
The Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains is a feast of fun. Here are our top things to do. Of course, eating is number one! Since it's one of our busiest weekends of the year, be sure to make lodging and dining reservations well in advance!
Also, see our Top Holiday Outings. For Christmas Day Restaurants open in Asheville, see our Christmas Guide.
Thanksgiving Day (Nov 25, 2022) Restaurants & Buffets
While many Asheville area restaurants are closed, there are still many great local choices for brunch, lunch, or dinner on Turkey Day. Prices & hours often change a little, so check with the restaurant.
- Season's at Highland Lake Inn in Flat Rock, Thanksgiving Buffet 10:30 AM-6 PM, $58/adults, $29/child ages 6-11, 5, and under free. Local's favorite. Reservations required. 1-800-758-8130. They are also offering Thanksgiving meals to-go.
- Pack's Tavern Thanksgiving Buffet upstairs and downstairs with turkey, ham, trimmings, dessert, and plenty of beer choices. Located on Pack Square Park downtown, 11 AM-6 PM. $49.99/adults, $24.99/children under 10. A good option for large groups. Reservations (the last reservation time is 6 pm) and walk-ins welcome. Call 828-225-6944.
- Greystone Inn: Dine waterside on Lake Toxaway near Brevard at this luxury resort. 3-course dinner with 3 options each, $60/person, 12-5 PM. For reservations call 828-966-4700.
- Isa’s French Bistro: Isa’s French Bistro will be open for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day from 7-10 AM, followed by a 3-course Prix Fixe Menu beginning at Noon with last seating at 8 PM. Entrée offerings include Herb Brined Joyce Family Farm Turkey Breast, Antarctic Salmon, Vegan Sausage Ragout and Steak Frites. Pricing is $82 per person with an optional wine pairing for $32. A Children’s turkey plate is available for $25. To make reservations, please call 828-575-9636 or Reserve Online.
- Hemingway’s Cuba: Hemingway’s Cuba will be open for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day from 7-10 AM, followed by their regular lunch and dinner services from Noon until 8:00 PM, with the bar open from 8-10 PM. In addition to their regular menus, they will offer a special Herb Brined Turkey Breast with Cuban sides for $42, Home Made Pie for $12.00, and a Bruleed Peach & Rosemary Old Fashioned for $16.00. . Reserve Online or call 828-417-6866.
- Carmel's An a la carte Southern-inspired menu, Grove Arcade downtown, 12 Noon-8 PM
- RendezVous will will do 3 seatings at 12 PM, 2:30 PM, and 5 PM. $75/person. Call 828-348-0909 to make your reservation.
- Red Stag Grill will feature their signature A la Carte 4-Course Thanksgiving menu with a complimentary glass of seasonal mimosa or champagne. 11:30 AM-9 PM, $95/adult, $35/children 6-12, (free under 5). They will also offer a Family-Style Thanksgiving Feast to-go for $65/person. Book online or call 828-398-5600.
Thanksgiving & Holiday Packages / Places to Stay: See our holiday vacation packages page for the latest holiday vacation packages, deals, and specials. Also see our list of the bests hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and cabin rentals in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Make reservations early!
Biltmore: The Biltmore House is open for tours on Thanksgiving Day. All estate restaurants (see above) are open. It's a busy weekend on the estate, so get tickets well ahead. They usually sell-out for the entire weekend. See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide.
Pick your Christmas Tree: Go to a "choose and cut" Tree Farm to pick the perfect one for your home on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. All are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Many farms offer hayrides and other activities. See our Asheville Christmas Tree Farms Guide.
Downtown Asheville: Most all downtown stores are closed on Thanksgiving. But there's plenty of holiday shopping on Friday and Saturday to find those special gifts. Browse through more than 200 shops, 30 art galleries and a dozen antique stores. Free parking on streets and city parking decks on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. See our Downtown Asheville Guide.
More Shopping: Biltmore Village is home to more than 40 shops in historic cottages and buildings. Asheville is a mecca for artists, so this is the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Head to the Folk Art Center and the River Arts District. See our Gallery Guide. Also see our Antique Shopping Guide.
Small Towns: If you prefer the quaint small towns and friendly "Mayberry" Main Streets, explore our cool small towns throughout our mountains.
Get Outdoors: #optoutside! Take a late fall hike and enjoy views through leafless trees, cool temperatures, and few fellow hikers. See our hiking guide for top picks. All trails and waterfalls in the National Forests and Parks are open every day.
Ski Resorts: Some will open if weather is cold enough.
National Parks: Both Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open on Thanksgiving Day, weather permitting. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smokies is open on Thanksgiving Day.
More Happenings: See our Top Holiday Outings for more things to do!
Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Asheville Area
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
Nov 23, 2023 - Jan 01, 2024See 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.
Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Nov 24, 2023 - Dec 21, 2023Experience this dazzling holiday celebration! This all-new show comes to life with a cast of Flat Rock favorites, bringing magic and merriment to the stage- capturing the spirit of the holidays… read more
Experience this dazzling holiday celebration! This all-new show comes to life with a cast of Flat Rock favorites, bringing magic and merriment to the stage- capturing the spirit of the holidays with seasonal classics and new adaptations and medleys.
Christmas at Biltmore
Nov 03, 2023 - Jan 07, 2024The 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.
Polar Express Train
Nov 10, 2023Ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express Train 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.
Ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express Train 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.
Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum
Nov 11, 2023 - Jan 20, 2023This 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. This… 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. This year's event will also feature a room devoted to Elvis with blue aluminum trees and Elvis memorabilia and a mid-century modern train village. A fun trip back in time! Thurs-Sat. Free admission.
Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
Nov 24, 2023 - Nov 25, 2023Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley… read more
Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near Fontana Lake. 10 AM-5 PM.
Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Nov 17, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023Returning to the gardens this year, the popular show will return to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air format with glowing landscapes and plenty of new displays. The show will include… read more
Returning to the gardens this year, the popular show will return to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air format with glowing landscapes and plenty of new displays. The show will include the 50ft lighted tree, Quilt Garden, many of your favorite lighted designs, and new ones for 2021! We are delighted to be a sponsor of this festive event.