Winter in Asheville feels magical from the moment you arrive. The season’s beauty creates the perfect backdrop for the most memorable winter holiday events in Asheville, from festive lights to cultural celebrations. With crisp mountain air and glowing neighborhoods, the city becomes a blend of holiday warmth, creative energy, and natural wonder that captivates visitors all season long.
If you’re planning a winter getaway, The Restoration Asheville places you in the center of it all — steps from downtown’s holiday lights, seasonal menus, festive markets, and the city’s most beloved winter experiences. And this season, with confirmed attractions and returning traditions, Asheville offers one of its most joyful lineups yet.
Why Visit Asheville During the Winter Holidays?
Winter in Asheville is peaceful, inspiring, and surprisingly lively. The cool mountain air makes views sharper and sunsets richer. The city’s cultural and dining scenes stay fully active, offering guests a perfect mix of seasonal excitement and slow-wander moments. This time of year is ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed visit. Streets are quieter than the fall peak, reservations are easier to secure, and seasonal events add layers of charm to every day.
With its walkable downtown location and warm, design-forward suites, The Restoration Asheville gives guests a comfortable and stylish home base, allowing you to enjoy winter holiday events in Asheville at your own pace.
Confirmed Winter Holiday Events in Asheville for 2025–2026
We’ve included only seasonal events that have been confirmed for the 2025–2026 season, making this guide accurate and traveler-friendly. Each event adds its own flavor to the winter holiday experience and is easily accessible from The Restoration Asheville.
Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards — Downtown’s Winter Wonderland
The Holiday Ice Rink at Asheville Yards has become one of the most anticipated attractions of the season. Returning from November 26, 2025 through January 19, 2026, it brings real outdoor ice skating right into Asheville’s downtown district. Guests can glide across the ice surrounded by festive lights, snow-inspired décor, and seasonal music.
The atmosphere at Asheville Yards goes beyond the rink itself. Visitors can indulge in hot chocolate, mulled wine, and winter cocktails while walking through themed areas and pop-up winter stalls. Even if you’re not skating, the open layout allows you to enjoy the ambiance while relaxing with a warm drink. Because Asheville Yards is walkable from The Restoration Asheville, it’s an easy and unforgettable evening outing.
Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
Another winter staple, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, is confirmed for 2025 and remains one of Asheville’s most enchanting holiday attractions. Set along a carefully designed outdoor trail, the display features dazzling botanical light installations that blend art, nature, and technology. Visitors stroll through glowing forests, illuminated gardens, and interactive scenes that bring the winter season to life.
Running from November 15, 2025 through January 4, 2026, this event is perfect for families, couples, and photographers. With sensory-friendly nights and seasonal treats available along the trail, it’s a crowd favorite that consistently ranks among Asheville’s most popular winter holiday events.
Christmas at Biltmore — A Timeless Holiday Tradition
No winter guide is complete without mentioning Christmas at Biltmore, a beloved tradition for more than three decades. The Biltmore Estate decorates its grand rooms with lavish trees, hand-tied garlands, glowing fireplaces, and thousands of ornaments. Visitors can explore the house by daylight or through its famous Candlelight Evenings, where the mansion glows with music and warm holiday lighting.
For the 2025–2026 season, Christmas at Biltmore runs through January 4, 2026. Guests also enjoy holiday wine tastings, festive dining experiences, and beautifully decorated grounds — making it one of the most complete and immersive holiday experiences in the region.
The National Gingerbread House Competition — A Returning Favorite
After a temporary pause in 2024 due to hurricane impacts, The National Gingerbread House Competition returns to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn for 2025 — and the anticipation is high. Each year, competitors from across the country create elaborate gingerbread designs that look more like architectural masterpieces than edible creations.
Visitors can stroll through the resort to view the finalists and explore the festive décor throughout the property. The Gingerbread display pairs beautifully with the hotel’s rich historic charm and panoramic mountain views. For many travelers, this event marks the unofficial start of Asheville’s holiday season.
Winter Dining & Seasonal Flavors Throughout Asheville
Winter is one of the most delicious times to explore Asheville’s culinary scene. Throughout the season, restaurants across the city unveil comforting dishes made with local produce, warm spices, and slow-cooked flavors that pair beautifully with chilly nights.
At The Restoration Asheville, guests have access to an in-house trio of dining experiences — The Watch, The Draftsman, and The Observatory — each offering a unique take on winter cuisine. Expect creative twists on classic comfort food, thoughtful cocktails, and plates designed to warm you from the inside out.
Beyond the hotel, downtown Asheville offers everything from intimate wine bars and tasting menus to bakeries serving holiday pastries and cafes with seasonal lattes. Breweries release winter ales and barrel-aged specialties, creating a perfect pairing for crisp, mountain evenings.
Learn More about dining at The Restoration Asheville.
H2: Other Seasonal Things to Do in Asheville During Winter
Asheville’s winter season offers much more than its major attractions. It’s also a wonderful time to enjoy scenic drives, explore local art, and unwind with wellness experiences.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, although weather-dependent, offers dramatic winter overlooks and peaceful trails that reveal rare mountain vistas. Meanwhile, the River Arts District welcomes visitors into working studios, galleries, and creative spaces where local artists share their craft.
Winter is also an ideal time for spa days, yoga classes, salt rooms, and wellness retreats, allowing you to recharge between festive outings. With fewer crowds and serene mountain surroundings, Asheville becomes a perfect setting for rest and reflection.
Plan Your Winter Holiday Getaway — With Exclusive Seasonal Perks at The Restoration Asheville
With ice skating at Asheville Yards, Winter Lights at the Arboretum, Christmas at Biltmore, and the return of the Gingerbread House Competition, Asheville is set for a truly memorable 2025–2026 holiday season. And this year, you can enjoy these experiences with added value when you book your stay at The Restoration Asheville.
Seasonal Offer: 10% Off + Free Parking
This winter, guests who stay three or more nights receive:
• 10% off their stay
• Complimentary on-site parking
This makes your trip more convenient and cost-effective, especially if you’re planning to visit Biltmore, explore the Arboretum, or enjoy a scenic mountain drive.
Why Stay at The Restoration Asheville This Season?
The hotel offers a central location with walkable access to Asheville’s holiday lights, seasonal dining, and festive attractions. The suites are warm, spacious, and designed for a residential-style stay, making them perfect for winter trips. With thoughtful amenities and an easy guest experience, The Restoration Asheville provides the ideal balance of comfort, convenience, and style.
