Spending Winter in Asheville: Your Ultimate Bucket List [2024]

Asheville is special. It turns into a magical place come winter that everyone should include in his/her bucket list.

Its most popular attraction, the Biltmore Estate, transforms into a Christmas wonderland- 100+ decorated trees, 10,000+ feet of garland, and 1,000+ poinsettias. Like many, this is usually the reason for my visit to Asheville.

While the Biltmore Estate is breathtaking, there are many more things to do in Asheville North Carolina in winter.

Table of Contents

1. Christmas at Biltmore Estate
2. Visit the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Grove Park Inn
3. Go Christmas Shopping
4. Enjoy the Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
5. Take a Hike and Go Exploring
6. Enjoy a Bite at the Famous Farm-to-Table Restaurants
7. Explore Nearby Small Towns
8. Relax at the Spa
9. Grab a Drink at a Brewery
10. Warm Up at a Local Coffee Shop

10 Things To Do in Asheville, NC in Winter

Please check all websites and/or call establishments as times, rules, and procedures are subject to change.

1. Christmas at Biltmore Estate

Christmas at Biltmore 2023 Dates: November 3, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

Biltmore Estate, once owned by George and Edith Vanderbilt, is not only America’s largest residence but also the most sought-after tourist attraction in Asheville.

Exploring the house and strolling through the gardens is a year-round highlight in the city.

Biltmore during the Christmas season, however, is a truly enchanting experience, particularly with its stunning holiday decorations.

Visitors have two options for experiencing Christmas at Biltmore:

Daytime Tour

You can visit the house during the day and explore the numerous trees, lights, and holiday decorations.

2. Candlelight Evening Tour

You can also immerse yourself in the enchantment of Candlelight Christmas Evenings, when the house is aglow with fireplaces, candles, and twinkling lights in every room.

Attending this event is among the most romantic activities to enjoy in Asheville during the winter, making it perfect for couples.

2. Visit the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Grove Park Inn

The Annual National Gingerbread House Competition 2023 Dates: November 27th, 2023 to January 2, 2024

Each year, the halls of the Grove Park Inn are adorned with creative and one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses.

The submission process for these gingerbread houses begins as early as summer, with a panel of judges evaluating them across various categories.

It’s a fun time walking around to look at the gingerbread houses on display.

3. Go Christmas Shopping

Downtown Asheville exudes an eclectic and artsy vibe, offering a plethora of enjoyable activities. It boasts approximately 200 locally-owned businesses, ranging from clothing boutiques, arts and crafts establishments, art galleries, and bookstores to stores specializing in local gems.

Among the downtown shops, you’ll find the Mast General Store, Instant Karma, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe (offering a fantastic selection of local and regional authors), and the French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

For those passionate about local arts and crafts, the 200+ art studios in the River Arts District offer the best selection.

Don’t forget to explore the seasonal farmers’ markets, where you can find locally sourced goods and unique gifts!

4. Enjoy the Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

Winter Lights 2023 Dates: November 17th to December 31st, 2023 from 6:00 to 10:30 PM

The NC Arboretum is beautifully decorated for the holidays. The Arboretum even goes the extra mile by embellishing the bonsai trees. Weather permitting, you can create s’mores by the fire.

Afterward, explore the pop-up holiday store to shop for ornaments and festive decorations.

The NC Arboretum introduces fresh elements each Asheville winter to keep things interesting. They introduce new light displays, storybook walks, and enchanting forest creatures so that returning visitors won’t experience any boredom.

Please note that tickets are per vehicle, not per person. It’s highly advisable to purchase advance tickets online to secure your spot, as they may sell out. Remember that pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Top 10 Christmas Light Displays in the Southeast

5. Take a Hike and Go Exploring

Many of the finest winter activities in Asheville revolve around the great outdoors!

If you find yourself in Asheville at the end of October or in November, it’s a great time to explore the trails and enjoy a fall hike.

It’s essential to be aware, however, that much of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its associated trails become largely inaccessible in Asheville come December. This may even begin as early as November, extending into March.

