Few experiences embody the excitement of the holidays like enjoying a display of bright, twinkling Christmas lights and meticulously-designed decorations. Visitors to Asheville, NC can enjoy these dazzling, family-friendly light shows that are sure to inspire the spirit of the season.
1. Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
In its 11th year, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum features thousands of energy-efficient LED lights throughout the nationally-known gardens. In 2024, Winter Lights is once again a walk-through experience with familiar favorites and new interactive experiences. Winter Lights runs November 15 - December 31, 2024.
2. Christmas at Biltmore
From the moment visitors enter through the Lodge Gate at the entrance to Biltmore, they know they are in for a treat. What awaits inside the gate is a classic Christmas that hearkens back to the days of the Vanderbilts. A giant, sparkling 55-foot Norway spruce surrounded by illuminated evergreens and shrubs welcomes guests on the front lawn. Inside the house, some 60 intricately-decorated trees highlight the Christmas at Biltmore celebration. The 30,000 lights and 150 candles inside the home are particularly magical at night during the Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore tour. Christmas at Biltmore begins with the annual tree raising ceremony. Christmas at Biltmore festivities officially run November 2, 2024 - January 5, 2025.
3. Grove Arcade (Downtown Asheville)
Asheville architectural gem the Grove Arcade has taken its decorations to the next level for its Winter Wonderland celebration. This shopping and dining hub features a gorgeous giant lighted tree outside. Adding to the ambiance, lights are 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.
4. Biltmore Village and Dickens Festival
Just outside of Biltmore sits historic Biltmore Village with its stone streets, quaint boutiques, and inviting restaurants. The Village lights display features large 3-D angels and stars hanging across Biltmore Village Streets. For two days in early December, the Village transforms for the annual Dickens in the Village Festival, December 1 & 2, 2023. Shopkeepers dress in Victorian-era garb and the main stage fills with musicians, choral groups, singers and dancers. Dickens in the Village has traditionally taken place the first weekend of December. (2024 dates TBA.)
5. The Omni Grove Park Inn
There are few places that offer the coziness and warmth of the season like the Great Hall at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Lighted wreaths adorn giant fireplaces with welcoming rocking chairs just waiting to transport visitors to holiday relaxation. Dozens of decorated trees brighten the halls of the Inn. And, you can see the public display of the entries in the National Gingerbread House Competition (November 19, 2024-January 5, 2025).
6. Biltmore Park Town Square
One of Asheville’s most beautiful shopping areas, Biltmore Park, glows at night with tens of thousands of lights. Beautiful lighted trees line the sidewalks in front of the many stores and restaurants.
7. Deck The Trees in Black Mountain
In nearby beautiful Black Mountain, The historic Monte Vista Hotel serves as the centerpiece of the Deck the Trees celebration, a charity event that features twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees. From the hotel's featured art collection to live music, from drink specials to the decorated trees, there's much to enjoy at this great event. This year's event is soon to be announced. The celebration includes decorated trees at numerous businesses in Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area. While it is free to see the trees, you can vote for your favorite by making donation by cash or check. All funds raised will go to the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. You can view the trees during normal business hours.
8. Lake Julian Festival of Lights
A local drive-thru light show, Lake Julian Festival of Lights, illuminates a popular Buncombe County park. The road circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling lights with 50 animated and stationary light displays. Visitors enjoying the lights will also be supporting a good cause – 20 percent of ticket sales are donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics. The season kicks off with the "walk through night," the only night you can walk through the park to see the lights. For the remainder of the season, you can drive through the park to see the lights. Experience the Lake Julian Festival of Lights, 2024 dates To Be Announced.
