When the air turns crisp and the mountains sparkle with festive lights, Asheville transforms into a holiday wonderland.
From dazzling light displays to time-honored traditions, the season brings plenty of ways to gather, explore, and celebrate. Here’s a look at the celebrations and experiences that await you this year.
Christmas at Biltmore
Experience the magic of the season at Biltmore, where holiday traditions light up every corner of George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate.
Two distinct experiences bring the season to life:
- Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026) | Explore Biltmore House and grounds with dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees, holiday lights, candles, garlands, poinsettias, and thousands of ornaments.
- Candlelight Christmas Evenings (Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026) | Evenings at Biltmore glow with candlelight, twinkling trees, fireplaces, and live music. A majestic Norway spruce greets guests at the entrance, while Antler Hill Village dazzles with its own sparkling displays.
*Candlelight Christmas Evenings require a separate ticket and are available by reservation only.
The National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
The beloved National Gingerbread House Competition returns to Asheville in 2025! For over three decades, this holiday tradition has filled The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa with creativity, festive magic, and incredible edible craftsmanship.
- Public Viewing: Nov. 18, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Non-guests can view the display after 6 p.m. Sundays or Monday–Thursday (parking permitting). Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for resort guests and dining reservations.
- Entries: Contestants of all ages submit houses made from at least 75% gingerbread.
- Virtual Fun: “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” (Dec. 1–12, 2025) showcases entries on Omni Grove Park Inn’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
Winter Lights & Other Dazzling Displays
Asheville shines bright during the holidays with multiple spectacular light displays:
- Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum (Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026) | This open-air, walk-through show features larger-than-life illuminated displays, including towering flowers, brilliant butterflies, and monumental mushrooms.
- Dambo’s Trolls: A Field Study (Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 17, 2026) | Thomas Dambo’s newest troll sculptures make their U.S. debut at the Arboretum, exploring gardens and trails through Feb. 17, 2026. Six trolls are featured within Winter Lights (Nov. 15 – Jan. 4), adding a playful, imaginative element to Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition.
- Lake Julian Festival of Lights (Dec. 2-23) | A drive-thru experience with 50 animated and stationary exhibits. The first night (Nov. 30) offers a special walk-thru from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with s’mores, holiday crafts, and festive fun.
- YMI Banjul-Banjo Series Presents Jazz & Soul Sessions (Nov - April, Every 4th Thurs & Fri) | Join the YMI for an unforgettable Jazz & Soul Session held in a building where music and art have long been the heartbeat of The Block. These sessions celebrate creativity, culture, and community.
- Winter Wonder Walk at the Adventure Center of Asheville (Nov. 29 - Dec. 14, 2025 | An immersive outdoor storybook experience with live characters, thousands of twinkling lights, Asheville’s largest snowball fight, a holiday market, crafts, and cozy bonfires. Combo passes include illuminated aerial trails, and the event supports local charities including MANNA Foodbank and Camp Lakey Gap.
Uniquely Asheville Holiday Happenings
Asheville has always marched to the beat of her own drummer, and that goes double for holiday traditions! Whether it’s story time with Appalachian Santa or relaxing over a Cold Mountain Winter Ale, take time to gather with community and loved ones to celebrate the season.
- Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards
November 26, 2025 – January 19, 2026
Step into the magic of the season at Asheville’s newest winter tradition. The Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards brings outdoor skating, twinkling lights, festive music, and cozy mountain vibes to downtown. Non-skaters can enjoy free entry to a lively Winter Wonderland featuring a holiday market, art installations, themed skate nights, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate and holiday cocktails. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. - Warren Haynes Presents The Christmas Jam
December 13, 2025
Curated and presented by Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer and revered guitarist Warren Haynes, the Christmas Jam is a one-of-a-kind music marathon. - Grove Arcade Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party
Nov. 29, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join this free, family-friendly celebration featuring live jazz, Asheville Ballet performances, street entertainment, and an outdoor holiday market. - Cold Mountain Release Weekend at Highland Brewing
November 6–10, 2025
Celebrate the return of Cold Mountain Winter Ale with exclusive beer releases, and an incredible local-only lineup of musicians and performing artists. - Reindeer Romp in Black Mountain at Multiple Locations
December 19 from 5-9 p.m.
Join Lookout Brewing for Black Mountain’s first-ever holiday bar crawl, the Reindeer Romp! Participants can hop between festive stops—including Lookout Brewing Company, Old Town District, Peri Social House, The Station, White Horse, Que Sera, and BLK MTN Brewing—before ending the night with an after-party at Town Pump after 9 PM. Expect seasonal drink specials, holiday décor, costume contests, and plenty of merry moments throughout downtown. - Storytime with Appalachian Santa at Montgomery Sky Farm
December 21, 2025, from 7–9 p.m.
