Asheville Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Asheville and surrounding areas
Asheville embraces the Christmas season with festive events and things to do across the River Arts District and Biltmore Estate. Christmas at Biltmore, Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum, and the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam bring grand light displays, concerts, and seasonal markets. From downtown galleries to mountain vistas, Ashevilleβs holiday attractions combine lights, local craft markets, and family-friendly activities for a warm and memorable festive season.
Find the best Asheville Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
13 eventsTwo-day craft show with local artisans
Christmas Lights
12 eventsHistoric estate transformed into a holiday wonderland
Christmas Shows
5 eventsAnnual Christmas Jam concert with a star-studded lineup
Other Christmas Activities
17 eventsHoliday parade with 'Mountain Rails and Christmas Tales' theme
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Christmas at Biltmore
Historic estate transformed into a holiday wonderland
-
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Spectacular holiday light installations at a botanical garden.
-
Poinsettia Christmas Parade
(Greenville)
Over 75-year-old holiday tradition marking the start of Christmas season.
-
Greenville Jaycees Christmas Parade
(Greenville)
Annual community Christmas parade with festive floats
-
Johnson City Christmas Parade
(Johnson City)
Holiday parade with 'Mountain Rails and Christmas Tales' theme
-
Morristown Christmas Parade
(Morristown)
Annual Morristown Christmas Parade
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about events and activities in Asheville
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Asheville
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near Asheville
Asheville Christmas FAQ
The Biltmore Estate's Christmas celebration is a major event, drawing many visitors. Additionally, various craft fairs and holiday markets, like The Big Crafty, are significant annual gatherings for local artisans and shoppers.
Asheville's unique holiday traditions often center around its vibrant arts and crafts scene, with numerous artisan markets showcasing local talent. The city also embraces its natural beauty, with many outdoor light displays and festive events celebrating the season in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Kenilworth neighborhood is famous for its elaborate and extensive Christmas light displays, with many homes participating in a festive competition. Driving through downtown Asheville also offers a charming experience with decorated streets and businesses.
You can find Christmas markets and local makers throughout Asheville, particularly in the downtown area and the River Arts District. Events like The Big Crafty and the Folk Art Center often feature a wide array of local artisans selling their crafts.
Enjoying the neighborhood Christmas lights, especially in Kenilworth, and exploring the festive decorations in downtown Asheville are wonderful free activities. Many churches also offer free holiday concerts or services, and some community events are open to the public at no cost.
Families often enjoy visiting the Biltmore Estate for its holiday decorations, exploring the festive lights in neighborhoods like Kenilworth, and attending kid-friendly shows or movies. Many Christmas markets also offer activities suitable for children.