Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 13, 2025) – In the Asheville area, the old and the new comfortably coexist. Just as ancient mountains serve as a backdrop to fresh-flavored restaurants and trailblazing new art installations, the return of deeply rooted holiday traditions is complemented by ever-evolving experiences.  

Biltmore is celebrating its 130th Christmas with décor gleaned from archival letters and records. Winter Lights, the beloved holiday light display at the North Carolina Arboretum, welcomes very special new guests this year – a dozen larger-than-life troll sculptures from world-renowned recycle artist Thomas Dambo. This season also marks the 100th anniversary of the Asheville Sessions, a foundational event in the history of country and Americana music, which is being celebrated with a weekend of shows from acclaimed musicians and remastered originals.

Whether stepping back into a nostalgic Christmas past or writing a new song, Asheville holiday travelers will leave feeling more grounded, refreshed, and reenergized for a new year.

Biltmore celebrates its 130th Christmas by spotlighting its grand history

Biltmore officially opened its doors on Christmas Eve 1895, and since then, the holiday season has always held special significance at America's Largest Home. Every year, Christmas at Biltmore (the daytime celebration) and Candlelight Christmas Evenings dazzle visitors with experiences rooted in Yuletide grandeur of yore. 

In honor of 130 Christmases at Biltmore, the Estate's renowned curatorial team is showcasing some of the special details learned from archival letters and estate records in this year's décor. Newspapers of the era noted soft lights, tastefully draped garland, and red berries of holly. This is the inspiration for the Banquet Hall with its 35-foot Frasier Fir. Designers also looked at the first grocery list that fed George Vanderbilt and his guests during the holiday season of 1895. In the basement kitchens of Biltmore House this year, guests will see a detailed recreation of the dishes, including braised rabbit and plum pudding, that were served at that inaugural Christmas dinner. And in Edith Vanderbilt's bedroom this year, décor is inspired by her collection of glamorous clothing from the 1920s and 30s that she donated to the Rhode Island School of Design.

106 total decorated Christmas trees – including 31 inside Biltmore House, 40 at The Inn and Antler Hill Village, and 35 in retail shops – together with 7,740 yards of ribbon, 809 poinsettias, and 45,000 twinkling lights, beckon visitors of all ages to partake in the ultimate immersive holiday experience. Christmas at Biltmore runs from Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026.

• SPRING PREVIEW: Biltmore has a Christmas present for guests looking ahead to spring travel: the announcement of “Luminere,” an outdoor illuminated art experience that will premiere on March 26, 2026. The first outdoor evening experience Biltmore has offered in its 130-year history, “Luminere” reimagines the facade of Biltmore House and the estate's renowned gardens as a dreamscape of color, motion, sound and storytelling. Tickets are on sale starting Nov. 12, just in time for the holiday giving season.

Thomas Dambo's “Trolls” Debut During Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

For over a decade, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum has delighted people of all ages who flock to the manicured gardens to revel in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and illuminated sculptures. This year, Winter Lights is made even more magical with an exhibit of Thomas Dambo's. The North American premiere of twelve new precocious trolls never seen before in the United States will run from Nov. 15, 2025, through Feb. 17, 2026. Winter Lights runs from Nov. 15, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026.

Dambo is a Danish artist who has received global notoriety for his monumental Trolls series, a public art project that blends sustainable sculpture, outdoor adventure and environmental activism. The giant installations, assembled from trash and reclaimed wood, are designed to spark curiosity and bring humans closer to the earth. A global fandom of troll-hunters has sprung up to discover these whimsical creatures, each of whom has their own backstory as their own backstory and personality.

• TROLL TRAVEL DEALS: Troll-seekers can take advantage of several troll travel packages being offered by Asheville area hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to create their own special holiday trolls experience.

The National Gingerbread House Competition returns to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

After being reconfigured in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, the National Gingerbread House Competition, the largest display of gingerbread in the nation, is returning in 2025 to the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa. Artisans of all ages and from across the country compete in various categories with whimsical structures made entirely of candy and baked confections, all vying for over $40,000 in cash and prizes and place in holiday history.

From Nov. 18, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, guests at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa immerse themselves in this delectable world by booking a special holiday package to enjoy the world-class subterranean spa, grand architecture and giant stone fireplaces. Kids of all ages delight in ordering hot chocolate beverages from a life size gingerbread house in the grand lobby.

Day guests are welcome to view edible works of art on select days and can grab a meal at Vue 1913 or a drink on the Sunset Terrace. All gingerbread enthusiasts can follow “The 12 Days of Gingerbread,” highlighting the Top 12 finalists on social media.  

