Christmas 2020 in Asheville: Restaurants & More

Christmas Day & Week 2020 in Asheville

Are you visiting the Asheville area on Christmas Day or week? 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 (closes at 2 PM on the 25th), 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. Dining info below. 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

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 (see our Restaurants Directory), but close by late afternoon.

Here are our top picks for 2019. Our 2020 options will be updated in September:

  • Omni Grove Park Inn Restaurants: Blue Ridge Dining Room: Christmas Eve (12-8 PM) & Day (12-8 PM) legendary buffet with mountain views, $65-70/adult & $30/child 6-12. Grand Ballroom: Christmas Day Buffet10:45 AM-6:45 PM, $70/adult & $30/child 6-12. Vue 1913 features a 3-course menu ($90/person) 2-9:30 PM on Christmas Day. Edison Craft Ales & Kitchen open on the 25th 11 AM-11 PM with a seasonal menu, $55/adult. Make reservations well in advance on their website. They will book up weeks in advance.
  • Biltmore Estate Restaurants: The big Christmas Eve and Day buffet at Deerpark, 11 AM-5 PM both days, call 828-225-6260 to reserve. Bistro and Stable Café 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 on the Biltmore website! Be sure to also book your house tour well in advance (see our Christmas at Biltmore Guide).
  • Grand Bohemian Hotel / Red Stag Grill contemporary European comfort food 2019 Christmas Day Four-Course Brunch in Ballroom, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, $70/person. Christmas Eve 5-10 PM & Christmas Day 4-9 PM Four-Course Dinner, $89/person. Biltmore Village. Open Table reservation book open Oct 1st.
  • Season’s at Highland Lake Inn: Outstanding 2019 Christmas Day buffet featuring many choices. Flat Rock (near Hendersonville). 11 AM-5 PM. $52/adult, $26/child ages 6-11. Christmas Eve buffet 5-8 PM, $48/adult, $24/child. Reservations required for both options. Live music. Call 828-696-9094 to reserve your table.
  • Strada Italiano: Christmas Eve regular menu plus Feast of the Seven Fishes, downtown, 11 AM-9 PM. Call or visit website for reservations.
  • Lakeside Dining Room at Greystone Inn: Christmas Eve dinner, 5-9 PM,  $65/person. Christmas Day Brunch- A la carte 8 AM-3 PM. Call for reservations: 828-966 4700.

Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts
If you stay in a hotel or B&B, most will serve 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:

Christmas Day & Week Things to Do

Christmas at Biltmore
Christmas at Biltmore
November 06, 2020 to January 09, 2021
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.
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Winter Lights NC Arboretum
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
November 20, 2020 to January 02, 2021
Stroll through impressive light displays in the Arboretum gardens, especially designed to compliment the plants and trees in this beautiful setting. We are delighted to be a sponsor of this festive event.
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Forest City Christmas Lights
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
November 26, 2020 to January 01, 2021
See the million lights that create a magical Main Street in our top Christmas Town Forest City with many events throughout, including carriage rides. Lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving Day.
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Asheville Outlets
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, and there are many events and sales throughout the year.
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Ski & Snowboard
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. 
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Foodie Heaven
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 restaurants, many with outdoor dining. From crafted cocktails to local brews, there's plenty to drink. Forage for food, visit a farm or tour a vineyard.
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Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville
Spend a day exploring downtown, with hundreds of locally-owned shops and galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries and pubs. Dance at the Drum Circle, go to a festival or enjoy street performers. See our favorite things to do!
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Beech Mountain Ski Resort
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 Alpine Village has ice skating, brewery and even a mountaintop bar. Snow tubing and terrain park. Ski vacation packages and lessons.
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Hendersonville, NC, Christmas
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
November 27, 2020 to January 01, 2021
Main Street twinkles with thousands of lights with many festive events including parade, hay rides, Broadway shows, tours, ice skating and fantastic shopping.
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Downtown Asheville
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, festivals and music. Walk the Urban Trail and tour historic sites. See our Top 25 things to do downtown.
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Gingerbread Houses Grove Park Inn
National Gingerbread House Competition
November 20, 2019 to January 04, 2020
See the winning gingerbread houses and creations on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn, elaborately decorated for the season. Public viewing Sunday-Thursday except Christmas & Thanksgiving week. See our guide for all the details.
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New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
December 31, 2020
Head to downtown Asheville for many dining and entertainment choices or go to celebrations throughout WNC. Special events on Jan 1st too. See our top New Year Celebrations and Things to Do.
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Tryon Christmas Lights
Christmas Wonderland Lights @ Tryon
November 15, 2019 to January 05, 2020
Drive through an extravangant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center - open every night of the week.
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