Explore the top festive highlights in Asheville! Our guide features all the must-see holiday events. From Asheville natives to holiday explorers, this guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's magic.
A must-visit holiday event is the enchanting Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where thousands of twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere. Experience creative culinary architecture at the National Gingerbread House Competition, showcasing intricate and stunning gingerbread creations. And the Asheville Holiday Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive floats, lively music, and joyful performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Asheville
- Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas Evenings
- National Gingerbread House Competition
- Asheville Holiday Parade
- Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
- Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
- Downtown Asheville Holiday Window Contest
- Historic Montford Holiday Tour of Homes
Asheville Holiday Light Displays
Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas Evenings
What to Expect:
America's largest private residence transformed into a holiday spectacle
Description:
The Biltmore Estate, America's largest private residence, transforms into a holiday spectacle during Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the 250-room château, while live music echoes through its halls. Visitors can explore the opulent rooms adorned with dozens of decorated trees and elaborate floral displays. The estate, completed in 1895, showcases Gilded Age splendor combined with timeless holiday traditions. You'll witness the grandeur of a bygone era as you stroll through the lavishly decorated rooms and expansive gardens.
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Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into a winter wonderland of lights
Description:
The North Carolina Arboretum's Winter Lights event transforms the botanical gardens into a dazzling display of illuminated nature. Thousands of energy-efficient LED lights highlight the natural beauty of the arboretum's plants and landscaping. Visitors can stroll through glowing gardens, where trees and shrubs shimmer with colorful lights. The event showcases the arboretum's commitment to conservation, using sustainable lighting practices. You'll discover artistic light installations that blend seamlessly with the natural environment, creating a unique outdoor gallery. This annual tradition began in 2014, quickly becoming a beloved regional attraction.
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Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to music
Description:
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland presents a unique drive-through light experience synchronized to holiday music. Visitors tune their car radios to a special station as they navigate through tunnels and displays of dancing lights. The show features millions of LED bulbs programmed to move in time with festive tunes. You'll encounter towering light sculptures and animated scenes that bring holiday stories to life. This family-owned business has been creating light shows since 2007, continually innovating with new technology. The event combines the comfort of your own vehicle with the excitement of a cutting-edge light spectacular.
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Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
Asheville Other Holiday Activities
National Gingerbread House Competition
What to Expect:
Nation's largest gingerbread house competition
Description:
Asheville hosts the nation's largest gingerbread house competition, drawing bakers and artists from across the country. The air fills with the sweet aroma of ginger and spices as intricate edible creations vie for top honors. Competitors push the boundaries of culinary artistry, crafting elaborate structures entirely from gingerbread and confections. Visitors can marvel at the astounding detail and creativity on display. This tradition began in 1992 with a small group of gingerbread houses and has since grown into a nationally recognized event. The competition showcases the intersection of baking, architecture, and holiday spirit.
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National Gingerbread House Competition
Asheville Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Showcases Asheville's unique local culture and community spirit
Description:
The Asheville Holiday Parade bursts with local flavor, showcasing the city's vibrant culture and community spirit. Colorful floats, many handcrafted by local artists, wind through downtown streets. Marching bands fill the air with joyful tunes, while dance troupes perform lively routines. You'll spot quirky touches that reflect Asheville's eclectic character, from drum circles to puppeteers. The parade has been a cherished tradition since 1946, evolving to embrace the city's diverse population. Spectators line the streets, cheering on their neighbors and celebrating the unique charm of their mountain town.
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Downtown Asheville Holiday Window Contest
What to Expect:
Local businesses compete to create the most creative holiday window displays
Description:
Downtown Asheville's Holiday Window Contest ignites friendly competition among local businesses, resulting in a walkable gallery of creative displays. Shop owners and employees unleash their artistic talents, transforming storefronts into eye-catching holiday scenes. Visitors can explore the charming streets, admiring the diverse and often whimsical window designs. The contest, which began in the early 2000s, has become a cherished tradition that strengthens community bonds. You'll discover unique interpretations of holiday themes, often incorporating local art and culture. This event showcases the creativity and spirit of Asheville's independent business community.
Website:
Downtown Asheville Holiday Window Contest
Historic Montford Holiday Tour of Homes
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
The Historic Montford Holiday Tour of Homes offers a glimpse into Asheville's architectural past, with century-old residences decked out in holiday finery. Visitors embark on a self-guided walking tour through this historic neighborhood, stepping inside beautifully preserved homes. Each residence showcases unique decorations that complement its architectural style. You'll discover the stories behind these grand old houses, many of which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tour, which began in the 1990s, celebrates the preservation of Asheville's historic districts. This event combines local history, architecture, and holiday traditions in a distinctive experience.
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Historic Montford Holiday Tour of Homes
Nearby Events
Polar Express Train Ride (Bryson City)
What to Expect:
Immersive recreation of the beloved children's book on a real train
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City brings the beloved children's book to life aboard a real moving train. Passengers embark on a journey to the "North Pole," complete with hot chocolate service and a reading of the story. The sound of the train whistle pierces the night air as you travel through the scenic Smoky Mountains. Children receive a special gift from Santa himself, who boards the train during the excursion. This event takes place on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which has operated since 1988. The experience captures the essence of childhood wonder and the spirit of belief.
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Lake Julian Festival of Lights (Arden)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display around a scenic lake
Description:
The Lake Julian Festival of Lights offers a unique drive-through experience around the shores of a scenic mountain lake. Visitors follow a winding path illuminated by hundreds of twinkling light displays reflected in the water's surface. The event features both traditional and whimsical light sculptures, creating a captivating journey through a glowing landscape. You can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your vehicle while taking in the spectacular views. This festival, which began in 2001, has become a cherished tradition for many families in Western North Carolina. The event combines natural beauty with holiday cheer in a distinctive setting.
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Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Santa on the Chimney (Chimney Rock)
What to Expect:
Santa Claus rappels down Chimney Rock
Description:
Santa on the Chimney features the jolly old elf himself rappelling down the face of Chimney Rock, a 315-foot granite monolith. Spectators gather at the base of the rock to watch Santa practice his chimney-descending skills. The event includes live holiday music and opportunities for children to meet Santa after his daring descent. You can hike scenic trails in Chimney Rock State Park before or after the main attraction. This unique tradition began in 1993, combining rock climbing with holiday cheer. The event showcases the natural beauty of the area while offering a thrilling twist on meeting Santa Claus.
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Hendersonville Holiday Street Lighting (Hendersonville)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm meets holiday spirit in a historic downtown
Description:
Hendersonville's Holiday Street Lighting ceremony transforms the historic Main Street into a glowing corridor of holiday cheer. The event kicks off with the illumination of thousands of white lights adorning the trees lining the street. Local choirs fill the air with carols, creating a festive atmosphere. Visitors can stroll the charming downtown, admiring the decorated storefronts and enjoying special promotions from local businesses. You'll experience the warmth of small-town hospitality in this mountain community. The tradition dates back several decades, evolving into a beloved annual celebration that brings together residents and visitors alike.
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Hendersonville Holiday Street Lighting