Top 2024 Holiday Festivals & Events in Asheville

Holiday magic for all ages

Asheville is well known for going all out with its holiday celebrations. The season offers a mix of beloved holiday traditions, special events and pop-up markets. Here’s a list of festive celebrations and events happening all season long in the Asheville area.

Continue to check back as we update information throughout the holiday season. 

Top Events for the Holiday Season in Asheville, North Carolina

Christmas at Biltmore

November 2, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Biltmore

Biltmore has decked the halls in holiday décor with more than 100 hand-decorated trees including a 35-foot Fraser fir. Across the estate you’ll see garland, ribbons and festive light displays. Each night through January 4, 2025 Biltmore hosts its popular Candlelight Christmas Evenings. This requires a special ticket to reserve your time and select ticket options include a next-day visit to see the gardens, Antler Hill Village, and Winery, as well as the Chihuly at Biltmore exhibit.

Winter Lights

November 15 - December 31, 2024
The North Carolina Arboretum

Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights is a self-guided walking experience through the Arboretum that features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. Nearly one million lights enhance the natural beauty of the gardens. This year, expect to see favorite displays from years' past as well as some new interactive elements. Advance tickets are recommended.

Winter Wonderland

TBD, 2024
Grove Arcade

The holiday spirit in Asheville lives at the Grove Arcade. Since 2006, the merchants and residents of the Grove Arcade have come together to turn their beloved 1920s architectural gem into a winter wonderland. The festivities include a tree-lighting ceremony, kids movies and book readings, holiday bar-crawls, shopping opportunities and more. 

Asheville Holiday Parade

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Downtown Asheville

Bring the family out for a parade that will roll, dance, and march through downtown. This year's parade theme is "Winter Wonderland" and will feature more than 100 entries including bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, and other organizations. 

2024 National Gingerbread House Display

November 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Omni Grove Park Inn

Peruse hundreds of exquisite confectionery creations lining the halls of this famed resort, all of which are vying for the top spot in this year’s competition. Judges represent nationally renowned food and media professionals and entries are of the highest caliber. Guests not staying at the Inn are invited to view the display after 6 p.m. on Sundays and anytime Monday through Thursday, excluding Dec. 8, 23-26, 30 & 31. Parking rates apply.

Deck the Trees

TBD, 2024
Monte Vista Hotel, Black Mountain

Beautiful and unique hand-decorated Christmas trees in the theme of “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” will bring joy and inspiration to all who visit. The public is invited to view the multitude of adorned trees on display.

Appalachian Santa Experiences

Throughout December, 2024
Montgomery Sky Farm

In addition to interactions with Highland cows, mini goats and sheep, Montgomery Sky Farm hosts a number of holiday-themed events throughout December. Kids will particularly enjoy the dates when Appalachian Santa will be on the farm, including December 6 and 13 for gingerbread house-decorating, December 14 for stocking-decorating and ornament-painting, and December 23 for the 2nd annual Story Time with Santa, which includes a Christmas story with Santa, chocolate charcuterie board, warm refreshments, cookies, and a special gift from Santa. Pajama attire encouraged. 

Festival of Lights

TBD, 2024
Lake Julian

The traditional drive-thru experience will begin on Dec. 3 and shine through December 23. Admission is $5 and tickets for both the walk-thru and drive-thru events must be purchased in advance online.

Jingle Bell Trolley

December 5 - 23, 2024
Craggy Mountain Line Railroad

Take a festive, nostalgic train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This ride presents old-timey Christmas fun and education for the family. Tour multiple locomotive, cabooses, and train cars that harken to the 1930s and '40s while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate.

Dickens in the Village Festival

TBD, 2024
Biltmore Village

The beautiful, historic district of Biltmore Village transports you back in time to the days of Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol! The Old World Dickens in the Village Festival is an immersive holiday experience featuring performances by strolling carolers, actors and musicians dressed in costume. This year, the festival will include a Christmas market and kids carnival on Saturday, December 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by another Christmas market on Sunday, December 3, from 1 to 6 p.m.

27^th Annual Santa on the Chimney

December 7 & 14, 2024
Chimney Rock State Park

Watch Santa practice for the big night on one of the world's largest natural chimneys. On December 7 & 14, 2024, Santa does his trial run rappel from the top of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. Meet him and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, hear live music and enjoy family activities.

