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Visiting the Asheville area on Christmas Day or during the holiday week? You're in luck. While many businesses take the day off, plenty of restaurants, attractions, and activities welcome guests throughout the season. Whether you're celebrating with family, exploring with friends, or discovering the mountains solo, you'll find options to make your Asheville Christmas memorable. Here's your guide to what's open and ready for you.
Photo above: Downtown Asheville Christmas scene of the lit outdoor Christmas tree at the Grove Arcade
Biltmore Estate
Yes, Biltmore House is open for daytime tours on both Christmas Eve and Day (closes at 2 PM on December 25), but no candlelight evening tours on those days. Buy your tickets well in advance. They have many sold-out days this week. See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide.
Downtown Asheville
Enjoy free parking downtown for three days at Christmas (December 24, 25, 26). Most shops and galleries are open the day before and after Christmas. See our Downtown Asheville Guide.
Winter Lights at NC Arboretum
The big walk-through light display throughout the Arboretum will be open both Christmas Eve and Day, 6-10 PM. Buy tickets in advance to secure your spot. They often sell out this week. Go to our Winter Lights Guide for more. New for 2025: See six incredible trolls as part of Winter Lights. The trolls were created by the renowned artist Thomas Dambo!
Ski
Looking for snow? Typically, our only white Christmas locations are our ski slopes. See our Top Ski Resorts near Asheville.
Take a Hike!
Depending upon the weather, many will head outdoors for a walk or hike. There are trails open in the Pisgah Forest Ranger District and DuPont State Recreational Area. State parks, including Mt. Mitchell, Lake James, and Gorges, are closed on Christmas Day. See our Top 20 Winter Hikes.
Waterfalls
Most 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, some sections may be open. Check here for the latest closures on the Parkway.
Restaurants Open for Christmas Eve and Christmas
Sharing a meal is one of the best ways to celebrate the season. Several Asheville restaurants open their doors on Christmas Day, offering everything from festive brunches to cozy dinners. More restaurants are available throughout Christmas week, and many restaurants welcome guests on Christmas Eve (see our Restaurants Directory), though most close by late afternoon. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.
Here are our top picks:
- Biltmore Estate Restaurants: Estate restaurants will have holiday-inspired menus to celebrate the season! You'll need either an admission ticket or a season pass to get inside the estate for the restaurants. Book well in advance on the Biltmore website! Be sure to also book your house tour well in advance (see our Christmas at Biltmore Guide).
- The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa: The Blue Ridge, Edison, and Vue 1913 are anticipated to be open on Christmas Day. Reservations are highly recommended. Visit their website for reservations.
- Hemingway's Restaurant: Savor traditional Cuban cuisine with Asheville flair on Christmas Day. You can even dine outdoors in the heated luxury dome on the terrace. Make reservations on their website.
Photo above: The luxury dome on the terrace of Hemingways Cuba
Christmas Day Meals at Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts
Most will serve breakfast on Christmas morning if you stay in a hotel or B&B. So that's a great way to start the big day! Find the perfect place to stay.
Photo above: The Beaufort House B&B, covered in snow
Christmas Day & Week Things to Do
Find Foodie Favorites
Check out our very diverse and passionate food and drink scene. Be a little adventurous and try something new. Or, enjoy time-honored classics. In downtown, walk to 60+ locally-owned innovative…
Downtown Asheville
Spend a day exploring downtown, with hundreds of locally-owned shops and galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries, and pubs. Visit Pack Square Park, dance at the Drum Circle, go to a festival or…
Winterfest & Christmas Light Show @ Tryon
Drive through an extravangant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. Open every night of the week. Check website for prices.
National Gingerbread Competition
The 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in November 2026. Please check back for details. The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa will host the National Gingerbread House Competition.…
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
As the highest ski and snowboard area in the eastern US, ride 17 slopes on 95 acres. Find runs for every skill levels, with a vertical drop of 830 feet and 80+ inches of annual snow. The…
Ski & Snowboard
Hit the slopes for plenty of winter of fun. Since we have the highest mountains in eastern America, you will find plenty of snow, either natural or man-made, for sking and snowboarding.…
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Check back for the 2026 dates! We are a proud sponsor of Winter LIghts, when millions of lights set the Arboretum aglow, including a 50-foot lighted tree, Quilt Garden, whimsical creatures and…
Christmas at Biltmore
The biggest event of the holiday season. See America's largest home decked out in festive finery. Candlelight Evenings are especially magical. See our extensive guide with tips, photos and details…
Explore Downtown Asheville
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries,…
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
Check back for 2026 dates and details! See the million lights that create a magical Main Street in our top Christmas Town Forest City with many events throughout, including carriage rides.…
Asheville Outlets
Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It's located on I-26, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It's pet-friendly,…
