During the late fall and festive holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns have many great events, festivals, and celebrations. Below are our favorites. Also, see our Holiday Things to Do for ideas for your vacation during November and December.
Top Holiday Events, November & December
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.
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… read more
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.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular, Bryson City
Head to Bryson City, NC for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular this holiday season! The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park) will dazzle you with all-new giant LED displays, including drive-thru arches and holiday-themed exhibits.
This drive-through light show is held 6-10 pm each night, rain or shine.
Tickets and PricingBuy tickets online or… read more
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.
Gingerbread Trail of Giving
Although the National Gingerbread Competition will not be held this year, the gingerbread spirit at The Omni Grove Park Inn is alive and well in a reimagined form. Starting Saturday, November 23,… read more
Although the National Gingerbread Competition will not be held this year, the gingerbread spirit at The Omni Grove Park Inn is alive and well in a reimagined form. Starting Saturday, November 23, more than 45 gingerbread houses will be showcased at local businesses and the resort, spreading hope and joy throughout the community. Displays will run through Sunday, January 5.
Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) Exhibit, Brevard
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. A fun… 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. A fun trip back in time! Open Thurs. through Sat., 12 pm - 4 pm. Free admission.
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.
Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
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… 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.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
This drive-through light show in South Asheville features 50 animated light displays and thousands of colored lights in a lakeside park. $10 per car. 6-9 PM. Tickets must be purchased online. This… read more
This drive-through light show in South Asheville features 50 animated light displays and thousands of colored lights in a lakeside park. $10 per car. 6-9 PM. Tickets must be purchased online. This year, December 1-2 is a walk-through experience! $5 per person for the walk-through.
Carolina Christmas Show
This Broadway-style show in Marion features live music, dancing, and comedy sure to put you in the holiday spirit! There are four performances to choose from throughout the weekend. Tickets are $… read more
This Broadway-style show in Marion features live music, dancing, and comedy sure to put you in the holiday spirit! There are four performances to choose from throughout the weekend. Tickets are $16-32. 400 Main Street West, Valdese, NC 28690
Brevard Philharmonic presents Christmastime in Brevard
Let the sounds of a symphony lift your spirits. Brevard Philharmonic will perform Christmastime in Brevard with special artists Jennifer D'Agostino and Michael Roemer. Don’t miss this well-loved holiday tradition!
New Years Eve Golden Nugget Drop
Gather on Main Street in downtown Marion on New Year's Eve night to watch the giant golden nugget drop into a pot of gold. Many activities include a fun run, music, food, craft vendors, and more… read more
Gather on Main Street in downtown Marion on New Year's Eve night to watch the giant golden nugget drop into a pot of gold. Many activities include a fun run, music, food, craft vendors, and more!
New Year's Eve Celebration at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Dance the night away at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa with live music by the Royal Suits, a silent DJ and a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight. Reserve your tickets today!
Past Events
An Appalachian Christmas
- -
Treat the family to a weekend of wonder. Get away for a trip to the lodge that’s filled with holiday festivities and cheer, culminating in Brunch with Santa on Sunday before… read more
Treat the family to a weekend of wonder. Get away for a trip to the lodge that’s filled with holiday festivities and cheer, culminating in Brunch with Santa on Sunday before checking out.
A Smoky Mountain Christmas Celebration
Traditionally held beginning to mid-December, downtown Waynesville's historic Main Street area's shops, galleries, and restaurants open late from 6-9 PM with live music, live carolers, Bethlehem… read more
Traditionally held beginning to mid-December, downtown Waynesville's historic Main Street area's shops, galleries, and restaurants open late from 6-9 PM with live music, live carolers, Bethlehem market place and live nativity, old-fashioned wagon rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus, storytelling, luminary-lined streets and more. Small town Christmas at its finest.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Experience the magic as the charming village is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider… read more
Experience the magic as the charming village is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa.
Illuminare: A Celebration of Christmas Light
Listen as the Transylvania Choral Society, the Brevard College Chamber Singers, and Brevard High School Choir members present a joyous holiday concert featuring "Illuminare" and "Alleluia" by… read more
Listen as the Transylvania Choral Society, the Brevard College Chamber Singers, and Brevard High School Choir members present a joyous holiday concert featuring "Illuminare" and "Alleluia" by Elaine Hagenberg and "Christmas Oratorio, Part 3" by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Small Town Christmas, Banner Elk
Many events during this weekend in our top ski town of Banner Elk. Tree lighting and variety show on Friday evening. Saturday highlights include a 5k, Alpaca Farm tours, holiday market, and more.… read more
Many events during this weekend in our top ski town of Banner Elk. Tree lighting and variety show on Friday evening. Saturday highlights include a 5k, Alpaca Farm tours, holiday market, and more. In the evening, Tate-Evans Park has train rides, luminaries, and light shows. Take home a Christmas Tree from a farm.
Small Town Christmas, Rutherfordton
Many events along Main Street throughout the day 1-9 PM. Shop sidewalk vendors at the Christmas Market from 1-5 PM and stroll by the storefront windows featuring live interactive displays 2-4 PM.… read more
Many events along Main Street throughout the day 1-9 PM. Shop sidewalk vendors at the Christmas Market from 1-5 PM and stroll by the storefront windows featuring live interactive displays 2-4 PM. Christmas Parade at 5 PM. Tree lighting at 6:30 PM at Courthouse. All free to attend.
Holiday Sip & Shop, Grovewood Gallery
Head to Grovewood Gallery for various unique holiday gifts, including ceramic tableware, wooden bowls and utensils, blown glass, fine jewelry, handwoven scarves, letterpress greeting cards, and… read more
Head to Grovewood Gallery for various unique holiday gifts, including ceramic tableware, wooden bowls and utensils, blown glass, fine jewelry, handwoven scarves, letterpress greeting cards, and much more. Wine and non-alcoholic cider will be available for sipping! 11 AM-5 PM. (Photo credit: Ryan Theede)
Brevard's Merry Market, Parade, and Light Up the Night
Step into a holiday wonderland in downtown Brevard this season. From the Merry Maker’s Market with local vendors, live music and food trucks to the Main St. Christmas parade, followed by the… read more
Step into a holiday wonderland in downtown Brevard this season. From the Merry Maker’s Market with local vendors, live music and food trucks to the Main St. Christmas parade, followed by the annual tree-lighting ceremony.
Appalachian Potters Market, Marion
Appalachian Potters Market is a regional holiday tradition hosting over forty pottery artists at the McDowell High School in Marion, NC. Attendees can expect a large variety of work, including… read more
Appalachian Potters Market is a regional holiday tradition hosting over forty pottery artists at the McDowell High School in Marion, NC. Attendees can expect a large variety of work, including functional, whimsical, and sculptural ceramics. Enjoy live music and refreshments available for purchase. Admission is $5.00 for those 16 years and older - cash or card.
Candlelight Stroll, Weaverville
Main Street Weaverville is illuminated for this festive evening with music, entertainment, Santa, kid activities, carolers, refreshments, horse carriage rides, and more. Also stroll through local… read more
Main Street Weaverville is illuminated for this festive evening with music, entertainment, Santa, kid activities, carolers, refreshments, horse carriage rides, and more. Also stroll through local shops for gifts! 5-8 PM.
