Where wonder finds you
Discover a Holiday Season Made by Hand and Heart
In the Asheville area, the holidays come wrapped in cool mountain air and a maker's touch.
Garlands climb downtown storefronts, woodsmoke and the scent of something baking drift through Blue Ridge evenings, and a live music seems to spill from every open door. Here in the Land of the Sky, deeply-rooted tradition and ever-evolving creativity share the same table.
This year, Asheville's holiday spirit is alive with both tradition and surprise. More than a million lights glow along the garden paths at the North Carolina Arboretum's Winter Lights, skaters glide under the stars at the downtown rink at Asheville Yards, and the whole city turns out for the Holiday Parade and the Grove Arcade tree lighting. Makers fill the aisles at The Big Crafty, Santa rappels down the face of Chimney Rock, and nearby Black Mountain and Weaverville light their own trees along Main Street.
Among the season's brightest traditions, the National Gingerbread House Competition returns to the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa with hundreds of edible works of art built by makers of every age, while Christmas at Biltmore lights up George Vanderbilt's sprawling estate with candles, ornaments, and holiday magic from November into January.
Asheville's Can't-Miss Holiday Events
Top 2026 Holiday Festivals & Events
Asheville knows how to throw a grand holiday and how to slow one right down, sometimes on the same night. From Christmas at Biltmore to downtown skating and small-town tree lightings, here's where the season comes alive across the Land of Sky.
The Essential Asheville Holiday Itinerary
Some holiday days are for the grand traditions, others for wandering with a cocoa in hand. This week-long plan makes room for both, mapping morning biscuits, artist studios, trolley rides, and small-town detours into five unhurried days.
Cabins, Cottages & Cozy Stays Around Asheville
The right stay isn't just where you sleep, it's part of the trip. From a creekside cabin in the trees to a downtown boutique hotel, a Montford bed-and-breakfast, or a Hobbit-style hideaway with Blue Ridge views, here's how to find your cozy corner of Asheville.
Christmas Towns Near Asheville: Real-Life Hallmark Movie Charm in North Carolina
Hallmark is back at Biltmore this December with A Grand Biltmore Christmas, but the real thing is playing out just down the road. Weaverville's candlelit Main Street, Black Mountain's Holly Jolly, and a Victorian Christmas in Biltmore Village feel straight out of a Hallmark movie, no camera crew required.
Request a Free Destination Guide
There’s no better way to start your trip planning than with Asheville’s Official Destination Guide.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Stay in the know with the best of Asheville delivered straight to your inbox.
Download the Explore Asheville App
Plan your time in Asheville from the comfort of your device.