Things To Do in Asheville North Carolina in December
In Asheville, north carolina, there are plenty of holiday-themed events and activities to enjoy in December. From visiting the Biltmore estate decorated for the season to exploring the winter wonderland at the north carolina arboretum, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the holidays.
Asheville, north carolina, is a charming city with plenty of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. The town is transformed into a winter wonderland in December, offering many holiday-themed events, activities, and attractions.
The Biltmore estate, the largest privately owned home in the country, is a must-visit destination lavishly decorated for the holidays.
Visitors can experience the magic of Christmas with elaborate floral displays, hundreds of Christmas trees, and professional dancers.
The twinkling lights at the north carolina arboretum’s winter lights exhibit, holiday markets, and ice skating are other activities visitors can enjoy in Asheville in December.
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Discover The Magic Of Biltmore Estate At Christmas
Asheville, North Carolina, is a beautiful destination any time of year, but there’s something extra special about visiting during the holiday season. One must-visit attraction during this festive time is Biltmore estate, where you can truly discover the magic of Christmas.
Here are some top activities to enjoy during your visit: exploring the estate’s gardens, taking a candlelight tour, and enjoying festive dining options.
Explore The Biltmore Gardens And Winery
- Take a stroll through the estate’s enchanting gardens, which are still blooming with color despite the chilly weather.
- Enjoy the festive holiday decorations, including sparkling lights, wreaths, and garlands.
- Admire the intricate glass chandeliers by renowned artist dale chihuly and the giant red ornaments floating in the Italian garden pools.
- If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss the chance to visit the Biltmore winery, which offers free tours and tastings.
- Sample award-winning wines perfect for the holiday season, such as their limited-release Christmas at Biltmore white wine, a blend of riesling and Gewurztraminer.
Take A Candlelight Tour Of The Biltmore Estate
- Experience the estate in a new light by taking a nighttime candlelight tour.
- Stroll through elegantly decorated rooms and admire the towering Christmas trees, intricate ornaments, and beautiful wreaths adorn each space.
- Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides share stories about the extravagant Vanderbilt family Christmas traditions and the estate’s fascinating history.
- Don’t miss the stunning 35-footFrasierr fir tree, the center of attention in the banquet hall, and the life-sized gingerbread house in the winter garden.
Enjoy Festive Dining At The Estate’S Restaurants
- The estate offers various dining options that cater to a wide range of preferences, whether you’re looking for an elegant and intimate dinner or a more casual meal.
- Enjoy a holiday-themed afternoon tea in the cozy library lounge or indulge in a decadent Christmas brunch in the dining room.
- If you’re looking for a romantic night out, the bistro is an excellent choice with its local menu and extensive wine list.
- Save room for dessert and check out the estate’s dessert bar, where you can indulge in festive treats like peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and eggnog cheesecake.
Whether you explore the gardens and winery or take a candlelight tour, something magical awaits you at Biltmore Estate this holiday season. Don’t forget to make a reservation at one of the estate’s restaurants to complete your visit to this enchanting estate.
Revel In The Local Craft Culture
If you’re looking for authentic Asheville experiences, there’s no better way to do it than diving headfirst into their craft culture. December in Asheville offers some fantastic opportunities to revel in local craft, and we’ve gathered a list of some of the best activities to enjoy during this time:
Visit The Winter Farmers Market
- Stroll through the open-air tents and enjoy the seasonal produce, wines, ciders, and baked goods.
- Get some locally made gifts and crafts to take back home.
- The market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, so you have plenty of time to wander and try new things.
Tour Local Breweries And Distilleries
- Asheville is home to some of the best breweries and distilleries in the country, so take a tour of the top ones.
- Satisfy your taste buds with delicious craft beers, cocktails, and spirits carefully crafted using fresh, local ingredients.
- You can learn about the brewing and distilling processes and gain insights into the local community.
Attend Live Music And Craft Fairs
- There’s something for everyone when it comes to live music in Asheville. From jazz to rock to classical, you’ll find it all here.
- Asheville hosts many craft fairs in December, providing the perfect opportunity to shop for unique, handmade gifts.
- Check out the various events happening around the city and enjoy some festive cheer.
There’s no better place to experience the local craft culture than Asheville, north carolina. So, follow our guide and indulge in the fantastic food, drink, and entertainment this December.
Experience The Nature And Adventure Of Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina, is well-known for its natural beauty and adventurous outdoor activities. December is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor fun and explore Asheville’s picturesque landscapes.
Let’s look at some of the top things to do in Asheville in December, which will give you a chance to experience the nature and adventure of Asheville.
Go Hiking In The Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue ridge mountains offer a perfect environment to experience the wonders of nature in Asheville. These mountains provide a fantastic range of hiking trails, allowing you to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Here are some popular hiking trails that you shouldn’t miss:
- The graveyard fields trail: This 3.2-mile hike will take you through one of the most beautiful forests in the blue ridge mountains. You’ll pass through multiple waterfalls on this trail and striking mountain views.
- The black balsam knob trail offers a 1.5-mile scenic hike with stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
- The catawba falls trail: This moderate 2.5-mile hike ends with a breathtaking view of the catawba falls.
Take A Scenic Drive On The Blue Ridge Parkway
If you’re uncomfortable with hiking, a scenic drive will not disappoint you. The blue ridge parkway is a beautiful route that winds around the mountains and provides breathtaking views of the area’s scenery. Here are some of the stops that you shouldn’t miss:
- Craggy Gardens: This stop offers a mile-high view of the surrounding mountains and is one of the parkway’s most popular spots.
