🧭 Hundred-Mile Happenings: Cheer Cowboys for Kids in Whitwell, Shop the Twin Cities Holiday Market, Light Up McCaysville, Ride Blue Ridge's Holiday Express, Eat Breakfast with Santa at the Read House and Visit EarlyWorks' 12 Nights of Santa

Or: Six New Ideas — a Christmas-Charity Horse Show Next Door, a Two-State Riverside Market, a Small-Town Tree Lighting, a Santa Train, Pancakes with the Clauses and a Huntsville Snowfall

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Saturday, November 7, 2026

Morning, neighbor. Here’s a fresh batch of outings, most of them pointed at the holidays. Closest first: the Marion County Sheriff’s Office hosts a Cowboys for Kids Fun Show at Ketner’s Mill Arena in Whitwell on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Central to raise money for Christmas for local kids. Then the mountain twin towns of McCaysville, Ga., and Copperhill, Tenn. hold a Twin Cities Holiday Market on Saturdays, Nov. 21 and 28, and Light Up McCaysville on Friday, Nov. 27. Up the road, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Express brings Santa aboard starting Thanksgiving weekend. In Chattanooga, The Read House serves Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5. And in Huntsville, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum runs 12 Nights of Santa from Dec. 12 to 23. What it means for you: two are free or nearly free, three need tickets bought ahead, and the Georgia and Chattanooga stops run on Eastern time. Where something isn’t spelled out, I say so.

⏱️ Your 30-second trip list

• Sun., Nov. 15, 2 p.m. (Central): Cowboys for Kids Fun Show, Ketner’s Mill Arena, Whitwell. Cost not listed; proceeds help local kids at Christmas.
• Sat., Nov. 21 and Sat., Nov. 28, 10 a.m. (Eastern = 9 a.m. Central): Twin Cities Holiday Market, McCaysville–Copperhill steel bridge area. Free to browse.
• Fri., Nov. 27, 5–7 p.m. (Eastern = 4–6 p.m. Central): Light Up McCaysville, Riverwalk Shops. Tree lighting at dusk.
• Nov. 27–Dec. 24 (Eastern): Holiday Express, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. $56.99 ages 13+; $46.99 ages 2–12. Book ahead.
• Sat., Nov. 28 and Sat., Dec. 5, 9–10:30 a.m. (Eastern = 8–9:30 a.m. Central): Breakfast with Santa, The Read House, Chattanooga. Advance tickets only.
• Dec. 12–23 (Central): 12 Nights of Santa, EarlyWorks, Huntsville. $15 per person; under 1 free. Buy online ahead.

🕰️ The one thing to remember: Chattanooga and the Georgia mountain towns are on Eastern time, but Whitwell and Huntsville are on Central time — same as Dunlap. So a 9 a.m. Read House breakfast is 8 a.m. our time, Light Up McCaysville’s 5 p.m. start is 4 p.m. on our clocks, and EarlyWorks’ times match ours. Three of these need tickets bought ahead: the Holiday Express, Breakfast with Santa and 12 Nights of Santa. Always check before you go.

🐴 Cheer the Riders at the Cowboys for Kids Fun Show in Whitwell

This one’s practically next door. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office invites everyone to an afternoon of family-friendly horseback fun, festive races and fellowship at Ketner’s Mill Arena. All proceeds go to the MCSO Christmas for Kids program, which helps provide Christmas for Marion County families in need.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, 2 p.m. Central.
• Where: Ketner’s Mill Arena, 2350 Ketner Mill Road, Whitwell, TN.
• How far: About 25 miles, roughly 35–45 minutes down the valley. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Not listed in the announcement — check before you go. Bring a few dollars, since it’s a fundraiser.
• Who’ll love it: Horse-loving kids, rodeo fans and anyone who wants a short Sunday outing that helps a neighbor’s child have a better Christmas.
• Good to know: It’s an outdoor arena, so dress for the weather and bring a chair or blanket. Source: SValleyNow.com.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow — Cowboys for Kids Fun Show Nov. 15)

🌉 Shop Two States at Once at the Twin Cities Holiday Market

McCaysville, Ga., and Copperhill, Tenn., sit side by side on the Toccoa–Ocoee River, and you can walk from one state to the other across the bridge. For two Saturdays, the Twin Cities Farmers Market turns into a holiday market by the historic steel bridge, with handmade crafts, treats and seasonal cheer.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, starting 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central). The chamber listing shows an end time of 2 p.m. in one spot and 3 p.m. in another, so plan to arrive by noon Eastern.
• Where: Downtown McCaysville–Copperhill steel bridge area (Bridge Street, McCaysville, Ga., and Grand Street, Copperhill, Tenn.).
• How far: About 100 miles, roughly 2 to 2¼ hours via Cleveland and U.S. 64 along the Ocoee. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Free to browse; you pay for what you buy.
• Who’ll love it: Handmade-gift shoppers, anyone who likes a scenic river drive and kids who get a kick out of standing in two states at once.
• Good to know: The U.S. 64 drive through the Ocoee River Gorge is pretty but winding, so leave early and take your time. Fannin County Chamber: 706-632-5680.

