Preplan Your Blue Ridge Holiday Activities by Area

Make the most of your holiday visit by exploring the spectacular seasonal events happening throughout Western North Carolina in November and December 2025.

Photo credit: Visit Haywood. Downtown Waynesville Christmas Parade.

Here's your guide to holiday magic across the region:

Asheville

The heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains transforms into a winter wonderland with numerous festive events. Don't miss Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum (November 15, 2025 - February 17, 2026), featuring millions of lights, a 50-foot lighted tree, and the U.S. debut of six whimsical troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The Asheville Holiday Parade on November 22 fills downtown with performances, crafts, and community cheer from 11 AM to 5 PM at Pack Square Park. Throughout the season, enjoy concerts at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and the Orange Peel, holiday shopping in the River Arts District, and festive dining experiences throughout the city.

All three Photo: Asheville Downtown Assoc.

Photo: Asheville Downtown Assoc.

Photo: Asheville Downtown Assoc.

Waynesville

Experience small-town charm with Waynesville's beloved holiday traditions. The town kicks off the season with its annual Christmas Parade in early December, followed by the magical "A Night Before Christmas" celebration featuring luminaries lining the streets, live music, caroling, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a living nativity scene. The historic downtown transforms with twinkling lights and festive window displays, while local shops and galleries offer unique holiday shopping opportunities.

Photo credit: Visit Haywood

Hendersonville

Hendersonville's "Home for the Holidays" celebration includes the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Historic Courthouse, featuring live Christmas music, hot drinks, treats, and Santa's arrival at dusk. The town offers carriage rides down Main Street, greenery markets, a nighttime Christmas parade, and visits with holiday llamas from Ellaberry Llama Farm. The Flat Rock Playhouse presents "A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas 2025" with seasonal classics and new adaptations in a song and dance revue.

Weaverville

This charming town hosts its annual Candlelight Stroll on December 12, 2025, from 5-8 PM, featuring holiday shopping, storytelling, music, kids' crafts, and the lighting of the Weaverville tree on Main Street at 6 PM. The event brings the community together with a perfect blend of tradition and festive cheer.

Black Mountain

Experience the Holly Jolly Celebration & Parade on December 5, 2025, with luminaries, food vendors, carolers, and a parade through downtown. The Monte Vista Hotel hosts "Deck the Trees" from December 5, 2025, to January 5, 2026, featuring creatively decorated Christmas trees in a "Winter Wonderland" theme.

Photo credit: Explore Brevard. Snowy Downtown Brevard.

Brevard

Just a short drive from Asheville, Brevard offers its own unique holiday charm with festive downtown decorations, local shopping, and easy access to winter hiking in Pisgah National Forest. The town provides a quieter alternative for those seeking a more relaxed holiday experience while still being close to all the regional attractions.

Blue Ridge Mountain Top Holiday Attractions

Winter Lights & Trolls at NC Arboretum

Experience millions of lights illuminating the North Carolina Arboretum from November 15, 2025, through February 17, 2026, featuring a spectacular 50-foot lighted tree, the Quilt Garden, whimsical light creatures, and the U.S. debut of six troll sculptures by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. This walk-through light experience transforms the gardens into a magical winter wonderland that delights visitors of all ages. The combination of innovative light displays and the unique troll sculptures creates an unforgettable holiday experience that's perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking seasonal enchantment.

Biltmore Christmas & Candlelight Evenings

Christmas at Biltmore runs from November 1, 2025, through January 4, 2026, transforming America's largest home into a holiday masterpiece with over 100 hand-decorated trees, 25,000+ ornaments, miles of garland, and thousands of twinkling lights. Candlelight Christmas Evenings (November 1, 2025 - January 3, 2026) offer a magical self-guided tour complete with live musicians, choirs, flickering fireplaces, and a 55-foot Norway spruce with 45,000 lights on the front lawn. The estate's 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall serves as the centerpiece, while Antler Hill Village sparkles with festive displays perfect for shopping and wine tasting.

Historic Biltmore Village Update

Historic Biltmore Village has shown remarkable resilience following Hurricane Helene's flooding, and we're thrilled to report that the village is almost back to full capacity, ready to welcome holiday visitors once again! The community's determination and hard work have transformed this beloved shopping district back into a festive holiday destination, with boutique stores, galleries, and restaurants all decorated for the season and open for business. The village offers a more intimate shopping experience with local artisans, unique gifts, and festive dining options – all made even more special knowing you're supporting businesses that have worked so hard to recover. Special holiday events, extended shopping hours, and seasonal decorations make this a must-visit destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting our resilient local community.

Gardener's Cottage, Historic Biltmore Village

See who's open for business in the village.

The Polar Express Train Ride

All aboard for magic! The Polar Express departs from Bryson City's historic depot from November 6 through December 31, 2025, for a 1¼ hour round-trip journey to the North Pole. Set to the motion picture soundtrack, passengers enjoy hot cocoa and treats while the train travels through the quiet wilderness to pick up Santa Claus himself, who boards to give each child their own silver sleigh bell. The experience includes a spectacular light show at the depot, 62,000 lights at the North Pole Village, dancing chefs, golden ticket stamping, and Christmas caroling. This beloved holiday tradition sells out quickly; reservations are essential for this unforgettable family experience through the Smoky Mountains.

Book Your Holiday Stay Today!

The holiday season in Western North Carolina is truly magical, and there's no better way to experience it than by staying at one of our exceptional Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association member properties. Whether you're a local needing extra space for holiday guests or a visitor planning your mountain getaway, our 15 member inns are ready to welcome you with warm hospitality, gourmet breakfasts, and unforgettable experiences.

Don't let your loved ones settle for a hotel room when they could be enjoying the personalized service, unique character, and superior value of a bed and breakfast. From Tiffany-Hill's musical breakfast performances to historic properties decorated in holiday splendor, each of our member inns offers something special that will make this holiday season one to remember.

Visit www.ashevillebba.com to explore all our member properties and book your perfect holiday accommodation. Give the gift of a true Western North Carolina experience – because your guests deserve more than just a place to sleep, they deserve memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Holidays from the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association!

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The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association is a collection of diverse Bed & Breakfasts located in Asheville, North Carolina, and the surrounding area. Check out our *Specials (updated monthly) and don’t forget your Cookbook, a perfect way to take a little of our hospitality with you.