Win a Downtown Asheville Stay + VIP Event Tickets
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
Past Events
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.
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… 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.
Gingerbread Trail of Giving
Although the National Gingerbread Competition will not be held this year, the gingerbread spirit at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is alive and well in a reimagined form. Starting Saturday,… read more
Although the National Gingerbread Competition will not be held this year, the gingerbread spirit at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa 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.
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… read more
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…
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.
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!
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!
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.
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… read more
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.
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!
