Are you visiting the Asheville area on Christmas Day or week? There are so many things to do. Celebrate with your family or friends and make memories for many years to come. As with most cities, most businesses close on Christmas Day—but we do have a list of restaurants open below.
Biltmore Estate
Yes, Biltmore House is open for daytime tours on both Christmas Eve and Day (closes at 2 PM on December 25), but no candlelight evening tours on those days. Buy your tickets well in advance (save $8 if at least 7 days ahead) since they will have many sold-out days this week. Dining info below. See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide.
Downtown Asheville
Enjoy free parking downtown for three days at Christmas (December 23, 24, 25). Most shops and galleries are open the day before and after Christmas. See our Downtown Asheville Guide.
Winter Lights at NC Arboretum
The big walk-through light display throughout the Arboretum will be open both Christmas Eve and Day, 6-10 PM. Buy tickets in advance to save on price and secure your spot. They often sell out this week. Go to our Winter Lights Guide for more.
Ski
Looking for snow? Typically, our only white Christmas locations are our ski slopes with manmade snow. See our Top Ski Resorts near Asheville.
Take a Hike!
Depending upon the weather, many will head outdoors for a walk or hike. There are trails open in the Pisgah Forest Ranger District and DuPont State Recreational Area. State parks, including Mt. Mitchell, Lake James, and Gorges, are closed on Christmas Day. See our Top 20 Winter Hikes.
Waterfalls
Most of the waterfalls in our national and state forests (including DuPont Forest) will be accessible on Christmas Day, and they are free to enjoy. See our Top 20 Winter Waterfalls photo tour. (Chimney Rock & Gorges State Park will be closed on Christmas Day.)
Blue Ridge Parkway
Typically, higher sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed for ice and snow. But if the weather is warm, some sections may be open. Check here for the latest closures on the Parkway.
Restaurants Open for Christmas
What better way to enjoy time with loved ones than to gather for food and drinks? Be sure to make reservations well in advance, especially if you have a group. While most restaurants and breweries are open Christmas week, only a few are open on December 25th. Many are open on Christmas Eve (see our Restaurants Directory) but close by late afternoon.
Here are our top picks:
- Biltmore Estate Restaurants: Estate restaurants will have holiday-inspired menus to celebrate the season! You'll need either an admission ticket or a season pass to get inside the estate for the restaurants. Book well in advance on the Biltmore website! Be sure to also book your house tour well in advance (see our Christmas at Biltmore Guide).
- Lakeside Dining Room at Greystone Inn: 2021 Christmas Eve dinner, 5-9 PM, $65/person. Christmas Day Brunch- A la carte 8 AM-3 PM. Call for reservations: 828-966 4700.
- Isa’s French Bistro: Offerings include a 3-Course Prix Fixe menu with entrees including Brasstown Beef Filet, Seared Scallops, and Vegan Sausage A La King from 12 PM-8 PM. The Prix Fixe Menu will be offered at $69/person with an optional wine pairing for an additional $25/person. A children’s menu will be available. As seating is limited, reserve your table online or call 828-575-9636.
- Hemingway’s Cuba will be serving regular breakfast from 7 AM to 10 AM. For Christmas dinner, in addition to their regular full menu, they will offer Christmas Special entrees of Slow Roasted Pork Loin stuffed with chorizo/sazon, roasted brussels sprouts, and calabaza or Lubina Estilo Cubano, the Cuban style seabass special from 12 PM-8 PM. Reserve your table now online or call 828-417-6866.
Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts
Most will serve breakfast on Christmas morning if you stay in a hotel or B&B. So that's a great way to start the big day! Find the perfect place to stay.
Christmas Eve Services
Many churches in Asheville have Christmas Eve services. Check with each church for their Holiday Mass
schedule.
- Basilica of St Lawrence Catholic in downtown Asheville
- Central United Methodist in downtown Asheville
- First Baptist Church in downtown Asheville
Christmas Day & Week Things to Do
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.
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
This popular show is an outdoor walk-through open-air format with glowing landscapes and plenty of new displays. The show will include a 50-foot lighted tree, Quilt Garden, many extraordinary lighted designs, and more! We are delighted to be a sponsor of this festive event.
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
Main Street twinkles with thousands of lights and many festive events, including hayrides, tours, ice skating, and fantastic shopping.
Main Street twinkles with thousands of lights and many festive events, including hayrides, tours, ice skating, and fantastic shopping.
National Gingerbread House Competition
After careful consideration, The Omni Grove Park Inn has made the difficult decision to cancel the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. However, both competitors and new… read more
After careful consideration, The Omni Grove Park Inn has made the difficult decision to cancel the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. However, both competitors and new participants can choose to display their Gingerbread creations at local businesses in Asheville, with some pieces featured at The Omni Grove Park Inn. The hotel will continue, “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” by…
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
As the highest ski and snowboard area in the eastern US, ride 17 slopes on 95 acres. Find runs for every skill levels, with a vertical drop of 830 feet and 80+ inches of annual snow. The Alpine… read more
As the highest ski and snowboard area in the eastern US, ride 17 slopes on 95 acres. Find runs for every skill levels, with a vertical drop of 830 feet and 80+ inches of annual snow. The Alpine Village has ice skating, brewery and even a mountaintop bar. Snow tubing and terrain park. Ski vacation packages and lessons.
Explore Downtown Asheville
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries,… read more
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries, festivals and music. Walk the Urban Trail and tour historic sites. See our Top 25 things to do downtown.
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
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.
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.
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.
Drive through an extravangant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center - open every night of the week.
Asheville Outlets
Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It's located on I-26, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It's pet-friendly,… read more
Shop 75 national and local outlets in this beautiful, new outdoor shopping village. It's located on I-26, just six miles from Biltmore and seven miles from downtown Asheville. It's pet-friendly, and there are many events and sales throughout the year.
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.
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.
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… read more
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 restaurants, many with outdoor dining. From crafted cocktails to local brews, there's plenty to drink. Forage for food, visit a farm or tour a vineyard.
Downtown Asheville
Spend a day exploring downtown, with hundreds of locally-owned shops and galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries, and pubs. Visit Pack Square Park, dance at the Drum Circle, go to a festival or… read more
Spend a day exploring downtown, with hundreds of locally-owned shops and galleries, museums, restaurants, breweries, and pubs. Visit Pack Square Park, dance at the Drum Circle, go to a festival or enjoy street performers. See our favorite things to do!
