The Blue Ridge Mountains are sparkling this year with festive lights, creative spirit, and cozy moments worth traveling for.
From a 130th Christmas at Biltmore to the North American premiere of Thomas Dambo’s Trolls: A Field Study at The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville’s holiday season blends timeless traditions with joyful surprises.
Here are 23 reasons to make your 2025 holiday getaway merry and bright in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
Timeless Traditions, Fresh Twists
Generations of visitors have made Asheville their holiday home-away-from-home — but this year’s celebrations feel brighter than ever, with Gilded Age glamour, twinkling lights, and thoughtful nods to history.
1. Biltmore’s 130th Christmas Celebration (Nov 1 – Jan 4) — Step inside America’s Largest Home, where décor inspired by archival letters and 1895 menus recalls the Vanderbilt family’s first Christmas. From the 35-foot Fraser Fir in the Banquet Hall to candlelit evenings and hundreds of trees across the estate, the holidays shimmer with tradition. Looking ahead, Biltmore will unveil Luminere — its first-ever outdoor illuminated art experience — opening March 26 2026 with tickets on sale Nov 12.
2. Winter Lights & Thomas Dambo’s Trolls at The North Carolina Arboretum (Nov 15 – Feb 17) — The Arboretum’s beloved Winter Lights returns with hundreds of thousands of twinkling bulbs and the North American premiere of 12 new troll sculptures by Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo. Crafted from reclaimed wood, these larger-than-life figures bring whimsy, wonder, and an eco-friendly message to the Blue Ridge. Several area hotels and B&Bs are even offering special troll travel packages for holiday seekers.
3. Sweet Traditions & Fireside Moments at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa (Nov 18 – Jan 4) — The National Gingerbread House Competition® returns to this historic inn, filling its halls with edible artistry and more than $40,000 in prizes. After admiring the creations, sip a hot chocolate from the life-size gingerbread house or settle beside one of the inn’s grand stone fireplaces. Across town, find the warm glow of more cozy fireplaces at Antidote, Leo’s House of Thirst, or Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins.
Music, Milestones & Mountain Magic
From century-old legacies to can’t-miss concerts, Asheville’s soundtrack shines with both heritage and heart.
4. 100 Years of the Asheville Sessions — Celebrate the first commercial recordings made in Appalachia with concerts by artists including Ketch Secor, River Whyless, and Tyler Ramsey, plus panels featuring producer Bryan Wright, historians Ted Olson and Tony Russell, and more.
5. Warren Haynes Presents: The Christmas Jam (Dec 13) After a one-year hiatus post-Helene, this legendary benefit concert returns to the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. Since 1988, it has raised over $2.8 million for local nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity and Beloved Asheville.
6. Holiday Concerts Across the City — From the Avett Brothers on New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) to They Might Be Giants, Portugal. The Man, and Indigo Souza at The Orange Peel, plus Kyiv Ballet, The Nutcracker, and A Swannanoa Solstice at Wortham Center, Asheville’s venues are alive with music all season.
Downtown Asheville Magic
Downtown glows with creativity, from art-decked storefronts to new experiences under the lights.
7. Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards (Nov 26 – Jan 19) — Glide beneath twinkling lights, enjoy holiday-inspired cocktails and cocoa, and join weekly theme nights at this open-air ice rink in the heart of the city.
8. Grove Arcade Tree Lighting & Holiday Block Party (Nov 29) — The Art Deco landmark celebrates Small Business Saturday with live jazz, Asheville Ballet performances, and an outdoor market.
9. Museum of Costume Jewelry (Opening November) — The first museum in North America dedicated solely to costume jewelry features 300+ pieces by designers like Elsa Schiaparelli, Miriam Haskell, Tom Ford, and Christian Dior, plus a reference library and glittering gift shop.
10. The Big Crafty (Dec 6) — One of the South’s largest handmade markets, hosted by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, brings together 180+ artists offering ceramics, glass, textiles, and more.
11. Winter Window Display Contest (Nov 22 – Jan 1) — Downtown Asheville businesses compete for “Best Overall,” “People’s Choice,” and “Best Use of Theme” in this glowing annual tradition.
Small-Town Charm & Mountain Traditions
Beyond the city, Asheville’s neighboring towns shine with festive spirit and family-friendly warmth.
12. Black Mountain’s Holly Jolly Weekend (Dec 5–6) — Late-night shopping, local music, and a holiday parade with more than 100 floats make this one of the South’s most beloved mountain celebrations.
13. Weaverville Candlelight Stroll (Dec 12) Main Street glows with luminaries, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live entertainment — plus favorite stops like Stoney Knob Café and Wagbar.
Family Fun & Festive Adventures
From storybook walks to Highland cows and cocoa, Asheville’s region knows how to make memories bright.
14. Storytime with Appalachian Santa (Dec 21) — At Montgomery Sky Farm, Santa arrives Appalachian-style with bells and Highland cows. Enjoy a chocolate charcuterie board and a gift for every child.
15. Winter Wonder Walk (Select Dates Nov 28 – Dec 12) — At the Adventure Center of Asheville, families follow Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairy through a story-filled quest — plus illuminated Glow Trails for kids 4 and up.
16. Lake Julian Festival of Lights (Dec) — A drive-through holiday display reflected across the water creates a dreamy evening for families.
Festivities for the Grown-Up Traveler
Cheers to a season of craft cocktails, local beer legends, and offbeat holiday fun.
17. Sippin’ Santa at Tiki Easy Bar (Dates TBD) — This hidden South Slope speakeasy transforms into a tropical holiday pop-up with rum cocktails and secret menu surprises.
18. Cold Mountain Beer Release (Nov 6 – 10) Highland Brewing’s cult-favorite spiced winter ale celebrates its 28th year with five days of exclusive releases and local-music events.
19. “Hey Asheville!” Holiday Tour (Nov 28 – Dec 24) LaZoom’s purple bus brings comedy and holiday antics to the streets in a jolly new edition of its signature sightseeing tour.
Handmade Markets & Holiday Finds
Artisans, antiques, and Appalachian craftsmanship define the region’s holiday shopping scene.
20. Marquee is Back — Home to 350 creators and makers, the River Arts District hub is back and buzzing for its first holiday season since reopening.
21. Holiday Sale at the Folk Art Center (Dec 6 & 13)Meet Southern Highland Craft Guild artists and shop handcrafted treasures along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which has reopened 114 contiguous miles through Asheville for the longest winter views of the year.
22. Christmas in Asheville at the WNC Ag Center (Nov 21 – 23) — Browse more than 130 vendors offering holiday treats, boutique gifts, and home décor plus food trucks and live music.
23. North Asheville Tailgate Market Holiday Bazaar (Late Nov – Late Dec) — The state’s longest-running producer-only market gets a festive twist with local produce, baked goods, and gifts.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you’re chasing trolls and twinkling lights or curling up by a fire with mountain views, Asheville invites you to celebrate creativity, community, and the magic of the season. Search for places to stay and find your holiday home base now.