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
Now 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.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Winter Lights is moving forward as scheduled. During the day, the Arboretum's Formal Gardens, Bonsai Exhibit Garden, Education Center, Baker Exhibit Center and Bent Creek Bistro are open during normal winter seasonal hours (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., with the incoming gate closing at 6:00 p.m.). All Arboretum trails and outdoor areas beyond the Formal Gardens remain closed to guests.
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 festivities run November 2, 2024 - January 5, 2025.
POST-HURRICANE 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.
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.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Downtown Asheville is open and ready for business post-Helene, its infrastructure having remained largely untouched by the storm. The Grove Arcade hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30th) from 4-9pm in partnership with the Asheville Downtown Association. 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.
4. 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).
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: The Omni Grove Park Inn will keep the spirit of its treasured Gingerbread House Competition tradition alive through the Gingerbread Trail of Giving. For the first time, 40+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at local businesses throughout the community. Some gingerbread houses will also be exhibited at The Omni Grove Park Inn, which reopens its doors for overnight visitation on Nov. 15. The world-class subterranean spa, as well as its Donald Ross-designed golf course, re-opened on Nov. 8.
5. 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.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Biltmore Park is open and ready for business post-Helene, its infrastructure having remained largely untouched by the storm.
6. Deck The Trees in Black Mountain
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.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Downtown Black Mountain is open and ready for business post-Helene, its infrastructure having remained largely untouched by the storm.
7. 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 two "walk through nights" (Dec. 1 & 2) – the only nights 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 Dec. 1-23.
