Asheville in December is like stepping into a magical wonderland. You’ll find twinkling lights at nearly every turn and a palpable excitement in the air. Shop owners are ready to welcome you in and chefs are winterizing their menus to create comforting meals to warm hearts and souls. This delightful city offers cozy indoor activities and thrilling outdoor adventures too. Despite the crisp air, the warmth of the local community is ready to embrace you.
Holiday Getaway Festivities
Christmas at Biltmore: Experience this iconic estate by day or night. This time of year, it’s dressed to the hilt and absolutely glowing with about 45,000 lights and 250 candles. The banquet hall tree is its largest at about 35 feet, but there are 66 others scattered throughout its many elegant rooms.
A candlelight stroll in Weaverville: This year marks this event’s 19th year and it all kicks off with the lighting of the tree. There’s storytelling, shopping, and caroling and Santa even makes an early appearance to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice.
A visit to the Grove Park Inn: This is one of the best spots in Asheville to drink some holiday cheer. From the gingerbread house display and roaring lobby fireplaces to the lavish holiday buffets, the holiday ambiance abounds.
NC Arboretum Winter Lights: It’s called the brightest holiday tradition in Asheville. Since 2014, this pedestrian-friendly outdoor light show has been delighting visitors and boasts one million LED lights throughout. From its 50-foot lighted tree to magical mushrooms and brilliant butterflies, you never know what’s going to cross these garden paths. A hot cocoa shack only adds to the warmth of the season.
Can’t Miss New Year’s Eve (and Day) Events in Asheville
If a New Year’s getaway is what you’re after, there are many ways to ring in the new year. Here are just a few:
Soul and R&B at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium: The Asheville Symphony joins melodic forces with Capethia Jenkins to bring you the legendary voices of Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Adele, Gladys Night and more. It’s going to be sensational!
Step back in time at the Grove Arcade: This roaring 20s fete takes place in one of Asheville’s most iconic buildings. It will be a bash to remember with live entertainment, a full bar and more. Play in the past, but prep for the future.
Resolution Run at Pack Square Park: Start the year off right with a race around Asheville. This 10th annual 5K & 10K is a fun route through downtown and North Asheville. All ages are welcome.
Outdoor Winter Activities in Asheville
And let’s not forget Asheville’s easy access to the great outdoors. There’s something for everyone who’s looking to get out and feel some of that cool, fresh mountain air.
Ski, snowboard or tube: The Blue Ridge mountains are an ideal winter destination. Asheville is close to two ski and snowboard areas – Cataloochee, a local favorite; and Hatley Pointe Ski Resort (formerly Wolf Ridge), a boutique mountain getaway. Tubing is available at both spots too.
Tackle an ice climb: Perfect for thrill seekers! While it’s tricky to get perfect conditions for this winter activity, when the situation is right – look out! The crew at Fox Mountain Guides will show you the best way to navigate the ice in a safe and fun environment.
Take a winter hike: There are many amazing trails to explore. So, lace up those hiking boots and bundle up. Romantic Asheville is a good resource for some great winter hikes with fabulous views. And, maybe grab a picnic from a local restaurant so you’re sure not to run out of steam. The Rhu and HomeGrown are both good bets.
Book A Winter Getaway at an Asheville Oasis
Now that you know about some of the top things happening in and around Asheville in December, are you ready to head our way? We thought so. Now you just need to book a cool place to stay.
This Asheville luxury retreat is a mere 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, but you’ll feel like you’re miles and miles away. Soak in the stunning mountain views while soaking in the outdoor hot tub or indoor luxury bathtub. With modern mountain décor, this tranquil mountain oasis is one of the best spots to book to enjoy a memory-filled December getaway.
