Win a Breathtaking Bryson City Giveaway
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
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.…
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.
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.…
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…
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 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…
Holiday Carriage Rides
See our top spots to take a horse drawn carriage ride down Main Streets covered in lights and during specials events near Asheville in western North Carolina during the Christmas season.
River Arts District
Some 185 working artists have set up shop 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…
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.
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.…
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…
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…
Holiday Season Top 50 Events (November & December)
See our favorite events, festivals and art shows during the holiday season in Asheville and western North Carolina mountains, including many small towns and Biltmore Estate.
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…
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…
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 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.
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.…
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…
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…