👉 Read more (Blue Ridge Mountains — Twin Cities Holiday Market)

✨ Watch the Tree Glow at Light Up McCaysville

The day after Thanksgiving, McCaysville kicks off the season along the river. Stroll downtown, shop and eat, and stop by the Riverwalk Shops, where children can visit with Santa. Then the town tree lights up at dusk.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, 5–7 p.m. Eastern (4–6 p.m. Central). Festivities begin at 5; the tree lighting is at dusk.
• Where: Riverwalk Shops area, 100 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, GA 30555.
• How far: About 100 miles, roughly 2 to 2¼ hours. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: No admission is listed for the lighting. Shopping, dining and any Santa photos are up to you, so check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Families with little ones who want to see Santa, couples who like a riverside evening and anyone stretching out the Thanksgiving weekend.
• Good to know: It’s dark and chilly by the end, so bring coats and a flashlight and drive home carefully on mountain roads. Pairs well with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s four-hour Holiday Pavilion ride, which stops in McCaysville–Copperhill and runs Nov. 27.

👉 Read more (Blue Ridge Mountains — Light Up McCaysville)

🚂 Ride the Holiday Express with Santa in Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway trims its train with string lights and garland for a one-hour holiday ride. There’s holiday music, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” and a visit from Santa. Children get a jingle bell and a candy cane, and the concession car sells hot chocolate and snacks.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: The chamber lists the season as Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, 2026, with one-hour rides. Departure times are posted by date on the railway’s ticket calendar (Eastern time). Not every day runs, so check before you go.
• Where: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot, 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
• How far: About 100–110 miles, roughly 2 to 2½ hours. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $56.99 ages 13 and up; $46.99 ages 2–12; infants ride free (chamber listing). Fees and taxes may be extra.
• Who’ll love it: Train-crazy kids, grandparents making a holiday memory and anyone who wants Santa without standing in a mall line.
• Good to know: The railway says these rides sell out fast, so buy tickets before you leave. Ticket office: 877-413-8724, open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern. The wheelchair-lift coach has to be booked by phone.

👉 Read more (Blue Ridge Mountains — Holiday Express Train)

🥞 Eat Pancakes with Santa at The Read House

Chattanooga’s historic Read House Hotel opens its Silver Ballroom for Breakfast with Santa. The chef serves pancakes and Belgian waffles with a toppings bar, plus hot cocoa, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus are there from the start. Bring a camera.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Saturday, Nov. 28 or Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, 9–10:30 a.m. Eastern (8–9:30 a.m. Central). An early riser’s dream.
• Where: The Read House (Silver Ballroom), 107 West M.L. King Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37402.
• How far: About 30–45 miles depending on your route, roughly 45–60 minutes. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: Advance tickets only on Eventbrite: an adult ticket for everyone 11 and up and a child ticket for ages 1–10. Infants under 1 are free but still need a ticket. The ticket page shows prices up to about $45 with fees. Exact adult and child prices weren’t clear, so check before you go.
• Who’ll love it: Young families, grandparents treating the grandkids and anyone who likes a fancy breakfast in a grand old hotel.
• Good to know: You’ll sit family-style at tables of 10, and tickets are nonrefundable. Leave by about 7:45 a.m. our time to park and be seated.

👉 Read more (NoogaFinder — Breakfast with Santa at The Read House)

❄️ Catch a Nightly Snowfall at EarlyWorks’ 12 Nights of Santa

In downtown Huntsville, EarlyWorks Children’s Museum hosts Santa every night for twelve nights. Besides sharing wish lists with Santa, kids can watch nightly indoor snowfalls, decorate a gingerbread cookie, make an ornament and write a letter to Santa.

Why it’s worth the drive:

• When: Nightly, Dec. 12 through Dec. 23, 2026. Entry starts at 5 p.m. on weeknights and 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Christmas week. Huntsville is on Central time, same as Dunlap.
• Where: EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, 404 Madison Street SE, Huntsville, AL 35801.
• How far: About 105 miles, roughly 2 hours. It’s a long day trip, at the edge of our range. Approximate; check your map app.
• Cost: $15 per person ($13 for EarlyWorks members). Children under 1 get in free.
• Who’ll love it: Preschool and grade-school kids, families who want Santa plus crafts in one warm indoor stop, and anyone making a Huntsville Christmas outing.
• Good to know: Entry is timed, and tickets must be bought online ahead at earlyworks.com/12nightsofsanta. Organizers say they sell out fast.

