Winter is Asheville, North Carolina’s unsung season. While spring, summer, and fall tend to hog the spotlight with their stunning colors, warm weather, and host of fun activities, winter is no slouch when it comes to beauty and excitement. Sorry, folks: there goes your excuse for hibernating, burying yourself under ten blankets, and binge-watching every Netflix original ever made. It’s time to get out and enjoy the best of Asheville in winter. 

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family, friends, or a date you’re hoping to impress, we’ve got you covered:

Feeling a little grinchy? Need a double shot of seasonal spirit, and fast? You’re in luck: the Asheville Holiday Parade is not only one of our favorite winter activities, but it is also guaranteed to make your heart grow three sizes! Let’s kick off the Christmas season on the right foot.

The Asheville Holiday Parade is a family-friendly event produced by the Asheville Downtown Association in partnership with the City of Asheville. Whether you’re taking your kids, your parents, your friends, or your out-of-town relatives, there will be something for everyone. 

The holiday season is magical… but there is just something about experiencing it in the beauty and splendor of Asheville, North Carolina. Nestled in the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll have a picture postcard-perfect backdrop for your celebrations, and the relatively temperate weather (the mid-40s to mid-50s) makes it possible to enjoy strolling through downtown and seeing the sites. And if we’re lucky, we’ll get a gentle snowfall like the bow on top of the best present under the tree. What could be better? Well… how about a party or two to warm up the days and evenings!

Downtown Asheville Holiday Festivities 

There are plenty of activities in Asheville for all ages and interests. Whether you’re hanging with the kids or planning a night out, take time to visit some G-rated attractions:

Ready for a spooktacular time? Oh yeah, we guarantee at least a few terrible puns as we tell you about the best ways to heat up a chilly fall night -- but we guarantee an even better time. Halloween is just around the corner… what’s waiting for you?

Where’s the best place for a bachelorette party? Vegas? New York? LA? Nashville? Miami? Yawn! Asheville, North Carolina, is ready to show you a great time. Whether you’re traveling to NC or looking to party in your own backyard, rest assured, you and the ladies will have the night (or, better yet, weekend!) of a lifetime.