The holiday season is a time of cherishing our loved ones and making beautiful memories together. What better place to do that than in beautiful North Carolina? The Asheville area has plenty to see and do during the holiday season, making it the perfect destination for a holiday getaway. Carry out your annual traditions in one of our Asheville vacation rentals, or head into town to make some new memories.
Christmas at Biltmore
No trip to Asheville is complete without visiting the Biltmore House, but this sentiment is especially true around the holidays. Any time of year, the Biltmore attracts visitors from around the world to check out the opulent décor inside and the well-kept grounds around the mansion itself. For the 2022 holiday season, the Christmas at Biltmore celebration will consist of two unique experiences.
First is the Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration, which runs from November 4, 2022, to January 8, 2023. During the day, you can explore the opulent rooms of the Biltmore in all their holiday splendor, with Christmas trees, ribbons, lights, and garlands around every turn. Head to Antler Hill Village after you’re done touring the home itself and say hi to Santa Claus himself!
The second experience is the Candlelight Christmas Evenings event, running from November 4, 2022, to January 7, 2023. The sun has set, and you’ve stepped back in time, joining the Vanderbilt family for their 1895 Christmas celebration. Make your way through the estate and see twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces, and a warm glow all around you.
Tickets for these events can be purchased online on Biltmore’s website.
Polar Express Train at the Great Smoky Mountains
The Polar Express is perhaps one of the most beloved Christmas movies of the 21st century, and now, you’ve got the chance to experience this classic tale in real life! You and your family will feel the holiday magic come to life throughout this train ride, which lasts an hour and 15 minutes.
Throughout your trip, you’ll be served a treat and a cup of hot chocolate while you listen to the story of The Polar Express. All the while, you’ll be passing through some of the most breathtaking sections of the wilderness to make your way to the North Pole, where Santa himself will make a stop aboard the train! Sing Christmas carols all the way back to the depot for an excellent finish to the night.
When purchasing your tickets (which you can do online or by phone), you have four seat classes to choose from: Coach Class, Crown Class, Premium Crown Class, and First Class. The train ride leaves out of the Bryson City Depot, located at 45 Mitchell Street in Bryson City. It’s recommended to purchase your tickets as early as possible (as this attraction often sells) and arrive at the depot one hour before your departure time.
Winter Lights at the Arboretum
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum is one of the most popular Asheville activities in the colder months, so make sure to set aside an evening to experience it for yourself.
During this event, you and your family are welcome to stroll through the Arboretum at your own pace while enjoying sights like the Quilt Garden and a 50-foot-tall lighted Christmas Tree! All in all, more than one million lights make up these incredible displays. You’ll see touching exhibitions and magical works of art as you make your way through the colored winter wonderland. While you’re there, stop by The Cocoa Shack for hot cocoa, alcoholic beverages, and snacks.
This event will run from November 18 to December 31, 2022. Winter Lights at the Arboretum serves as a fundraising event for the organization, so you can rest assured that your admission fee is going to a good cause. It’s recommended to purchase your tickets ahead of time, but some tickets may be available at the gate, depending on capacity.
Hendersonville Home for the Holidays
During your stay in one of our Asheville cabin rentals, consider making a day trip over to the nearby town of Hendersonville. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can spend time with your family celebrating the annual Home for the Holidays event.
This event, which runs each year from early November through New Year’s Day, turns the entire town of Hendersonville into a winter wonderland. As you stroll down Main Street, you can visit all kinds of shops and galleries decorated with the most stunning Christmas lights. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a holiday movie!
Of course, there are plenty of fun events going on during this celebration as well. Try your hand at the Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt, watch the Christmas parade rolling down the street, or catch a holiday show at the Flat Rock Playhouse. From November 25 to December 16, you can also cast your votes for the Holiday Home Decoration Contest and the Merchant Decoration Contest!
If you happen to be in town for Thanksgiving, don’t miss it when Santa himself comes out the day after Thanksgiving to light the 30-foot Christmas tree! This event will take place at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Santa on the Chimney
One image quintessential to Christmas is picturing Santa on the rooftop, ready to come down the chimney with presents for the kids sleeping inside. You can make that image come alive when you attend the 25th Annual Santa on the Chimney event at Chimney Rock State Park!
Santa himself will be making a trip to Chimney Rock to train for the big night. He’ll be visiting one of the world’s largest chimneys and offering plenty of photo ops during his time here! Come out to enjoy live holiday music and cozy hot cocoa, snack on a cookie while you explore the grounds, get your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and talk to live Park animal ambassadors to learn more about the animals living in the park.
This event will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Your admission to the Santa on the Chimney celebration is included with your park admission. Chimney Rock State Park is located at 431 Main Street in Chimney Rock, just a short drive from our Lake Lure cabin rentals.
Plan Your Visit!
Planning your dream vacation to Asheville doesn’t have to be difficult! When you book with Yonder Vacation Rentals, it’s simple! Just view our Asheville vacation rentals, reserve your favorite, and prepare for the getaway of a lifetime!
All of these Asheville, NC, events are sure to provide unique memories for you and your family, so make sure to include at least one of the festivities in your itinerary! When you’re done with sightseeing for the day, you can rest assured knowing that Yonder Vacation Rentals is here waiting with a comfortable and cozy cabin to call your home away from home.
Asheville’s weather is beautiful in the wintertime, but you can have a great experience any time of year! The climate offers something new every season, meaning you could be hiking in the summer or sledding in the winter.
Contact Yonder Luxury Vacation Rentals to book your cabin when planning a Christmas trip to Asheville!
