Smith-McDowell House -11/18/15-1/3/16; Wed-Sat
The mansion/local history museum is decorated with fresh trees, garlands, ornaments and toys of the Victorian Period.
$9/person.
Closed on the following days: - 11/25-26; Early closure @ 2 p.m.12/3-4; 12/24- 27th; 1/1/16
Winter Lights -11/20/15-1/2/16
Don't miss The North Carolina Arboretum's elaborate Winter Lights show, transforming the gardens into a nighttime wonderland. New for 2015 will be several displays synchronized to holiday favorites. Live nightly entertainment and an outdoor s’mores station.
16-$18; children 4 and under/Free
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland -11/25-12/30/15
Drive through Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at the WNC AG Center. Christmas light and music extravaganza is a two-mile maze filled with hundreds of thousands of LED lights performing in perfect synchronization with the Christmas tunes playing through your car radio.
$20/car
Lake Julian Festival of Lights -12/4-12/22/15 6-9pm
Drive through a festive holiday light display along Lake Julian in south Asheville. Their Festival of Lights is lit with thousands of colored lights and 50 animated and stationary light displays.
$5/car.
Biltmore House -Daytime Celebrations - 11/6/15-1/10/16
Candlelight evenings -11/6/15-2/3/26
The Christmas at Biltmore extravagant celebration includes dozens of elaborate hand-decorated Christmas trees, 1,000+ poinsettias, miles of garland and lights, live music and inspirational holiday demonstrations.
Prices vary – see website
Polar Express Train -11/13/15-1/3/16
The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey for a special visit at the North Pole. Guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat. Prices vary – see website
Gingerbread Houses -11/14/15-1/4/16
23rd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. The entries are constructed entirely of edible materials. Sunday afternoons - Thursday for locals. No holidays please.
$10 parking fee. (Half of each parking will go to a local non-profit); Valet parking is $15
Jingle Bell Trolley Train Ride -Sat. in Dec. 11am-7pm
Ride the rails on the historic Craggy Mountain Line. After the 30-minute ride, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies along with visiting Santa and Mrs Claus.
Tickets are only $10/person. Children 3 and under are free. Purchase tickets the day of the ride or call 828-808-4877 or 828-808-4630. Reservations are recommended since seating is limited
