Looking for ideas of things to do during the holiday season in Asheville and Western North Carolina (including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's)? We have plenty of vacation ideas for a getaway. The area is one of the best places to shop for the perfect gift because it is home to many artists: Check out our guide to unique gifts that you will only find in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Picture above: Forest City.
Asheville Top Holiday Things to Do
Shopping Guide
Shop 'til you drop with a huge variety of stores, galleries and outlets in the Asheville area. Find plenty of local, unique shops with items you won't find anywhere else. See the best areas…
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…
Top 10 Christmas Small Towns
Take a photo tour of our Top 10 Christmas Towns & Villages near Asheville, each decorated with plenty of festive things to do in the North Carolina mountains.
Top Art Galleries
Visit a gallery to be amazed at a big variety of local art and craft, including glass, paintings, pottery, and every other medium you can imagine. Asheville and the North Carolina mountains are…
Get Pampered at a Spa
Be it a simple weekend of relaxation, a romantic couple’s getaway in the mountains or a chance to improve your health, Asheville is the ultimate destination for those seeking spas and wellness.…
Holiday Carriage Rides
See our top spots to take a horse drawn carriage ride down Main Streets covered in lights and during special events near Asheville in western North Carolina during the Christmas season.
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
See the million lights that create a magical Main Street in our Forest City with many events throughout, including carriage rides. Lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving Day.
Top Restaurants In & Near Asheville
From casual to sophisticated, including MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants, there are options to suit all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs…
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…
River Arts District
More than 500 artists work in the River Arts District. Drive a little, walk a little to visit studios and galleries. Find an amazing variety of art and see how the artists create it. It's just a…
Packages & Specials for Asheville & Mountains
Pick a package or special that is perfect for your vacation, with discounts and travel deals for hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, country inns and cabin rentals in the North Carolina mountains…
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…
Winterfest & Christmas Light Show @ Tryon
Drive through an extravagant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at Tryon International. Open every night of the week. Check website for prices.
Biltmore Village
Meander tree-lined streets, explore 40 unique shops and relax at 10 cafes and restaurants. Most businesses are housed in historic cottages and buildings. Don't miss the fabulous New Morning…
National Gingerbread Competition
The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa will host the 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition this fall. The public can view it Nov. 17, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027. Non-guests can visit after 6 pm on Sundays…
Ski & Snowboard
Hit the slopes for plenty of winter fun. Since we have the highest mountains in eastern America, you will find plenty of snow, either natural or man-made, for skiing and snowboarding. …
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Stroll through more than one million lights in "Nature Revered," with glowing mushrooms, giant dragonflies, the 50-foot Tree of Light, and the Quilt Garden set to holiday music. RomanticAsheville.com is a proud sponsor. November 13–January 3.
Christmas Tree Farms
Pick the perfect Christmas tree for your home at a "choose and cut" Christmas Tree Farm near Asheville. After you find your tree, they cut it, bale it and tie it on your vehicle. See our favorite…
20 Winter Hikes Near Asheville
Hiking during the winter has many advantages - including better views thanks to leafless trees, few fellow hikers, no bugs, brilliant skies with more distant views and cool temps. See our top…
Top Guided Tours & Experiences
Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and Western North Carolina. See our list of favorites.
More Holiday Things to Do In and Around Asheville
Asheville Holiday Parade: Nov. 21, 2026, 11 AM, downtown. This is its 80th year, with the theme "A Vintage Holiday."
Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards: Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 18, 2027.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular, Bryson City: Nov. 6, 2026–Jan. 2, 2027.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights: Dec. 2–23, 2026, 6–9 PM, $10 per vehicle.
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas (10th Anniversary): Nov. 27–Dec. 20, 2026.
The Asheville Ballet's The Nutcracker: Dec. 11–13, 2026, Wortham Center.
