This holiday season calls for a splendid time with the family vacationing somewhere new. This year, make your way to Asheville, where our fantastic vacation rentals are ready to host our holiday visitors. One of the best ways to experience the holiday season in Asheville is by showing your family and friends the many festive events taking place in the area. You will find Asheville does not skimp out on the holiday fun, with each event more exciting than the last. Here are some magical Christmas events in the Smoky Mountains that you can only find in Asheville:
Winter Lights
You cannot get through the holiday season without enjoying a sightseeing excursion to view Christmas lights in the area. Asheville will be decked out in dazzling lights all around the city; however, there is one spot that deserves a visit for its sheer brilliance. The Winter Lights event will return to the North Carolina Arboretum this holiday season and provides an amazing self-guided walk through the Arboretum. The North Carolina Arboretum is already an amazing venue where you can take a peek a local flora that are expertly cared for in a stunning area. The Winter Lights add in almost one million Christmas lights to the mix, making it a local favorite display to check out during the holiday season. The lights will perfectly enhance the trees, shrubs, and ground cover and glow throughout the night. Tickets are already on sale for Winter Lights, which is taking place from November 15th through December 31st.
Winter Wonderland
Not to be confused with Winter Lights, Winter Wonderland is a beloved holiday event taking place in Grove Arcade. Locals know Grove Arcade as the local shops’ collaboration inside a beautiful 1920s building that has retained its historic appearance. Since 2006, Grove Arcade has hosted Winter Wonderland, a month-long celebration of the holidays. You will be able to enjoy a tree lighting ceremony that takes place on November 30th at 6:00 PM that will then kick off the remainder of the event. You will find that Grove Arcade is decorated with plenty of holiday lights, has special holiday musical performances, and additional shopping opportunities and incentives. Winter Wonderland takes place from November 30th through January 1st.
Asheville Holiday Parade
You cannot start the holiday season without an official parade. Join us here in Asheville for the annual Asheville Holiday Parade that is a returning local favorite. This huge parade sees over 100 different floats participate as they drive by decked out with all kinds of holiday cheer. You will also find local cheer squads, dance squads, youth sports organizations, and more participating in all of the fun. Don’t miss out on the Asheville Holiday Parade taking place on Saturday November 23rd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Lake Julian Festival of Lights
There are plenty of attractions found nearby Asheville that are worthy of a visit during your stay. One such location is Lake Julian, where you will find their annual Festival of Lights setting the stage for the holidays. This month-long event sees Lake Julian Park decked out in thousands of Christmas lights for a self-guided walk through. You will be able to see the park in a whole new light during the evening. The Lake Julian Festival of Lakes takes place December 1st through the 23rd.
27th Annual Santa on the Chimney
When you visit Asheville, you will want to get outside and see all of the wonderful natural attractions in the area. Chimney Rock State Park is home to the world’s largest natural chimneys and hosts a two-day event with Santa Claus. The 27th Annual Santa on the Chimney will feature Santa rappelling from the top of Chimney Rock as he practices for the big night of Christmas. You can see the rappel on both December 7th and 14th. Both days will also host additional activities such as a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hiking with elves, live music, and a variety of family activities. Don’t miss this unique event!
Christmas at Biltmore
Head on over to the Biltmore estate, where they will host their Christmas at Biltmore event. Here you will find over 100 hand-decorated trees, including their famous 35-foot Fraser fir. Additional displays will also be lit up each night from November 2nd through January 5th.
Asheville Is Ready for the Holiday Season
These holiday events and much more will be ready for your holiday stay. Enjoy a relaxing stay in the area by contacting us and reserving one of our vacation rentals in Asheville today!