Bring your family in your favorite holiday attire (pajamas strongly encouraged) to enjoy a Christmas story with Santa, a chocolate charcuterie board, warm refreshments, and cookies. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa. - LaZoom Hey Asheville Holiday Tour
November 28 - December 24, 2025
Hop aboard LaZoom's purple bus for a 90-minute guided comedy tour of Asheville's history, infused with holiday cheer and a 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing. - Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
November 17 - December 30, 2025
The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley tour is a fun and festive celebration of the season. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions and then join in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and the songs of Christmas - Weaverville Candlelight Stroll
December 12, 2025, from 5–8 p.m.
Enjoy a cherished annual community event with holiday shopping, storytelling, music, kids' crafts, and the lighting of the Weaverville tree on Main Street at 6 p.m. - Deck the Trees at Monte Vista Hotel
December 5, 2025 – January 5, 2026
View creatively decorated Christmas trees in the theme of "Winter Wonderland" at The Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain. - Black Mountain Holly Jolly Celebration & Parade
December 5, 2025
Experience a festive evening with luminaries, food vendors, carolers, and a parade through downtown Black Mountain.
Concerts & Performances
From nationally touring bands and indie darlings to beloved traditions and boundary-pushing performances, Asheville's stages are alive with energy this season. November and December bring more than just holiday magic — they deliver a packed calendar of concerts, comedy, dance, theater, and cultural events that showcase the city’s vibrant creative spirit.
November Highlights
November 1, 2025: Karla Bonoff at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 1, 2025: Olding by Johanna Courtleigh at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 3, 2025: The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
November 3, 2025: Purity Ring at The Orange Peel
November 4, 2025: Viagra Boys at The Orange Peel
November 5–23, 2025: Is This a Room at NC Stage
November 6, 2025: Jamie Lissow: Better Off Dad at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 6–23, 2025: Juked presented by Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 7, 2025: Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show) at Grey Eagle Music Hall
November 7, 2025: TOBYMAC at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
November 7–9, 2025: The Gift by Paperhand Puppet Project at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 8, 2025: Explore Asheville Presents: Asheville Sessions (feat. River Whyless, Tyler Ramsey, Toubab Krewe, Floating Action) at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
November 9, 2025: Geese at Grey Eagle Music Hall
November 9, 2025: Jazz Is for Everyone: Swing – Always on Time at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 10, 2025: William Elliott Whitmore at Grey Eagle Music Hall
November 10, 2025: We Lift Each Other presented by Arts Impact Collaborative at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 11, 2025: Bowling For Soup at The Orange Peel
November 11, 2025: Grand Kyiv Ballet – Swan Lake at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 12, 2025: Durand Jones & The Indications at The Orange Peel
November 12, 2025: Grand Kyiv Ballet – The Snow Queen at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 13, 2025: The Lemonheads at Grey Eagle Music Hall
November 14, 2025: José González at The Orange Peel
November 14, 2025: Murder By Death with BJ Barham at Grey Eagle Music Hall
November 14, 2025: Cirque Kalabanté – Afrique en Cirque at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 15, 2025: Dwight Yoakam & The Mavericks at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
November 16, 2025: NEEDTOBREATHE at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
November 16, 2025: Garrison Keillor Tonight! at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 17–19, 2025: They Might Be Giants at The Orange Peel
November 19, 2025: The Lone Bellow with Caroline Spence at Grey Eagle Music Hall
November 20–23, 2025: Ingles Southern Conference Volleyball Tournament at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
November 21, 2025: Aziz Ansari at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
November 21, 2025: Willi Carlisle at Grey Eagle Music Hall
November 21, 2025: Blue Ridge Holler presented by FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 22, 2025: Dirty Logic – A Steely Dan Tribute at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
November 28, 2025: David Wilcox at Grey Eagle Music Hall
December Highlights
December 1, 2025: A Hawaiian Christmas at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 3, 2025: Bonnie “Prince” Billy at Grey Eagle Music Hall
December 5–6, 2025: The Comedy Zone: Helen Hong at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 5–6, 2025: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 5–21, 2025: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at Asheville Community Theatre
December 6–7, 2025: The Big Crafty at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
December 6, 2025: Zakk Sabbath at The Orange Peel
December 9, 2025: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
December 11–14, 2025: The Nutcracker at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 11–21, 2025: A Christmas Carol: A Play with Music at NC Stage
December 13, 2025: Whitechapel at The Orange Peel
December 13, 2025: Warren Haynes Presents The Christmas Jam at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
December 14, 2025: Jessica Kirson at The Orange Peel
December 14, 2025: The Secret Sisters at Grey Eagle Music Hall
December 18–20, 2025: The Nutcracker at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 19–20, 2025: Ingles Great Smoky Mountain Grapple 2025 at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
December 19, 2025: Vienna Light Orchestra – Christmas Tour 2025 at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
December 21, 2025: A Swannanoa Solstice at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 31, 2025: The Avett Brothers at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
