Asheville’s Top Holiday Events
1) Eatery Opportunities
When it comes to holidays, no celebration is complete without a warm meal! This season, many food venues across Asheville will be closed in observance of Christmas and the holidays, but the city will still be bumping with restaurant and buffet options featuring home-cooked favorites throughout the downtown area.
One of the most popular buffet options this November is the Season's at Highland Lake Inn in Flat Rock. This opportunity provides parties with all-you-can-eat traditional home-cooked family dishes for one easy fee. This location has become known as a staple for many locals who look forward to chowing down at the Highland Lake Inn all year long!
Pack's Tavern is another buffet that also provides traditional dishes for a fixed cost. With a large variety of menu items and a cozy atmosphere, the Tavern welcomes hungry guests to a great holiday meal!
No matter which eatery option you choose, you must plan ahead and make sure to look up restaurants prior to your visit to ensure they are open and have availability for your party. Many of these places require reservations, so ensure you call ahead and secure your party's space before arriving at the eatery.
If you want to be spontaneous with a smaller group, don’t be afraid to venture downtown and simply see what's open. With so many choices, there is not a lot of room to go wrong with eating out in Asheville, and never be afraid to ask a local for a recommendation; they may know the perfect spot for your group!
2) The Biltmore
Exploring the Biltmore might be the perfect way to enjoy time with family this holiday season. The United States’ largest private residence will be open for tours this holiday. Guests at the Biltmore estate are treated to strolls around the beautiful grounds surrounding the home and interactive activities scattered throughout.
With over 8000 acres to explore, Biltmore has options for everyone, from a vast network of nature trails to cozy seats at the winery. Biltmore staff also prepare various exhibits that cycle throughout the year; this holiday season, you can experience a 45-minute exhibition of the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci.
Year after year, families who visit the Biltmore Estate are greeted by inviting staff members and treated to the true beauty of Asheville at one of the city’s most spectacular times of the year, making it a mainstay on many families’ holiday bucket lists.
3) Shopping Venues
With Christmas right around the corner, the holidays are a great opportunity to get some end-of-year shopping done. Luckily for you, downtown Asheville is overflowing with shopping opportunities to help you prepare for the season giving.
The Biltmore Village provides shopgoers with over forty shops nestled between historical cottages and green spaces. The shops located in this area range from small clothing boutiques with specialty options to big box retailers with a wide catalog of items.
If you are looking for a perfect gift for an artistic loved one, the River Arts District is packed with unique art shops and sale galleries. You may also want to head to the Antiques District if you are hunting for the perfect one-of-a-kind craft for someone special in your life.
Outside of these places, there are many other shopping opportunities in and around downtown Asheville. You and the eager shoppers in your family should be prepared to head in and out of tons of fun, and unique stores as you explore the city!
4) Outdoor Adventures
The end of November marks one of the prettiest times of year in Asheville, and this holiday season may be the perfect time to survey some of the city’s many outdoor escapes. A number of nature centers, national forests, and outdoor attractions pepper the Asheville area, making it the perfect place for nature lovers to experience the holidays.
Rushing waterfalls, fields of flowers, and mysterious caves await on trails all around the Asheville area. Some of our favorites include the Waterfall Hike in DuPont State Forest, Graveyard Fields, and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s Alum Cave Trail. All of these hikes showcase the natural wonder of Asheville!
Adventurers can also check out Green Friday at the Adventure Center of Asheville. This event is fun for the whole family and touts Zipline Canopy Tours for all ages. Try and find some time to get outdoors with family this holiday season, either hiking a trail or soaring through the sky!
Enjoying the Holidays in Asheville Is Easy
The holiday season in Asheville will be bustling with family-friendly opportunities this year. For those enjoying the holiday in Asheville, various food choices, shopping opportunities, and outdoor excursions are waiting for you! Whether you head to the Biltmore Estate for a glass of wine or explore the River Arts District, Asheville has something for everyone.
Make sure to stop by and see us at Off The Wagon. We hope the tips provided today help you to plan a holiday stay in Asheville that is enjoyable for the whole family!
