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During the late fall and festive holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, Asheville and the surrounding mountain small towns have many great events, festivals, and celebrations. Below are our favorites. Also, see our Holiday Things to Do for ideas for your vacation during November and December. And don't forget our guide to Unique Gifts from Asheville and WNC.
Top Holiday Events, November & December
Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution
See historic objects and contemporary Cherokee art. This exhibit explores how Cherokee people navigated the American Revolution. On display at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee. Open… More Information
Holiday Season Top 50 Events (November & December)
See our favorite events, festivals and art shows during the holiday season in Asheville and western North Carolina mountains, including many small towns and Biltmore Estate.
Christmas at Biltmore
The biggest event of the holiday season. See America's largest home decked out in festive finery. Candlelight Evenings are especially magical. See our extensive guide with tips, photos and details…
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Bryson City
Booking begins in Spring for this holiday ride to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Offered by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the train is on a mission to pick up Santa. People…
Western North Carolina Pottery Festival
Meet 40+ master potters from across the country at this premier juried art event. Watch them in action and buy amazing creations that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Winterfest & Christmas Light Show @ Tryon
Drive through an extravangant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. Open every night of the week. Check website for prices.
A Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights
Enjoy 15 miles of twinkling lights and displays through the small towns of Spruce Pine and Bakersville! While enjoying your drive, stop and enjoy the many holiday happenings held in these small… More Information
Grove Arcade Tree Lighting
Enjoy a curated holiday block party, with local street performers, vendors, and splendid hoilday decorations. This family-friendly community event features an appearance by Santa. Held annually on… More Information
Small Town Christmas, Banner Elk
A Small Town Christmas in Banner Elk brings three days of festive events to this charming mountain village during the first full weekend of December. Most activities happen within easy walking… More Information
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
Experience the magic as the charming village is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter, and song! Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider…
Small Town Christmas, Rutherfordton
Held the first Saturday in December with many events along Main Street throughout the day. Shop sidewalk vendors at the Christmas Market from 1-5 PM and stroll by the storefront windows featuring… More Information
Guild Holiday Makers Sale at the Folk Art Center
Get great deals on amazing art directly from the artists, offering over-runs, discontinued stock, and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere. And don't miss the special exhibits and main store at… More Information
Candlelight Stroll, Weaverville
Main Street Weaverville is illuminated for this festive evening with music, entertainment, Santa, kid activities, carolers, refreshments, horse carriage rides, and more. Also stroll through local… More Information
Past Events
Enrich the Lives of the Animals at Grandfather Mountain
Make the holidays special for Grandfather Mountain's resident animals by gifting enrichment items from their wish list. These animals are native species that cannot survive in the wild, so their… More Information
Aluminum Tree & Ornament Museum (ATOM) Exhibit, Brevard
This quirky exhibit in downtown Brevard features dozens of vintage aluminum Christmas trees and more than 400 Shiny Brite ornaments and tree toppers inside the Transylvania Heritage Museum. A fun trip back in time! Open Thurs. through Sat., 12 pm - 4 pm. Free admission.
National Gingerbread Competition
The 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in November 2026. Please check back for details. The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa will host the National Gingerbread House Competition.…
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Check back for the 2026 dates! We are a proud sponsor of Winter LIghts, when millions of lights set the Arboretum aglow, including a 50-foot lighted tree, Quilt Garden, whimsical creatures and…
Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular, Bryson City
Head to Bryson City, NC for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular this holiday season! The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park) will dazzle you with all-new giant… More Information
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
Check back for 2026 dates and details! See the million lights that create a magical Main Street in our top Christmas Town Forest City with many events throughout, including carriage rides.…
New Year's Eve Celebration at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Omni Grove Park Inn with the Heritage Plated Dinner. It's a five-course French dinner, followed by a masquerade party in the Grand Ballroom. Dance to live bands and a… More Information
New Year's Eve Celebration at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Celebrate with a memorable buffet dinner in the Blue Ridge Dining Room of this historic Asheville resort. Guests can also opt to attend the ticketed Mystical Masquerade the Grand Ballroom with a… More Information
Marion Christmas Celebrations & Neon New Year's Eve
Marion celebrates big for a small town. Free festivities include a MerryPop local art market on December 13, the family-friendly Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on December 18, and the all-ages… More Information
Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Experience this dazzling holiday celebration! This all-new show comes to life with a cast of Flat Rock favorites, bringing magic and merriment to the stage- capturing the…
