8 Ways To Experience The Holidays in Asheville

8 Ways To Experience The Holidays in Asheville

Biltmore Estate

In Asheville, this holiday season brings not only sparkle but a renewed sense of unity and strength. Since Hurricane Helene struck in late September, our region has been rebuilding with resilience and determination, thanks to the dedication of our community and support from around the world. Now, with businesses reopening and the mountains blanketed in festive cheer, Asheville is ready to welcome you back with festive ways to play, indulge and get away from it all.

From twinkling lights to timeless traditions, here are eight ways you can light up your holidays with warmth and wonder this year in Asheville:

1. Explore Downtown Asheville

Asheville will kick off the 2024 holiday season with the Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Saturday, November 23, at 11 a.m. in Pack Square Park. Formerly the Holiday Parade, this year’s event embraces a new format and theme, Winter Wonderland, to allow more resources to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

The Grove Arcade decorated for its Winter Wonderland celebration


Another downtown icon, the , transforms into a holiday Winter Wonderland throughout the season. This shopping and dining hub features a gorgeous giant lighted tree outside and lights 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. A stroll through this gem feels like a step into a holiday fairytale, with seasonal displays leading your gaze up to the magnificent skylights.

Grove Arcade's Tree Lighting Block Party will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 4 to 9 p.m. on Page Avenue. Join in this free, family-friendly celebration featuring live jazz, Asheville Ballet performances, street entertainment, and an outdoor holiday market.

2. Oh, Christmas trees.

Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

As night falls, the North Carolina Arboretum's 434 acres will once again glow with the magic of Winter Lights, a beloved annual tradition running from November 15 to December 31, 2024. This year, the event offers more than just a stunning display of thousands of lights—it also serves as a tribute to the resilience and spirit of our community. 

3. (Biltmore) home for the holidays.

George Vanderbilt's Library at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC decorated for Christmas

See Biltmore in a different, opulent light with its annual Christmas at Biltmore event (November 2, 2024-January 5, 2025). Biltmore staff deck the halls, lawn, and select estate locales with candlelight, firelight, and holiday lights. Guests can choose between touring festive décor with a daytime visit, or an elegant evening with live holiday music and historic rooms glowing in the soft light of fireplaces with a Candlelight visit. Nighttime passes include daytime admission (either same or next day) to Antler Hill Village & Winery, shops, grounds, and gardens. 

4. Sugar and spice.

2017 National Gingerbread House Competition

No holiday season in Asheville is complete without the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn. In the spirit of community, the National Gingerbread Competition will not be judged this year – instead, 45+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at the Omni Grove Park Inn and local businesses throughout the community, including: S&W Market, Grove Arcade, Woolworth Walk, Highland Brewing (East Asheville), CURIO, Dancing Bear Toys, Horse + Hero, Hazel Twenty Boutique, Grovewood Village, and more. 

Each gingerbread house will be accompanied by a QR code for visitors to make donations to the Always Asheville Fund in support of the community. Gingerbread entries will go on display at local businesses starting Nov. 23 through Jan. 5. 

5. Shop talk.

Shopping for Unique Holiday Gifts

Find unique gifts for friends and family--do your holiday shopping in the land of all things local and handmade. 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!

Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley

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 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.

Moscow Ballet - The Great Russian Nutcracker

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.

Deck the Trees in Black Mountain

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.