There’s something special about this time of the year: twinkling lights lining every street, the scent of fresh pine filling the air, and slow, crisp mornings. Displayed against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville's winter activities are full of holiday charm.
The best part? When you live at Belle Meadow, you’re just minutes from it all. Here are some of the best things to do in Asheville in the winter to keep the season festive and your calendar full.
Top 5 Asheville Winter Activities To Make the Most of the Season​​
Looking for ways to enjoy everything that Asheville, NC has to offer during the winter? These hometown traditions, festive markets, and cozy outings make the season feel magical:
1. Stroll Through Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
Need an idea for a night out? The Winter Lights in Asheville at the NC Arboretum should be at the top of your list. You’ll walk through more than a million lights set across beautiful garden paths, illuminated trails, and holiday displays. Make your way from one dazzling stop to the next, hot cocoa in hand as you enjoy the season settling in.
It’s a local favorite worth planning for! This year’s Asheville Arboretum Christmas Lights run from November 15 to January 4, so there’s plenty of time to visit and make it part of your holiday traditions.
2. Check off Your Holiday List at Tanger Outlets Asheville
No need to stress over last-minute gifts when Tanger Outlets Asheville is just down the road. In true winter Asheville, NC fashion, you can stroll decorated walkways, score seasonal deals, and snap a photo with Santa. With scarves pulled a little tighter and coffee cups in hand, it’s the kind of easy afternoon that makes the season feel just right.
3. Step Into a Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade Asheville
For nearly two decades, Grove Arcade has welcomed the season with its iconic Winter Wonderland, a beloved tradition you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re browsing through local shops in search of the perfect gift, catching a live music performance, or enjoying a cozy sip, this downtown gem makes a day in the city feel extra merry. And when the lights on the tree go up? A little holiday magic for all ages, especially those planning family activities in Asheville.
4. Spend a Festive Afternoon at Biltmore
During the winter, the Biltmore Estate becomes one of Asheville’s most magical sights. Enter the historic home and look up at the towering trees, twinkling lights, and garlands that wrap its iconic architecture. Start your visit inside the estate, then make your way through the decorated gardens and scenic terraces outside. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine or taking in the view, Biltmore brings holiday charm to every corner.
5. Plan a Sweet Stop to Your Season at Grove Park Inn
At the Omni Grove Park Inn, fun creations take over the halls at the National Gingerbread House Competition. You’ll walk past candy-tiled roofs, sugar-glass windows, and chocolate chimneys, each crafted by bakers from around the country. For visitors and anyone feeling festive, it’s one of the sweetest traditions to mark the season, because nothing says holidays in Asheville quite like the smell of gingerbread and sugar all around.
Catch the 2025 gingerbread displays from November 18 to January 4. Not staying at the resort? You can still join the fun, visit after 6 PM on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday.
Celebrate the Season Close to Home at Belle Meadow
From the magic of Winter Lights at the Arboretum in Asheville, NC to festive markets and gingerbread creations, this winter is full of activities to make the season feel special. And when you live at Belle Meadow, you’re just minutes from it all, with less time spent in holiday traffic.
Our thoughtfully designed homes for rent in Asheville make it easy to enjoy the holidays your way. Whether that means cozy mornings with hot chocolate on your private porch, afternoon walks through decorated streets, or gift runs made simple with downtown minutes away.
Make this season feel more like home. Call us at (828) 998-0959 to schedule your tour of Belle Meadow today.