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During the late fall and festive holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns have many great events, festivals, and celebrations. Below are our favorites. Also, see our Holiday Things to Do for ideas for your vacation during November and December.
Top Holiday Events, November & December
Trolls: A Field Study at the NC Arboretum This Winter
Twelve whimsical troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo will make their U.S. debut at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, Nov 15, 2025-Feb 17, 2026. Crafted from reclaimed materials… read more
Twelve whimsical troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo will make their U.S. debut at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, Nov 15, 2025-Feb 17, 2026. Crafted from reclaimed materials, the trolls will explore the Arboretum and join the Winter Lights display, sparking wonder and promoting sustainability.
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
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 designs—and, NEW for 2025, six trolls by Thomas Dambo will be joining the festivities!
Past Events
Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) Exhibit, Brevard
This quirky exhibit in downtown Brevard features dozens of vintage aluminum Christmas trees and more than 400 Shiny Brite ornaments and tree toppers inside the Transylvania Heritage Museum. A fun… read more
This quirky exhibit in downtown Brevard features dozens of vintage aluminum Christmas trees and more than 400 Shiny Brite ornaments and tree toppers inside the Transylvania Heritage Museum. A fun trip back in time! Open Thurs. through Sat., 12 pm - 4 pm. Free admission.
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… read more
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.
Gingerbread Trail of Giving
Although the National Gingerbread Competition will not be held this year, the gingerbread spirit at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is alive and well in a reimagined form. Starting Saturday,… read more
Although the National Gingerbread Competition will not be held this year, the gingerbread spirit at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is alive and well in a reimagined form. Starting Saturday, November 23, more than 45 gingerbread houses will be showcased at local businesses and the resort, spreading hope and joy throughout the community. Displays will run through Sunday, January 5.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular, Bryson City
Head to Bryson City, NC for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular this holiday season! The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park) will dazzle you with all-new giant… read more
Head to Bryson City, NC for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular this holiday season! The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park) will dazzle you with all-new giant LED displays, including drive-thru arches and holiday-themed exhibits.
This drive-through light show is held 6-10 pm each night, rain or shine.
Tickets and PricingBuy tickets…
Winter Events & Valentine Outings
See our top picks for things to do and events in January, February and March - including Valentine's Weekend!
See our top picks for things to do and events in January, February and March - including Valentine's Weekend!
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
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.
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.
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.
Drive through an extravangant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center - open every night of the week.
New Year's Eve Celebration at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Dance the night away at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa with live music by the Royal Suits, a silent DJ and a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. Reserve your tickets today! … read more
Dance the night away at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa with live music by the Royal Suits, a silent DJ and a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. Reserve your tickets today!
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Ride to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to pick up Santa. It's fun for all ages. Departs from Bryson City. See our guide for all the details… read more
Ride to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to pick up Santa. It's fun for all ages. Departs from Bryson City. See our guide for all the details.
New Year's Eve
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.
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.
