Santa does it all in one night, but if you really want the true Asheville holiday experience, check out the five curated five-day itineraries below and plan a trip tailored to suit your travel style.

For Foodies

So many restaurants, so little room in your stomach. Don’t fret: There’s plenty to do while you digest between memorable Asheville meals.

National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC

Day 1

Morning: Start your day off with a mug of locally roasted coffee at High Five Coffee. Their staff of baristas are trained both in-house and in partnership with the standards of Counter Culture Coffee, and are constantly chasing their goal to serve delicious coffee with intentional and kind service.

Noon: Head to the Omni Grove Park Inn to marvel at the edible architecture of the National Gingerbread House Competition. (Note: non Inn guests are invited to view the display on select days, so be sure to plan ahead.)

2024 SEASON UPDATE: Following Hurricane Helene, the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread Competition has been reimagined as the Gingerbread Trail of Giving. For the first time, 40+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at local businesses throughout the Asheville community (See a complete list of participating locations here). Some houses will remain on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn, which reopened for overnight visitation on Nov. 15. Gingerbread houses can be viewed from November 23, 2024 through January 5, 2025.

Night: Let James Beard-nominated Chef Brian Canipelli make your meal (and your year) with an Italian farm-to-table dinner at Cucina 24.

Day 2

Morning: Enjoy coffee and handheld delights while perusing local jams, seasonal produce and more at the North Asheville Tailgate Market’s Holiday Bazaar, happening Saturdays, November 20 - December 21, 2024 (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.).

2024 SEASON UPDATE: As of October 12, you can find the North Asheville Tailgate Market at the Stein Mart parking lot on 848 Merrimon Avenue.

Noon: Sample the best of Asheville’s culinary scene with an Eating Asheville guided food tour.

Night: Return to your favorite restaurant from the tour for a full-on feast!

Day 3

Morning: Today’s all about beer and barbecue, so pull on those stretchy pants and start with a pulled pork biscuit at Biscuit Head. Make sure someone at your table orders a gravy flight to share! Cold Mountain Beer from Highland Brewing

Noon: Hop on a beer tour to get a loo. Stop for seasonal suds like Cold Mountain (Highland Brewing), Ninjabread Man Holiday Porter (Asheville Brewing Company) and the aptly named Holiday Beer (Archetype Brewing). Don’t drink on an empty stomach—refuel with lunch at Chai Pani downtown.

Night: You’ll be in whole hog heaven at Bear's Smokehouse. They don’t take reservations, but you can check out their South Slope neighbors Catawba Brewing Company and Twin Leaf Brewing while you wait.

Day 4

Morning: Find out first-hand why "Good Morning America" named Sunny Point Café one of the top breakfast spots in the country.

Noon: Stop by Good Hot Fish, Chef Ashleigh Shanti’s much-anticipated spot in Asheville’s South Slope District. Known for its "glass-shattering crispy" fish sandwiches, this fast-casual eatery serves up wild-caught Carolina blue catfish in a Burial Beer batter that’s as satisfying as it is unique.

Night: Wrap up the day with flavor-sophisticated scratch-made food at upscale vegan restaurant Plant, led by James Beard-nominated chef Jason Sellers. Warm up after dinner with a mulled cider at The Times Bar and Coffee Shop.

Day 5

Morning: Have your coffee with a gorgeous mountain view at Dripolator Coffeehouse in Black Mountain.

Noon: Take to the WNC Cheese Trail. Continue on the trail to Fairview for a life-changing cheeseboard at Barn Door Ciderworks.

Night: After an eventful day out and about, head to Downtown Asheville for an intimate dinner full of flavorful cuisine at Posana.

For Adventurers

If you like thrills with your winter chills, dive headfirst into this action-packed Asheville itinerary.

Day 1

Morning: Rise and shine! Sign up for a guided sunrise jeep tour (equipped with gear and locally roasted coffee) with Asheville Jeep Tours and set your eyes on a Blue Ridge Mountain sunrise.

Noon: Discover Asheville on two wheels with an e-bike rental from Asheville E-Bikes.

Night: Warm up and wind down with a hot yoga sesh at Asheville Community Yoga.

Day 2

Morning: Get your blood moving with a morning jog or bike ride through the Bent Creek Experimental Forest.

Noon: As America’s largest home, Biltmore has an epic backyard for playing. Rent bikes onsite and explore 20-plus miles of trails. Around the holidays, the house, halls and grounds are, of course, decked in Christmas cheer.

