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 temps have cooled down and 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.

Asheville is a great base as you can explore popular attractions and the foodie scene in town, while also being located within daytrip distance to more charming WNC towns. Hendersonville, Brevard, Waynesville, and Black Mountain are all conveniently located less than an hour away. Each community offers its’ own unique lineup of festive events to look forward to.

Below are a few of the more festive affordable events and attractions located throughout Western North Carolina

Lake Julian Festival of Lights

Lake Julian Park Festival of Lights in Asheville, North Carolina

This drive-thru light show in South Asheville is one of the most affordable in the area. While most drive-thru light shows charge upwards of $30 per car, Lake Julian comes in at an affordable 10 bucks. 2021 marked the 21st anniversary of the festive event which includes thousands of lights and unique themed LED displays. 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 holiday attractions in Asheville.

Cute light display at the Lake Julian Park Festival of Lights in Asheville, North Carolina
Santa display at the Lake Julian Park Festival of Lights in Asheville, North Carolina
Santa fishing light display at the Lake Julian Festival of Lights in Asheville, North Carolina
Gingerbread display at the Lake Julian Festival of Lights in Asheville, North Carolina

Forest City Hometown Holidays

Christmas fountain and lights in Forest City, North Carolina "Hometown Holidays"

Forest City, one of Western North Carolina’s oldest cities, has been ranked the top place to see Christmas lights in the region by various publications. This extravagant display often rates as one of the state’s best. 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. Festive holiday 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. Also, there are numerous attractions downtown including local restaurants, shops, a great dive bar (The Twisted Pear), and the Carolina Arcade.

Festive holiday lights on Main Street for Forest City, North Carolina's "Hometown Holidays"
Festive light display during Forest City, North Carolina's "Hometown Holidays"
Festive holiday window display on Main Street for the Forest City, North Carolina "Hometown Holidays" event
Beautiful holiday window display for the Forest City, North Carolina "Hometown Holidays" event
  • Location: Main Street Forest City, NC
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  • Where to eat nearby: Mario’s, a cozy local Italian restaurant outside of the busy downtown

Aluminum Tree Museum at the Transylvania Heritage Museum

Vintage trees at the Aluminum Tree Museum in Brevard, North Carolina

Every year, this small museum comes alive with a fantastic retro aluminum Christmas tree exhibit. If you grew up celebrating Christmas 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 including Beatles, Barbie, and Elvis 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.

Elvis display at the Aluminum Tree Museum in Brevard, North Carolina
Beatles display at the Aluminum tree museum in Brevard, North Carolina
Barbie themed tree at the Aluminum Tree Museum in Brevard, North Carolina
Vintage aluminum trees at the Aluminum Tree Museum in Brevard, North Carolina
  • Location: 189 W. Main Street Brevard, NC
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  • Where to eat nearby: Quixote is a decent Tex-Mex restaurant in downtown Brevard

Hendersonville Home for the Holidays

Christmas tree on Main Street in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Hendersonville, the 2nd largest city in WNC, puts on a full calendar of festive holiday events. A few of the highlights include the annual Christmas parade, the downtown tree lighting at the historic courthouse, and a peppermint bear scavenger hunt. In addition, thousands of gorgeous lights dazzle on Main Street. Plan for a night stroll to see the pretty lights. Enjoy dinner at a local favorite like Hannah Flannagan’s Pub. If visiting for a daytime event, fuel up at Black Bear Coffee company with an authentic NY bagel and a delicious cup of coffee from NC’s favorite roaster Counter Culture. Also be sure to check out the variety of antique and boutique shops while you are in town!

Festive holiday window in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina
The annual Christmas tree in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina
Holiday decor at Black Bear Coffee in downtown Hendersonville, NC
Christmas tree by the Hendersonville County Courthouse
  • Location: Main Street Hendersonville, NC
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  • Where to eat: Mountain Deli, a low key local deli serving great sandwiches and soups

Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread Competition

Atlantis gingerbread house at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina

One of Asheville’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. 2021 marked the 29th anniversary of this prestigious competition. 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 $25 parking fee. Plan for a delicious breakfast buffet, shopping, and a salted caramel hot cocoa by the dazzling lobby fireplace to maximize your visit.

Reindeers playing poker gingerbread house at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
A Christmas story at the National Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn
Beautiful fireplace in the lobby of the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
Gorgeous Christmas tree at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
  • Location: 290 Macon Ave. Asheville, NC
  • More info
  • Where to eat: Enjoy a delicious meal in the Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains.

Black Mountain Deck the Trees

Deck the Trees holiday festival in Black Mountain, North Carolina

Over 40 decorated Christmas trees can be found throughout local businesses in Black Mountain each December. Over 20 of these trees are on display at the the Monte Vista hotel. This festive event is free and sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Also, consider a stroll around downtown Black Mountain. This charming old-fashioned Main Street is home to a number of local restaurants, shops, and a small arts museum. Stop by the Dripolator for an amazing cup of local coffee, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, browse through the Town General Store, and marvel at local galleries and antique shops. After lunch work off those calories with a stroll around beautiful Lake Tomahawk.

