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It's snuggle season! The winter months of December, January, and February are the most serene of the year in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. So it's the perfect time for a North Carolina mountain romantic getaway, including a Valentine's trip. Though it may surprise you to hear it, it rarely snows in Asheville. The city is protected by the highest mountains in eastern America. Snow is often kept about 20 miles away on the higher mountain peaks and ski areas. (Pic above: Winter Hike on Roan Mountain)
Top Asheville Winter Things to Do: December-February
Winter Getaway Packages: Since the winter months are the slowest months for inns, hotels, and cabin rentals, you will find the best deals of the year. See a big variety of Winter Packages and Specials. Book ahead for Valentine's Weekends, since they will be busier. See our top-rated B&Bs, cabins, and hotels.
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum: November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026. Walk through spectacular glowing landscapes featuring a 50-ft lighted tree, illuminated Quilt Garden, and six incredible troll sculptures by renowned artist Thomas Dambo. This open-air holiday display is the Arboretum's most popular winter attraction. Purchase tickets in advance. No pets allowed.
Spa Pampering: Be it a simple weekend of relaxation, a romantic couple’s getaway in the mountains, or a chance to improve your health, Asheville is the ultimate destination for spas and wellness. See our Top Asheville Spas. The photo above is the Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.
Ski & Snowboard: Beech Mountain is the highest town and ski area in the eastern USA, and they have tubing and great ski packages. Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is an easy drive from Asheville. Banner Elk is our Top NC Ski Town. Plus, see other NC ski resorts near Asheville.
Snow Tubing: Tube World in Maggie Valley (45 minutes from Asheville) features conveyor lifts and a Wee Bowl area for younger children. ZipnSlip in Mars Hill (30 minutes from Asheville) offers great runs, a magic carpet lift, and fireside viewing. Hawksnest in Seven Devils (1 hour 45 minutes from Asheville) is the Southeast's largest tubing park with 30 lanes.
Ice Skating: Glide across the outdoor ice rink at Asheville Yards in downtown from November through January. Tickets cost $16-22 for the 2025-2026 season. Beyond skating, enjoy holiday cocktails, hot chocolate, a winter market, festive photo ops, and weekly theme nights surrounded by lights and music. Forest City offers ice skating on select December weekends (Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 for 2025) across Park Square from POPS. Check for pricing. The rink is part of Forest City's spectacular holiday display—over one million Christmas lights along historic Main Street. Located 60 minutes from Asheville. Bryson City, home of the Polar Express, also offers seasonal ice skating. Visit their website to learn more.
Foodie Favorites: Dine at farm-to-table restaurants, take a chocolate tour, and browse the WNC Farmers' Market, just to name a few. Plus, see our Top 12 Foodie Favorites.
Small-Town Getaways: Head to Jackson County and its cool small towns of Sylva, Dillsboro, and Cashiers for the perfect getaway for relaxation, exploration, and pampering. Find cozy cabins, fun breweries, spas, great restaurants, waterfalls, hikes, and more. See our Jackson County Winter Getaway Guide and their Winter Wellness Guide.
Beer Crawl: Asheville (a.k.a. Beer City, U.S.A) has an amazing selection of craft breweries and pubs. Sample 100+ local brews with our top picks for beer in the Asheville area. If wine is more to your liking, see our guide to Asheville Wine Bars.
Downtown Asheville: Browse through more than 200 shops, 30 art galleries, and a dozen antique stores. Savor local food at 70+ restaurants.
Art & Craft: With more than 100 galleries and even more artist studios, you will need plenty of time for exploring. In addition to the galleries in downtown, head to the Folk Art Center. See our Gallery Guide.
Outdoors: Take a hike with great views (due to leafless deciduous trees), cool temperatures, and much fewer crowds, it may become your favorite time of the year to hit the trail. See our winter hiking guide for our top picks. And don't forget to find some of our spectacular waterfalls. See our Top 20 Winter Waterfalls to explore. Zipline and play in the trees at the Adventure Center near downtown Asheville.
Top Asheville NC Mountain Winter & Valentine Events
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
Ride to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to pick up Santa. It's fun for all ages. Departs from Bryson City. See our guide for all the details…
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.
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…
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
Asheville Community Square Dance
Asheville Community Square Dance welcomes dancers of all experience levels—no partner, no worries—every First Saturday from September through May from 7-9:30 pm. Each dance features taught old-time square dances, waltzes, a cakewalk, lively flatfooting, and a friendly old-time jam. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for kids 12 & under. Location: Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville, NC
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Arts & Crafts Conference @ Grove Park Inn
Perfect for the passionate collector or those just interested in the Arts and Crafts design. The long-running weekend at Grove Park Inn includes lectures, small group discussions, exhibitions,…
Trolls: A Field Study at the NC Arboretum This Winter
Twelve whimsical troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo will make their U.S. debut at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, Nov 15, 2025-Feb 17, 2026. Crafted from reclaimed materials, the trolls will explore the Arboretum and join the Winter Lights display, sparking wonder and promoting sustainability.
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Mardi Gras Parade
Asheville's family-friendly Mardi Gras parade rolls through South Slope on Sunday, February 15. The parade "steps off" at 3:05 PM. All are welcome to dress for theme and participate. Or just the…
Valentine's Day at Hemingway's Cuba
Celebrate Valentine's Day with island flair at Hemingway's Cuba in downtown Asheville. Choose from Valentine's Day chef specials in the main dining room or reserve the Key West-inspired prix fixe… More Information
Outhouse Races
Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line! Sapphire Valley Resort in Jackson County.
Marquee 4-Year Anniversary Valentine's Celebration
Celebrate four years of community at Marquee Asheville, the huge indoor marketplace of curated vendors from around the region and beyond offers unique antiques, vintage and artful decor, jewelry… More Information
Rock N Roll Weekend at Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Rock out with iconic tribute bands at Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa in Asheville. Friday brings Crush: The Bon Jovi Experience. Saturday features Fleetwood Macked: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac… More Information
Blowing Rock WinterFest
Blowing Rock WinterFest debuted in January 1998. Since then, events have been added, including wine tasting, ice carving demonstrations, live music, and an adorable dog show called WinterPaws. Not…
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.…
For events throughout the year, see our list of seasonal calendars.