2024 SEASON UPDATE: Christmas at Biltmore, Asheville’s most iconic holiday tradition, kicked off as originally scheduled on Nov. 2, 2024. The historic Biltmore House, as well as the conservatory and gardens, sustained minimal damage. Some trails across the 8,000-acre estate remain closed and a few road detours may be in place.

Night: Choose your own adventure with an escape room at Breakout.

Day 3

Morning: Pick up your pre-ordered picnic basket and some breakfast pastries from The Rhu. Couple by Fire Pit at Wicked Weed Brewing

Noon: Chase waterfalls without leaving the warmth of your car on a self-led “windshield” waterfall tour.

Night: Relax with a pint by the open fire pit at Wicked Weed.

Day 4

Morning: Test your limits with indoor top-roping and bouldering at The Riveter.

Noon: Connect to your natural wintery surroundings during a Forest Bathing Retreat or Mountaintop Yoga Hike with Asheville Wellness Tours.

Night: Nothing gets your adrenaline going like performing in front of an audience. Spread some holiday cheer with a 5-minute set at Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic at Asheville Music Hall, which takes place every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m.

Day 5

Morning: Pick up a quick healthy breakfast at Ultra Coffeebar and go for a winter walk on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yup, you read that right. Winter weather often causes closures on the Parkway affording you the chance to hike on the road itself!

Noon: Stock up on your outdoor goods at Black Dome Mountain Sports, where you can purchase quality outdoor apparel, shoes, tents and equipment.

Night: Swoosh down those slopes beneath a starry sky with a nighttime ski sesh at Cataloochee Ski Area.

For Shopaholics

Looking to destress during the holidays? Five days of retail therapy in the mountains might just be the self-care you need.

a person looking at handblown glass sculptures

Day 1

Morning: Hunt for vintage and antique holiday decorations at Village Antiques.

Noon: Crush your holiday gift list with a shopping day in downtown Asheville. Learn about Asheville’s quirky history while checking out the eclectic shops with the Asheville Urban Trail as your guide.

Night: Find a favorite nook at Battery Park Book Exchange to enjoy some bubbly and a book-themed grazing board.

Day 2

Morning: Fill up that mug you bought from East Fork yesterday with a cup of coffee or tea from Summit Coffee Company.

Noon: Shop the day away in the Grove Arcade, one of the first ever (and most stunning) indoor shopping malls.

Night: End your afternoon and begin your evening on the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley with Gray Line Trolley Tours for a holiday-themed tour through town.

Day 3

Morning: A record store and so much more: Start your day on the right note with coffee and a pastry at Citizen Vinyl. Wake Foot Sanctuary

Noon: Stock up on stocking stuffers in Black Mountain. Sassafras on Sutton is a charming bookstore and toy shop with an espresso bar—perfect for a midday boost!

Night: Give your tired tootsies a break with a soak at Wake Foot Sanctuary.

Day 4

Morning: Check out contemporary and classic Appalachian crafts at the Folk Art Center, which also features daily artist demos and a gift shop filled with unique finds from local makers.

Noon: Embrace the “bazaar” spirit of Asheville and time your trip to coincide with a holiday market. Local favorites include The Big Crafty and Uncommon Holiday Market.

Night: Sip and shop at Botanist & Barrel on Broadway before dining at Asheville Proper, located inside the Grove Arcade.

Day 5

Morning: Sip and shop at Flora & Forage. This Insta-worthy space combines a coffee shop, plant store and secret garden to create a botanical oasis in the heart of West Asheville.

Noon: Pop in and out of shops, studios and galleries in the River Arts District for one-of-a-kind gifts.

2024 SEASON UPDATE: 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. As the district works toward restoration, we encourage visitors to check online updates, call ahead, and confirm road conditions before heading out.

Night: Have dinner at Glass Onion in Weaverville, followed by a window shopping walk down Main Street.

For Families

Make holiday memories from tree climbing, cocoa and fluffy cows, with five days of refreshing family time in the mountains.

Day 1

Morning: Start off the day with a big classic breakfast at The Moose Cafe and pick up your family Christmas tree afterward next door at the WNC Farmers Market.

Noon: Take unforgettable holiday family photos with the cutest cows and mini goats as well as holiday festivities during The Appalachian Santa experiences at Montgomery Sky Farm. December 6 & 13, 2024 is Gingerbread House Decorating with Santa.

Night: The kids will get a kick out of eating dessert aboard Double D’s, a legit London double-decker bus parked smack in the middle of downtown.

