It's snuggle season! The winter months of January, February and March are the most serene of the year in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. So it's the perfect time for a North Carolina mountain romantic getaway, including a Valentine's trip. Surprising to some, it rarely snows in Asheville. Since the city is protected by the highest mountains in eastern America, snow is often kept about 20 miles away on the higher mountain peaks and ski areas. (Pic above: Winter Hike on Roan Mountain)
Top Asheville Winter Things to Do: January-March
Winter Getaway Packages: Since the winter months are the slowest months for inns, hotels, and cabin rentals, you will find the best deals of the year. See a big variety of Winter Packages and Specials. Book ahead for Valentine's Weekends, since they will be busier. See our top-rated B&Bs, cabins, and hotels.
Biltmore Specials: Enjoy the grand estate without the big crowds and get great deals on tickets and accommodations at two hotels. Read about winter outings and specials at Biltmore.
Spa Pampering: 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 spas and wellness. See our Top Asheville Spas. The photo above is the Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Also, warm up in the 100-degree natural mineral waters in Hot Springs or a Salt Cave.
Ski & Snowboard: Beech Mountain is the highest town and ski area in the eastern USA, and they have tubing and great ski packages. Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is an easy drive from Asheville. Banner Elk is our Top NC Ski Town. Plus, see other NC ski resorts near Asheville.
Foodie Favorites: Dine at farm-to-table restaurants, take a chocolate tour, and browse the WNC Farmers' Market, just to name a few. Plus, see our Top 12 Foodie Favorites.
Small Town Getaways: Head to Jackson County and their cool small towns of Sylva, Dillsboro, and Cashiers for the perfect getaway for relaxation, exploration, and pampering. Find cozy cabins, fun breweries, spas, great restaurants, waterfalls, hikes, and more. See our Jackson County Winter Getaway Guide.
Beer Crawl: Asheville (a.k.a. Beer City U.S.A) has an amazing selection of craft breweries and pubs. Sample 100+ local brews with our top picks for beer in the Asheville area. If wine is more to your liking, see our guide to Asheville Wine Bars.
Downtown Asheville: Browse through more than 200 shops, 30 art galleries, and a dozen antique stores. Savor local food at 70+ restaurants.
Art & Craft: With more than 100 galleries and even more artist studios, you will need plenty of time for exploring. In addition to the galleries in downtown, head to the Folk Art Center and the River Arts District. See our Gallery Guide.
Outdoors: Take a hike with great views due to leafless trees, cool temperatures and far less crowds, it may become your favorite time of the year to hit the trail. See our winter hiking guide for our top picks. And don't forget to find some of our spectacular waterfalls. See our Top 20 Winter Waterfalls to explore. Zipline and play in the trees at the Adventure Center near downtown Asheville.
Bonus: Valentine's Week - Take a photo tour of things to do with your sweetie.
Top Asheville NC Mountain Winter & Valentine Events
Christmas at Biltmore
Jan 01, 2024 - Jan 07, 2024See the final week of the elaborate holiday decorations inside Biltmore House. Open New Year's Day.
See the final week of the elaborate holiday decorations inside Biltmore House. Open New Year's Day.
First Day Hikes
Jan 01, 2024Go to a state park near Asheville for a free guided hike with a forest ranger - a great way to begin a resolution to get outdoors for exercise and education. Most are easy trails, perfect for all… read more
Go to a state park near Asheville for a free guided hike with a forest ranger - a great way to begin a resolution to get outdoors for exercise and education. Most are easy trails, perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Blowing Rock WinterFest
Jan 25, 2024 - Jan 28, 2024Blowing Rock WinterFest debuted in January 1998. Since then, events have been added, including wine tasting, ice carving demonstrations, live music, and an adorable dog show called WinterPaws. Not… read more
Blowing Rock WinterFest debuted in January 1998. Since then, events have been added, including wine tasting, ice carving demonstrations, live music, and an adorable dog show called WinterPaws. Not only is WinterFest a blast, it has raised thousands of dollars to help various charitable causes. Don’t hibernate. Celebrate winter in Blowing Rock!
Groundhog Day
Feb 02, 2024Go to Chimney Rock Park to see if Pumpkin the groundhog sees his shadow to predict an early spring or a long winter. Other activities for kids of all ages.
Go to Chimney Rock Park to see if Pumpkin the groundhog sees his shadow to predict an early spring or a long winter. Other activities for kids of all ages.
Valentine's Week
Feb 07, 2024 - Feb 14, 2024See our Top 20 Things to Do on Valentine's Day and Week in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains, with a photo tour of romantic getaway ideas.
See our Top 20 Things to Do on Valentine's Day and Week in Asheville and the North Carolina mountains, with a photo tour of romantic getaway ideas.
Mardi Gras Parade
Feb 11, 2024Everyone is invited to participate in, or simply spectate this family-friendly spectacle. This fun parade in downtown Asheville is led by this year's King and Queen, with dancers, roller skaters,… read more
Everyone is invited to participate in, or simply spectate this family-friendly spectacle. This fun parade in downtown Asheville is led by this year's King and Queen, with dancers, roller skaters, drummers and krewes of colorful characters. 3 PM
Arts & Crafts Conference @ Grove Park Inn
Feb 16, 2024 - Feb 18, 2024Perfect for the passionate collector or those just interested in the Arts and Crafts design. The long-running weekend at Grove Park Inn includes lectures, small group discussions, exhibitions,… read more
Perfect for the passionate collector or those just interested in the Arts and Crafts design. The long-running weekend at Grove Park Inn includes lectures, small group discussions, exhibitions, books, a contemporary crafts show and the finest of the antiques shows.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Mar 17, 2024 - Mar 24, 2024Local and national artists explore the edges of their work, collaborate across genres and bring innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Includes dancers, installation artists… read more
Local and national artists explore the edges of their work, collaborate across genres and bring innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Includes dancers, installation artists, theatre companies, Butoh dance, puppetry, modern dance, and performance art.
Spring Events & Festivals: Top 40
Apr 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024Check out our calendar of the best festival and events in Asheville and western North Carolina in April and May.
Check out our calendar of the best festival and events in Asheville and western North Carolina in April and May.
Past Events
Italian Renaissance Alive at Biltmore
Mar 03, 2023 - Jan 07, 2024Making its world premiere at Biltmore, this all-new multi-sensory experience takes you on a captivating tour across Italy and brings iconic masterpieces to life with a captivating, educational,… read more
Making its world premiere at Biltmore, this all-new multi-sensory experience takes you on a captivating tour across Italy and brings iconic masterpieces to life with a captivating, educational, and unforgettable experience!
Organic Growers Conference
Feb 24, 2023 - Feb 26, 2023This annual Spring Conference at Mars Hill University includes 150+ practical, affordable, regionally-appropriate workshops on organic growing, homesteading, urban farming and rural living. Plus… read more
This annual Spring Conference at Mars Hill University includes 150+ practical, affordable, regionally-appropriate workshops on organic growing, homesteading, urban farming and rural living. Plus trade show, seed exchange, special guests and on-farm events.
Outhouse Races
Feb 18, 2023Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or… read more
Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line!
Rock & Roll Weekend, Omni Grove Park Inn
Feb 08, 2023 - Feb 14, 2023Swing dance away the weekend at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra on Friday & Saturday nights.
Swing dance away the weekend at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra on Friday & Saturday nights.
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
