If you are planning a festive day trip, then an Asheville, NC Christmas will check off all the boxes on your itinerary. Asheville offers a variety of things to do for the holidays, from Christmas lights to gingerbread houses, holiday shopping, parades, and more.
We’ve got a list of kid-friendly holiday events to do in Asheville, NC, and all the details you’ll need to plan your visit.
Christmas in Asheville, NC
Asheville is still recovering from the massive damage wrecked by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Many places are reopening, which means Christmas is a great time to support local businesses there and help them get back on their feet.
I never need much of a reason to visit Asheville. I love the view of the mountains in the background while walking around downtown. There is always live music by musicians outside, and all the shops welcome you with a smile. There are a variety of different restaurants and historical landmarks to visit within walking distance or just a small drive away.
Plus, with the gorgeous backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, maybe your family will get a magical snowy adventure while you celebrate the holiday season in Asheville.
If you’re looking for Asheville, NC things to do, Christmas is one of the best times to find them!
Join the Holiday Jamboree To Kickoff The Season
Get in the holiday spirit by joining the Holiday Jamboree in Downtown Asheville. Everyone gathers together to welcome the beginning of the holiday season.
The Asheville Holiday Jamboree
November 22nd, 2025 | 11 AM to 5 PM
Asheville will host a Holiday Jamboree with crafts, games, and fun activities for all ages. Stroll through the festive Holiday Market, featuring local artists and retailers, and savor delicious food and beverages.
Black Mountain Christmas Parade | December 6, 2025 | 4 PM
Attend A Tree Lighting Ceremony or Festival In Asheville
The Grove Arcade Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony is the place to be the weekend after Thanksgiving. You can also explore the decorated Christmas trees throughout December at the Monte Vista Hotel.
- Grove Arcade Holiday Tree Block Party | Asheville, NC | November 29th, 2025 from 5-9 PM
- Deck The Tree at Monte Vista Hotel | Black Mountain | December 5th, 2025 – January 5th, 2025
Go See the National Gingerbread Competition
The famous gingerbread house competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn is a favorite winter activity for families. It showcases dozens of gingerbread houses and holiday decorations galore! And after a year off due to the Hurricane Helene, it’s back and better than ever.
See the Grove Park website for viewing dates and times.
Ashville, NC: Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
Of course, one of the most popular places in Asheville to visit during the holidays is the Biltmore House. Known for its elegant displays of holiday decor, infamous Candlelight Tours, and a multitude of festivities, Christmas at the Biltmore is a must.
You’ll find over 55 Christmas trees throughout the grounds and a variety of activities for kids such as crafts and carriage rides. Nothing says Christmas like a magical carriage ride. They even have an entire greenhouse full of poinsettia plants and Antler Hill Village is illuminated with trees lined with lights.
Most of the restaurants offer a children’s menu, such as the Bistro (Farm-to-table fare), and Deerpark Restaurant (a southern-inspired buffet).
Christmas at Biltmore runs November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Christmas in Asheville, NC: See Holiday Lights
Winter Lights
When it comes to visiting Asheville for the holidays, you can’t leave without experiencing the Winter Lights at The NC Arboretum. This magical event features over half a million LED lights and walks you through stunning gardens and unique landscapes. This event is great for the entire family. There’s even have a hot cocoa shack.
North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights runs November 15th, 2025 to January 4th, 2026.
Lake Julian Lights
The annual Lake Julian Festival of Lights is at Lake Julian Park and is a quicker drive-through light display that benefits the Buncombe County Special Olympics. Lights include animated and stationary light displays. Tickets are $15 per standard car/vans; $50 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans; and $100 for buses and motor coaches. Walk-through lights are available for one night only on November 30th from 6-8 pm. The cost $5/person. Address is 406 Overlook Road Ext., Arden, NC 28704.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights runs December 2nd – 23rd, 2025
Grab A Fresh NC Christmas Tree
Does your family want to chop down their own tree this year? Asheville has a variety of tree farms!
The Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm is known for its gorgeous rolling hills of Christmas trees. But trees aren’t the only things available at the farm. They also sell fresh wreaths, roping, and tree stand. The farm is located at the foot of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains near Maggie Valley and Lake Junaluska. You can even stay the night in one of their cabins (dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash).
Please check with the farm before you head out to make sure they’re open and have trees available. Most farms are only open on select days.
- Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm offers fresh-cut trees November 20th-December 13th, 2025 (closed on Mondays).
- Mehaffey Tree Farm offers choose and cut trees on select dates from November 15th-December 13th, 2025.
- Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm offers fresh-cut trees from November 22nd & 23rd, November 27th – November 30th, December 6th & December 7th, 2025 from 9 AM until 5 PM.
- Sandy Hollar Farms offers fresh-cut trees on weekends only from November 22nd-December 14th.
- Elk River Evergreens offers fresh-cut trees on select dates from November 15th through early December 2025.
Asheville, NC Christmas Fun: Extra 2025 Holiday Events
- Christmas at The Cove at Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove. December 4th-8th, 2025.
- Family-Friendly Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley at Grayline Asheville. Select dates November 19th-December 30th, 2025.
- Craggy Mountain Line Railroad Jingle Bell Trolley
$23 per person | 3 and under FREE | Select dates December 4th-23rd, 2025.
Plan out the perfect day with our Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Asheville, NC!
