The smell hits first: gingerbread, warm and sweet, wafting through the corridors of the Omni Grove Park Inn. Guests drift along, pausing at tables where gingerbread houses rise like sweet sentinels, drawing oohs and ahhs as every icing-covered wonderland comes into view. Children wander between them, wide-eyed at candy roofs, sugar-laced chimneys, and gumdrop-lined streets. Woven throughout the 513-room mountainside resort, these whimsical creations transform the historic inn into a season-long celebration of creativity, community, and the familiar joys of the holidays.
Excitement fills the halls as competitors of all ages enter the National Gingerbread Competition in hopes of taking home a prize for their edible masterpiece. Photography courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn
“People come from all over the country — California, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, and right here in Asheville — to participate in our National Gingerbread House Competition,” says Caroline Ruthven, brand communications and events manager. “Many return year after year, so it feels like a big family reunion, and part of the excitement is seeing their creations displayed throughout the inn.”
As the holidays draw near, Omni Grove Park Inn stirs with festive anticipation. Step outside, and the charm of Asheville in December is all around — glistening storefronts, carolers serenading on twinkling trolleys, and the contagious joy of the season sweeping through the streets. Ready to make memories in Asheville? Let the city’s holiday cheer guide your way.
In between holiday activities, relax with breathtaking views at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Photography courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn has long been a place of refuge, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a charm that has endured for more than a century. Today, that legacy thrives, celebrated in its spirit of hospitality and the joy of creating unforgettable memories.
After a brief hiatus caused by Hurricane Helene’s impact on the region, the National Gingerbread House Competition, a beloved tradition for more than three decades, marks a triumphant return. From November 18, 2025, through January 4, 2026, visitors can view these remarkable creations throughout the inn, from the lobby level, where winners from each age category — adult, teen, youth, and child — are displayed, to level seven of the Vanderbilt Wing, where additional entries are showcased.
Admire handcrafted elaborate gingerbread creations ranging from traditional to unconventional designs. Photography courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn
Not staying at the resort? You can still check out the gingerbread display after 6 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, with access subject to availability. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for resort guests and those with confirmed dining reservations, so be sure to plan ahead.
After wandering through the gingerbread gallery, settle into a rocking chair by one of the inn’s two grand fireplaces, a cup of their signature Major Bears Hot Chocolate in hand. Surrounded by the warmth of crackling fires and twinkling holiday lights, it’s easy to lose track of time and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Step inside the grandly decorated Biltmore Estate and be swept up in the charm of the holidays. Photography courtesy of The Biltmore Company
When George Vanderbilt opened the doors of Biltmore House to family and friends on Christmas Eve in 1895, he set in motion a holiday tradition that has continued for more than a century. His vision for a memorable Christmas celebration included a grand tree in the Banquet Hall, hand-crafted garlands draped throughout the house, and a festive atmosphere filled with holly, mistletoe, and good cheer. In that spirit, the estate hosts its annual Christmas at Biltmore, a spectacular celebration that brings Vanderbilt’s original holiday dream to life.
This year, Biltmore House sparkles with more than 30 grand trees, including the towering 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall and poinsettias carefully arranged throughout the estate. Inside, 45,000 twinkling lights and 442 candles radiate throughout the house, while the exterior is adorned with a 55-foot Norway spruce and 40 illuminated evergreens. The estate truly shines during Candlelight Christmas Evenings, where the Front Lawn is lined with luminaries, and the air fills with the sounds of traditional Christmas music, creating a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a holiday card.
After exploring inside the estate, stroll around Antler Hill Village where twinkle lights flash in time to popular Christmas carols. Photography courtesy of The Biltmore Company
Beyond the house, the spirit of Christmas stretches across the estate. Stroll through Antler Hill Village, where sparkling lights dance in sync to music, or enjoy the festive decor in Biltmore’s shops and restaurants. Whether you’re exploring the property’s grand spaces or taking a leisurely moment inside, Christmas at Biltmore offers an unforgettable experience, just as it did more than a century ago.
Guests are encouraged to plan their visits early and make reservations for estate dining and overnight stays.