Black Mountain Christmas Parade

December 7, 2024
Downtown Black Mountain

Join in the holiday cheer at this annual event in Black Mountain, which features over 50 floats, vehicles and performers, as well as Santa Claus!

Weaverville Holiday Parade

December 7, 2024
Downtown Weaverville

Take part in this annual small-town holiday tradition in Weaverville, just north of Asheville. There will be floats, performers, candy and a visit from Santa Claus. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and travels down Main Street from the Post Office to the Primary School.

Winter Wonder Walk 

November 29 & 30, December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 2024
Adventure Center of Asheville

Celebrate the wonder of the season through this annual live-action storybook trail that's all about the magic of the season. Families can also enjoy a warm festival tent buzzing with local vendors, tasty concessions and a food truck, and activities for the family. Don’t miss out on the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, which will be available for guests age 4 years and older. Proceeds benefit MANNA Foodbank's Memories Making Meals program.

Holiday Lights & Movie at Burton Street

December 6, 2024
Burton Street Community Center, West Asheville

The Burton Street Community Center in West Asheville will deck the halls for the holidays. Join from 6-8 p.m. for a free stroll under twinkling lights and a cozy holiday movie night. Holiday refreshments provided.

HanuKammunity Dance

TBD, 2024
Asheville Jewish Community Center

Live music by Asheville’s own Bandana Klezmer Band, plus dancing led by Yiddish dance master Steve Weintraub. Seasonal goodies and non-alcoholic beverages provided. BYOB and BYO candles for a community candle lighting.

Warren Haynes Presents: Christmas Jam

December TBD, 2024
Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville

Famed Grammy-winning guitarist and Asheville native Warren Haynes' annual Christmas Jam is one of the most celebrated and longest-running live concerts in the U.S. Along with his band Gov't Mule, an all-star roster of musicians jam throughout the night. Past acts have included The Allman Brothers Band, The Avett Brothers, Dave Grohl, and plenty more. The date and lineup is announced in the fall, with proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity and BeLoved Asheville.

JCC Hanukkah Party & Candle Lighting

TBD, 2024
Asheville Jewish Community Center

Light the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah at Asheville's Jewish Community Center. Enjoy eight special activities including a sing-a-long, face-painting, candle-lighting, photo booth, crafts, seasonal refreshments, holiday recipe-sharing and a secret dreidel surprise. Starts at 5 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa

TBD, 2024
The Farm

Enjoy a family-friendly holiday morning with Santa Claus himself this December hosted by The Farm in Candler. Guests to this very special breakfast will delight in delicious food, crafts, hot cocoa and, of course, Mr. Claus.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

With multiple shopping districts and special pop-up markets, finding that perfect gift is easy in Asheville.

• November 6 - December 18, 2024 (every Wednesday): Weaverville Tailgate Holiday Market at Weaverville Community Center, 3 - 6 p.m.
• 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.
• November 22 - December 23, 2024: Winter Market at NC Glass Center, Wednesday-Monday, 10 a.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 Musicals & Entertainment Calendar

Get into the holiday spirit at one of the many performing arts events happening around the mountains.

• November 21 - December 15, 2024: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at NC Stage Company
• December 6 & 7, 2024: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
• December 6-22, 2024: A Christmas Carol: The Musical at Asheville Community Theatre
• December 14-17, 2024: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr. at Asheville Community Theatre
• 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

Holiday Pub Crawls and Races

Whether you need to shed a few holiday pounds, or you want to pack some on, there are some festive holiday events to achieve both.

South Asheville Turkey Trot 5K

November 28, 2024
Biltmore Park Town Square

Enjoy festive fun and fitness before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast. You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition. Race entry includes a free race shirt and custom finisher medal. The course is professional chip-timed, fully marked, and USATF certified.

Asheville Turkey Trot 5K & Gobble Wobble 1-mile Fun Run

November 28, 2024
Pack Square Park

Whether you run, walk, or wobble, the 24th annual Asheville Turkey Trot 5K and Gobble Wobble 1-mile Fun Run is a festive good time. Entry fees benefits MANNA FoodBank. Registration is required. The race starts on Woodfin Street in front of the Downtown YMCA and finishes at Pack Square Park. 

Ugly Sweater Run 5K & 10K

December 7, 2024
The Riveter

Don your ugliest sweater and lace up your running shoes for this festive 5k/10k event. The Riveter will be serving up plenty of post-race activities (and beverages) this year, so it's sure to become one of your favorite holiday traditions.