Holidays in the Blue Ridge: Shopping and Festive Events in Asheville and the Mountain Towns
The mountains do the holidays their own way. Main Streets glow with luminaries, makers open their studios, and every town from Weaverville to Waynesville lights its tree in its own style. This guide rounds up Asheville holiday events, where to shop small, and what’s happening this season in the surrounding mountain towns. Wherever you land, a member inn is close by.
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Asheville
Where to Shop Small
Downtown Asheville is packed with independent boutiques, galleries, and bookstores. Its windows get dressed up for the holiday parade. The historic Grove Arcade gathers local shops and eateries under one roof, and Biltmore Village’s cottages hold galleries and gift shops just outside the estate gate. The River Arts District is home to working artist studios along the French Broad River, where you can meet the makers and take home something one of a kind. For heirloom-quality craft, Grovewood Village sits beside the Omni Grove Park Inn, and the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway showcases Southern Highland Craft Guild makers. For a neighborhood feel, try the indie shops and vintage stores along Haywood Road in West Asheville.
Marquee, in the River Arts District, is one of the best places in town to find a truly unique gift. Dozens of local artists and makers fill its sprawling warehouse with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, vintage finds, and home goods, so you can knock out half your list in one stop.
Brick lined historic shopping streets in Biltmore Village The Marquee
Holiday Happenings
Christmas at Biltmore, November 3, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Candlelight Christmas Evenings run through January 9 and need a separate timed ticket, so book early. Antler Hill Village is lit every evening.
National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, on display November 17 to January 3. Visitors who aren’t staying at the resort can view it Monday through Thursday and on Sunday evenings after 6 pm.
Asheville Holiday Parade, Saturday, November 21, 11 am, downtown. This is the parade’s 80th year.
Grove Arcade Tree Lighting Block Party, Saturday, November 28.
Southern Highland Craft Guild Holiday Sale Markets, Saturdays, December 5 and 12, at the Folk Art Center.
The Big Crafty Holiday Edition, December 5 and 6, Harrah’s Cherokee Center.
The Asheville Ballet’s Nutcracker, December 11 to 13, Wortham Center.
Holiday lights: Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum runs November 13 to January 3 (buy tickets ahead, since peak nights sell out). The Lake Julian Festival of Lights in Arden runs December 2 to 23, and holiday trolley tours run November 13 to December 30.
Stay Nearby
Abbington Green, Albemarle Inn, Beaufort House Inn, Cedar Crest Inn, 1899 Wright Inn, Oakland Cottage, Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast, and The Reynolds Mansion. In West Asheville, Wildberry Lodge. In Arden, Bent Creek Lodge puts you minutes from the Arboretum lights.
Hendersonville and Flat Rock
Where to Shop Small
Hendersonville’s walkable Main Street is lined with independent boutiques, galleries, and sweet shops. Wine Sage & Gourmet is a go-to for bottles to give or open by the fire.
Holiday Happenings
Holiday Tree Lighting, Friday, November 27, 5 to 8 pm, Historic Courthouse Plaza.
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas Show, November 27 to December 20, Flat Rock Playhouse. This is the show’s 10th anniversary season.
Hendersonville Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 5, 6 pm, heading south down Main Street.
Worth the Drive
Santa on the Chimney, Saturday, December 5, 11 am to 2 pm, Chimney Rock State Park. Santa rappels down the rock, and the event is included with park admission.
Stay Nearby
The 1898 Waverly Inn on North Main Street, and Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill in Mills River.
Black Mountain
Where to Shop Small
Black Mountain’s compact downtown is full of galleries, gift shops, and cafes, with a friendly small-town pace that makes holiday shopping feel like a treat.
Holiday Happenings
Holly Jolly Celebration and Parade, Friday, December 4, downtown Black Mountain, with luminaries, carolers, and food vendors.
Stay Nearby
Black Mountain is about 20 minutes east of Asheville, an easy evening outing from any of our Asheville inns.
Weaverville
Where to Shop Small
Weaverville’s Main Street is small-town charm with a serious art scene. Galleries like Dry Bridge Gallery make it a natural stop for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Holiday Happenings
Weaverville Art Safari, November 7 and 8, 11 am to 5 pm. About 85 artists open 36 studios, which makes it a perfect head start on gift shopping.
Weaverville Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 5, 11 am.
Candlelight Stroll, Friday, December 11, 6 to 9 pm, Main Street. The tree lighting is at 6, with carolers, Santa, and hot chocolate.
Stay Nearby
The Inn at Amaris Farms, a farmhouse inn with breakfast from the farm.
Waynesville and Haywood County
Where to Shop Small
Downtown Waynesville’s Main Street mixes galleries, outfitters, and gift shops. A short walk away, the historic Frog Level district adds studios and a few surprises.
Holiday Happenings
Light the Night Christmas Tree Lighting, Friday, November 20, 5:30 to 7 pm, in front of Town Hall. Shops stay open late.
A Smoky Mountain Christmas Celebration, Saturday, December 12, 6 to 9 pm. Main Street fills with luminaries, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice carving, Santaland, and live music.
Stay Nearby
Andon-Reid Inn and The Yellow House in Waynesville, and Elk & Embers® for luxury tents, a treehouse, and cabins bordering the Smokies.
Elk & Embers Andon-Reid Bed & Breakfast The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road
Marion and McDowell County
Where to Shop Small
Downtown Marion’s Main Street is a friendly mix of local shops and restaurants at the foot of the Blue Ridge.
Holiday Happenings
A Very Marion Christmas Parade, Sunday, November 22, 3 pm, downtown on Main Street.
Stay Nearby
Tabletop Inn, a playful inn with a library of hundreds of board games, walking distance to downtown.
One More Reason to Stay With Us
Guests at our member inns get access to perks with our local partners, from holiday trolley tours to food tours and outdoor adventures. Ask your innkeeper when you book.
Give a Mountain Getaway
Looking for a gift that isn’t another sweater? A gift certificate to one of our member inns gives someone you love a cozy mountain stay to look forward to.
Get the Free Holiday Guide
Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you the downloadable Holiday Guide: shops, events, and inns for every town in this post, plus seasonal tips from the innkeepers who live here.
Dates and details can change. Check with each organizer before you go.
About the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association
The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association welcomes you to experience the legendary hospitality of Western North Carolina’s finest inns. Not every inn makes the list. The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association is a hand-selected group of independently owned bed and breakfasts across Western North Carolina, each held to a shared standard for quality, character, and genuine hospitality. Historic mansions, countryside retreats, mountain lodges. One trusted place to find the right one.