Cozy up by the fire to make s’mores with loved ones. Photography courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com
What better way to make your holiday season merry and bright than with a ride through Asheville’s twinkling streets? The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour, family-owned and operated by Gray Line Asheville, has been delighting guests since 2015. The 75-minute tour takes you on a festive ride through downtown, Montford, and Grove Park. Along the way, you’ll be serenaded with Christmas carols and immersed in stories of local holiday history. Departing from the Asheville Visitor Center, the heated, enclosed trolley ensures you stay warm as you travel through the city. “It’s become really popular, and we’ve got a lot of folks who bring their kids every year,” says Jonathan Helmken, general manager. Reservations are required, so don’t wait to book your ride.
As the year winds down, Asheville brings to life festive productions that hark back to the beloved stories, timeless songs, and simple joys that have defined generations.
Kick off the season with the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet on December 9 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Featuring an international cast of professional dancers, alongside Asheville’s own Center Stage Dance Studio performers, this beautiful rendition of The Nutcracker brings a global perspective to a timeless holiday classic.
Craving more? Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical runs from December 5 to December 21. This live musical version of the iconic TV special features Rudolph, Hermey, and Yukon Cornelius singing classic tunes like Holly Jolly Christmas and The Most Wonderful Day of the Year.
Wander through luminous paths at the North Carolina Arboretum to view nature-inspired holiday lights. Photography courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com
A century ago, renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted inspired the creation of North Carolina’s first arboretum. Today, atop a mountain in Asheville, his vision stands strong.
From November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the arboretum’s gardens will glow with more than a million twinkling lights during the annual Winter Lights celebration. Wander through the illuminated trails and discover festive displays that highlight the beauty of nature. As part of the Trolls: A Field Study exhibit, six of Dambo’s Trolls will make an appearance throughout the gardens and trails. Regular daytime parking fees cover admission to see the trolls, or you can save with a combo ticket for access to both the daytime and evening displays.
Complete your Christmas shopping at the Grove Arcade where you can find handcrafted goods for the loved ones on your list. Photography courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com
In 1929, the Grove Arcade opened its doors as one of Asheville’s most elegant landmarks, and today, it continues to shine as a vibrant hub of local craftsmanship. With more than 35 local shops to explore, you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry to artisanal home goods and specialty holiday treats. Don’t miss the Battery Park Book Exchange, where you can find a rare gem for the book lover on your list.
Indulge your sweet tooth at French Broad Chocolate. Photography courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com
If you’re craving a holiday adventure packed with joy, delicious treats, and a touch of seasonal wonder, Asheville has everything you need to make spirits bright.
Enjoy a winter night out at The Blackbird Restaurant, where the menu features seasonal ingredients from local farms and fresh catches from the coast of the Carolinas. For a main course, the trout and scallop risotto and 12-hour slow-cooked braised beef come highly recommend by co-owner and general manager Brenden Wyand. As you savor it, look out the floor-to-ceiling windows and watch the city sparkle.
Take your tastebuds on a festive adventure by pairing French Broad Chocolate’s peppermint bark with their famous hot chocolate. Photography courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com
Wrap up your Asheville holiday experience on the sweetest note at French Broad Chocolate. Treat yourself to their famous hot chocolate — rich, soothing, and crowned with a dollop of whipped cream — and pair it with their seasonal standout: peppermint bark. “Everything is made from scratch,” says owner Jael Skeffington, “including the dark chocolate layer, the peppermint white chocolate layer, and in between we sprinkle homemade peppermint candy, so it adds a little bit of crunch.”
Before you leave, step behind the scenes by booking a tour of the factory. You’ll learn about the bean-to-bar process, get an overview of cacao farming, and enjoy a tasting of three different chocolate bars.
Whether you wander the streets with a plan or let the city surprise you, Asheville wraps its visitors in holiday wonder.
In busy workshops and bright stores, our state’s toymakers and purveyors keep wonder alive. Dolls, trains, and games remind us: The joy of play never grows old.
Whether it’s secret Santa or the company cookie swap, sweet gatherings get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Among dazzling lanterns, silk creatures, and twinkling lights at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, one little boy leads his parents straight to the heart of the holidays.
Sparkling streets, local traditions, and the cozy charm of a city wrapped in holiday wonder — Asheville offers merriment for every age of visitor.
