gives local artists and makers a key selling window just as regional tourism remains strong into December.
* Blue Ridge on Ice provides a winter activity that appeals to both locals and tourists, especially families with kids and teens.
* Regional blogs and tourism sites are bundling these attractions into itineraries for weekend trips in the Blue Ridge and Copper Basin area.
Sources:
* Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Holiday Market event page – https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/holiday-show-sale-blue-ridge-mountains-arts-association-2
* Blue Ridge events calendar listing for Blue Ridge on Ice – https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events
* Regional events and travel write-ups – https://iheartbr.com/the-next-60-days-in-north-georgia-november-and-december-2025
News Date: December 3, 2025.
Andrews lines up Gingerbread and Candyland–themed Christmas parade
Andrews is actively promoting its 2025 Christmas Parade, with the town choosing “Gingerbread and Candyland” as this year’s theme. Official town communications and local media describe a route along Main Street, with lineup beginning in the late afternoon and the parade itself stepping off in the early evening on Saturday, December 13.
Organizers are encouraging local businesses, churches, school groups, and civic organizations to decorate floats with gingerbread houses, candy canes, and other candy-themed designs. Parade entry is free, and residents from Andrews, Marble, and the surrounding valley are invited to participate or spectate.
* The theme gives small businesses and school groups a simple and family friendly idea to build around without large budgets.
* Parade registration remains open for a limited time, with town hall and online forms available for would-be participants.
* The event is positioned as a capstone community gathering for Andrews before the final run-up to Christmas.
Sources:
* Town of Andrews parade announcement – https://www.andrewsnc.org/join-the-2025-andrews-christmas-parade
* Town of Andrews Facebook updates – https://www.facebook.com/townofandrewsnc
* Event listings highlighting the 6:15 p.m. start – https://allevents.in/andrews/andrews-christmas-parade/200029097492818
* Local news feature on the gingerbread theme – https://www.themountainbuzz.com/post/andrews-to-host-gingerbread-themed-christmas-parade
News Date: October 31, 2025.
Copperhill and McCaysville share a full Saturday of markets and parades
On the Tennessee–Georgia line, Copperhill and McCaysville are stacking events on Saturday, December 6, to create a full Twin Cities holiday experience. The morning kicks off with the Twin Cities Market along the McCaysville–Copperhill steel bridge area, running from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with vendors offering handcrafted goods, seasonal foods, and local products.
In the afternoon, the Copperhill Kiwanis Christmas Parade 2025 rolls through downtown under the theme “The Copperhill Express.” Parade details from city and Kiwanis sources show lineup starting near McCaysville City Park, float judging at noon, and the parade stepping off at 2:00 p.m. The route winds through both Copperhill and McCaysville, making it a shared event for residents and visitors on both sides of the state line.
* The Twin Cities Market gives local artisans and small businesses a concentrated window to reach holiday shoppers.
* The Copperhill Express parade highlights the region’s railroad heritage while serving as a major family event for the Copper Basin.
* Regional media are bundling the market and parade together, encouraging visitors to plan for a full day in the Twin Cities.
Sources:
* Copperhill Kiwanis Christmas Parade event page – https://copperhill.gov/events-calendar/copperhill-kiwanis-christmas-parade-2025
* City of McCaysville Christmas Parade listing – https://cityofmccaysvillega.gov/event/christmas-parade
* Copperhill events calendar showing Twin Cities Market – https://copperhill.gov/events-calendar/twin-cities-market-december-6
* Regional roundup of Copper Basin Christmas events – https://www.blueridgemountains.com/blog/small-town-holidays-in-blue-ridge
News Date: November 27, 2025.
Sports corner: Murphy Bulldogs chase a state berth
On the sports front, the Murphy Bulldogs football team hosts Starmount tonight in the 2A West regional final, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. at Murphy High School. Bracket listings from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association confirm the matchup and show a path for the winner straight into the state championship game.
Meanwhile, high school basketball programs across the region, including Murphy, Hayesville, and Andrews, are pushing through early-season games as they prepare for conference play. While football gets the spotlight tonight, the next few weeks will mark the start of the winter sports rhythm in school gyms across the western counties.
* Tonight’s game is a high-stakes home matchup for Murphy, with strong local turnout expected.
* Fans should plan for chilly conditions in the stands and allow extra time for parking and security lines.
* Basketball fans can begin watching local schedules for home dates as conference play approaches.
Sources:
* NCHSAA football brackets and schedule –
https://www.nchsaa.org
* Regional prep sports coverage and game previews – https://www.cherokeescout.com
News Date: December 4, 2025.
Friday trails: Murphy River Walk, Jackrabbit, and Vogel State Park
To close the week, today’s feel-good segment focuses on three trails and walking options you can work into parade weekends, concerts, and family visits.
In Murphy, the Murphy River Walk offers an easy, mostly flat path that threads along the river near downtown. It is a simple way to stretch your legs before or after the Christmas parade, and it connects into areas near the L and N Depot and other downtown access points.
Near Hayesville and Hiawassee, the Jackrabbit Mountain trail system provides a mix of short, family-friendly loops and longer routes with elevation and lake views. Winter conditions open up vistas across the water and hillsides, but hikers should still plan for early sunsets and bring layers.
Closer to Blairsville, Vogel State Park remains a go–to option for a paved or well-maintained lakeside loop with full park amenities. The short walk around the lake offers a gentle outing for families, older walkers, or anyone who prefers a low-key way to get outside after a long week.
* All three options benefit from starting hikes earlier in the day to avoid getting caught out after dark.
* Hikers should bring basic winter layers, a small light, and bright clothing, especially near any open hunting areas.
* These trails give residents from Murphy, Hayesville, Blairsville, Marble, and neighboring communities easy ways to enjoy the season without long drives or technical terrain.
Sources:
* Murphy River Walk information – https://www.visitmurphync.com
* Jackrabbit Mountain trail descriptions – https://www.fs.usda.gov
* Vogel State Park details – https://gastateparks.org/Vogel
News Date: December 2, 2025.
News Date references reflect the most recent major source used for each segment, not the publication date of this newscast.
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Notes, methods, and rights
This update is assembled using a mix of human editorial judgment, public records, and reputable local and regional news sources, with help from AI tools to summarize and organize information. All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Every effort is made to keep details accurate as of the News Date listed for each topic, but listeners and readers should always confirm time-sensitive items such as event times, ticket availability, and road or weather conditions with official organizers and agencies.
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