8 Ways To Experience The Holidays in Asheville
By Lindsey Grossman
Every holiday season needs a little bit of sparkle—the twinkle of lights, the flicker of a fireplace, the shimmer of sugarplums or the glow of candlelight. Asheville, North Carolina brings all the sparkle—and gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views—to your holiday season this year with festive ways to play, indulge and get away from it all.
Discover how Asheville shines for the holidays!
1. Explore Downtown Asheville
Asheville kicks off the holidays with the Asheville Holiday Parade on November 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and you'll find great viewing along Biltmore and Patton Avenues.
Asheville architectural gem the Grove Arcade takes its decorations to the next level for its Winter Wonderland celebration. This shopping and dining hub features a gorgeous giant lighted tree outside. Adding to the ambiance, lights are strewn in the trees lining the sidewalk. Inside, string lights and decorated trees complement the stunning architectural details, leading the eye to the ceiling of skylights.
2. Oh, Christmas trees.
As the sun sets, the North Carolina Arboretum’s 434 acres transform into a glowing winter wonderland, strewn with thousands of lights. The Winter Lights celebration November 17 through December 31 in 2023 is a walk-through experience with plenty of new sights and displays as well as some familiar favorites.
3. (Biltmore) home for the holidays.
See Biltmore in a different, opulent light with its Christmas event (November 13, 2023-January 7, 2023). Biltmore staff deck the halls, lawn, and select estate locales with candlelight, firelight, and holiday lights. Nighttime passes include daytime admission (either same or next day) to Antler Hill Village & Winery, shops, grounds, and gardens. Biltmore has expanded its lights and ornaments display at Antler Hill Village.
4. Sugar and spice.
No holiday season in Asheville is complete without the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn. This pastry Parade of Homes has become a beloved local tradition. In 2023, the entries will be on public display at the Resort (November 27, 2023-January 2, 2024). See our guide to the National Gingerbread House Competition for important information to know before you go, including exclusive viewing dates for resort guests and more.
5. Shop talk.
Find unique gifts for friends and family--do your holiday shopping in the land of all things local and handmade. Historic Biltmore Village and downtown’s Grove Arcade sparkle with holiday light displays, as does Asheville’s bustling Biltmore Park shopping district to the south. Pop in and out of galleries and independent stores featuring one-of-a-kind items for everyone on your list.
The Asheville Outlets hosts holiday events throughout the season. Traditionally, the Asheville Outlets kick off the season Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Past years have included a free Santa photo experience.
6. All, aboard!
Hop aboard the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley with Gray Line Tours for a fun and festive celebration of the season. The tour includes live music, storytelling and caroling. All the while, the Holly Jolly Trolley rolls past the decorations and lights in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods. The Trolley is heated and enclosed with clear vinyl roll-down curtains.
Meanwhile, Santa Claus is coming to the Blue Ridge Mountains by train as the Craggy Mountain Line gets in the holiday spirit.
7. Light the lights.
Photo courtesy of the Moscow Ballet
Traditionally, Asheville has had no shortage of holiday performances to dazzle you, from the classic Nutcracker to a sidesplitting, adults-only Christmas sketch comedy.
You can easily search our Asheville events calendar by date for updated information on performances, events and festivals.
8. Small town charm.
Minutes from downtown, you’ll find Asheville’s Norman Rockwell-esque neighbors with their own holiday traditions. Weaverville’s Candlelight Stroll (Dec. 8, 2023) lights up the town’s Main Street, complete with music, horse and carriage rides, carolers, and children’s activities.
