Thursday, January 1
Marion, McDowell County: Enjoy a First Day Hike at Black Bear Campground. Kick off the New Year with a moderate hike featuring a brand-new segment of the Fonta Flora State Trail at Lake James. Reconnect with nature on one of McDowell County's most scenic trail systems. 40 miles from downtown Asheville.
- Free
- Thursday, January 1, 1:30-2:30 pm
- Black Bear Campground and Park, 6192 Lake James Road, Marion
Chimney Rock, Rutherford County: Enjoy a free Park Road Hike at Chimney Rock. This is a rare opportunity to hike the 3-mile park road from the village to the top. Meet rangers at the stone park entrance at 8 am. Shuttle provided back down or walk. 60 miles from Asheville.
- Free (call 828-625-9611 with questions)
- 8 am start time
- Chimney Rock State Park (meet at the stone entrance)
Friday, January 2
Asheville: Final days of Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through over one million lights featuring the 50-foot lighted tree, Quilt Garden, and enchanting new displays. Six of Thomas Dambo's Trolls experience the show alongside visitors. Reserve timed entry at 6, 7, or 8 pm. 10 minutes from downtown Asheville.
- $45+ per vehicle (book time slot)
- Nightly through January 4
- The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Saturday, January 3
Black Mountain, Buncombe County: The Swannanoa Valley Museum is in the former 1921 firehouse designed by Biltmore Estate architect Richard Sharp Smith. Located in the heart of downtown Black Mountain's arts and food scene. The museum is only open on Saturdays during late winter. 16 miles from downtown Asheville.
- $5 suggested donation 10 am to 5 pm
- Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 West State Street, Black Mountain
Columbus, Polk County: The Columbus Winter Farmers Market offers fresh local produce, crafts, and goods from regional vendors at Iron Key Brewery. Support local growers and artisans while stocking up on seasonal finds. 42 miles from Asheville.
- Free
- 10 am-1 pm
- Iron Key Brewery, 135 Locust Street, Columbus
Bryson City, Swain County: Final weekend! Drive through custom-built LED displays, including drive-thru arches, outdoor enthusiast scenes, and the Snowflake Arch at the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular. Rain or shine event. Purchase tickets immediately. Located 62 miles from Asheville.
- $20 cars/vans, $40 activity vans
- January 3-4, 6-10 pm
- Great Smoky Mountains Event Park, 1130 Hyatt Creek Road, Bryson City
Sunday, January 4
Asheville: The Biltmore Estate’s Final Day of Christmas for this season. This is the last day to experience Biltmore's holiday magic. Daytime tickets include self-guided house tour before 5 pm with full estate exploration. Candlelight Christmas Evening features choirs, live musicians, and the 55-foot Norway spruce with 45,000 lights plus hundreds of luminaries. Book timed entry in advance—prime slots sell out.
- Daytime from $130; Candlelight Evening pricing varies
- 11 am to 5 pm (as of date of blog publication)
- Biltmore Estate, 1 Lodge Street
Asheville: Final day of the public Omni Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Display for this season. See spectacular 2025 gingerbread creations at the historic Grove Park Inn. Marvel at intricate edible artworks before this beloved annual tradition closes for the season.
- Free admission (parking fees apply)
- Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 pm, Friday and Saturdays are for resort guests or those with dining reservations only
- Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Avenue
Holiday Events 
Christmas Week Things to Dp 
