Updated for 2025. As the mountains grow crisp and quiet, we feel that familiar excitement building. It’s almost time for another Christmas holiday getaway in Asheville. The valley glows a little earlier each night, and the scent of woodsmoke drifts through the air like a promise.
Each December, we welcome travelers who crave the Smokies’ calm and the season’s sparkle. We enjoy watching guests unwind. They linger over breakfast, trade screens for snowy hikes, and breathe deeper.
This is when Asheville shines. The shops sparkle and the mountains hum with quiet beauty. Every moment feels worth savoring — from first frost to the final toast by the fire. Planning your Asheville Christmas holiday getaway? Make sure you add these local events to ensure your season shines brighter.
Christmas at Biltmore
📅 Nov 1 – Jan 4
Start your planning at Biltmore. There’s nothing like Christmas at Biltmore — one of Asheville’s most dazzling holiday events. America’s largest home glows with twinkling lights, wreaths, and garlands. Candlelight, live music, and pine fill every room.
Guests stroll the Banquet Hall, admire a 35-foot Fraser fir, and sip mulled wine at Antler Hill Village. Each detail honors the Vanderbilt legacy and captures the season’s wonder.
Biltmore Gardens and Village Charm
The magic continues beyond the mansion. Stroll through gardens glowing with lights or step inside the Conservatory, where tropical blooms thrive in winter. The scent of orchids and citrus wraps you in warmth. It’s one of the most peaceful and fun things to do in Asheville during the holidays. Pair it with Biltmore’s farm-to-table tour or another local farm tour for added charm.
The charm of Biltmore Village adds another layer to your experience. Shops shimmer with garlands and glowing windows. Stop by for warm drinks, local treats, and friendly conversation.
Each visit feels personal, filled with cinnamon, roasted nuts, and small-town cheer. It’s one of the coziest places to eat in Asheville during the holidays.
Ride Into Holiday Romance
📅 30-minute Ride: $40 | Fri – Sun | Times Vary | Book 30-min Ride Here
📅 60-minute Ride: $95 | Fri – Sun | Times Vary | Book 60-min Ride Here
Plan a magical retreat with someone special. Step back in time with a holiday carriage ride at Biltmore Estate. The clip-clop of hooves echoes through the countryside. Quiet moments like these make a romantic getaway in Asheville feel timeless. Cozy blankets keep you warm, while crisp air carries the scent of pine.
Local Boutiques and Artisan Finds
Our favorite part of holiday shopping is meeting Asheville’s makers. Every Christmas holiday getaway begins in Asheville’s shops and cafés.
Their passion shines through every ornament, scarf, and pottery piece. Each visit feels personal. Artists share their craft and stories; it’s a gift in itself. Supporting local museums and galleries adds meaning to every find and enhances your holiday escape.
Follow Asheville’s Dazzling Light Trails
We still remember last year’s guests marveling at the trail of lights. The mountains were quiet, wrapped in mist. A thousand stars shimmered overhead — the “Hunter” watching as they began their adventure.
Each turn revealed another glowing farmhouse, brighter than the last. Moments like that remind us why a Christmas holiday getaway in Asheville feels so special. There’s a calm here that enhances the romance. It’s an indescribable mountain magic that lingers long after you leave.
Arboretum’s Winter Lights
📅 Nov 15 – Jan 4
The Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum glow in brilliant colors. They’re hard to miss and even harder to leave. Nearly a million colorful bulbs capture your attention.
New This Year: Trolls! Yes, trolls. Six of Thomas Dambo’s wooden trolls join the fun in this year’s holiday displays. So be sure to enjoy each one!
Winterfest at Tryon
📅 Nov 22 – Jan 5
During Winterfest, the Tryon International Equestrian Center transforms into a glowing escape. Over a million Asheville holiday lights create tunnels, whimsical displays, and festive scenes. Ice skating, live music, and fireside treats make it unforgettable. The mountains glow brighter here, bringing new color and sparkle at every turn. Don’t miss Winterfest in your holiday plan.
Nearby Light Displays
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
📅 Nov 28 – Dec 31 | Times Vary
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
📅 Dec 5 & 6, Dec 12 & 13
Nearby towns light up for the holidays. We visit Hendersonville and Dillsboro — both glow with charm and warm welcomes. Each village lines its streets with lights, music, and shopkeeper smiles. These displays make a mountain getaway in Western North Carolina positively enchanting.
Asheville Holiday Jamboree
📅 Nov 22 | 11am – 5pm
The Asheville Holiday Jamboree blends mountain music, clogging, and storytelling into one lively celebration. Bluegrass bands, dancers, and local performers fill downtown with true Appalachian spirit. Bring cocoa, and a blanket…and pull up a chair.
Wineries with Holiday Pours
There’s something special about wine on a cool mountain evening. Local vineyards capture the season with spiced blends, twinkling lights, and cozy tastings. We love visiting Western North Carolina wineries each December; their winter pours taste like holiday cheer.
Couples sip, savor, and unwind. Watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge is enchanting. It’s a toast to togetherness that makes any mountain getaway extra special.
Your Holiday Escape Awaits at Wildberry Lodge
This season brings people closer. Just last week, we watched a couple stand on our deck. Mugs in hand, they quietly watched the fog roll through the Smokies. They didn’t say a word — they didn’t need to.
That’s what a stay at Wildberry Lodge offers. Stillness. Comfort. And connection — all wrapped in mountain charm. Spend three days in Asheville exploring lights and sipping wine by the fire.
Ready for your own Christmas holiday getaway? Book your stay and let the season’s magic charm you.
Photo Credit: © StockSnap from Pixabay via canva.com, © mauinow1 from Getty Images Signature via canva.com, © SchulteProductions from Getty Images Signature via canva.com
