Few experiences embody the excitement of the holidays like enjoying a display of bright, twinkling Christmas lights and meticulously-designed decorations. Visitors to Asheville, NC can enjoy these dazzling, family-friendly light shows that are sure to inspire the spirit of the season.
1. Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
Now in its 12th year, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum features thousands of energy-efficient LED lights throughout the nationally-known gardens. In 2025, Winter Lights is once again a walk-through experience with familiar favorites and new interactive experiences. The Winter Lights will begin on November 15 and run through January 4. And this year, six of Thomas Dambo’s new troll sculptures will be woven into the Winter Lights experience, glowing along the trails and adding a playful bit of woodland magic to the walk.
2. Christmas at Biltmore
From the moment visitors enter through the Lodge Gate at the entrance to Biltmore, they know they are in for a treat. What awaits inside the gate is a classic Christmas that hearkens back to the days of the Vanderbilts. A giant, sparkling 55-foot Norway spruce surrounded by illuminated evergreens and shrubs welcomes guests on the front lawn. Inside the house, some 60 intricately-decorated trees highlight the Christmas at Biltmore celebration. The 30,000 lights and 150 candles inside the home are particularly magical at night during the Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore tour. Christmas at Biltmore festivities run from November 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
3. Grove Arcade (Downtown Asheville)
Asheville architectural gem the Grove Arcade has taken its decorations to the next level for its Winter Wonderland celebration (Nov. 29, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.). This shopping and dining hub features a gorgeous giant lighted tree outside. Adding to the ambiance, lights are 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.
4. The Omni Grove Park Inn
There are few places that offer the coziness and warmth of the season like the Great Hall at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Lighted wreaths adorn giant fireplaces with welcoming rocking chairs just waiting to transport visitors to holiday relaxation. Dozens of decorated trees brighten the halls of the Inn. And, you can see the public display of the entries in the National Gingerbread House Competition (November 18, 2024-January 4, 2026).
5. Biltmore Park Town Square
One of Asheville’s most beautiful shopping areas, Biltmore Park, glows at night with tens of thousands of lights. Beautiful lighted trees line the sidewalks in front of the many stores and restaurants.
6. Deck The Trees in Black Mountain
A short drive from downtown Asheville, you’ll find Asheville’s Norman Rockwell-esque neighbors with their own holiday traditions. Black Mountain’s Deck the Trees fundraiser fills the Monte Vista Hotel, Peri Social House and nearby shops with over 40 “Winter Wonderland”-themed trees. to support the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s Fuel Fund. Vote for your favorite tree with a $1 donation from Dec. 5 to Jan. 5, helping local families stay warm this winter.
7. Lake Julian Festival of Lights
A local drive-thru light show, Lake Julian Festival of Lights, illuminates a popular Buncombe County park. The road circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling lights with 50 animated and stationary light displays. The season kicks off with a "walk-through night" (Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m.) – the only night you can walk through the park to see the lights. For the remainder of the season, you can drive through the park to see the lights. Experience the Lake Julian Festival of Lights Dec. 2-23.
