Do Your Holiday Shopping in Asheville
Crisp mountain air combines with the smell of evergreens, spice-infused apple cider, and hot chocolate. Carolers are singing the familiar songs of Christmas and on Asheville's street corners, musicians serenade shoppers with old and new holiday favorites.
Thanks to the grit and gumption of our region after Hurricane Helene, the city's diverse shopping districts, independently-owned jewelry design studios, art galleries, and boutiques have returned in time for the holiday season to offer unique gifts that blend the city's bohemian spirit with the area's rich Southern Appalachian craft tradition. The results are functional, ornamental, wearable, and even edible works of art.
Almost all of downtown Asheville is open and ready for business, its infrastructure having remained largely untouched by the storm. Downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, artist studios and restaurants are open—alongside our neighbors in the towns of Weaverville and Black Mountain. South Asheville and the Asheville Regional Airport are open. Biltmore Estate has reopened and is welcoming guests for a holiday season of hope and reconnection.
A Holiday Arts and Crafts Tradition with a Modern Twist
Asheville has long been a haven for artists. Writers, painters, potters, wood carvers, blacksmiths, weavers, glassblowers, and musicians have all drawn inspiration from its rich mountain craft traditions, lore and legacies.
Shopping Districts
Downtown Asheville
From the Grove Arcade, to the Woolworth Walk, to Pack Square, East Fork and beyond, there is no shortage of original gifts, stocking stuffers and holiday ornaments in this city. Try on a glittering design by one of our local goldsmiths or a brightly-colored homespun hand-knitted scarf by one of our textile artisans. Sip champagne while searching for a rare first edition at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, browse the outdoor goods at Mast General Store, or sample a luscious chili-spiced dark chocolate truffle at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. There is nothing ordinary about holiday shopping in Asheville, and nothing ordinary about the treasures you'll find.
Biltmore Village
Historic Biltmore Village—the restaurant and shopping district adjacent to the entrance to Biltmore Estate—was among the areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Biltmore Estate is open and welcoming visitors. The roads to enter Biltmore Estate are clear. While some Biltmore Village businesses have reopened, many have a longer road ahead. Support the open breweries, eateries and shops in this historic area by planning ahead.
Folk Art Center
A picturesque drive along the famed Blue Ridge Parkway brings you to The Folk Art Center and the work of skilled artists who are members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. From dulcimers to handmade brooms, Christmas tree ornaments, weavings, quilts, glass, wood carvings, and pottery, the Folk Art Center's gift shop showcases the authenticity of mountain arts and crafts. Don't miss the daily craft demonstrations by guild members, nationally regarded as the best of the best.
River Arts District
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. Your support—whether through thoughtful visits or shopping online at Love Asheville from Afar—helps uplift this creative community. Thank you for your patience and care as the River Arts District, along with its neighbors, moves forward.
Holiday Markets
Craft markets and community bazaars abound in Asheville throughout the holiday season. These celebrations of the city's handmade commerce usually include local food, beer, toe-tapping music and always include a wide selection of indie art and crafts.