• THE FIRES ARE SO DELIGHTFUL: It is profoundly grounding to relax in a rocking chair before one of the magnificent, 36-foot-wide stone fireplaces in the lobby of the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa. Like the resort, each fireplace is entirely constructed from stones quarried from the mountain it sits atop, with a single 5,000-pound boulder serving as a mantel for each grate. But this is only one of many area destinations where winter travelers can bask in the soft glow and gentle crackle of an open fire. Cozy firepits adorn the patio of the downtown craft cocktail bar Antidote, as well as Leo's House of Thirst, which was a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Wine Program this year. For a more rustic experience, visitors can lounge by the firepit at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, or roast s'mores beside their private stay at Grey Eagle Lodge in Black Mountain or Log Cabin Vacation Rental in Weaverville

Music in the mountains 

The reclamation of a century-old musical legacy, and a host of contemporary artists and live shows, cement Asheville's reputation as a can't-miss music city

The Asheville Sessions mark 100 years

If the Bristol Sessions were the "Big Bang" of country music, then Asheville lit the fuse. In 1925, Ralph Peer and his OKeh General Phonograph Corporation hauled an acoustic-horn recording setup into the George Vanderbilt Hotel in downtown Asheville. The idea was novel – to record musicians on location, close to where the music lived. The Asheville sessions were the first commercial recordings made in Appalachia, and the first of any genre made in North Carolina. They are a vivid snapshot of a region in musical transition, as traditional forms flowed through the emerging genre that would be called country music.

This November, the 100th Anniversary of the Asheville Sessions will be marked with three days of concerts from nationally known artists such as Ketch Secor, River Whyless and Tyler Ramsey, as well as panel discussions with producer Bryan Wright and music historians Ted Olson and Tony Russell.

Warren Haynes Presents: The Christmas Jam

After taking a year off due to Hurricane Helene, the wildly popular Christmas Jam is back on Dec. 13, 2025, at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. Started by Grammy Award-winning guitarist and Asheville native Warren Haynes in 1988, the Christmas Jam is a beloved holiday tradition that has raised over $2.8 million for area nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and Beloved Asheville. The 2025 lineup has yet to be announced, but past participating musicians have included The Allman Brothers, Jason Isbell, Sheryl Crow, and many more.

More live music in Asheville this season:

• New Year's Eve with The Avett Brothers (Dec. 31) | North Carolina natives Seth and Steve Avett are ringing in the New Year in Asheville. The Grammy-nominated Americana band will be performing at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville, on Dec. 31.
• The Orange Peel | It's easy to see why The Orange Peel was named one of Rolling Stone Magazine's top five rock clubs in the nation. Once a famous soul club in the 1960s, hosting groups like The Commodores and Bar-Kays, its revitalization in 2002 brought back a critical part of Asheville's musical heritage. This season, The Orange Peel hosts Asheville native Indigo Souza (Nov. 2), rockers They Might Be Giants (Nov. 17-19), indie group Portugal, The Man (Dec. 8) and many more.
• The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub | Perched between downtown and the River Arts District, The Grey Eagle is Asheville's longest running live music venue featuring an eclectic mix of locally, regionally and nationally touring acts. During the holidays, The Grey Eagle hosts Geese (Nov. 9), The Lemonheads (Nov. 13), and Ariel Pink (Nov. 24), among others.
• Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | This professional venue in the heart of downtown Asheville will host a variety of seasonal favorites, including Swan Lake (Nov. 11) and The Snow Queen (Nov. 12), both from Kyiv Ballet, as well as Garrison Keillor (Nov. 16), three different versions of The Nutcracker (Dec. 5-20), A Swannanoa Solstice (Dec. 21), and many more.

Bustling Downtown

From a new ice rink to an Art Deco tree raising, downtown Asheville is alive with festive cheer.

Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards

Asheville Yards, the large outdoor music venue in downtown Asheville, is transforming this holiday season into the Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards. From Nov. 26, 2025, through Jan. 19, 2026, guests can glide across the outdoor ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights, festive music and holiday vibes.

Whether planning a family outing, a festive date night or a weekend adventure, the Holiday Ice Rink provides hours of winter fun, including holiday-inspired craft cocktails and hot chocolate, festive photo ops, a winter market and weekly theme nights.

New Museum of Costume Jewelry

The first museum in North America solely dedicated to costume jewelry is set to open in November in Asheville. Founded by collector Sharon Ryback, the Museum of Costume Jewelry will feature over 300 pieces of 20th-century costume jewelry. From Art Nouveau carved horn earrings and Art Deco Bakelite necklaces to WWII "sweetheart jewelry" and midcentury Hollywood brooches, the museum will feature sparkling pieces by iconic designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Miriam Haskell, Tom Ford and Christian Dior. Fashionistas alike will be charmed by the over-the-top, glamorous exhibits, while history buffs and art lovers will appreciate the reference library with over 250 books and lecture series (not to mention everyone's favorite part of the museum – the gift shop!).

More downtown holiday happenings:

• Grove Arcade Holiday Tree Lighting (Nov. 29) | Grove Arcade, the Art Deco architectural marvel that houses dozens of shops, artists and restaurants, hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party on Small Business Saturday. In addition to bright lights and magnificent decor, The Tree Lighting will feature live jazz, Asheville Ballet performances, and an outdoor holiday market.
• The Big Crafty (Dec. 6) | This twice-annual celebration of handmade artistry is one of the largest collections of handmade goods in the South. Hosted by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, The Big Crafty features over 180 carefully selected artists who work in everything from wood and glass to ceramics and textiles. There is no better place to pick up a unique holiday gift.
• Winter Window Display Contest (Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026) | The Asheville Downtown Association is bringing back this beloved holiday tradition. Downtown will be aglow as dozens of businesses deck their halls to compete for the honor of “Best Overall Window,” “People's Choice Window” and “Best Use of Theme.”  

