Celebrating the Holidays in Asheville, NC
It's that time of year when everything seems a little more festive, a little more special, and a little more beautiful. Asheville is a prime location for enjoying the holiday festivities - read on to learn more about our top 5 favorite ways to celebrate the season!
1. Shop Local
Asheville is a wealth of locally and thoughtfully made craft and art, and there is no better time than the winter holidays to shop around and support the local economy! Galleries like Kress Emporium and Woolworth Walk are fantastic outlets for browsing many different artists in the same location - small or large gifts are aplenty and are priced very reasonably. The River Arts District, home to some of Asheville’s best artists, is another fantastic option for those looking to take a piece of Asheville home with them. Meet the artists, watch a demo, fall in love with a piece, and support these amazing craftsmen as they work to make the world a more beautiful place.
2. Tour the Light Shows
We’ve written before about the Holiday Light Show at the NC Arboretum, but in our festive corner of the state there is another super impressive light show of which to take note. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Lights is on display at the WNC Agriculture Center from November 25th to December 30th. This awesome light and music show is an expansive 2 mile maze chock full of LED lights performing in perfect sync with the Christmas Tunes playing through your car radio. It is a really amazing sight to see
3. Visit the Grove Arcade
Every year around this time the Grove Arcade is transformed into a winter wonderland. Bring your family to tour the holiday decorations, the gingerbread houses so generously donated by the Grove Park Inn, and of course - Santa. While you’re touring the beautiful building, stop in to some of the 30 locally owned and operated stores to complete some more holiday shopping! This winter wonderland will run until January 4th, so be sure to stop down in peak season to experience the most holiday cheer!
4. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
For the residents of Western North Carolina, there is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than to get out onto the trails and take in the crisp beauty of our mountains and valleys. In the early morning, a sparkling white frost covers everything and the world is transformed into a glittering fantasy. At the peak of the afternoon, with the sun shining over everything and the cool breeze tossing around your hair, you’ll come to understand why outdoor sports are such an enormously important part of life in the mountains. Visit our Carolina Mornings Area Guides for directions to some of our favorite hikes.
5. Get Cozy at a Carolina Mornings Rental
Getting cozy at a Carolina Mornings Rental is one of the very best ways to enjoy the holiday season in the mountains. With over 100 rentals located all over Asheville and the surrounding towns, Carolina Mornings has you covered for the perfect vacation home, cabin, or condo. Check out Doolittle Mountain Cabin for an extraordinary 3 bedroom cabin perched atop a mountain in Marshall, NC - just 25 minutes outside of Asheville. With views of the French Broad River, the mountains in the distance, and the valleys down below, Doolittle Mountain Cabin will all the ingredients for a perfect holiday getaway. Plan on gathering around the gas fireplace with your loved ones or soaking in the 6 person Hot Tub on a chilly evening.
To begin planning your Holidays in Asheville, contact Carolina Mornings at 877-902-9441. A professional Vacation Planner will help line up your vacation rental accommodations, Biltmore Estate ticket, and outdoor adventures such as ziplining and whitewater rafting (included with every Carolina Mornings Rental!)