Asheville, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Asheville is set to celebrate a holiday season rich in tradition and creativity. The iconic Biltmore Estate will host its 130th Christmas celebration, showcasing beautifully decorated Christmas trees and historic décor. The North Carolina Arboretum will unveil its Winter Lights display featuring large troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo. Additionally, the National Gingerbread House Competition returns, and Asheville’s vibrant music scene promises concerts benefiting local nonprofits. Family-friendly activities like ice skating and tree lighting ceremonies will enhance the festive spirit in the community.
Asheville is gearing up for a festive holiday season, featuring a blend of tradition and innovation. Among the highlights is the 130th Christmas celebration at the iconic Biltmore Estate, which first opened its doors on Christmas Eve 1895. This year’s events will showcase décor inspired by archival letters and records from the estate’s rich history.
The Biltmore House will exhibit a total of 106 beautifully decorated Christmas trees—31 inside the mansion, 40 at The Inn and Antler Hill Village, and 35 in retail spaces. Guests can also enjoy special recreations of dishes served at the inaugural Christmas dinner, including braised rabbit and plum pudding displayed in the basement kitchens. Additionally, Edith Vanderbilt’s bedroom will feature clothing from the 1920s and 30s, donated to the Rhode Island School of Design. Christmas at Biltmore will run from Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026.
The North Carolina Arboretum will unveil its Winter Lights display, which includes a unique exhibit of twelve large troll sculptures by renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo. This exhibit will mark the North American premiere of the sculptures, running from Nov. 15, 2025, through Feb. 17, 2026.
The National Gingerbread House Competition will return after a reconfiguration due to Hurricane Helene in 2024. Scheduled at the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, this competition will see artisans from across the country vying for over $40,000 in cash and prizes, showcasing whimsical gingerbread structures. Day guests will be allowed to view the displays on select days.
Asheville’s music scene will be vibrant during the holiday season, with the 100th anniversary of the Asheville Sessions featuring concerts and discussions with artists such as Ketch Secor, River Whyless, and Tyler Ramsey. The Asheville Sessions represent the first commercial recordings made in Appalachia in 1925, marking a significant milestone in country and Americana music history.
Warren Haynes, a native of Asheville, will lead the Christmas Jam on Dec. 13, 2025, at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena, benefiting local nonprofits. New Year’s Eve will welcome a performance by The Avett Brothers at the same venue. Concerts will also take place at The Orange Peel, featuring artists like Indigo Souza and They Might Be Giants, while The Grey Eagle will present a variety of musicians throughout the season.
The holiday offerings continue with performances at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, including classics such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. The Asheville Yards will feature a Holiday Ice Rink open from Nov. 26, 2025, to Jan. 19, 2026, complete with festive activities and a winter market.
In community events, the Grove Arcade will host its annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on Nov. 29. The Big Crafty will showcase handmade arts and crafts from over 180 artists on Dec. 6. Additionally, the Asheville Downtown Association will conduct a Winter Window Display Contest from Nov. 22, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026.
Nearby Black Mountain and Weaverville will also join in the holiday spirit with parades and candlelight strolls. Families will enjoy the Jingle Bell Trolley on the Craggy Mountain Rail Line, offering festive rides with visits from Santa, cookies, and hot chocolate. Meanwhile, the Sugar & Spice Stroll will display gingerbread houses at local businesses, keeping the holiday spirit alive despite the pause on the National Gingerbread House Competition in 2024.
As Asheville welcomes visitors for the holiday season, locals are encouraged to support businesses as they recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene.
FAQ
This year’s Christmas at Biltmore features décor inspired by archival letters and records, 106 decorated Christmas trees, special recreations of dishes served at the inaugural Christmas dinner, and Edith Vanderbilt’s bedroom decorated with clothing from the 1920s and 30s.
Christmas at Biltmore runs from Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026.
The Winter Lights display includes a new exhibit featuring twelve large troll sculptures by renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo, with the North American premiere running from Nov. 15, 2025, through Feb. 17, 2026.
The National Gingerbread House Competition will return at the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa in 2025, showcasing whimsical gingerbread structures with artisans competing for over $40,000 in cash and prizes.
Notable events include the Christmas Jam on Dec. 13, 2025, and a New Year’s Eve performance by The Avett Brothers at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts will present performances like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas at Biltmore | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026 | Biltmore Estate | Decorations inspired by archival letters and 106 decorated trees. |
| Winter Lights at NC Arboretum | Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 17, 2026 | North Carolina Arboretum | Featuring large troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo. |
| National Gingerbread House Competition | 2025 (exact dates TBA) | Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa | Artisans competing for over $40,000 in cash and prizes. |
| Christmas Jam | Dec. 13, 2025 | ExploreAsheville.com Arena | Performance benefiting local nonprofits. |
| New Year’s Eve with The Avett Brothers | Dec. 31, 2025 | ExploreAsheville.com Arena | New Year’s Eve concert. |
| Holiday Ice Rink | Nov. 26, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026 | Asheville Yards | Includes festive activities and a winter market. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Experiences Rare Halloween Snowfall
2025 Christmas Jam Returns to Asheville
Asheville Holds Bike Assembly for Kids in Need
Halloween Celebrations in Asheville and Western North Carolina
Holiday Cheer in Asheville with Teddy Bear Giveaways and Santa Visits
Grove Arcade Hosts ‘In Bloom’ Floral Event in Asheville
Asheville Water Line Breaks Disrupt Service
Thanksgiving Buffet Charity Benefit at Embassy Suites Asheville
Asheville Weekend Events Featuring Festivals and Circus
Asheville Embraces Halloween with New Stores and Events
Additional Resources
- Kidding Around Greenville: Christmas in Asheville
- Shelby Star: Christmas Holiday Events in 5 Towns
- 828 News Now: Swannanoa Serves Up Christmas Morning Magic
- ABC11: WNC Christmas for Hurricane Helene Survivors
- Kidding Around Greenville: Jingle Bell Trolley
- Wikipedia: Christmas
- Google Search: Christmas events in Asheville
- Google Scholar: Asheville Christmas celebrations
- Google News: Asheville holiday events
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
