2024 Holiday Season: What’s Open and Happening in the Asheville Area
Since Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in late September, the Asheville area has been re-building slowly, surely and safely. Recovery has happened in stages and pockets aided by the enormous grit and gumption of our community and the kindness of people all over the world who have supported Asheville from afar.
Now that the holiday season is upon us, many businesses are open and eager for visitors to return to Asheville and celebrate this joyous time of year. Here’s a look at the celebrations and experiences that await you.
Christmas at Biltmore
When the air gets crisp and the leaves start to fall, you know it’s time for Christmas at Biltmore.
Asheville’s most iconic holiday tradition will begin as scheduled despite challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. Conditions across the 8,000-acre estate vary, but the Biltmore House, conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels received minimal damage. Biltmore’s main entrance in historic Biltmore Village does require repairs due to flood damage, and road detours may be in place around the area. Trails across the estate remain closed for cleanup, and hours of operation at some estate locations will vary during this recovery period—check Biltmore's website for the latest updates.
As always, there are two great ways to experience the holidays at George Vanderbilt’s opulent 8,000-acre estate:
Christmas Daytime Celebration (Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025) | This daytime feast for the senses at Biltmore House features dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees, along with tens of thousands of ornaments, holiday lights, candles, garlands and poinsettias.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings (Nov. 3 – Jan. 6) | Evenings when Biltmore House is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, combined with the scent of fresh greenery, offer an experience reminiscent of a bygone era. A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.
For both Daytime and Candlelight Evenings, select ticket options include admission to the amazing Chihuly glass exhibit and FREE next-day grounds access.
The National Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn
Sweet-toothed visitors of all ages can spice up their holiday season during the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread Competition.
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. A full list of display locations will be released by the resort soon.
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.
Winter Lights & Other Dazzling Displays
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, which runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, is Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition. The enchanting open-air, walk-through light show at the North Carolina Arboretum features larger-than-life illuminated displays. Features include towering flowers, brilliant butterflies and monumental mushrooms.
Another dazzling display is the Lake Julian Festival of Lights from Dec. 1-23. This drive-thru spectacular transforms a beloved park in South Asheville. The park's encircling road guides visitors through enchanting light tunnels adorned with 50 animated and stationary exhibits. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.
The first two nights (Dec 1-2) will feature a special walk-thru, where guests can walk through the lights by foot from 6-8 p.m. There will be s’mores, holiday crafts, and more.
The Adventure Center of Asheville will host its 4th annual Winter Wonder Walk, which includes a live-action immersive story walk on an outdoor trail complete with live characters, lights, and a blustery guest, Jack Frost. Guests will set out on a quest through the kingdom of Winterland to find Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairy and stop a terrible blizzard while meeting many wonderful characters.
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.
The Grove Arcade is throwing its Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party on Small Business Saturday, November 30th, 2024 from 4-9pm in alliance with the Asheville Downtown Association. Grove Arcade is grateful to be able to hold this traditional Asheville celebration and provide the space to gather after experiencing such hardship together. The Grove Arcade will host displaced Marquee and WEDGE Studio artists in the coming weeks
Cold Mountain Release Weekend, a cherished tradition, will continue this year at Highland Brewing! The iconic Cold Mountain Winter Ale will be released on Nov. 8 and pre-orders can be picked up starting on Nov. 11. The beer has been tested and tasted and it’s just as we want it to be. You’ll enjoy our classic Cold Mountain Winter Ale along with spinoffs including crowd favorites like Coconut and new recipes like Breakfast and Barrel Aged.
Miracle on Wall St: Wall Street in Downtown Asheville will host businesses who lost their storefronts for a magical one stop shopping experience this holiday. Starting in November, the Wall Street storefront of L’optique, located at 30 Wall St, will host rotating pop-up shops during regular business hours, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other Wall Street business owners like Laughing Seed, Early Girl Eatery and Element Tree Essentials, plan to join this initiative. Eager shoppers can stay updated on specific dates and additions by following the initiative’s Instagram
Festive weekend events, including from Santa, live music,and other holiday-themed activities, are also in the works to bring additional cheer to Wall Street this season.
Storytime with Appalachian Santa at Montgomery Sky Farm. On Dec. 23, bring your family, in your favorite holiday attire (pajamas strongly encouraged) and enjoy a Christmas story with Santa. A chocolate charcuterie board, warm refreshments, and cookies will be provided, and each child will receive a special gift from Santa.
Hey Asheville: Holiday Tour (2024 dates TBD) | This seasonal tour from LaZoom injects enough holly jolly into its purple bus sightseeing adventure to keep guests laughing all the way.
Weaverville Candlelight Stroll (Dec. 6) | The not-so-sleepy small town of Weaverville comes alive with music, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and luminaries.
Deck the Trees (2024 dates TBD) | The public is invited to The Monte Vista Hotel in charming Black Mountain to view hand-decorated Christmas trees in the theme of “Winter Wonderland.”
Holly Jolly (2024 date TBD) | On the same night as Deck the Trees, Black Mountain visitors can enjoy Holly Jolly, when downtown shops stay open late with refreshments and live outdoor performances.
Handcrafted Gifts and Festive Holiday Markets
Looking for the perfect gift for your parent, sibling, or friend? The creative spirit of Asheville has got you covered! Whether a handblown glass ornament or an exceptional oil painting, Asheville holiday markets are the perfect place to snag a unique gift.
November 6 - December 18, 2024 (Wednesdays): Weaverville Tailgate Holiday Market at Weaverville Community Center, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. (temporarily at Honey and the Hive)
November 9, 2024: Holiday Artisan Market at Local Cloth, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
November 20 - December 21, 2024 (Saturdays): North Asheville Tailgate Market's holiday Bazaar at Parking Lot P34 at UNC Asheville, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (temporarily at Stein Mart, 848 Merrimon Ave.)
November 22 - December 23, 2024: Winter Market at NC Glass Center, Wednesday-Monday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
November 2-22, 2024 (Fridays): East Asheville Tailgate Market, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
December 6 & 7, 2024: Holiday Sip & Shop at Grovewood Gallery, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
December 7 & 8, 2024: The Big Crafty at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
December 7 & 8, 2024: Uncommon Holiday Market at Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
December 7 & 14, 2024: Holiday Sale at the Folk Art Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holiday Concerts & Performances
The whole family will enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays at local venues.
November 21 - December 15, 2024: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at NC Stage Company
December 5-22, 2024: The Sound of Music at Asheville Community Theatre
December 13-15, 2024: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 18, 2024: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville
December 22, 2024: A Swannanoa Solstice at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
December 22, 2024: A Christmas Carol: a solo performance by Mark Cabus at Black Mountain Center for the Arts