For many families, the holidays are going to look different this year. Damage from Hurricane Helene has left scars in local communities, cutting into the season of holiday cheer. But merriness can still be found. Undeterred by the circumstances, a select cohort of local holiday offerings remain on schedule for the 2024-25 winter season, bringing normalcy and joy to Western North Carolina. 

Here’s your comprehensive, one-stop Christmas shop for all things merry and bright this season with lights, plays, concerts and more. 

FESTIVALS AND EXPERIENCES

Christmas at Biltmore – A staple of many families’ Christmas traditions, the Biltmore is set to host its annual Christmas tidings from now until Jan. 5. The estate grounds are already set with thousands of ornaments, wreathes and lights. Click here for more information. 

Deck the Trees – Black Mountain’s tradition continues at the Monte Vista Hotel with more than 40 trees set to be lit this year and dozens of businesses and clubs participating. The tree competition is a benefit for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Click here for more information. 

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas – Across the Tennessee border, Dollywood may offer the most lights of any attraction this holiday season, boasting more than 6 million. Of course, the legendary rides and attractions are open, too. Click here for more information. 

Grovewood Gallery – Looking for a uniquely Asheville holiday? The sixth annual Vessels of Merriment exhibit features handmade grog-carrying cups from 16 potters from across the United States. This alcoholic pottery attraction is open every day until Dec. 31. Click here for more information. 

Holidays at Grove Park – A classy Christmasy venue, the Omni Grove Park Inn, will host its yearly festivities as planned, with visits from Santa every Saturday leading up to Christmas, ornamented trees and the best of holiday refreshments: hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies. Click here for more information. 

Lighting of the 32nd Annual Ingles Giving Tree – Hosted from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the Asheville Mall at 3 S Tunnel Road, this event is centered on the heart of the season: generosity. Attendees are asked to supply donations for Manna Foodbank and in turn will be entered into a raffle for a $500 Ingles gift card. Click here for more information.

The Polar Express Train Ride – Take a locomotive adventure to the North Pole with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The more than one-hour excursion immerses guests in the lore of the Polar Express tale while traveling on a real train. Click here for more information. 

Winterfest at Tryon International – Every weekend until Christmas, the Tryon equestrian grounds will be transported to Whoville, the Seussian land where the Grinch is grumpy and all others are whimsical. With bounce houses and a petting zoo, Tryon is well-positioned as a family favorite. Click here for more information. 

Winter Wonder Walk – Hosted by The Adventure Center of Asheville, the fourth annual experience is half theater and half Christmas lights. From 6-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, the immersive tale leads guests through the world of Wonderland with appearances of Jack Frost, starring actors from Asheville Plays. Click here for more information.  

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular – Despite the weather conditions, Bryson City will be offering a drive-through Christmas light show experience from 6-10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 5. New displays have been added to the bright lineup this year. Click here for more information. 

The Holiday Lights at Lake Junaluska – Bundle up and head outside to the Lake Junaluska Retreat Center from Dec. 13-15 for a carriage ride and all the Christmas accouterments one could ask for. Near Waynesville, onsite lodging makes this event a getaway, too, for you and your partner or the whole family. Click here for more information. 

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum – The pristine beauty of the gardens augmented by more than 1 million lights has been a favorite of locals for years. The Winter Lights and accompanying 50-foot Christmas tree are open from now until Dec. 31. Click here for more information. 

PLAYS AND CONCERTS

“All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” – Inspired by the true story from the trenches in World War I, “All is Calm” is an inspiring musical about the comradery Christmastide brings even amid a grueling conflict. The NC Stage Company will be performing every Wednesday through Sunday from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22.  Click here for more information. 

Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra Holiday Concert – Buncombe County Public Libraries is hosting a free concert for all ages from 3–4:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Enka-Candler Library. Click here for more information. 

A Bluegrass Christmas – In the mood for some knee-thumping tunes? Marion’s The Box Factory is hosting Carly Arrowood, Lydia Hamby and the Jacktown Ramblers for an evening of country joy at 5 p.m. Dec. 14. Click here for more information. 

A Christmas Celebration with the Montreat College Choir & Orchestra – The students, faculty and alumni of Montreat College are presenting a free Christmas concert for the community at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 2024, featuring a several dozen-member student choir and a community orchestra. Click here for more information. 

“A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas Show!” – Christmas cheer in musical format is being performed by the players at the Flat Rock Playhouse this holiday season, with daily showings at 2 and 7 p.m. from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. Click here for more information. 

Candlelight – Billed as a “multi-sensory musical experience,” this event features holiday classic songs and more. The musical experience is set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22 at the Asheville Masonic Temple. Click here for more information. 

Carolina Christmas Show – A variety show in the truest sense of the term, Valdese’s Christmas play has a bit of everything – live dancing, music, comedy and more. Performances will take place on Dec. 20-22 at the Old Rock School. Click here for more information. 

Cirque de la Symphonie – Live from Harrah’s Cherokee Center for one night only, this fusion of dance and orchestra is set to ring in the season with pieces from composers Tchaikovsky, Brahms and John Williams. The production is scheduled for Dec. 5. Click here for more information. 

Holidays in HVL – Blue Ridge Community College is hosting the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra for an evening of live music in celebration of the season of joy. Featuring classic Christmas music, the performance will take place at 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Click here for more information.  

Unwrapping Holiday Favorites – Presented by Haywood Community College and the Blue Ridge Orchestra, this afternoon of music and learning doubles as a benefit for the HCC Student Emergencies Fund. The show will be from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 7 on the HCC campus. Click here for more information. 

If you are hosting an event that you want added to this list, please contact Jacob Vander Weide at jvander-weide@avlradio.com.