- Linn Cove viaduct: This stop features the iconic bridge that winds around the mountains, offering breathtaking views from a unique perspective.
- Graveyard fields: This stop is a popular hiking trail amongst visitors, as it features waterfalls and panoramic views of the region.
Try Winter Sports At Appalachian Ski Mountain
Asheville is the perfect place to indulge in winter sports, and Appalachian ski mountain is the prime location to experience them. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and many other winter sports at the Appalachian ski mountain. Here are some of the popular activities that you can indulge in:
- Skiing and snowboarding: Appalachian ski mountain offers slopes for beginners, intermediate, and expert-level skiers and snowboarders. You can choose your preferred slope based on your expertise.
- Ice skating: Appalachian ski mountain offers a 4,000-square-foot ice skating rink that provides fun for all ages.
- Snow tubing: This activity features a 400-foot tubing park with four snow tube runs, and you can enjoy the rush of the slide.
Asheville, North Carolina, is a hub of natural beauty and exciting outdoor adventures. From hiking on the blue ridge mountains to scenic drives on the blue ridge parkway to winter sports at the Appalachian ski mountain, there’s something for everyone in Asheville.
So pack your bags and explore the best winter adventure in Asheville!
Embrace The Festive Spirit Of Downtown Asheville
December in Asheville is brimming with holiday cheer and many festive activities. DowntownAshevillee is a particularly magical and vibrant place during the Christmas season. Here are some things you can do to embrace the festive spirit of downtown Asheville.
Shop For Unique Gifts At Local Stores And Galleries
Downtown Asheville has plenty of locally-owned shops and galleries where you can find unique gifts for your loved ones. Here are some of the best places to look:
- Asheville art museum store: This store has a wide range of art-themed gifts, including jewelry, pottery, and original artwork.
- Battery Park book exchange & champagne bar: This place is a book lover’s heaven, with thousands of books and a wide range of wines and champagnes.
- New morning gallery: This gallery features works from over 100 American artists, including jewelry, pottery, and paintings.
- Woolworth Walk: Located in a historic building, this gallery features the work of over 150 artists, ranging from jewelry to pottery to paintings.
- Asheville bee charmer: This store offers a wide variety of honey and bee-related products, perfect for sweetening your holiday season.
Attend The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is an event that Asheville residents and visitors look forward to every year. This event takes place in pack square, where you can see live music performances, enjoy hot cocoa and cider, and enjoy the stunning tree lighting with the community.
Take A Trolley Tour Of The City’S Holiday Lights
Asheville is home to some fantastic light displays during the holiday season. One way to experience them all is by taking a trolley tour of the city’s holiday lights. Here are some of the highlights you can expect to see:
- The Biltmore estate has a stunning display of over 100,000 shimmering lights, making it a must-see during the holidays.
- North Asheville: This tour takes you through the grove park inn, where you can see a dazzling display of Christmas trees, and the historic Montford neighborhood, decorated with beautiful lights and decorations.
- The south slope: This tour takes you through the eclectic arts district, where you can see the creative and unique light displays created by local artists and business owners.
Downtown Asheville is an ideal destination to embrace the festive season spirit. Whether shopping for unique gifts, attending the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, or taking a trolley tour, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable holiday experience in Asheville.
Frequently Asked Questions For Things To Do In Asheville North Carolina In December
What Are The Top Events Happening In Asheville In December?
Some of the top events happening in Asheville in December include winter lights at the north carolina arboretum, Christmas at Biltmore Estate, and the downtown Asheville art district’s first Friday art walk.
Is December A Good Time To Visit Asheville?
Yes, December is a great time to visit Asheville! The city is in full holiday swing with events and activities, and the winter scenery in the mountains is breathtaking. Be sure to pack warm clothing, as the temperatures can get chilly.
Are Outdoor Activities Still Available In Asheville During December?
Yes, plenty of outdoor activities are still available in Asheville during December. Skiing and snowboarding are popular options at nearby resorts, and hiking and sightseeing in the mountains can also be enjoyed. Just be sure to dress warmly and check for weather conditions first.
What Are Some Must-Visit Holiday Attractions In Asheville?
The Biltmore estate is a must-visit holiday attraction in Asheville, with stunning Christmas decorations and events like candlelight tours and live music. Other interests worth visiting include the winter lights at the north carolina arboretum and the national gingerbread house competition at the omni grove park inn.
What Kind Of Weather Can Be Expected In Asheville During December?
In Asheville, December temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. There can also be snowfall, especially in higher elevations, so it’s important to dress warmly and check weather forecasts before heading outdoors.
Conclusion
Asheville, North Carolina, is a city full of enchanting attractions and activities, making it a perfect destination for a winter getaway. Regardless of your interests, there is always something to do in Asheville that will leave you wanting more. From touring the Biltmore estate to exploring the blue ridge parkway, you’ll find beauty and adventure.
Taste the local cuisine and check out the amazing galleries and shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the various events happening during December, including the winter lights at the north carolina aquarium and the national gingerbread house competition at the omni grove park inn.
You’ll be awestruck by the creativity and talent. With so much to do and see, it’s no surprise Asheville is a popular winter destination. Start planning your trip today to experience this magical city.