The holiday season fills Asheville, NC with parades, light displays, holiday markets, and stage performances, and downtown sits at the center of much of it. This guide covers the main holiday events to plan around, practical tips for your visit, and how to end each evening at Off The Wagon, the dueling piano bar on North Market Street.
Event organizers release their dates on their own schedules, so confirm times directly with each organizer before you book.
The Holiday Events Calendar
The season runs from the parade in late fall through New Year's Eve.
Asheville Holiday Parade
The parade is one of the season's favorite kickoffs. According to our Asheville Holiday Parade guide, the route typically starts on Charlotte Street, travels up Biltmore Avenue toward the performance area at Vance Memorial, turns left onto Patton Avenue, and ends on French Broad Street.
The route runs about a mile through downtown. Plan on roughly 90 minutes to enjoy the floats and festivities.
Christmas Light Displays
A few light traditions draw crowds every year:
- Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum: A walk-through light experience that turns the Arboretum grounds into a glowing trail.
- Christmas at Biltmore: Dozens of decorated Christmas trees, thousands of ornaments, and Candlelight Evening tours of the mansion.
- Winter Window Display Contest: Downtown businesses turn their storefronts into holiday scenes you can see on a simple stroll.
Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown has more than 200 locally owned shops, from clothing boutiques to specialty food stores and art galleries. The Grove Arcade hosts a holiday market, and its Holiday Tree Lighting Block Party traditionally opens the season.
For handmade gifts, the River Arts District has studios from more than 185 working artists. The Big Crafty, held at the downtown arena, is another popular pop-up market for local artisans.
Holiday Performances
Stage productions are a big part of the season. Recent years have included The Nutcracker at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, A Christmas Carol: A Play with Music at NC Stage, and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at Asheville Community Theatre, which sits near our Market Street home. Our Holiday Theater in Asheville, NC page has more on pairing a show with a night out.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is our biggest night of the year and our anniversary. We are always open on December 31, and we look forward to it all year. Since seating is first come, first served, arrive early.
Off The Wagon's Role in Your Holiday Season
Off The Wagon is a dueling piano bar in a historic early 1920s building that once housed the original Asheville Chamber of Commerce. It sits on the last brick-paved road in the city, close to The Venue, Asheville Community Theatre, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
The show is all requests with no set list. Our entertainers play pianos, drums, guitars, keytars, and more, and they mix in comedy bits along the way.
We stay open through the holiday season. Our only scheduled closures are Super Bowl Sunday and Christmas Eve or Christmas Day when those dates fall between Sunday and Wednesday. Check the FAQ for current hours and follow our social media for holiday updates.
Holiday Song Requests
Holiday requests are welcome. When it comes to Christmas music, the show keeps it simple: "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey is the one Christmas song in the rotation, and it brings the whole room to its feet. Everything else comes from thousands of upbeat, sing-along hits spanning decades.
There are two ways to request a song:
- Scan the QR code at your table. It opens a request site where you can send your tip from your phone and see where your song sits in the queue.
- Use a request slip. Grab a pack at the door or from the whiskey barrel near the host stand, fill it out, and bring it to the stage with a tip.
Requests can also put shoutouts on the big screens, messages on the mirrors, or call someone up on stage.
A Festive Spot for Holiday Parties
The sing-along atmosphere makes Off The Wagon a natural fit for office parties, friend gatherings, and family celebrations. Groups of 20 or more are welcome, and private and corporate events are available through our Host Your Event at OTW page.
Before you leave, stop by our selfie station to capture the night with your crew. We do not have a kitchen, so feel free to bring in food from a downtown restaurant or have something delivered.
Holiday Drinks
Each night of the week brings a different drink special, with two on Thursdays and five on Sundays. Follow our social media for the current lineup. Cold-weather sippers on the back bar include Baileys, RumChata, Kahlua, Arrow Peppermint Schnapps, and Rumple Minze, plus house favorites like the Fearsome Frank and Jet Fuel. Browse the full drink list.
Who Can Join the Fun
Off The Wagon is 21 and over only, with no exceptions unless it is a private event and we are closed to the public. Within that rule, the show has real multigenerational appeal. Grown kids, parents, and grandparents can all find songs they know.
Families with younger children can enjoy the parade, light displays, and shopping during the day, then let the adults finish the night with us.
Planning Your Holiday Visit
Best Dates to Visit
Early December typically offers a good balance of festive activities and smaller crowds than the weeks right around Christmas and New Year's. Parade weekend and New Year's Eve are among the busiest times downtown.
Accommodation Tips
Many top holiday attractions are concentrated in walkable downtown, so staying nearby keeps your evenings simple. Popular activities like Biltmore visits, holiday performances, and restaurant dining often require advance reservations, so book those early. Our What to Pack When Visiting Asheville guide covers winter packing.
Parking Downtown During the Holidays
- The lots between the old Vincenzo's building and Off The Wagon are available after 5 p.m. daily.
- On weekends, get a parking pass from us so you do not get towed.
- Street parking and nearby garages, including Rankin Avenue, Wall Street, and Biltmore Avenue garages, are other options.
- Uber and Lyft are smart choices if you plan to enjoy a few holiday drinks.
Combining Activities Into a Holiday Itinerary
Here is a simple way to build a full holiday day downtown:
- Morning: Browse local boutiques and check out the window displays.
- Afternoon: Visit Christmas at Biltmore or shop the River Arts District studios.
- Early evening: Catch a holiday performance or head out for Winter Lights.
- Dinner: Eat at a downtown restaurant, or grab takeout to bring with you.
- Night: Finish at Off The Wagon for song requests and sing-alongs.
For more evening ideas, see our guides to the best bars of downtown Asheville and winter entertainment when it's cold outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Off The Wagon open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
We close on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day only when those dates fall between Sunday and Wednesday. Follow our social media for any holiday schedule updates.
Do I need tickets or reservations?
No. Entry is first come, first served, and there is a cover on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit the FAQ for current pricing and hours.
Can I bring my kids?
No. Guests must be 21 or older, with no exceptions unless it is a private event and we are closed to the public.
Will the entertainers play Christmas music?
Yes, one song. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey is the only Christmas song in the show, and it is always a crowd favorite.
Can we host a holiday party at Off The Wagon?
Yes. Private and corporate parties are available. Start with our event page to share your plans.
Celebrate the Holidays Downtown
From the parade and light displays to markets and holiday shows, the season gives you plenty to fill your days. When the sun goes down, Off The Wagon brings the sing-along energy that turns a holiday trip into a story you will tell for years. Plan your visit and get directions to Off The Wagon, and join our newsletter for exclusive deals.
