A Guide To Asheville’s Holiday Events and Markets
The holiday season in Asheville is such a special time. It’s chilly out, hot chocolate is abundant and Christmas lights are all around. There are also a ton of fun markets, events and other holiday-themed activities that are great for the whole family.
This post shares so many fun things to do in Asheville for the holidays in 2025. We also have a guide to winter in Asheville with additional ideas on how to spend the cold winter months here.
Holiday Events in Asheville
National Gingerbread Competition
November 15 – January 4
There is no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than a visit to the Omni Grove Park Inn when the gingerbread houses are on display. It’s a free exhibit but there is a $30 parking fee and not all dates are open to the public. See the link below for details on visiting,
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Winter Lights At The NC Arboretum
November 15 – January 4
Bundle up and head to the NC Arboretum for the evening to enjoy a spectacular outdoor light display featuring over one million lights. Their 50-foot tree is lit up, and lights in the Quilt Garden are timed to holiday music.
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Christmas At The Biltmore
November 1 – January 4
Tour America’s Largest Home® when it is at its best during Christmas. You’ll truly feel the magic of the season in the flawlessly decorated Biltmore House. You can see it during the day or pay a bit extra for their evening candlelight tours.
Buy TicketsLights At Lake Julian
December 2 – 23
The Festival of Lights at Lake Julian is the longest-running drive-thru holiday light show in the area. It’s an especially great activity when it’s cold out because you can stay bundled up in your car while still getting in the holiday spirit. Cars are $15 each, large vans are $50 and buses are $100.
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Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
November 17 – December 30
The Gray Line trolley hosts a holiday trolley complete with classic carols and a lit-up trolley.
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LaZoom Hey Asheville: Holiday Tour
November 28 – December 28
Hop on Asheville’s favorite comedy bus for a fun tour around town. Expect festive holiday characters, warm tales of Asheville, and so laughs at every turn.
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Asheville Yards Ice Skating
November 26 – January 19
Outdoor Ice Rink open 10am until 10pm on weekends and holidays and 3pm – 10pm on weekdays. Check their website for pricing, special events (like holiday movies!) and to purchase tickets online. Free admission to non-skaters.
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Visit A Christmas Tree Farm
Mid-November to December
There are several Christmas tree farms near Asheville that make for the perfect holiday outing. Many of the local Christmas tree farms have fun events like hayrides, holiday markets, Santa visits and hot chocolate.
Christmas Tree FarmsSanta At The Biltmore Estate
Weekends In November & December
Don’t miss Santa at The Biltmore Estate! This event is also known as “Santa at the Bandstand.” He’ll be greeting kids of all ages in the months of November and December.
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Grove Arcade Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 2025
Another magical place to find Santa in Asheville is at the Grove Arcade’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30, 2025. Not only will Santa himself be there, but you’ll also enjoy holiday music, dance performances, refreshments and caroling.
More DetailsHoliday performances, ballets and musicals in Asheville
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
December 5-21, 2025
The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage! Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and all your favorite characters as they come to life in this heartwarming holiday musical.
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Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker
December 12-14, 2025
A classical version of the hit holiday ballet The Nutcracker. Their Nutcracker performance has been beloved by Asheville for over half a century. Expect new choreography for several dances this year, as well as scenes you know and love from previous performances.
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Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker
December 18-20, 2025
Enjoy this full length performance of The Nutcracker the week before Christmas featuring professional and pre-professional dancers from the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville.
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Nutcracker and the Mouse King
December 5-6 , 2025
Expect the unexpected at this version of The Nutcracker presented by Asheville Contemporary Dance Theater. The story told is based on the original and “darker” version of The Nutcracker written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.
Buy Tickets2025 Asheville Holiday Markets
Check everyone off your list with these local holiday markets in Asheville. It’s the perfect way to shop locally and support our makers, bakers, farmers and fellow citizens.
Santa in the Square and Holiday Market
December 6, 2025
Come check out Biltmore Park’s Holiday Market and visit Santa in the heart of Biltmore Park Town Square. There will be lots of vendors selling food, gifts and even Christmas trees!
More InfoThe Big Crafty
December 6 & 7, 2025
The Big Crafty is an amazing event held semi-annually in downtown Asheville at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. It features local artists and makers. It’s such a fun way to feel a part of the community and support the local creatives (many of which are women!)
More InfoUncommon Holiday Market
December 6 & 7, 2025
See what the Uncommon Holiday Market has to offer this year with unique finds from around the region. The Uncommon Holiday Market will be held at Haywood Park Hotel.
More InfoNorth Asheville Tailgate Market Holiday Bazaar
November 29, December 6, 13, & 20, 2025
The Holiday Bazaar hosted by the North Asheville Tailgate Market is such a great way to get in the spirit and be a part of the community. Shop handmade goods, local products and Christmas crafts at this holiday-theme farmers market.
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Miracle at the Golden Pineapple
The Golden Pineapple hosts one of the coziest whimsical holiday pop-up bars in town. Stop by for a holiday themed drink and the best cheeseburger in town.
More InfoRudolph’s Rooftop at Pillar Rooftop Bar
Check out the festive drinks and stay for the view at this rooftop bar. Pillar is decorated for the season in charming holiday decor.
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This festive holiday pop up bar is located in the back of Hi-wire Brewing’s South Slope location. It’s the perfect spot for island holiday vibes.
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Located in the downstairs bar at Wicked Weed’s downtown location, don’t let the humbug hideout get your spirits down. The bar is filled with festive holiday cheer and seasonal cocktails.
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