Holiday Activities in Asheville NC

Asheville is ready 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. 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 this year is no exception. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to visit the largest private home in the country, this is it!

Beginning November 1, guests can visit the house during the day to 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 Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures. The exhibit features almost 1,000 expert-crafted replicas of King Tut’s burial goods. 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 twelfth year. The light show, which features more than one million lights, celebrates forest and garden creatures and whimsy from November 15 through January 4. Highlights of the show include the Quilt Garden, a 50-foot lighted tree, and numerous other lighted displays. Reserve your time and pay at the link.

Another new exhibit at the Arboretum, Trolls: A Field Study, promises to delight the senses. Twelve interactive troll sculptures designed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and standing seven to nine feet tall will fill the Arboretum from November 15 through February 17.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights

View 50 animated light displays from the comfort of your car at this South Asheville annual event from Dec. 1 through 23rd. A strolling tour with s’mores takes place on Dec. 1 and 2. Evening viewings start at 6 p.m., and drive-through viewing admission ranges from $10 to $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.

Gingerbread House Competition

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa welcomes back the National Gingerbread House Competition after a hiatus last year. The official 2025 Gingerbread display begins on November 18, continues through January 4, 2026. Visitors can view the display of creative gingerbread-made designs Monday through Thursday all day, and after 6 p.m. on Sundays.

LaZoom "Hey Asheville" Tour: Holiday Edition

From November 28 to December 24, enjoy a seasonal 90-minute guided comedy tour of Asheville on the purple LaZoom bus. The tour will be infused with holiday cheer and will make a stop at Green Man Brewing.

Winter Wonder Walk

Join the Adventure Center of Asheville for The Winter Wonder Walk, a fun and festive event for the whole family. Immerse yourself in outdoor live-action theater and get transported into the magical world of Winterland.

The live-action, immersive story walk takes place on an outdoor trail with live characters, twinkling lights, and Asheville's largest snowball fight. After the walk, visitors are invited to a heated tent featuring hot chocolate, treats, games, crafts, and a holiday market featuring local artists and makers. Outside the tent, enjoy a bonfire with s’mores and a food truck.

Join us in Asheville this holiday season and experience it for yourself. Our city's locally owned businesses (like The Residences at Biltmore), shops, and restaurants (like Azalea Bar & Kitchen) are grateful for and eager to welcome tourists back to town. We have plenty of__ three-bedroom suites with fireplaces__, full kitchens, and living and dining rooms - enough room for the entire family.