Holiday Activities in Asheville NC

The holidays are back in full swing throughout Asheville and Western North Carolina! It’s a wonderful time to delight in the lights, shopping, small town holiday displays, and impressive mountain views with the whole family. The Residences at Biltmore has suites with enough room for everyone to enjoy the magic of the holidays together.

With so much to do in Asheville in December, we’ve compiled a list of family-friendly activities and events, as well as several holiday markets and pop-up shops to visit for unique, handmade, and Asheville-inspired presents for everyone on your list.

Biltmore

Candlelight Christmas Evenings are one of the most popular events of the year at America's largest private home. The lights in the house are dimmed, and candles, tree lights, and fireplaces throughout the home emit a cozy, soft glow. Twinkling lights hang about the estate and grounds, giving the enormous property an almost ethereal glow.

This year’s nights at Biltmore are especially magnificent, as the multi-sensory Leonardo da Vinci - 500 Years of Genius is currently on display as part of the immersive artist shows Biltmore has hosted over the past year. Described as “the world’s most comprehensive and thrilling Leonardo da Vinci experience,” the exhibit shines a spotlight on the works of the inventor, artist, and philosopher. The cost is included with some of the admission packages for the Candlelight experience. The exhibit runs through February 20, 2023.

Online reservations are not required for Candlelight Evenings, but they are strongly suggested, as admission is timed and spots quickly sell out. Candlelight visits continue through January 7. ​

Shop Small in Asheville

Asheville is known for its restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities, but it’s also home to some seriously creative people. In addition to the bustling River Arts District and its many galleries, many of the city’s artists display and sell their wares at local holiday markets and events. A few of the biggest ones follow.

Holiday Mingle & Jingle: Holiday Craft Market

For the sixth year in a row, the Holiday Mingle & Jingle pop-up is taking over The Grey Eagle in the River Arts District. Expect handmade items, art, and plenty of food and drinks from the venue’s taqueria and bar. The show opens at 10 a.m. on Nov. 26, and admission is free.

A Dickens Christmas

The annual event returns on December 2 and 3 in Historic Biltmore Village (within walking distance of The Residences at Biltmore!), complete with carolers, dancers, mimes, jugglers, and other outdoor performers that evoke the spirit of a Charles Dickens-era Christmas. The Village Green will be lit up with a 15-foot tree after dark, and the shops throughout the village will be open for finding the perfect presents. For a list of times and events, visit the website.

The Big Crafty

Every year, more than 150 local artists are selected to participate in this big show. If you’re shopping for quirky, different, or uncommon presents, this is the place to go. This year, the event takes place on December 3 & 4 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center downtown.

Vintage Market Days

The vintage-inspired market features handmade items from local vendors, as well as art, clothing, jewelry, home decor, foods, and more. It takes place December 9-11 at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. Buy tickets online at their website.

Uncommon Market Asheville

Another annual favorite, the Uncommon Market takes place on December 10–11 at the Mission Health AB Tech Conference Center on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days, find handmade art and craft items, as well as vintage and antique items.

Family Fun

Winter Lights

The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights display is one of the most popular winter attractions in the area. The Arboretum is decked out in over a million lights and lighted displays for visitors to walk around and view. Winter Lights tickets are sold per vehicle with three tiers of admission pricing based on peak and off-peak days, and tickets are timed. Although it is possible to buy tickets at the door, purchasing them in advance is highly suggested to be sure they’re available.

Winter Wonder Walk

The Adventure Center of Asheville will host the 2nd annual event on December 9-11, and 15-18. The Winter Wonder Walk follows the pages of the storybook of Winterland; guests go on a quest through the kingdom of Winterland to find Jack Frost and stop a terrible blizzard while meeting many characters along the way. It’s a live-action, immersive story-walk with lights, live characters, a holiday market, a kids’ play area, and local vendors, as well as the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, with two open aerial trails illuminated by thousands of twinkle and laser lights. The events open at 5:30 each night.

The Nutcracker

The Asheville Ballet is presenting the classic performance December 9-11 at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. An international cast is bringing the “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” to Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville on Dec. 20, as well. Tickets for both events are available on their respective websites.

Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour

Get the whole family to sing along to Christmas carols while you listen to holiday stories of local traditions and look at the lights of the businesses and homes throughout the city. Songbooks are provided if you’ve forgotten the words. Purchase tickets on the Gray Line Asheville website.

Winter Wonderland

The Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville is planning a plethora of holiday activities within its walls, as well as a decorated 20-foot-tall tree at the corner of Page Avenue and Battle Square to add to the festive ambiance of downtown Asheville. Family-friendly activities, including visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, kids' movies and book readings, and holiday glass blowing demonstrations will be featured.

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, Hendersonville, Weaverville, and Sylva.