In Asheville, this holiday season brings not only sparkle but a renewed sense of unity and strength. Since Hurricane Helene struck in late September, our region has been rebuilding with resilience and determination, thanks to the dedication of our community and support from around the world. Now, with businesses having reopened and the mountains blanketed in festive cheer, Asheville is ready to welcome you back with festive ways to play, indulge and get away from it all.
From twinkling lights to timeless traditions, here are eight ways you can light up your holidays with warmth and wonder this year in Asheville:
1. Kick Off the Season in Downtown Asheville
Asheville will kick off the 2024 holiday season with the Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Saturday, November 23, at 11 a.m. in Pack Square Park. Formerly the Holiday Parade, this year’s event embraces a new format and theme, Winter Wonderland, to allow more resources to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Another downtown icon, the Grove Arcade, transforms into its own holiday winter wonderland throughout the season. This shopping and dining hub features a gorgeous giant lighted tree outside and lights 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. A stroll through this gem feels like a step into a holiday fairytale, with seasonal displays leading your gaze up to the magnificent skylights. In addition to bright lights and magnificent décor, The Grove Arcade will be offering gallery space to River Arts District businesses and artists displaced by Hurricane Helene, like Marquee and WEDGE Studios, so they can participate in the holiday season.
Grove Arcade's Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 4 to 9 p.m. on Page Avenue. Join this free, family-friendly celebration featuring live jazz, Asheville Ballet performances, street entertainment, and an outdoor holiday market.
2. Stroll Through a Winter Light Show
As night falls, the North Carolina Arboretum's 434 acres will once again glow with the magic of Winter Lights, a beloved annual tradition running from November 15 to December 31, 2024. This year, the event offers more than just a stunning display of thousands of lights—it also serves as a tribute to the resilience and spirit of our community.
3. Step Into Biltmore’s Holiday Splendor
See Biltmore in a different, opulent light with its annual Christmas at Biltmore event (November 2, 2024-January 5, 2025). Biltmore staff deck the halls, lawn, and select estate locales with candlelight, firelight, and holiday lights. Guests can choose between touring festive décor with a daytime visit, or an elegant evening with live holiday music and historic rooms glowing in the soft light of fireplaces with a Candlelight visit. Nighttime passes include daytime admission (either same or next day) to Antler Hill Village & Winery, shops, grounds, and gardens.
4. See Gingerbread Creations Around Town
No holiday season in Asheville is complete without the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn. In the spirit of community, the competition will not be judged this year – instead, 45+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at the Omni Grove Park Inn and local businesses throughout the community, including: S&W Market, Grove Arcade, Woolworth Walk, Highland Brewing (East Asheville), CURIO, Dancing Bear Toys, Horse + Hero, Hazel Twenty Boutique, Grovewood Village, and more.
Each gingerbread house will be accompanied by a QR code for visitors to make donations to the Always Asheville Fund in support of the community. Gingerbread entries will be displayed at local businesses from Nov. 23 through Jan. 5.
5. Find Unique Gifts at Asheville’s Holiday Markets and Shops
Find unique gifts for friends and family--do your holiday shopping in the land of all things local and handmade. Downtown’s Grove Arcade sparkles with holiday light displays, as does Asheville’s bustling Biltmore Park shopping district to the south. Pop in and out of Downtown Asheville's galleries and independent stores featuring one-of-a-kind items for everyone on your list, and then stop by The River Arts District to find original arts and crafts made by Asheville artisans. (Note: The River Arts District was one of the areas most impacted by Hurricane Helene, and recovery here will take time. While some studios and businesses have reopened, many are still in the process of rebuilding. Find what's open here.)
Tanger Outlets hosts holiday events throughout the season. This year, they kick off the season with Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 16 from 4-6 p.m, which includes a free Santa photo experience.
6. Take a Festive Trolley Ride
Hop aboard the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley with Gray Line Tours for a fun and festive celebration of the season. The tour includes live music, storytelling and caroling. All the while, the Holly Jolly Trolley rolls past the decorations and lights in downtown Asheville and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods. The Trolley is heated and enclosed with clear vinyl roll-down curtains.
7. Catch a Holiday Performance
Asheville has had no shortage of holiday performances to dazzle you, from the classic Nutcracker to a sidesplitting, adults-only Christmas sketch comedy.
You can easily search our Asheville events calendar by date for updated information on performances, events and festivals.
8. Discover Small-Town Holiday Charm
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 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. 6 to Jan. 6, helping local families stay warm this winter.
Weaverville’s Candlelight Stroll (Dec. 6 from 5-8pm) also lights up the season with music, horse and carriage rides, carolers, and children’s activities along Main Street.
