Are you visiting the Asheville area on Christmas Day or weekend? There are so many things to do. Celebrate with your family or friends and make memories for many years to come. As with most cities, most businesses close on Christmas Day - but we do have a list of restaurants open below.
Biltmore Estate
Yes, Biltmore House is open for daytime tours on both Christmas Eve and Day, but no candlelight evening tours on those days. Buy your tickets well in advance (save $10 if at least 7 days ahead) since they will have many sold-out days this week. See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide.
Downtown Asheville
Enjoy free parking in downtown for three days at Christmas (Dec 23, 24, 25). Most shops and galleries are open the day before and after Christmas. See our downtown Asheville Guide.
Winter Lights at NC Arboretum
The big light display in the gardens of the Arboretum will be open both Christmas Eve and Day, 6-10 PM. Cafe has a buffet both days. Buy tickets in advance (no tickets at gate) - they often sell out this week. Go to our Winter Lights Guide for more.
Ski
Looking for snow? Typically, our only white Christmas locations are our ski slopes with manmade snow. See our Top Ski Resorts near Asheville.
Take a Hike!
Since the weather will feel more like spring, many will head outdoors for a walk or hike. Most trails in the national forest and parks will be open - but visitor centers will be closed. State parks, including Mt. Mitchell, Lake James and Gorges, are closed on Christmas Day. See our Top 20 Winter Hikes.
Waterfalls
Most all of the waterfalls in our national and state forests (including DuPont Forest) will be accessible on Christmas Day, and they are free to enjoy. See our Top 20 Winter Waterfalls photo tour. (Chimney Rock & Gorges State Park will be closed on Christmas Day.)
Blue Ridge Parkway
Typically, higher sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed for ice and snow. But if the weather is warm, it could be fully open.
Restaurants Open for Christmas (Below were options for 2017 - we'll update for 2018 in Fall)
What better way to enjoy times with loved ones than to gather for food and drinks? Be sure to make reservations well in advance, especially if you have a group. While most all restaurants and breweries are open Christmas week, only a few are open on December 25th. Many are open on Christmas Eve, but close by late afternoon. Here are our top picks:
- Omni Grove Park Inn Restaurants: Christmas Eve (12-9 PM) & Day (12-8 PM) legendary buffet in the Blue Ridge Dining Room, $59-$62/person. Plus the festive Christmas Day Buffet in the Grand Ballroom is 11 AM-6:45 PM, $62/person. Vue 1913 features a 4-course menu ($75/person) 1-9:30 PM on Christmas Day. Edison Craft Ales & Kitchen open on the 25th 11 AM-11 PM with a seasonal menu. Reservations are a must. Update: Reservations booked. You can check for last minute cancellations through Friday.
- Biltmore Estate Restaurants: The big Christmas Eve and Day buffet at Deerpark is $54/person. 11 AM-5 PM both days. Call 828-225-6260 to reserve. Other restaurants, including Bistro and Stable Café, will be open regular hours. Bistro reservations: 828-225-6230. You'll need either an admission ticket or season pass to get inside the estate for the restaurants. Book well in advance! Update: Reservations filled.
- Grand Bohemian Hotel / Red Stag Grill contemporary European comfort food Christmas Day Four-Course Brunch, 11 AM-3 PM, $70/person. Christmas Eve & Day Four-Course Dinner 5-9 PM, $85/person. Biltmore Village.
- Strada Italiano: Christmas Eve regular menu plus Feast of the Seven Fishes, downtown, 11 AM-9 PM.
- The Blackbird: Limited menu on Christmas Eve, 11 AM-7 PM, downtown.
- Bouchon: Open 5-9:30 PM on Christmas Eve, downtown.
- Season’s at Highland Lake Inn: Outstanding Christmas Day buffet featuring many choices. Flat Rock (near Hendersonville). 11 AM-5 PM. $50/adult. Reservations required. Christmas Eve buffet 5-8 PM, $39.95/person.
- Kathmandu Café Himalayan Cuisine, lunch and dinner Christmas Day, 90 Patton Ave Downtown, 828-252-1080
- AC Hotel, tapas menu at Capella on 9 Christmas Day 4-11 PM, 10 Broadway St Downtown, 828-258-2522
- Isa's French Bistro, Noon-8 PM on Christmas Day, 1 Battery Park Ave. Downtown, 828-575-9636
- The Bier Garden, opens at 4 PM on Christmas Day, 46 Haywood St Downtown, 828-285-0002
- Edna's Coffee Shop and café open 7 AM-5 PM on Christmas Day, 870 Merrimon Ave
Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts
If you stay in a hotel or B&B, most will offer breakfast on Christmas morning. So that's a great way to start the big day! Find the perfect place to stay.
Christmas Eve Services
Many churches in Asheville have Christmas Eve services. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village: 3:30, 7 and 10:30 PM
- Basilica of St Lawrence Catholic in downtown Asheville: 5 and 11:30 PM
- Central United Methodist in downtown Asheville: 5 & 11 PM
- First Baptist Church in downtown Asheville: 6 PM
Christmas Day & Week Things to Do
