While you're making your list, and before you start checking it twice, be sure to add a trip to Asheville, North Carolina, to the top of your holiday to-do's. Why? Asheville takes the holidays to the next level with these five can't-miss things to do and see.
1. Santa Claus’s Favorite Holiday Hangout
Santa and his helpers may make their home at the North Pole, but Asheville is where Saint Nick comes to get ready for the Big Night. Santa has been spotted showing off his break-dancing moves and soaking in the weekly drum circle as he unwinds with his own Blue Ridge Mountain vacation.
2. A Gingerbread Wonderland Like No Other
The contestants in the National Gingerbread House Competition, held annually at The Omni Grove Park Inn, take the sweet art of holiday baking to a whole new level. Each year, judges score more than 150 gingerbread creations, which must be made entirely of edible items and which come in every size, shape and theme imaginable. You can view the entries during the public display (November 23, 2024-January 5, 2024). See our guide to the National Gingerbread House Competition display in Asheville, NC for important information to know before you go.
2024 SEASON UPDATE: Following Hurricane Helene, the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread Competition has been reimagined as the Gingerbread Trail of Giving. For the first time, 40+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at local businesses throughout the Asheville community (See a complete list of participating locations here). Some houses will remain on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn, which reopened for overnight visitation on Nov. 15. Gingerbread houses can be viewed from November 23, 2024 through January 5, 2025.
3. Christmas Magic at America’s Largest Home
When you're America's Largest Home, the only way to do the holiday is to do it big! Biltmore first opened its doors to guests on Christmas Eve in 1895. Biltmore still wows visitors today during the Christmas at Biltmore celebration (Nov. 3, 2023-Jan. 7, 2024) with more than 60 decorated trees, thousands of feet of garland and hundreds of poinsettias, not to mention a 35-foot Fraser fir that stretches to the ceiling of the great Banquet Hall.
Feel the excitement during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where your epic tour will be accompanied by music, stories and flickering fireplaces.
2024 SEASON UPDATE: Christmas at Biltmore, Asheville’s most iconic holiday tradition, kicked off as originally scheduled on Nov. 2, 2024. The historic Biltmore House, as well as the conservatory and gardens, sustained minimal damage. Some trails across the 8,000-acre estate remain closed and a few road detours may be in place.
4. Stroll Through a Sparkling Winter Wonderland
Asheville's brightest winter tradition brings the holidays to life with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights throughout the nationally-known gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum. The Winter Lights celebration, November 17 - December 31, 2023, enhances the natural beauty of the Arboretum's manicured grounds.
2024 SEASON UPDATE: Winter Lights is moving forward as scheduled. During the day, the Arboretum's Formal Gardens, Bonsai Exhibit Garden, Education Center, Baker Exhibit Center and Bent Creek Bistro are open during normal winter seasonal hours (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., with the incoming gate closing at 6:00 p.m.). All Arboretum trails and outdoor areas beyond the Formal Gardens remain closed to guests.
5. Cheers Over Holiday Beers
Speaking of beer, the many breweries in Beer City USA feel especially festive at this time of the year and serve up holiday-inspired beers. Try specialty beers such as Asheville Brewing Company's Ninjabread Porter and Highland Brewing Company's Cold Mountain.
