The Best Holiday Events in Western North Carolina
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Black Mountain Deck the Trees
Over 40 decorated 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 is a nice free event that I recommend combining with dining and shopping in the area to justify the daytrip. I really like their cause too – donations support the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry’s heating assistance fund.
Like most other towns in the region, the old-fashioned Main Street is home to a number of local restaurants, shops, and a small arts museum. I recommend relaxing at the Dripolator for an amazing cup of local coffee, enjoying lunch at a local eatery, browse through the Town General Store, check out a local gallery, and browsing antique shops. I really love the amazing cuckoo clocks in Europa Fine Gifts. After lunch, I recommend a nice stroll around beautiful Lake Tomahawk.
- Location: 308 W. State Street Black Mountain
- Dates 2025: December 5th – January 5th
- Where to eat: Veranda Cafe, which serves the best sandwiches and soups. It’s such a cozy place to enjoy lunch after walking around Main Street in the cold.
The Grove Arcade Winter Wonderland
Although downtown Asheville is not exactly swarming with jaw dropping light displays, there are a few festive attractions I recommend checking out. Most notably, The Grove Arcade dazzles with its’ annual Winter Wonderland festival. Gorgeous holiday decorations adorn this historic shopping plaza beginning in late November. They also have one of the amazing gingerbread houses on display so if you don’t want to pay parking for the resort, this is a great alternative.
There’s a lot more to do to justify a visit. Tourists love sipping a glass of champagne in a gorgeous library like bookstore setting (Battery Park). I’ve been here a few times and it is always pretty packed. Also, I recommend treating 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,you can also check out the seasonal displays at Pritchard Park and Pack Square.
- Location: 1 Page Ave. Asheville
- 2025 Dates: November 29th – early January. The opening day ceremony (beginning at Noon) includes a special holiday market and block party, plus a tree lighting.
- Where to eat nearby: Enjoy a traditional Thali plate at Chai Pani, a modern Indian favorite located just across the street. I love that they offer a vegetarian version.
Dickens Christmas at Biltmore Village
Update: Note that some businesses sadly closed down following the damaging effects of Hurricane Helene. I was sad to see some of them go including The Cantina.
Take a trip back in time at the renowned “A Dickens Christmas” festival at Biltmore Village. I love walking around this upscale shopping/dining area (once home to employees of the Biltmore Estate) especially during the winter season. Definitely check out the beautiful ornaments in The Old World Christmas Shoppe and stop for a pastry and coffee at Well Bred Bakery, a local gem with several locations (including a new one in The Grove).
For the annual Dickens fest, 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. I’ve never attended and event like this, so it was a fun new experience for me.
Scenes from the charming annual “Dicken’s of a Christmas” celebration
- Location: Hendersonville Rd. Asheville
- 2025 Dates: December 6th – 7th. Santa will be in town on the 7th from 1-4pm.
- The Village info and event lineup
- Where to eat nearby: Enjoy the fabulous lunch buffet at Andaaz, the best Indian restaurant in the region. The design here is so beautiful (perfect for a date) and I love the variety of vegetarian mains and side dishes.
Ice skating at Appalachian Ski Mountain
The state’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 pastime. A bit pricey at $20+ a session, although the mountain top setting is quite nice. I love skating all winter long, so I am willing to drive quite far for a nice rink. I have skated here several times and enjoyed the low-key vibe and pretty setting.
Bonus – there is a cozy bonfire which you can sit by in between skating sessions. After skating, I like to 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 assuming roads are not closed to ice and snow (which is more common from Jan-Feb).
If you are looking for somewhere really nice to stay, I recommend a night or two at the Lazy Bear Lodge. It’s an amazing property with really nice owners. They decorate so beautifully for the holidays and it’s an easy drive to this ice rink and other Parkway attractions.
- Location: 940 Ski Mountain Rd. Blowing Rock
- Where to eat nearby: Check out a local restaurant in downtown Boone. Also depending on the weather, I recommend checking out the Blowing Rock formation.
- Skating rates and more winter fun
Festive dining options
Sweeten Creek Coffee: Nice decor, special holiday drinks, great house coffee, and a quiet ambiance brought me back here frequently. I lived just minutes away and enjoyed the non touristy vibe. It was always attractively undervisited. I loved the gorgeous tree and the fireplace cracking on the TV.
Black Bear: Rustic bear themed coffeeshop in downtown Hendersonville. Delicious bagels and coffee from NC roaster Counter Culture. I love the decorations which include a nice tree, cozy black bear knick knacks, and several big nutcrackers. It’s my number one local coffeehouse choice this time of year.
Mellow Mushroom: Popular pizza chain with a hippy-ish vibe. Lots of GF and vegan options, plus a large craft beer menu. I tried the delicious pretzel bites for the first time and highly recommend them as a treat. Great holiday decor and conveniently walkable to downtown Asheville attractions.
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. I loved the made-to-order omelet bar, the mini pastries, the delicious coffee, and the chia seed pudding.
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