Deck the Trees holiday festival in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Festive lobby of the Monte Vista hotel in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Festive holiday display in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Americano at The Dripolator coffeeshop in Black Mountain, North Carolina
  • Location: 308 W. State Street Black Mountain, NC
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  • Where to eat: Veranda Cafe, specializing in homemade soups and tasty sandwiches

The Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland

The Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland in Asheville, North Carolina

Although downtown Asheville is not exactly swarming with magnificent light displays, there are a few festive sites to check out. Most notably, The Grove Arcade dazzles with its’ annual Winter Wonderland festival. Gorgeous holiday decorations adorn this historic shopping plaza beginning in late Nov. While you are here check out the local shops, sip a glass of champagne in a gorgeous library (Battery Park), and treat yourself to a cup of coffee and authentic New Orleans’s style beignets with chocolate dipping sauce at Bebettes. Special events include holiday glass blowing demonstrations, Santa visits, and a tree lighting. While downtown, also admire seasonal displays at Prichard Park and Pack Square.

Holiday decor at the Grove Arcade in Asheville, North Carolina
Beautiful winter decor at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Christmas tree in downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Battery Park Book Exchange at the Grove Arcade in Asheville, North Carolina
  • Location: 1 Page Ave. Asheville, NC
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  • Where to eat nearby: Enjoy a traditional Thali plate at Chai Pani, a modern Indian favorite located just across the street

Dicken’s Christmas at Biltmore Village

Christmas tree at Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina

Take a trip back in time at the renowned “A Dicken’s Christmas” festival at Biltmore Village. Biltmore Village, an upscale shopping/dining area (once home to employees of the Biltmore Estate) is a lovely place for an afternoon of shopping and dining. Definitely check out the beautiful ornaments in The Old World Christmas Shoppe and stop for a pastry and coffee at the highly regarded Well Bred Bakery. This is the best time of the year to visit the Village. As you stroll around the beautiful brick sidewalks, you will be serenaded by old-fashioned carolers spreading holiday cheer. A chestnut roaster, jugglers, mimes, and bubble makers are spread throughout the plaza. At night, enjoy the lovely lights and a dazzling 15 foot Christmas tree.

Old fashioned carolers at the Dicken's Christmas festival at Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina
Dicken's Christmas festival at Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina
Dicken's Christmas festival at Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina
The Olde World Christmas Shoppe in Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina
  • Location: Hendersonville Rd. Asheville, NC
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  • Where to eat nearby: Enjoy the fabulous lunch buffet at Andaaz, the best Indian restaurant in the region

Ice skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain

Ice skating rink at Appalachian Ski resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina
A foggy night at Appalachian Ice Arena

North Carolina’s top ski resort is also home to the state’s only rink maintained by a zamboni. This is one of the closest ice rinks to the Asheville region so worth a visit if you can’t go without the classic winter past time. A bit pricey at $20+ a session, although the mountain top setting is quite nice. Bonus – there is a cozy bonfire which you can sit by in between skating sessions. Afterwards stop by downtown Boone to check out the local dining and shopping scene. Bonus – you are within an easy drive to many Blue Ridge Parkway hikes and attractions.

Blue Ridge Parkway in winter
Downtown Boone, North Carolina
Beautiful mountain views in Boone, North Carolina
Downtown Blowing Rock, North Carolina at Christmas
  • Location: 940 Ski Mountain Rd. Blowing Rock, NC
  • Where to eat nearby: Check out a local restaurant in downtown Boone
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A few festive dining options

Sweeten Creek Coffee – Nice decor, special holiday drinks, great house coffee, quiet ambiance

Delicious coffee and food at Sweeten Creek Coffee in Asheville, North Carolina
Christmas tree at Sweeten Creek Coffee in Asheville, North Carolina

Black Bear – Rustic themed coffeeshop in downtown Hendersonville. Delicious bagels and coffee from NC roaster Counter Culture. Decorated beautifully for the holidays.

Great bagel and coffee at Sweeten Creek Coffee in Asheville, North Carolina
Festive holiday decor at Black Bear Coffee in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Mellow Mushroom – Popular pizza chain with a hippy-ish vibe. Lots of GF and vegan options, plus a large craft beer menu. Try the pretzel bites! Great holiday decor. Located in downtown Asheville.

Pretzel bites at Mellow Mushroom in downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Christmas tree at the Mellow Mushroom in downtown Asheville, North Carolina

Blue Ridge Buffet – Beautiful dining room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in the Omni Grove Park Inn. Serves a breakfast buffet 6 days a week, plus a Sunday brunch.

Delicious food at the breakfast buffet at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
Beautiful mountain views via the Blue Ridge Artisanal Dining Room at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC