Do Your Holiday Shopping in Asheville
Crisp mountain air combines with the smell of evergreens, spice-infused apple cider, and hot chocolate. Carolers are singing the familiar songs of Christmas and on Asheville's street corners, musicians serenade shoppers with old and new holiday favorites.
The city's diverse shopping districts, independently-owned jewelry design studios, art galleries, and boutiques are embracing the holiday season, offering unique gifts that blend the city's bohemian spirit with the area's rich Southern Appalachian craft tradition. The results are functional, ornamental, wearable, and even edible works of art.
A Holiday Arts and Crafts Tradition with a Modern Twist
Asheville has long been a haven for artists. Writers, painters, potters, wood carvers, blacksmiths, weavers, glassblowers, and musicians have all drawn inspiration from its rich mountain craft traditions, lore and legacies.
Shopping Districts
Downtown Asheville
From the Grove Arcade, to the Woolworth Walk, to Pack Square, East Fork and beyond, there is no shortage of original gifts, stocking stuffers and holiday ornaments in this city. Try on a glittering design by one of our local goldsmiths or a brightly-colored homespun hand-knitted scarf by one of our textile artisans. Sip champagne while searching for a rare first edition at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, browse the outdoor goods at Mast General Store, or sample a luscious chili-spiced dark chocolate truffle at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. There is nothing ordinary about holiday shopping in Asheville, and nothing ordinary about the treasures you'll find.
Biltmore Village
Historic Biltmore Village—the restaurant and shopping district adjacent to the entrance to Biltmore Estate—was among the areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Biltmore Estate is open and welcoming visitors. The roads to enter Biltmore Estate are clear. While some Biltmore Village businesses have reopened, many have a longer road ahead. Support the open breweries, eateries and shops in this historic area by planning ahead.
Folk Art Center
A picturesque drive along the famed Blue Ridge Parkway brings you to The Folk Art Center and the work of skilled artists who are members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. From dulcimers to handmade brooms, Christmas tree ornaments, weavings, quilts, glass, wood carvings, and pottery, the Folk Art Center's gift shop showcases the authenticity of mountain arts and crafts. Don't miss the daily craft demonstrations by guild members, nationally regarded as the best of the best.
River Arts District
This season, visitors are invited to experience Asheville’s creative spirit in the River Arts District’s northern section—affectionately known as Upper RAD. Along Roberts Street, Artful Way, Depot Street, and Clingman Avenue, you’ll find art studios, galleries, shops, cafés, music, and nearby hotels—all open, welcoming, and full of festive spirit. While the wider RAD continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene, Upper RAD shines as a joyful symbol of resilience, renewal, and holiday cheer.
Holiday Markets
Craft markets and community bazaars abound in Asheville throughout the holiday season. These celebrations of the city's handmade commerce usually include local food, beer, toe-tapping music and always include a wide selection of indie art and crafts.
