The Best Holiday Events in Western North Carolina

Wintertime is one of the best times to plan your visit to the beautiful Western North Carolina region. By this time, tourist crowds have finally begun to disappear, the air is crisp and dry, hiking trails are more secluded and tranquil, and there are a number of festive seasonal events to look forward to. This is the perfect time of the year to explore the many charming small towns minus the hefty tourist crowds.

I lived in Asheville for a few years and one of the things I liked most was checking out all the annual traditions around WNC. There are so many great Main Streets and festivals to enjoy all winter long. You can keep busy here even during the cold season unlike some areas where everything basically shuts down for the year.

Asheville is a great base as you can explore the town’s premier foodie scene, while also being located within daytrip distance to a number of charming small towns. Hendersonville, Brevard, Waynesville, and Black Mountain are all conveniently located less than an hour away. Each community offers its’ own unique lineup of seasonal events to look forward to. Personally, I prefer Brevard and Hendersonville for their Main Streets, local restaurants, and proximity to beautiful waterfalls (assuming it’s not icy or snowing).

I have highlighted a few of my favorite festive events throughout the area. While living here, I planned many daytrips throughout the winter months. Traveling and exploring different traditions this time of year is a great way to stay active and motivated during a rather dreary time of the year. Enjoy my guide and Happy Holidays!

Lake Julian Festival of Lights

This drive-thru light show in South Asheville is one of the most affordable in the area. I’ve seen drive-thru light shows charge crazy amounts like 40 bucks, but this one comes in at just 10 bucks (update: now 15 bucks but still a great deal). I was pretty impressed considering the cheap price tag.

It’s hard not to get into the holiday spirit as the drive is just jam packed with so many fun displays – from Santa, to gingerbread men, to elves. You will see thousands of lights plus dozens of unique LED themed displays. This event has been going strong for over 20 years now.

I appreciate that a portion of your ticket purchase goes towards supporting Buncombe County Special Olympics. While the drive will take no more than 10-15 minutes, it is a beautiful display and considerably more budget friendly than most other attractions in the region.

• Location: 37 Lake Julian Rd. Arden
• 2025 Dates: December 2nd – 23rd. Hours: 6-8:30pm (9 on weekends)
• Where to eat nearby: Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian, a great local NY style Italian restaurant. I love their pizza, minestrone, and Baked Ziti!

Forest City Hometown Holidays

Forest City, one of WNC’s oldest cities, has been ranked the top place to see Christmas lights in the region by various publications. Every year, Main Street is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than a million lights. Because the lights are located in such a small area, the ending result is truly magical. I decided to take a daytrip to see what all the fuss was about and it was a fun time. A bit cheesy and over-the-top, but a fun addition to your must-do list if you like colorful and big light displays.

Festive window displays, a walk through ornament (located just off a side street), weekend carriage rides, and Santa visits are all part of the holiday celebration. You can check the town website for more details on special events throughout December.

Also, there are numerous attractions downtown including local restaurants, shops, a great dive bar (The Twisted Pear), and the Carolina Arcade.

• Location: Main Street Forest City
• 2025 Dates: November 27th – January 1st. Hours: 5pm-11:30pm
• Where to eat nearby: Mario’s, a cozy local Italian restaurant outside of the busy downtown. I enjoyed the festive ambiance and the Eggplant Parmesan here.

Aluminum Tree Museum at the Transylvania Heritage Museum

Every year, this small museum dazzles with a fantastic exhibit dedicated to aluminum trees. If you grew up celebrating the season with an aluminum tree in the 60’s, you will love this quirky little museum. Anyone else who loves kitschy, oddball, and nostalgic attractions should give this free museum a look.

As a fun throwback to a bygone era, more than 2 dozen aluminum trees in a variety of themes are on display. The first aluminum trees debuted in the late 50’s, and they continued to be popular for their novelty and space age appeal throughout the 60’s. Although their popularity fizzled out (some say thanks to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”), today they are making a comeback. One of my favorite events – I loved seeing the old time trees!

My favorite trees themes: Elvis, the Beatles, and Barbie

• Location: 189 W. Main Street Brevard
• See more pics of gorgeous aluminum trees
• 2025 Dates: November 13th – January 17th (Thurs-Sat only). Hours: Noon-4pm
• Where to eat nearby: Quixote is a decent Tex-Mex restaurant in downtown Brevard. I recommend the delicious Rajas Con Queso, a great veggie entree consisting of poblanos in a creamy sauce.

Hendersonville Home for the Holidays

The 2nd largest downtown in the region puts on a full calendar of festive events. I had a great time attending the annual Christmas parade – there was a lot of spirit in the air and locals really went all out. Other events include a tree lighting at the historic courthouse and a peppermint bear scavenger hunt. Thousands of gorgeous lights dazzle on Main Street – it’s a really nicely designed display that you can stroll all month long. I love all the wreaths on the lampposts. After seeing the pretty lights, you can enjoy dinner at a local favorite like Hannah Flanagan’s Pub.

If visiting for any daytime event, I recommend fueling up at Black Bear Coffee company with an authentic NY bagel and a delicious cup of coffee from NC’s most iconic roaster Counter Culture. I also love shopping at all the local boutique and antique shops. I have found some of the best treasures.

• Location: Main Street Hendersonville
• 2025: Various dates throughout December
• My guide of things to do in Hendersonville
• Where to eat: Mountain Deli, a low key local deli serving great sandwiches and soups

Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread Competition

One of the region’s premier events is the National Gingerbread Competition held annually at the beautiful Omni Grove Park Inn. First off, this resort looks amazing during the holidays with multiple trees, festive wreaths and garland, and beautiful lights. Winter is a really magical time with the extravagant gingerbread display open for all to see.

I’ve attended this event 2 years in a row and was so impressed with the marvelous creations. I saw everything from Atlantis, to Reindeers playing poker, to a Monopoly game board. The level of creativity truly left me in awe. You may have seen ordinary gingerbread houses before, but this display is above and beyond anything you have imagined.

As of 2025, this event is now over 30 years old! Creative entries from around the country are on display throughout the property from the end of November through New Year’s. Although non guests are free to view the gingerbread masterpieces, there is a steep $30 parking fee and dates are limited.

I recommend enjoying the delicious breakfast in the Blue Ridge dining room, shopping, and a salted caramel hot cocoa by the dazzling lobby fireplace to maximize your visit.

• Location: 290 Macon Ave. Asheville
• 2025 Dates: November 18th – January 4th. More info on viewing dates for the general public.
• Where to eat: Brunch at the Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. It’s my favorite place for breakfast in the region, although quite pricey.