The spirit of the holidays takes on a deeper meaning this year across the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Asheville area artists, makers, chefs, performers and shop owners are calling visitors back as major attractions reopen and seasonal festivities bring joy to families.
Christmas at Biltmore, The Omni Grove Park Inn’s new “Gingerbread Trail of Giving” and holiday markets and events feature the resilient artists, makers and innovators of Appalachia. Here’s a look at the celebrations and experiences that await you.
Top Events for the Holiday Season in Asheville, North Carolina
Christmas at Biltmore
November 2, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Biltmore
Asheville’s most iconic holiday tradition, Christmas at Biltmore, kicked off as originally scheduled on Nov. 2. Less than a month after Hurricane Helene, the installation of a majestic 35-foot Fraser fir in George Vanderbilt’s French Renaissance-style chateau (which was completed on Christmas 1895) signals a season of hope as guests return from near and far.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: 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.
As always, there are two great ways to experience the holidays at America’s Largest Home.
- Christmas Daytime Celebration (Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025) This daytime feast for the senses at the 175,000 sq-ft Biltmore House features dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees, along with tens of thousands of ornaments, holiday lights, candles, garlands and poinsettias. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.
- Candlelight Christmas Evenings (Nov. 3, 2024 – Jan. 6, 2025) Thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of fresh greenery and the sound of a children’s choir set the stage for an immersive holiday experience like no other. A majestic Norway spruce and illuminated pathways welcome visitors to the Gilded Age mansion.
The Chihuly glass exhibit has been extended until Feb. 5, giving visitors a final chance to experience the immersive installations of swirling, colorful glass sculptures specially curated for Biltmore. For both Christmas Daytime and Candlelight Evenings, select ticket options include admission to Chihuly and free next-day grounds access.
Winter Lights and other Dazzling Displays
To the delight of many area children (and adults), Winter Lights is moving forward as scheduled at the North Carolina Arboretum – a 434-acre public garden within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
This year, the enchanting walk-through light show is unveiling “Seasons of Light,” a million-light celebration of the four seasons including the towering flowers of “Spring Sprouts” and the magical mushrooms of “Fall Fungi.” New exhibits, like the Enchanted Oasis, an interactive light installation that responds to touch and motion, join familiar favorites like the 50-foot animated Tree of Light and the Polar Express railroad.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Visitors can once again access 11 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through Asheville – from milepost 382.5, near the Folk Art Center, to milepost 393.6, near the North Carolina Arboretum. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, as well as adjacent trails like Graveyard Fields and Black Balsam, are also open. See an updated list of hike re-openings here.
Some other dazzling displays of holiday lights include:
- Lake Julian Festival of Lights (Dec. 1-23) This drive-thru spectacular transforms a beloved park in South Asheville. The park's encircling road guides visitors through enchanting light tunnels adorned with 50 animated and stationary exhibits. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland. The first two nights (Dec 1-2) will feature a special walk-thru, where guests can walk through the lights by foot from 6-8 p.m. There will be s’mores, holiday crafts, and more.
- Weaverville Candlelight Stroll (Dec. 6) The not-so-sleepy small town of Weaverville comes alive with music, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and luminaries.
- Deck the Trees (Dec. 6 – Jan. 6) The public is invited to The Monte Vista Hotel in charming Black Mountain to view hand-decorated Christmas trees in the theme of “Winter Wonderland.”
- Holly Jolly (Dec. 6) On opening night of Deck the Trees, Black Mountain visitors can enjoy Holly Jolly, when downtown shops stay open late for a last-minute shopping opportunity.
Winter Wonder Walk at the Adventure Center of Asheville
The Winter Wonder Walk (Nov. 29 – Dec. 14, Fridays & Saturdays) is a storybook that comes to life at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Complete with live-action characters and a snowball fight, the Winter Wonder Walk leads guests on a quest to find Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairy to stop a blizzard from striking Winterland.
Guests age 4 and older can also climb the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trails. These thrilling (and age appropriate) aerial trails are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights for an immersive holiday experience.
Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Grove Arcade
Grove Arcade, the Art Deco architectural marvel that houses dozens of shops, artists and restaurants, hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30).
In addition to bright lights and magnificent décor, The Grove Arcade will offer gallery space to displaced River Arts District businesses and artists, like Marquee and WEDGE Studios, so they can participate in the holiday season.
2024 National Gingerbread Competition Re-Imagined as "Gingerbread Trail of Giving"
November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Local Businesses
Following the cancellation of the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread Competition, The Omni Grove Park Inn, the historic red-brick resort atop Sunset Mountain, will give this treasured local tradition new life through the Gingerbread Trail of Giving. For the first time, 40+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at local businesses across downtown Asheville and the community. See a complete list of participating locations here.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: The Omni Grove Park Inn reopens its doors for overnight guests Nov. 15. The world-class subterranean spa, as well as its Donald Ross-designed golf course, re-opened Nov. 8.
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 go on display at local businesses starting Nov. 23 through Jan. 5.
Uniquely Asheville Holiday Happenings
Downtown Asheville, which remained largely untouched by the storm, is open with a calendar of festive events and a full slate of world-class dining options. Downtown is also packed Asheville’s unique brand of hand-crafted holiday shopping, including opportunities to purchase from and support local artists, makers and businesses in need.
