Your Pass to a World of Wonder
Join the Biltmore Passholder family now to save $90 during this seasonal offer.
2026 Dates: Dec. 4–6, Dec. 11–13, and Dec. 18–23
Park once and spend the evening at Winterfest, a walkable holiday celebration at Tryon International in Mill Spring. You’ll find Santa, a train ride to the “North Pole,” holiday characters, seasonal shopping, and indoor ice skating, all in one place about 50 minutes from Asheville.
Hours: Most activities run 5–9 PM. Some dining, workshops, and special events (which have costs on top of the $10-per-carload entry fee) start earlier or run later. Check the website for details.
Admission: $10 per vehicle, which covers parking and general admission for everyone in your car.
What’s Included with Admission
Your $10 vehicle pass covers the following for everyone in your vehicle:
- Photos with Santa and letters to Santa
- A meet and greet with the Grumpy Green Guy
- The Foothills Charity Tree Walk
- The North Pole Train Ride
- Holiday characters roaming the grounds
- Face painting
- Holiday Hobby Horse Schooling
- Seasonal vendors
- Activities in Tryon Stadium
- A petting zoo (select dates)
Extras (Reservations Required)
Some experiences cost extra and need to be booked ahead on their website:
- Indoor ice skating: The rink opens Nov. 27 and stays open on select dates through Feb. 14, 2027, so you can skate before and after Winterfest.
- Breakfast with Santa: A morning meal with the man in red.
- Igloo dining: Dinner inside a clear igloo, warm and cozy while you watch the festivities.
Live holiday entertainment: Ticketed shows and performances.
See ticket options and book extras on the Tryon International website.
Location & Directions
Tryon International, 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring, NC. From Asheville, take I-26 East to US 74 East, then take Exit 170. The drive takes about 50 minutes.
More to Do in the First Peak
Find many other attractions nearby, including wineries in the Tryon Foothills Wine Country and the nearby towns of Columbus, Rutherfordton, and Tryon. Also, see our Top Holiday Season Things to Do Guide for more.
Directions: Tryon Resort is located conveniently off of exit 170 on US Highway 74. It's an easy 50-minute drive from Asheville. The street address for GPS is 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring, NC.
Go to the Tryon International Equestrian Center's website for more info and buy tickets online.
