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 50 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.
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…
Marshall Handmade Market, Mars Hill
This year, the Marshall Handmade Market event will be held at a new venue, Odonata Farm, due to Hurricane Helene. This historic barn and scenic field will host some of the best makers in the… read more
This year, the Marshall Handmade Market event will be held at a new venue, Odonata Farm, due to Hurricane Helene. This historic barn and scenic field will host some of the best makers in the region. It will be a weekend of gathering with the beloved community, holiday shopping, and celebrating all that we still have. 5640 Paint Fork Rd. Mars Hill, NC
Asheville Holiday Jamboree (formerly Parade)
Due to Hurricane Helene, there are changes to the format of the Annual Holiday Parade. In 2024, a Holiday Jamboree will take place in Pack Square Park. Having the event in one place will allow the… read more
Due to Hurricane Helene, there are changes to the format of the Annual Holiday Parade. In 2024, a Holiday Jamboree will take place in Pack Square Park. Having the event in one place will allow the City of Asheville to devote more staff and infrastructure to the Hurricane Helene response.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain Artisans Hard Candy Christmas
Shop from more than 100 regional artisans at this folk and heritage craft show! The show has everything from quilters to soap makers, basket makers, leather craftsmen, master jewelers, and more.… read more
Shop from more than 100 regional artisans at this folk and heritage craft show! The show has everything from quilters to soap makers, basket makers, leather craftsmen, master jewelers, and more. Since 1987, this event has grown yearly and is now held at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, NC. General admission is $5; children under 12 are admitted for free. Free parking…
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.
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! 6-9 PM.
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.
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-4 PM. (Photo credit: Ryan Theede)
A Dickens Christmas in Biltmore Village
Experience the magic and charm of Historic Biltmore Village filled with Dickens carolers and lit with holiday lights after dark at the Dickens Festival. From a Christmas market to performances in… read more
Experience the magic and charm of Historic Biltmore Village filled with Dickens carolers and lit with holiday lights after dark at the Dickens Festival. From a Christmas market to performances in the cathedral, you'll enjoy the feelings of an old-time Christmas.
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.
Santa on the Chimney
Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock State Park is closed.
Watch Santa practice for his world-wide chimney-dropping tour on his "practice chimney," the 312 ft. tall Chimney… read more
Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock State Park is closed.
Watch Santa practice for his world-wide chimney-dropping tour on his "practice chimney," the 312 ft. tall Chimney Rock monolith. Included with park admission.
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.
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.
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.
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 $12-28. 400 Main Street West, Valdese, NC 28690
Christmas Day & Week Things to Do
Find things to do and restaurants open on Christmas Day and week in Asheville, Biltmore and the surrounding mountain towns.
Find things to do and restaurants open on Christmas Day and week in Asheville, Biltmore and the surrounding mountain towns.
New Year's Eve
Head to downtown Asheville for many dining and entertainment choices or go to celebrations throughout WNC. Special events on Jan 1st too. See our top New Year Celebrations and Things to Do.
Head to downtown Asheville for many dining and entertainment choices or go to celebrations throughout WNC. Special events on Jan 1st too. See our top New Year Celebrations and Things to Do.
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!
Winter Events & Valentine Outings
See our top picks for things to do and events in January, February and March - including Valentine's Weekend!
See our top picks for things to do and events in January, February and March - including Valentine's Weekend!
Past Events
River Arts District Soft Opening: RADFest 1.0
Head to the River Arts District (RAD) near downtown Asheville for RADFest 1.0, a special two-day celebration marking the first steps in the beloved arts community's recovery following Hurricane… read more
Head to the River Arts District (RAD) near downtown Asheville for RADFest 1.0, a special two-day celebration marking the first steps in the beloved arts community's recovery following Hurricane Helene. The festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM each day. Parking is limited. Features pop-up booths with works from displaced artists, and more.
Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum
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. This… 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. This year's event will also feature a room devoted to Elvis with blue aluminum trees and Elvis memorabilia and a mid-century modern train village. A fun trip back in time! Thurs-Sat. Free admission.
Tryon Beer Fest
A festive time with outdoor oyster roast, games, live music, and a great selection of craft beers and ciders. Downtown Tryon. 1-6 PM. Tickets: $35/person through August. $75 after Sept 1. Tickets… read more
A festive time with outdoor oyster roast, games, live music, and a great selection of craft beers and ciders. Downtown Tryon. 1-6 PM. Tickets: $35/person through August. $75 after Sept 1. Tickets capped at 1,000.
Western North Carolina Pottery Festival
Meet 40+ master potters from across the country at this premier juried art event. Watch them in action and buy amazing creations that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Meet 40+ master potters from across the country at this premier juried art event. Watch them in action and buy amazing creations that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Evolving Visions: A Contemporary Collective
Due to Hurricane Helene, Citron Gallery is permanently closed. Citron Gallery is pleased to present the opening of Evolving Visions: A Contemporary Collective—a group show that celebrates the… read more
Due to Hurricane Helene, Citron Gallery is permanently closed. Citron Gallery is pleased to present the opening of Evolving Visions: A Contemporary Collective—a group show that celebrates the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of contemporary art. The collective will be exhibiting a captivating blend of abstract and figurative works with traditional and experimental techniques.
Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center
As a result of Hurricane Helene, all scheduled Guild activities and events are canceled until further notice. Get great deals on amazing art directly from the artists, offering over-runs,… read more
As a result of Hurricane Helene, all scheduled Guild activities and events are canceled until further notice. Get great deals on amazing art directly from the artists, offering over-runs, discontinued stock, and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere. And don't miss the special exhibits and main store at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free admission. 10 AM-4 PM.
Christmas Jam
Christmas Jam 2024 is canceled due to Hurricane Helene. Don't miss this long-running, one-of-a-kind music festival at Harrah's Cherokee Center, which benefits Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.… read more
Christmas Jam 2024 is canceled due to Hurricane Helene. Don't miss this long-running, one-of-a-kind music festival at Harrah's Cherokee Center, which benefits Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Past performers have included the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh & Friends, Tyler Childers, Gov’t Mule, Beth Hart, Brothers Osborne, and Dinosaur Jr. Line up announcement coming soon for 2023!
Toe River Studio Tour
The November 2024 Studio Tour has been canceled due to Hurricane Helene. Self-driving tour to discover studios of 100+ artists and craftsmen, many internationally-known and from the acclaimed… read more
The November 2024 Studio Tour has been canceled due to Hurricane Helene. Self-driving tour to discover studios of 100+ artists and craftsmen, many internationally-known and from the acclaimed Penland School of Crafts. A blend of contemporary and traditional art - Burnsville and Spruce Pine area. Free admission!