Miracle on Wall Street (Nov. 13 – Jan. 4) Quirky, cobblestoned Wall Street has been a cornerstone of downtown holiday shopping for decades. But this year, James Beard Award-recognized chefs Meherwan Irani and William Dissen, along with other Wall Street business owners, are offering something more. Miracle on Wall Street is a holiday pop-up series, led by quality leather and vintage purveyor Shining Rock Goods, to provide displaced shops from the River Arts District and Biltmore Village (two of the neighborhoods hit hardest by Hurricane Helene) a space to operate this season. This spirit of community means beloved businesses like Olde World Christmas Shoppe can sell their wares during the holidays – bringing joy to customers and shop-owners alike.
Other uniquely Asheville holiday happenings include:
- Sippin’ Santa at the Tiki Easy Bar (Nov. 15 – Dec. 31) A mythical island speakeasy hidden behind the Hi-Wire Brewing South Slope taproom, Tiki Easy boasts the largest selection of rare and historic rums in North Carolina. Tiki Easy is celebrating their reopening with the Sippin’ Santa Holiday Pop-Up, a tropical twist on the holiday season that will feature a bevy of special events and a Secret Santa menu available only for those in-the-know enough to ask.
- Winter Window Display Contest (Nov. 23 – Jan. 1) The Asheville Downtown Association is bringing back this beloved holiday tradition. Downtown will be aglow as dozens of businesses deck their halls to compete for the honor of “Best Overall Window,” “People’s Choice Window” and “Best Use of Theme – Winter Wonderland.”
- The Asheville Downtown Association will kick off the holiday season with The Asheville Holiday Jamboree on Nov. 23, gathering local performers, vendors and visitors to celebrate the reopening of downtown Asheville.
- Hey Asheville! Holiday Tour (Nov. 15 – Dec. 22) No matter how much they have been knocked down, local comedy group LaZoom keeps their sense of humor intact! The Hey Asheville! Holiday Tour supercharges their zany purple bus sightseeing adventure with enough holly jolly to keep guests laughing all the way.
- Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour: Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions while onboard musicians sing classic carols of the season as the holly jolly trolley rolls past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods. The trolley departs nightly at 7 p.m. from the Asheville Visitor Center (36 Montford Avenue) for the festive 75-minute tour. Reservations are required.
- Holiday Party of the Rooftop: Santa's Slay: (December 21) Join The Flat Iron Hotel for a festive evening of music, drinks, and holiday cheer! Wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Luminosa. Entry is just $5, with all proceeds benefiting ROAR, a local mutual aid organization supporting mountain communities through education, empowerment, and disaster relief. Enjoy holiday-inspired cocktails (hot & cold) and festive décor while listening to music by local legend DJ lil Meow Meow.
Making a list, checking it twice
Asheville’s renowned arts and crafts tradition is fertile ground for unique, beloved holiday gifts. This season, buying directly from local makers and small businesses means more than ever.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge, the bean-to-bar confectionary in the heart of downtown Asheville on Pack Square, was selected as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2024!
Below is a list of some of the holiday makers' markets where you can snag the perfect holiday gift:
- November 6 - December 18, 2024 (every Wednesday): Weaverville Tailgate Holiday Market at Weaverville Community Center, 3 - 6 p.m.
- November 9, 2024: Holiday Artisan Market at Local Cloth, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- November 20 - December 21, 2024 (Saturdays): North Asheville Tailgate Market's holiday Bazaar at Parking Lot P34 at UNC Asheville, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- November 22 - December 23, 2024: Winter Market at NC Glass Center, Wednesday-Monday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- December 6 & 7, 2024: Holiday Sip & Shop at Grovewood Gallery, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- December 7 & 8, 2024: The Big Crafty at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- December 7 & 8, 2024: Uncommon Holiday Market at Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- December 7 & 14, 2024: Holiday Sale at the Folk Art Center, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Family-Friendly Holiday Musicals & Entertainment Calendar
The whole family, from kids ages one to 92, can get into the holiday spirit at one of the many performing arts events happening around the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- November 21 - December 15, 2024: All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at NC Stage Company
- December 6 & 7, 2024: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- December 5-22, 2024: The Sound of Music
- December 18, 2024: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville
- December 22, 2024: A Swannanoa Solstice at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- December 22, 2024: A Christmas Carol: a solo performance by Mark Cabus at Black Mountain Center for the Arts
Holiday Pub Crawls and Races
Whether you need to shed a few holiday pounds, or you want to pack some on, there are some festive holiday events to achieve both.
South Asheville Turkey Trot 5K
November 28, 2024
Biltmore Park Town Square
Enjoy festive fun and fitness before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast. You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition. Race entry includes a free race shirt and custom finisher medal. The course is professional chip-timed, fully marked, and USATF certified.
Asheville Turkey Trot 5K & Gobble Wobble 1-mile Fun Run
November 28, 2024
Pack Square Park
Whether you run, walk, or wobble, the 24th annual Asheville Turkey Trot 5K and Gobble Wobble 1-mile Fun Run is a festive good time. Entry fees benefits MANNA FoodBank. Registration is required. The race starts on Woodfin Street in front of the Downtown YMCA and finishes at Pack Square Park.
