Western North Carolina is fortunate to experience all four seasons, making Asheville an ideal destination for winter fun. With a mild climate in the city and easy access to higher elevations, visitors have a wide variety of winter activities to choose from. Whether you’re seeking a cozy getaway or an outdoor adventure, Asheville offers something for everyone. The question isn’t if you’ll visit—it’s when.
The Start of Winter Fun in Asheville
There is no debate when winter officially starts even if the thermometer says otherwise. Christmas at Biltmore begins the first Friday after Halloween and runs until the first Sunday after New Year’s Eve. George Vanderbilt first opened Biltmore House to guests on Christmas Eve in 1895. The tradition of celebrating Christmas kicks off with the annual Tree Raising in the Great Hall. Miles of garland and lights adorn not only Biltmore House, but the entire Estate becomes a magical place during the holidays.
Daytime options to tour Biltmore Estate include Gardens & Grounds, House & Grounds or Special Exhibition for a 2-day ticket. Biltmore House comes alive during Candlelight Christmas Evenings with candles, crackling fireplaces, and musical entertainment greeting guests in the Winter Garden.
No matter which ticket you choose, our guests can save $8/ticket on daytime admission and $18/ticket on Candlelight Christmas Evenings with our promo code.
Nighttime Winter Fun in Asheville
From mid November until the end of December, winter fun is outside at Winter Lights. The gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum are decked out with over 1 million lights. See the model train display, listen to live music, or treat yourself to cups of hot cocoa and s’mores by the firepit. Ticket sales for timed entry start at the beginning of October. Popular nights sell out!
New for 2025-2026: Thomas Dambo’s famous recycled trolls are making their U.S. debut at the NC Arboretum! Twelve giant wooden sculptures will be hidden throughout the gardens and trails from November 15 through February 17, 2026, with six of them illuminated during Winter Lights. Hunt for all twelve during the day, then see six glowing at night for a completely different experience. Read our complete guide to planning your troll hunt or check out our Winter Lights Troll Getaway package with flexible vouchers that work any night – no sold-out stress!
Things To Do Outdoors
While most of the Blue Ridge Parkway closes in winter, there are still lots of options for drives and hikes in winter. In fact, some long range views are better with the leaves off trees. Strawberry Gap Trail in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge is the newest trail from Conserving Carolina. While this is a strenuous 6-mile out and back trail, there are sweeping views about halfway up the mountain. For waterfalls, drive to Du Pont Forest to 3 different waterfalls on one hike.
You needn’t drive far for outdoors in winter. The Reed Creek Greenway is a few steps from our front door. Follow the path about 1 mile to the Asheville Botanical Gardens on the campus of UNC Asheville. On the same campus is the Lookout Mountain Trail (use this link as there are numerous trails of this name) if you desire a nice walk in the woods with long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a serene urban setting.
Favorite Fireplaces for Winter Fun
There is nothing quite like a crackling fire to warm your spirits in winter. Head to the Grove Park Inn to experience the most iconic fireplaces in Asheville. Two massive stone fireplaces, 36 feet tall and 12 feet wide flank the Great Hall. Grab a drink at the bar and look for the famous quotations inscribed in the stones or just relax in one of the rocking chairs.
Not as famous but still at the Grove Park Inn, Edison Craft Ales and Kitchens features indoor and outdoor dining with cozy seating by gas fireplaces overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. We can recommend this as a fun place to grab coffee and a dessert. Reservations are recommended, particularly on popular weekends.
Two other favorite fireplaces are in downtown Asheville. One of the newest fireplaces (and firepits) is at Wildwood Still, a large rooftop bar with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. PS take the “hidden” elevator outside under the large mural straight to the 7th floor. Maybe the weather will be perfect and you score the table right beside the stone outdoor fireplace at Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse. Regardless, the food and dining experience makes it one of our favorites.
The Quiet Side of Winter in Asheville
Winter truly begins in Asheville once the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over. Wrap up in the warm hug that is the cozy season of January and February.
As much as we love the holiday season in Asheville, you will be sharing our city with other travelers. On popular days, a lot of other travelers. For better rates and more availability, come in the off season when you can get reservations at the best restaurants. In fact, Restaurant Week is every January (in 2026, it’s Jan 20-26.) Over 50 participating restaurants offer special menus and pricing so eat out every night. And it’s double the fun in 2026 with a second Restaurant Week scheduled to Feb. 17-23!
Indoor activities take center stage in the winter months.
- Are you a fan of games? Visit the Asheville Pinball Museum or Asheville Retrocade for a fun filled afternoon of old school arcade games. Choose from over 700 games at Well Played Board Game Cafe plus a snack bar with food, beer, and coffee to keep you fueled.
- The brewery scene in Asheville remains strong in the winter. Try the moody vibe at Burial’s Forestry Camp with it’s post & beam communal beer hall.
- Marquee is a one-of-a-kind gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District, celebrating the old, the bold, the creative, and the unexpected. This thoughtfully curated space features an ever-changing collection of art, design, and distinctive finds—perfect for browsing on a cozy winter afternoon and discovering a truly unique Asheville souvenir. After temporarily closing due to Hurricane Helene, Marquee proudly reopened in September 2025, welcoming visitors back to experience its creative energy once again.
Romantic Winter Fun in Asheville
Lest we forget, Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year and it falls squarely in February. Celebrate all month long with these ideas for just the two of you. Feed each other a dinner of tapas at Zambra with it’s Spanish influenced menu and décor in a cozy basement. Book a couple’s day at Shoji Spa & Retreat with private outdoor salt water hot tubs in the woods. Imbibe in the Aphrodisiac Wine Tasting at Marked Tree Tasting Room, the perfect pairing of local chocolates to get you in the mood.
In 2026, Valentine’s week lines up perfectly for a long weekend getaway—and Asheville turns up the volume on romance. Beloved bluegrass phenom Billy Strings will play four nights (Feb 10–14) at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, just a mile from Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast. Pair the show with our Strings Attached: A Valentine’s Package, complete with prosecco, local truffles, and a neighborhood dinner gift card, and make it a heartfelt celebration of love and live music.
Stay at Pinecrest B&B This Winter
Staying at Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast in the wintertime is a cozy and romantic experience for couples visiting Asheville. Nestled in the heart of a quiet, historic neighborhood, this charming inn offers a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. After a day of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains or visiting nearby art galleries, you can return to the warmth of Pinecrest for a warm beverage and where every guest room has a fireplace and soft blankets. The beautifully restored rooms, many with luxurious king beds and private baths, create an intimate retreat. With its serene garden views, hearty homemade breakfasts, and the soft hush of winter outside, Pinecrest Bed and Breakfast offers a perfect winter escape.
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