Asheville is a magical place during the holiday season, whether you live here or are just coming for a visit. Here are some fun and festive things to do to put you in a celebratory mood in November and December.
Thanksgiving in Asheville
Are you planning to eat a lot on Thanksgiving Day? Then, consider starting your day with a run or walk. The Asheville Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble happens in downtown Asheville on Thanksgiving morning at 8:30 am. Not only will you get exercise if you participate in this event, but you will also help our community. Proceeds from the race benefit MANNA FoodBank.
If you want to have someone else prepare your Thanksgiving dinner, check out Explore Asheville’s list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving, which the site keeps updated with the help of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR). Some of these places offer take-out meals, and others provide in-person dining. Make your plans in advance to ensure you will have a Thanksgiving meal that day!
Christmas in Asheville
On Saturday, November 19th, the Asheville Downtown Association will host a 2022 Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles. The event will roll, dance, and march through downtown Asheville beginning at 11 am.
The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights. It runs from November 18th to December 31st, and tickets are available now. This year’s show features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
Christmas at the Biltmore is a beautiful event from November 4th through January 8th. Purchase tickets to see the home with all its Christmas decorations during the day, or visit in the evening to see the property lit by candles and warm, glowing fireplaces.
Just outside of the Biltmore sits the historic Biltmore Village with its stone streets, quaint boutiques, and inviting restaurants. Visit on December 2nd and 3rd for the Dickens Festival. Stroll the streets to view roving Dickens-themed acts and carolers. Plus, holiday lights will glow in the village =after dark, and a fully decorated 15+ foot Christmas Tree will light up the Village Green.
This year, the Omni Grove Park Inn is hosting its 30th annual National Gingerbread House Competition on November 21st. In addition, the hotel will hold “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” from December 1st through 12th by presenting one of the Top 12 finalists each day. You can see the houses in person between November 28th and January 2nd.
Live in Asheville
If you come to Asheville for a visit and want to join in the fun year-round, let’s talk! Take advantage of our team’s expert knowledge of all things Asheville to make your move simple and convenient.
Image credit: NC Arboretum