Day 2

Morning: Start your day with some fantastic tacos and queso at Taco Billy.

Noon: All aboard the LaZoom Bus for their "Lil Boogers: Kids Comedy Tour," a family-friendly remix of their iconic purple bus tour featuring a perfect blend of Asheville information and kid-centric comedy.

Night: Go out on a limb with the Twilight in the Treetops Holiday Night Climb at Asheville Adventure Center.

Day 3

Morning: Head to Black Mountain for a traditional Cuban breakfast (with cafe con leche included) at Cousin's Cuban Cafe.

Noon: Stimulate your brains with a trip to the Asheville Museum of Science, which is packed with interactive exhibits, educational programs, a hands-on STEAM lab, and more.

Night: Experience the holiday tradition as you never have with different interpretations of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at the Wortham Center for Performing Arts.

Day 4

Morning: Take a family-friendly winter hike and marvel at the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains together.

Noon: It’s game on at Asheville Retrocade. With more than 5,000 games including skeeball, pinball and all of your old school faves, you’ll want to lift screen time restrictions for an epic afternoon.

Night: Catch a holiday family movie on the big screen at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

Day 5

Morning: Jingle all the way to Tupelo Honey in South Asheville for crowd-pleasing spins on the classic Southern breakfast.

Noon: You’re sure to wear everyone out, rain (snow) or shine, at Adventure Center of Asheville, which boasts America's first zipline adventure designed for kids under 10.

Night: Prepare for finger and face prints on car windows after winding your way around the drive-thru Lite Brite on steroids that is the Lake Julian Festival of Lights.

For Holiday Lovers

Those who truly feel this is the most wonderful time of the year can follow their bliss with five days of holiday-infused Asheville merriment.

Day 1

Morning: Head over to City Bakery for a taste of fruit- and nut-studded stollen, chocolate babka or a gingerbread cookie to savor with a hot cocoa or coffee.

Noon: Tour the historic Smith McDowell House, Asheville’s oldest home and first mansion. Every Christmas, they go all out with authentic Victorian-era holiday décor, from garlands and ornaments to fresh trees and toys.

Night: From the oldest house in Asheville to the biggest: You haven’t seen Biltmore until you’ve experienced its holiday splendor with a Candlelight Christmas Evening tour.

Day 2

Morning: Have a very merry morning at Mosaic Café in Biltmore Park. Look for holiday-themed daily specials and seasonal coffee flavors.

Noon: Head to Brevard and visit the wonderfully wacky Aluminum Christmas Tree exhibit, at the Transylvania Heritage Museum.

Night: Take in downtown holiday lights and sights from one of Asheville's many rooftop bars.

Day 3

Morning: Dash through the snow to All Day Darling in Montford for a warming breakfast bowl. Deck The Trees Black Mountain

Noon: Make your way to the Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain for their annual Deck the Trees tradition, which raises money to help neighbors in need. With so many local businesses participating, you can also look for tricked out trees scavenger hunt-style all around the town.

Night: Take in a performance of the iconic The Sound of Music at Asheville Community Theatre.

Day 4

Morning: Discover why so many locals worship Taco Temple when you try their breakfast tacos.

Noon: Snap selfies in front of the giant fireplaces at Omni Grove Park Inn, before checking out the resort’s impeccable holiday decorations and incredible gingerbread houses, on display during the National Gingerbread House Competition.

2024 SEASON UPDATE: The 32nd Annual National Gingerbread Competition has been imagined as the Gingerbread Trail of Giving. For the first time, 40+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at local businesses throughout the Asheville community (See a complete list of participating locations here). Some houses will remain on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn, which reopens for overnight visitation on Nov. 15. Gingerbread houses can be viewed from November 23, 2024 through January 5, 2025.

Night: Share a signature pie surrounded by festive lights and décor at Blue Mountain Pizza, located on Weaverville's idyllic Main Street. Be sure to save room for their house-made desserts!

Day 5

Morning: Order the Basic B*tch—an anything-but-basic twist on a pumpkin spice latte—from Pollen, a queen bee of Asheville’s coffee scene.

Noon: Purchase a handblown glass ornament from Lexington Glassworks or NC Glass Center.

Night: Stroll through the glowed-up gardens at the NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights.

Cold Mountain beer image provided by Highland Brewing; Appalachian Santa image provided by Montgomery Sky Farm.

Stories & Articles by Lindsey Grossman

Lindsey Grossman