Holiday Activities in Asheville NC

Asheville is open for visitors and ready for the holidays. Most of our holiday traditions continue this year, although they may look different from previous years. Our city has worked hard to get things back to as close to normal as possible, and we're excited to announce that we have drinkable water again!

We’ve gathered a few of our favorite happenings and compiled them here so you can experience the best of Asheville this holiday season.

Biltmore

The holidays have always been a big deal at Biltmore, and the estate has re-opened just in time for the season. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to visit the largest private home in the country, this is it!

Guests can choose to visit the house during the day and see it adorned with festive garland, numerous Christmas trees and decorations, and a general spirit of the holidays in every room. Or, choose to visit the house during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, when the fireplaces throughout the estate are lit, estate trees are illuminated, pathways are glowing with luminaries, and winter floral displays top the tables and the grounds. It’s a truly delightful sight and should not be missed. Reservations for evening visits are necessary and can be made on the Biltmore website.

While you’re there, be sure to take in Chihuly at Biltmore, an exclusive exhibit of Dale Chihuly’s glass work, on display until February 2. Individual event and ticket packages with the Candlelight and daytime visits are available.

North Carolina Arboretum

The walking tour of Winter Lights returns to the North Carolina Arboretum gardens this month for the eleventh year. The light show, which features more than one million lights, celebrates forest and garden creatures and whimsy through Dec. 31. Highlights of the show include the Quilt Garden and a 50-foot lighted tree, as well as numerous other lighted displays. Reserve your time and pay at the link.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights

View 50 animated light displays from the comfort of your car at this South Asheville annual event from Dec. 3 through 28th. If you’re in town a little earlier, enjoy a strolling tour with s’mores on Dec. 1 and 2. Evening viewings start at 6 p.m., and admission for drive-through viewing ranges from $10-$50, depending on car size.

Polar Express Train

If you’re bringing the whole family to town, make sure to reserve your spot on the Polar Express Train. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes the train to the North Pole to visit Santa through Dec. 31. Enjoy hot chocolate and other treats as you listen to music from the movie soundtrack and sing carols on the ride back to the train depot. All the details you need - including links to make a reservation - can be found at the GSMR website.

Small Town Christmas Celebrations

There are also numerous small towns surrounding Asheville that create cozy scenes along their main streets with lights, special shopping hours, and tree-lighting ceremonies. Some that are especially worthwhile include Dillsboro, with its weekend downtown Lights and Luminaries, Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14 from 5-9 p.m. Hendersonville’s “Home for the Holidays” will feature different events and activities through December. The Weaverville annual Candlelight Stroll takes place on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., with tree lighting, caroling, and more.