👉 Read more (North Alabama — 12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks)

Before you head out, a quick checklist:

• 🕰️ Watch the Eastern clock for Chattanooga, McCaysville, Copperhill and Blue Ridge. Whitwell and Huntsville match Dunlap (Central).
• 🐴 Sun., Nov. 15: Cowboys for Kids in Whitwell, 2 p.m. our time. Bring a few dollars for the cause.
• 🌉 Sat., Nov. 21 or 28: Twin Cities Holiday Market from 10 a.m. Eastern. Go early, since the closing time is listed two ways.
• ✨ Fri., Nov. 27: Light Up McCaysville at 5 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. ours). Tree lighting at dusk.
• 🎟️ Buy ahead: Holiday Express (Blue Ridge), Breakfast with Santa (Read House, Nov. 28 / Dec. 5) and 12 Nights of Santa (EarlyWorks, Dec. 12–23).
• 🧥 Dress warm for the outdoor arena and riverside evenings, and bring a flashlight for after-dark walks.
• ⛽ Fill up before the mountain drives. Need a local mechanic, tire shop or gas stop? Look on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these is free?

The Twin Cities Holiday Market is free to browse. Light Up McCaysville lists no admission. The Cowboys for Kids Fun Show doesn’t list a price, so check before you go. The Holiday Express ($56.99 / $46.99), Breakfast with Santa (advance tickets) and 12 Nights of Santa ($15) all charge.

Which one is closest to Dunlap?

The Cowboys for Kids Fun Show in Whitwell, about 25 miles away. The Read House in Chattanooga is about 30–45 miles. McCaysville–Copperhill and Blue Ridge are about 100–110 miles, and Huntsville is about 105.

Which ones need tickets bought ahead?

The Blue Ridge Holiday Express, Breakfast with Santa at The Read House and 12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks. All three say tickets go fast, and the Read House tickets are nonrefundable.

Which are best with younger kids?

All six work for kids. The Santa-focused ones (Holiday Express, Breakfast with Santa, 12 Nights of Santa and Light Up McCaysville’s Santa visit) are made for little ones. Cowboys for Kids is great for horse lovers.

Why do some listings say Eastern time and others don’t?

Chattanooga and the North Georgia mountain towns observe Eastern time, one hour ahead of Dunlap. Whitwell is in Marion County on Central time, and Huntsville, Ala., is also on Central time, so EarlyWorks’ 5 p.m. is 5 p.m. here.

Can I pair any of these in one trip?

Yes. On Friday, Nov. 27, ride the Blue Ridge train and then drive about 25 minutes to Light Up McCaysville for the evening lighting. On Saturday, Nov. 28, start with Breakfast with Santa in Chattanooga and then head over the mountains to the Twin Cities Holiday Market, though that’s a long day. Whitwell and Huntsville each work fine on their own.

Why are some prices and times missing?

I only list what an official page or reliable local listing shows. The Whitwell show price, the exact Read House ticket prices, the Twin Cities closing time and the Holiday Express’s day-by-day schedule weren’t fully spelled out. I’ve marked those check before you go.

🔗 Other Resources

• SValleyNow — Cowboys for Kids Fun Show
• Blue Ridge Mountains — Twin Cities Holiday Market
• City of Copperhill — Things to Do
• Blue Ridge Mountains — Light Up McCaysville
• Blue Ridge Mountains — Holiday Express Train guide
• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway — Tickets
• NoogaFinder — Breakfast with Santa at The Read House
• Eventbrite — Breakfast with Santa, Nov. 28 · Dec. 5
• North Alabama — 12 Nights of Santa
• EarlyWorks — 12 Nights of Santa tickets
• Dunlap.Directory — local businesses and services

🌅 Take It Easy, and Pick the One That Fits

You don’t have to do all six. If you want something close and soon, put the Whitwell Cowboys for Kids show on the calendar for Sunday the 15th. If a holiday road trip sounds good, choose one mountain day, either the Twin Cities market or Light Up McCaysville with the Blue Ridge train. Save Breakfast with Santa and EarlyWorks for the grandkids. Jot down three things: Chattanooga and Georgia are on Eastern time, Whitwell and Huntsville are on ours; three of these need tickets bought ahead; and check before you go. And for more calm, useful news from right here at home, keep reading Dunlap.Today and find local help on Dunlap.Directory.