9 Big, Can't Miss Events in Asheville This Sparkling December
Lights! Action! And maybe even cameras… December events in Asheville, NC, are fabulous opportunities for family fun (and family pictures)! There are always so many amazing activities and festivals going on in Asheville that it can be hard to sort through them to decide what you want to spend your valuable time on. Which is why we have curated a list of the top 9 December events in Asheville, NC, that you really can’t miss!
1). Christmas at the Biltmore
Thousands of lights and miles upon miles of garlands. The Biltmore is the most romantic and enchanting place you can visit in Asheville, NC, this December! For, from November 3rd - January 7th this year, the entire house will be decorated and ready for a Victorian Christmas with a modern twist. Plus the restaurants and winery will be serving special Christmas food and wine. Your whole family, young and old, will delight in every moment that they spend here.
(IMG Source: Biltmore)
2). Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Evenings
Firelight and candlelight sparkling off of the colorful and guided ornaments decking the halls. Live music caressing your ears. Doesn't this sound lovely? During the Christmas season the Biltmore is open for special, self-guided Candlelight Christmas Evenings. They are so popular, though, that you can only get in with a reservation. You must catch this fabulous event when you are in Asheville this December!
3). National Gingerbread House Competition
Edible snow on the detailed roof shingles. Victorian, precise scrolled moulding made out of frosting. Edible fir trees that look nearly real…if they weren’t so tiny. Elaborate family holiday scenes - including cars and people and animals! - made entirely out gingerbread and other edibles. The National Gingerbread House Competition is something you must pop in and feast your eyes upon this December in Asheville, NC.
4). The Santaland Diaries
This one-man performance can only be described as hilarious! But what else would you expect when a slacker takes a job at Macy’s Santaland…and gets to see a whole new side to the holiday shopping experience. Just a hint: his observations are more naughty-than-nice.
5). Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
Sparkling lights making the otherwise bare gardens twinkle with life and color. Holiday music playing as an accompaniment to your brilliant and relaxed stroll as you sip on holiday-inspired cocoa, cider, and beer. The Winter Lights display at the North Carolina Arboretum is a beautiful, family friendly celebration that you won’t want to miss! Since you get to walk through at your own pace, even the most antsy of children will be mesmerized. But hurry and come soon - December 31st is the last day the lights will be up!
6). The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
Are you looking for a mobile celebration of the holidays that lasts for just over an hour? Full of music and stories? That also lets you get to know the city of Asheville (which is especially nice if you are new to Asheville, NC!)? Then you absolutely must check out the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour! Reservations are required.
7). Holiday Carriage Rides at the Biltmore
What could be more romantic than a carriage ride? The Biltmore is offering carriage rides through the estate this season. They are quite popular, though, so you will need to book your time slot at least 4 days in advance!
(IMG Source: Biltmore)
8). Jingle Bell Trolley Train Ride
Just 5 minutes north of Asheville, the Craggy Mountain Line Train offers special holiday rides on Saturday in December. You will get to ride a historic (and beautifully decked out!) train car, and then sip on hot cocoa and much cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus after your ride!
9). New Years
If you are going to be in Asheville over Christmas, then you really must stay over New Years too! Now, there isn’t any official, downtown New Years celebration (which means that it is the perfect location for a low key, family friendly getaway over the extra long Christmas/New Years break!). However, a lot of places are open late - restaurants, pubs, and more. So, there will still be plenty for you to do!
We can’t wait for you to grace Asheville, NC, with your fabulous presence this December! So that you have plenty of time to rest and relax (along with having fun at all of these fabulous December events in Asheville, NC) make sure you pick out the perfect cabin in the mountains of Asheville, NC, for your family!
