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 2024. We also have a guide to winter in Asheville with additional ideas on how to spend the cold winter months here.
Please note that a few events and markets have been canceled due to the devastation in Asheville caused by Hurricane Helene. This includes the annual Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn. We have removed events as needed and put notes where things have changed.
What You’ll Find In This Article
Popular Holiday Events in Asheville
The holiday season in Asheville is marked by a calendar full of local favorite traditions and timeless magic. Take a peek at what’s in store for the 2024 season, including the return of the beloved Winter Lights at The Arboretum
Winter Lights At The Arboretum
November 15 – December 31, 2024
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.
The Rocky Cove Railroad model trains run during Winter Lights. There’s a special Polar Express one on the track! They also have hot chocolate booths, live music, fire pits and heaters. Smore’s kits are available for purchase and Santa is often wandering around.
About the Winter Lights
Quick Details: An open-air walk-through light show held annually at the Arboretum. You’ll find amazing light displays, live performances, lights timed to music and the Rocky Cove Railroad runs each evening.
Location: The NC Arboretum (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way | South Asheville)
Cost: Price varies based on when you purchase your tickets and the types of tickets purchased. Prices range from $30 (budget night) to $75 (flex tickets) for cars. Tickets are on a per vehicle basis. Members receive a $5 discount.
Dates: November 15 – December 31, 2024
Additional Notes: Winter Lights is rain or shine and you will need to purchase your tickets in advance. If you are worried about the weather, get a flex ticket. Tickets are date and time-specific.
Winter Wonder Walk
November 29, 30 and December 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2024
The Winter Wonder Walk is an immersive experience created by Asheville Plays and is held at the Adventure Center of Asheville.
Escape into an outdoor holiday land where live characters guide you through an immersive story walk. After that, enjoy some pizza, hot chocolate and family fun in the warm festival tent.
The Holiday Aerial Glow Trail is also open during these evenings. This is an elevated aerial trail of swinging bridges, cable walks, beam walks, tunnels and other challenges for ages 4 and up.
About Winter Wonder Walk
Quick Details: A live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail. Expect live characters, tons of lights and happiness all around!
Location: The Adventure Center of Asheville
Cost: $17 general admission (kids under 4 are free.) $1 of every ticket is donated to support MANNA Food Bank.
Dates: November 29 & 30, December 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2024
Additional Notes: There is a warm festival tent on site with local vendors, concessions and activities.
Biltmore’s Candlelight Christmas Evenings
November 2, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Christmas at The Biltmore House is like no other. There are twinkle lights and trees everywhere, with candles and fireplaces guiding the way. It is so much fun to imagine what Christmas was really like in the house for the Vanderbilt family.
Though it’s somewhat costly to enter, it makes for an extraordinary evening. To keep costs down, you can opt for a daytime ticket at a reduced rate.
If you have an annual membership, you’ll still have to buy a separate Candlelight ticket. However, you will get a member discount.
About Biltmore’s Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Quick Details: 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. There’s a soft glow from candles and twinkle lights everywhere you turn.
Location: The Biltmore Estate
Cost: Tickets range from $110 (audio-guided visit) to $410 (expert-guided visit) for daytime tickets. Evening tickets start at $115.
Dates: November 2, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Additional Notes: Antler Hill Village is also decked out for Christmas at the Biltmore. Tickets include entry to the gardens and Antler Hill Village in addition to a tour of the house.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Lake Julian Festival of Lights dates for 2024 are TBD (it may be impacted by damages from Hurricane Helene)
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.
Not only can you drive through the light show, but they also have two nights at the beginning of the month where you can walk through instead.
About Lake Julian Festival of Lights
Quick Details: A drive-thru Christmas light show held nightly in South Asheville, NC
Location: Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd) | South Asheville
Cost: Cars are $10 each, large cans are $25 and buses are $50. The two walk-thru nights (December 2 and 3) are $4 per person while kids under 16 are admitted for free.
Dates: TBD for 2024
Additional Notes: 20% of proceeds are donated to Special Olympics Buncombe County and the remainder is reinvested in the show for the following year.
National Gingerbread House Competition
CANCELED for the 2024 season
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. This years marks the 32nd annual event.
Expect beautiful, elaborate displays and even a life-size 10′ x 10′ Great Gingerbread House serving up hot chocolate.
Competitors from all over and of all ages compete for the grand prize. The houses have to be at least 75% edible, but sky is the limit as far as designs go. You will be amazed at what these artists come up with!
About the gingerbread house competition
Quick Details: An annual event held during the holiday season at the Omni Grove Hotel. Competition winners are selected in November and the gingerbread houses remain up through the season.
Location: The Omni Grove Park Inn (290 Macon Ave | North Asheville)
Dates: Canceled for the 2024 season
Rudolph’s Rooftop Pop-up At Pillar
Pillar is currently closed due to Hurricane Helene.
We can’t get over just how festive the Rudolph’s Rooftop pop-up at Pillar in downtown Asheville is! It’s open through New Year’s and features live music on the weekends and holiday themed cocktails. The kitchen is open daily from 5 to 10pm.
You’ll find fun drinks like Santa’s Eggnog, Scrooge’s Hooch, and even Butter Beer on the menu. You can view the full drink menu here.
Are you planning to be there on a Thursday in December? Make sure to dress up for their weekly ugly sweater party held on Thursdays!
Holiday performances, ballets and musicals in Asheville
While there are a few holiday performances scheduled this year, several other long-time favorites were canceled for the 2024 season. This includes the beloved Elf The Musical and the Vienna Light Orchestra.
Asheville Ballet Nutcracker
December 8-10, 2024
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.
Buy Tickets
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 18, 2024
Featuring dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkey and more, this traveling production is not to be missed.
There is one performance this year– it’s at 7pm at Harrah’s Cherokee Center.
Buy Tickets
Nutcracker and the Mouse King
December 6 & 7, 2024
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 TicketsAsheville 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.
Holiday Market In The Courtyard
November 16, 2024
Biltmore Village’s Gardener’s Cottage is hosting a holiday market in front of their shop (34 All Souls Crescent) from 12PM to 4PM. The event will support and feature local and regional artists, bakers, wreath makers and more! Several other Biltmore Village shops will also have a table.
More InfoThe Big Crafty
December 7 & 8, 2024
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 7 & 8, 2024
Featuring dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkey and more, this traveling production is not to be missed. The Uncommon Holiday Market will be held at the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center from 10 am-4 pm.
Buy TicketsNorth Asheville Tailgate Market Holiday Bazaar
November 30, December 7, 14, & 21, 2024
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.
More InfoFamily-Fun Holiday Activities in Asheville
Below is a list of fun holiday activities in Asheville for the whole family. You’ll find everything from a visits with Santa, a showing of A Christmas Story and a ride on a magical trolley.
Visit A Christmas Tree Farm
Mid-November to December 2024
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 Farms
Santa 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. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas at the Biltmore with your younger ones.
More Details
Grove Arcade Christmas Tree Lighting
November 30, 2024
Another magical place to find Santa in Asheville is at the Grove Arcade’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 30, 2024. Not only will Santa himself be there, but you’ll also enjoy holiday music, dance performances, refreshments and caroling.
More Details
Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
2024 Dates TBD
The Gray Line trolley typically hosts a holiday trolley complete with classic carols and a lit-up trolley. They are currently closed following Hurricane Helene. Check their status for additional details.