Unique mountain region holiday happenings, festivals and markets

Whether visiting Appalachian Santa or sipping a tropical cocktail at the Tiki Easy Bar, the Asheville area can always be relied on to put a twist on traditional holiday celebrations.

Small town holiday vibes

• Black Mountain was named one of the best mountain towns in the South by Southern Living, and it's easy to see why. With a bevy of locally owned restaurants and mom-and-pop retail, it's the perfect place for cozy holiday celebrations. The Holly Jolly celebration (Dec. 5) is an annual event where the shops stay open late, show off festive Christmas displays, and have a visit from Santa. The following day, a holiday parade marches through town with over 100 entries.
• Weaverville is a quaint and lively town just north of Asheville with an incredible Main Street. During the Weaverville Candlelight Stroll (Dec. 12), Main Street comes alive with music, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and luminaries. Foodies can enjoy the quirky Greek diner Stoney Knob Cafe or frolic with their pooch at Wagbar.

Bright lights, candlelight strolls and story time with Appalachian Santa make for festive family travel

• Storytime with Appalachian Santa (Dec. 21) | Kris Kringle, decked out in his Appalachian best with bells and old-world charm, will be accompanied not by reindeer, but by the fluffy Highland Cows that live at Montgomery Sky Farm, a sustainable farm focused on animal rescue and preservation breeding. A chocolate charcuterie board, prepared by owner and Executive Chef Taylor Montgomery, will be provided, and each child will receive a special gift from Santa.
• Winter Wonder Walk (Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12) | A storybook comes to life at the Adventure Center of Asheville. Complete with live-action characters and a snowball fight, the Winter Wonder Walk leads guests on a quest to find Jack Frost and the Sugar Plum Fairy to stop a blizzard from striking Winterland. Guests aged four and older can also climb the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trails. These thrilling (and age appropriate) aerial trails are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights for an immersive holiday experience.

Elevated eggnog, bawdy bus tours and sparkling New Year's Eve parties ring in the holidays for grown-ups

• Sippin' Santa at the Tiki Easy Bar (2025 dates TBD) | A mythical island speakeasy hidden behind the Hi-Wire Brewing South Slope taproom, Tiki Easy boasts the largest selection of rare and historic rums in North Carolina. During the holidays, Tiki Easy hosts the Sippin' Santa Holiday Pop-Up, a tropical twist on the holiday season that will feature a bevy of special events and a Secret Santa menu available only for those in-the-know enough to ask.
• Cold Mountain Beer Release (Nov. 6-10) | Highland Brewing Company celebrates the 28th annual release of Asheville's cult-favorite spiced winter ale with five days of events, including exclusive beer releases and an incredible local-only lineup of musicians and performing artists.
• Hey Asheville! Holiday Tour (Nov. 28 – Dec. 24) | The “Hey Asheville! Holiday Tour” supercharges LaZoom's zany purple bus sightseeing adventure with enough holly jolly to keep guests laughing all the way.  

Handmade holiday markets

• Marquee Reopens | The Marquee, home to 350 creators and makers, once completely submerged during Helene, made a bold return almost a year later. The Marquee reopened on Sept. 25, with hundreds of artists and antique vendors proudly displaying their wares once again.
• Holiday Sale at the Folk Art Center (Dec. 6 and 13) | The annual Holiday Sale Markets at the Folk Art Center feature a rotating lineup of Southern Highland Craft Guild artists offering one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts at discounted prices. Visitors can take the opportunity to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which has reconnected 114 contiguous miles through Asheville, linking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Mt. Mitchell State Park. In November and December, leafless trees make for the longest mountain views of the year.
• Christmas in Asheville at the WNC Ag Center (Nov. 21-23) | A holiday market taking place at the WNC Agricultural Center featuring over 130 vendors offering boutique clothing, home decor, holiday treats, handmade gifts and vintage finds, along with food trucks and live music.
• North Asheville Tailgate Market Holiday Bazaar (Late Nov. to late Dec.) | The North Asheville Tailgate Market is North Carolina's longest-standing producer-only farmers' market. While it is open year-round, a special bazaar-style holiday market is open from late November through Late December.

For more information on Asheville holiday travel, including sample itineraries, packages and deals, and events calendar, visit ExploreAsheville.com. A gallery with high-resolution images can be found here – please credit: ExploreAsheville.com. For more information, spokesperson contacts, visual assets, or site visit requests, please contact the PR team at media@exploreasheville.com.

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About Asheville

The creative community of Asheville is deeply rooted yet ever evolving, drawing and nurturing creatives for generations. Tucked away between some of the world's most ancient mountains and rivers, it's a creative community surrounded by two of the most visited National Park Service units in the United States – the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For the most up-to-date insights and happenings, visit ExploreAsheville.com.