10 Things to do in Asheville in the Winter
Winter is usually the time that people escape to somewhere warm, whether it’s laying out on the beach on Anna Maria Island or taking a cruise to the Bahamas, but did you know that there are so many things to do in Asheville in the winter?
Offering a mix of history and art, Asheville is a city worth exploring all year round but the winter and the holiday season bring the city even more to life with Christmas trees, landscapes, and rows of lights.
Best Things to do in Asheville in the Winter
Since Asheville is home to diverse people, the local shops and restaurants are like little pieces of chocolate, just waiting to be unwrapped.
Here are the best things to do in or near Asheville in the winter!
1. Explore Downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville is an absolute must for everyone wanting to visit the city over the holidays. If you wait till after the holidays, you can still capture the beautiful lights on select streets.
Since the fall tends to draw tourists from all around the world, the winter is generally less crowded with plenty of unique gift shops and restaurants to try out.
2. See the Winter Lights
Most of the holiday lights occur in Asheville between late November till early January. Plan on purchasing tickets to the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum and the Festival of Lights at Lake Julian next year.
3. Visit the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is a magical European-style castle nestled in the forest. By George Vanderbilt, the Biltmore rests on 8,000 acres boasting a small village, two hotels, and more.
Even though America’s largest home is open for visitors all year round, the estate provides a whole new level of magic during the holidays.
When booking your tour of the gardens and estate, make sure to book well in advance as the spots fill up fast. You can also choose to reserve dinner in one of the restaurants on the property. (Keep in mind that the restaurants are super expensive.)
Tips:
- Take a bus to the estate or walk depending on which parking lots you choose.
- Arrive 30 minutes before your tour slot
- Visit the gardens before your tour time or come back the following day
4. Check Out Gingerbread Competition
In order to envelop yourself in the gingerbread aroma, plan on stopping by the Omni Grove Park Inn.
While the Omni Grove Park Inn is available for guests to spend the night in, most people choose cheaper accommodations and drive up to the inn to see and experience the stunning gingerbread houses and other decorations.
Visitors can also indulge in homemade hot chocolate and sweet treats. The competition usually runs from late November into early January.
5. Seek Out Breweries in Asheville
One of the most popular things to do in Asheville year around is to spend time exploring the pubs and breweries that offer a unique atmosphere.
Just by walking downtown, you can easily come across craft beers and even breweries that serve food. Many visitors choose to take part in snow activities before trying a variety of pubs.
Some of the best places include:
- Bhramari Brewing Company
- Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
- Hi-Wire Brewing – South Slope
6. Ghost Tour
Take your family and friends on an unforgettable haunted adventure in Asheville, North Carolina! While Asheville may not be as famous as Savannah for its history, this vibrant city still has a dark history worth exploring.
Some of the best-known ghost tours located in Asheville include Asheville Terrors, Grayline Ghost Tour, and the Asheville Ghost Tours. You can take a walking tour or a trolley and learn about interesting paranormal stories while checking out the local scene.
Even though most ghost tours will consist of spirits, some of them may go beyond to tell stories of otherworldly creatures like goblins.
7. Catch a Show at the Theatre
Asheville is a thriving city filled with entertainment and live music. For the holiday season specifically, Asheville has its own unique live performances that people from all around the country visit to experience.
The Asheville Symphony is the most popular performance group that plays at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. You can also catch the Asheville Community Theatre putting on holiday-themed shows.
If you’re looking for unique, small performances, try out local breweries and bars.
8. Check Out Asheville Spas
Winter is the perfect time to fully soak in the spa experience, especially in a city with several unique and luxurious spas. The most popular place for a spa is The Omni Grove Inn but there is also a top-notch spa at the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
To imagine yourself as a guest of the Vanderbilts, visit this site to contact the spa to reserve your appointment.
9. Drive on Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Mountains provide some of the best landscapes in the fall. These mountains might not be as tall as the Great Smoky Mountains, but they are beautiful enough to draw in crowds from all around the world.
The winter landscape is especially magical with clear views of the peaks. Take a drive on the parkway or park your car and take a short hike. However, be aware that some parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed during winter weather.
Visit these iconic landmarks while on the Parkway in South and North Asheville:
- Craggy Gardens
- Mount Mitchell
- Folk Art Center
- Mount Pisgah
- Devil’s Courthouse
10. Go Skiing in Maggie Valley
One of the most popular things to do during the winter in Asheville is participating in winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. Plan in advance to stay at one of the two ski resorts near Downtown Asheville.
The Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is one of the first ski slopes in North Carolina. The ski area has 18 slopes ranging from beginner to advanced with a vertical drop of 740 feet.
Just north of Asheville in Mars Hill, the Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is an immersive experience for people who love winter and cozy lodges. This resort is also family-oriented and provides lighted slopes for nighttime adventures.
You can also grab season passes to enjoy snow tubing, snowboarding, or skiing to the fullest.
Fun Activities for Winter Fun in Asheville
Asheville is a town in North Carolina that is more than a unique food scene, offering so many fun activities for everyone to take part in.
While most people visit for a weekend trip in the fall or spring, Asheville is a great place to visit during the winter as well, especially when you want to avoid high levels of crowds.
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