Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum- Come enjoy the spectacular and one of a kind winter lights show at the arboretum that was created by architects and designers that helped build Disney Land! This event kicks off on November 17th and lasts until December 31st. Opens nightly from 6pm to 10pm. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes and enjoy a cup of delicious cocoa, cider or beer as you stroll the holiday festivities. Not to be missed!
Christmas at the Biltmore- This one is a national favorite and by far the biggest holiday event of the season! Come see America’s largest home decked out in its finest Christmas décor. And don’t miss the candlelight tours. They are magical!
Polar Express Train- Ready to go visit Santa at the North Pole? The Smoky Mountain Railway is ready to take you on a faraway adventure on the polar express train! Storytelling, hot cocoa, snacks and customized gifts are awaiting you on this one of a kind holiday experience!
Asheville Holiday Parade- This downtown fun kicks off at 11AM with Santa Clause on a float, horse drawn floats, dance, theatre troupes and marching bands.
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays- We have a thing or two to learn from Hendersonville because they are rocking this holiday season on Main Street. With thousands of lights shining all over downtown, horse drawn carriage rides, carolers, tannenbaum tea tents, parades and even ICE SKATING, this is an event you don’t want to miss!
National Gingerbread Competition- Every year the Omni Grove Park Inn hosts the gingerbread house competition. These artful treats deck the halls at the grove park inn and are made an even more enjoyable experience with gigantic roaring fire places and cozy Germanic décor.
Old Fashioned Dickens of a Christmas Festival- This charming event is held in the Biltmore Village. What makes it charming you ask? Well, besides the folk dressed in Dickens attire singing carols for all to hear, the symbolic tree lighting and story tellers….you actually get to roast chestnuts over an open fire. Yes, charming indeed.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights- This event is perfect for those of you who appreciate the beauty of Christmas lights but just hate the cold! This is a drive thru light show with over 50 animated displays by a gorgeous lakeside park. Only $5 per car! Bring your hot cocoa and crank up the Christmas music in your cozy warm car and enjoy the lights!
Polar Plunge- This time-honored tradition is a great way to cleanse away the old year and bring in the new. Filled with hope and new possibilities! A bonus is that it is for charity! Held at annually at Lake Lure.
