11 Best Things To Do in Asheville for the Holidays

When the holiday season arrives in Asheville, North Carolina, the picturesque mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive spirit and charm. From dazzling light displays to gingerbread house competitions, Asheville has something for everyone during this magical time of year. Whether you're a local resident or planning a cozy getaway to a charming cottage rental, here are 11 enchanting holiday activities to explore in Asheville:

1. Christmas at Biltmore

Dates: November 3 - January 7

Begin your holiday adventure at the iconic Biltmore Estate. This historic mansion gets dressed up in its holiday finest, featuring elaborate decorations, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, and breathtakingly lit gardens. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The magic of Christmas at Biltmore is a sight to behold, making it a must-visit for anyone in Asheville during the season.

2. Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread Competition

Dates: November 27 - January 2

Marvel at the culinary creativity of local and national chefs as they craft incredible gingerbread houses. The Omni Grove Park Inn hosts this annual competition, showcasing gingerbread masterpieces that will leave you in awe. It's a sweet way to get into the holiday spirit!

3. Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley

Climb aboard the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a festive tour of Asheville's holiday lights and decorations. This 75-minute tour hosted in an enclosed, heated trolley departs from Olde World Christmas Shoppe in Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village. Sing along to your favorite carols as you glide through the city's streets, taking in the twinkling lights and beautifully decorated storefronts. You can purchase tickets at the Gray Line Asheville website.

4. Polar Express Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Date: November 9 - December 31, 2023

All aboard! Hop on the Polar Express train and journey to the North Pole with hot cocoa and cookies in hand. This enchanting experience is perfect for families, allowing kids to relive the magic of the beloved story by Chris Van Allsburg. The 1.25-hour rough-trip experience located at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs from the Bryson City depot and hosts more than 90,000 passengers each year! You can purchase tickets at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website.

5. Shopping at the Grove Arcade

Find unique and locally crafted gifts at the historic Grove Arcade. Asheville's artisans and boutique shops offer a delightful array of presents, from handmade jewelry to artisanal chocolates.

6. Watch Santa on the Chimney at Chimney Rock State Park

Date: December 2

Experience Santa practice for the big day as he rappels down the 315-foot Chimney Rock. It's an unforgettable spectacle that will delight visitors of all ages. Also during your visit, write a letter to Santa, toast marshmallows, take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, and more. Learn more at the Chimney Rock State Park website.

7. Winter Lights at NC Arboretum

Stroll through a garden of lights at the North Carolina Arboretum. This is an iconic winter activity in the Asheville area as the NC Arboretum hosts an annual Winter Lights Festival sure to wow everyone in your group. The Winter Lights display features thousands of illuminated flowers, trees, and landscapes, creating a dazzling and immersive winter wonderland. Even if you’re an annual passholder, tickets are still required for this event. Learn more about the NC Arboretum here.

8. Winter Hike

For those seeking outdoor adventures, lace up your boots and explore Asheville's stunning winter landscapes. This is a great list of winter hiking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty and give you the chance to soak in the incredible mountain views. Keep in mind there’s always a chance that parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed due to weather and be sure to use caution as trails may become more dangerous due to conditions.

9. Ski & Snowboarding

Embrace the winter chill by hitting the slopes. Asheville offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities at nearby resorts, including Cataloochee Ski Area and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort.

10. Santa Experience at Montgomery Sky Farm

Create cherished memories with your family at Montgomery Sky Farm, where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind Santa experience. Locally owned by critically acclaimed Executive Chef Taylor Montgomery and his wife, Fran, this farm focuses on sustainable agriculture, preservation breeding, and animal rescue. By reservation only, they offer the opportunity to have photos with Santa taken by a professional photographer, as well as visits with the farm animals, a gift for each child, and holiday refreshments. Learn more about the Montgomery Sky Farm here.

11. Visit a Christmas Town

Discover charming nearby Christmas towns, each with its own festive flair. From Forest City’s Main Street decked out with a million lights to Beech Mountain’s white Christmas as the snowiest town in North Carolina, these small towns are filled to the brim with holiday spirit. Romantic Asheville offers a wonderful guide to these delightful holiday destinations, making it easy to plan a memorable day trip.

Asheville's holiday season is a time of warmth, wonder, and joy. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by a cozy fireplace or exploring the twinkling streets, you'll find that Asheville truly comes alive during the holidays. Plan your visit to this enchanting mountain town, and you'll create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Where to Stay?

Ready for your magical Asheville holiday vacation? Book a stay at the stunning Asheville Luxury Cottages and experience a home away from home. With hot tubs, fully-stocked kitchens, fireplaces, and spectacular mountain views, all you’ll have to worry about is soaking in the holiday spirit with your loved ones.