For updated information on gate and park closures, I advise consulting the National Park Service (NPS). Gate openings can be affected by ice, snow, and fog.

Here are some recommended winter hikes around Asheville, NC:

• Bearwallow Mountain Trail: Choose one of two trails to reach the summit. One trail takes you through the forest, while the other follows a gravel road.
• Lover’s Leap Hiking Trail: Located in Hot Springs, NC this trail provides breathtaking views. Hot Springs is a fantastic mountain town near Asheville where you can enjoy food and visit the brewery.
• Moore Cove Falls Trail: Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, this is a short and moderately easy hike leading to a beautiful waterfall.
• Trombatore Hiking Trail: Situated directly across from Bearwallow, this trail is lengthier and more challenging.

6. Enjoy a Bite at the Famous Farm-to-Table Restaurants

Asheville secured the top spot on Yelp’s “2022 Foodie Cities” list. Yelp readers make sure to single out Chestnut and Cúrate as standout restaurants.

While not a 2023 winner, two restaurants in Asheville were highly recognized after winning the James Beard Award in 2022. Chai Pani was recognized as the most “Outstanding Restaurant” for its exceptional Indian street food, while Cúrate received acknowledgment for “Outstanding Hospitality.”

Some of the popular restaurants are:

• Cúrate (Spanish Tapas): 2022 James Beard Award. Recommended dish- Calamari Sandwiches 
• Corner Kitchen (American): Visited by President Obama. Recommended dish – Pecan Crusted Trout
•  Sunny Point Café (Breakfast/Brunch): Recommended dishes- The Chipotle Grits and Maple Pepper Bacon 
• Tupelo Honey (Southern): A popular chain restaurant.Recommended dish- Shrimp & Grits

7. Explore Nearby Small Towns

While Asheville has plenty of things to do, there are many quaint towns and small communities in the surrounding area. These are worth exploring if your trip allows.

• Black Mountain (16 miles): Known for its welcoming community, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor activities in the surrounding national forests.
• Brevard (34 miles): A gateway to the stunning landscapes of Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest.
• Hendersonville (26 miles): A charming town known for its vibrant downtown, apple orchards, and beautiful mountain scenery.
• Hot Spring (40 miles): Named for natural hot springs near the French Broad River.
• Lake Lure/Chimney Rock (25 miles): Lake Lure was a major filming destination for the movie Dirty Dancing!
• Maggie Valley (35.5 miles): A scenic mountain town offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Mills River (19.5 miles): Mills River is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and being home to Sierra Nevada Brewery.
• Waynesville (31 miles): Known for its historic Main Street, vibrant arts scene, and its proximity to outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains and national parks.

8. Relax at the Spa

One of my favorite things to do is enjoy a relaxing spa getaway. There are several spas in the surrounding area, depending on what you like in a spa and your budget.

It’s no secret that The Grove Park Inn is one of the most famous spas in North Carolina. Known for the underground rock caverns and therapeutic waterfalls, this is a truly relaxing experience.

More spas around Asheville, NC can also provide a tranquil experience….

• Shoji Spa and Retreat: Japanese-inspired wellness center that offers a serene retreat overlooking the National Forest
• Asheville Salt Cave: Asheville’s only salt cave!
• Sauna House: Based on the ideas of Hot/Cold/Relax using sustainable products.

9. Grab a Drink at a Brewery

10. Warm Up at a Local Coffee Shop

Asheville, North Carolina, boasts a diverse array of local coffee shops to explore.

Whether you’re seeking a cozy corner for creative work or a spot to enjoy a hot beverage, Asheville will not disappoint. The city’s coffee scene is a blend of innovation and tradition, with cafes sourcing high-quality beans, often roasted locally, and offering unique flavors and brewing methods.

You’ll find an array of welcoming spaces, from rustic mountain-inspired nooks to vibrant, artsy hubs. These coffee shops not only serve exceptional coffee but also reflect the eclectic and vibrant spirit of Asheville.

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