If you’ve been following our adventures for awhile you know that Asheville is one of our favorite places to explore! And Christmas in Asheville is such a special time of the year!  Consider planning a trip around the winter holidays to really enjoy the best of Asheville! 

While Asheville is amazing year round, here are three things you have to do in Asheville at Christmas! If you’re in the area and have been asking yourself “What are the best Christmas events near me” you have found the right place! 

1. Visit the Grove Park Inn

The Grove Park Inn one of the nicest hotels in the area and each year they host a Gingerbread competition with hundreds of gingerbread houses on display. Be sure to spend some time walking around the hotel and enjoying their holiday decorations. They also have an excellent restaurant you can checkout while you’re there! 

2. Biltmore Candlelight Christmas

One of the most well known Christmas events in the area is the Biltmore Candlelight where the entire Biltmore house is decorated for the holidays and it’s well worth the price of admission. The already beautiful home is turned into a Christmas showcase with trees throughout the house (this year there are over 50 tree’s inside the home) including a 35 foot tree in the banquet hall. Fun fact, they actually switch this tree out multiple times a season in order to keep it looking fresh! Be sure to buy tickets in advance for the Candle Light Tour, as they do sell out.

When you purchase your candle light ticket you also get access to the garden’s and a free wine tasting art the Biltmore winery. We like to get candlelight reservations right after dark, but go earlier in the day to explore the grounds. The house tour itself is self paced, but typically takes us about an hour and a half. 

3. Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

By far, one of our favorite recent discoveries was the Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum in Asheville. The entire arboretum is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights throughout, including different stations like a model train exhibit, bonsai gardens and wishing tree. We love to make a wish and place it on their tree for the new year! Each of the stations has its own stand to purchase hot chocolate or alcoholic beverages and there are even gift shops located inside. This is a perfect family friendly event. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, as this event also sells out!

Will you be traveling to Asheville around the Christmas holiday? Be sure to checkout my post for how to spend the Ultimate 48 hours in Asheville so you don’t miss a thing!

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What are your favorite things to do at Christmas in Asheville? Let me know in the comments below!

This is NOT a sponsored post, however, if you’d like to become part of our travels please reach out!