Anticipating a magical holiday season in Asheville? Our guide has you covered for all the festive activities! Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide ensures you experience the holiday spirit in Asheville.
Popular Events: Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Biltmore, where you can stroll through beautifully decorated rooms and enjoy exquisite holiday displays. Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum showcases stunning light displays against the backdrop of botanical beauty. And the Polar Express Train Ride is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming journey inspired by the classic holiday tale. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Asheville
- Christmas at Biltmore
- Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
- Speedway Christmas (Concord)
- WinterFest at Carowinds (Charlotte)
- Polar Express Train Ride (Spencer)
- North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival (Cary)
- Kersey Valley Christmas (Archdale)
- Tweetsie Christmas (Blowing Rock)
See these and even more events listed below!
Asheville Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at Biltmore
What to Expect:
Step back in time to the first Christmas at Biltmore House.
Description:
Christmas at Biltmore features fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and thousands of ornaments in Biltmore House and Antler Hill Village. The event includes a thrilling Chihuly exhibition and offers a step back in time to the very first Christmas at Biltmore House in 1895, with gently illuminated candles, fresh pine scent, and crackling fireplaces.
Where: Asheville | More Info: Christmas at Biltmore
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
What to Expect:
Over one million lights in a festive holiday display.
Description:
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show featuring over one million lights, including a 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden. This event supports the arboretum's mission-driven programming and welcomes service animals while keeping pets at home.
Where: Asheville | More Info: Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
WinterFest at Carowinds
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday event with diverse activities and attractions.
Description:
Carowinds WinterFest offers a holiday celebration with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, and holiday-inspired comfort food.
Where: Charlotte | More Info: WinterFest at Carowinds
Speedway Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on a historic NASCAR track.
Description:
Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway features over five million lights along a four-mile course, including the legendary oval, pit road, and infield road course. The event is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine, with synchronized lights and music on 101.3 FM. It also includes drive-in movies on the gigantic Speedway TV every Thursday through Sunday night.
Where: Concord | More Info: Speedway Christmas
Tweetsie Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with a historic steam locomotive train ride through dazzling lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Tweetsie Railroad with a 20-minute nighttime train ride through over 1 million Christmas lights, a heartwarming live Christmas variety show, kid-friendly amusement rides, and meetings with Santa in his Gingerbread House filled with candied furnishings.
Where: Blowing Rock | More Info: Tweetsie Christmas
Kersey Valley Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with diverse activities.
Description:
Kersey Valley Christmas transforms a farm into a winter spectacle with over 2 million LED lights, featuring unique sets like the Snow Blizzard, and offers a variety of activities including train rides, zip lines, and interactions with Santa and other winter characters.
Where: Archdale | More Info: Kersey Valley Christmas
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Spectacular lantern displays with interactive elements.
Description:
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre features over 2,500 handcrafted lanterns and 15,000 LED lights, including a 200-foot-long dragon and various interactive displays. The festival showcases Chinese culture with nightly stage performances and offers a sensory-friendly night. Food and beverages are available, including Asian-inspired dishes and hot chocolate.
Where: Cary | More Info: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival
Asheville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with hot chocolate and a live reading of "The Polar Express."
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride at the North Carolina Transportation Museum offers a holiday journey inspired by the classic film. Passengers enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express." Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa presents the first gift of Christmas, and all who believe receive their own sleigh bell.