9 Kid-Friendly Things to Do Near Asheville, NC at Christmas Time
December 3, 2025
Happy December!!! Whether you’re local to WNC or you’re traveling to Asheville on vacation, I am sharing my top 5 FAVORITE fun, festive, kid-friendly activities to do in the Asheville and Hendersonville area to make the most out of this holiday season!
1. Gingerbread Houses at the Omni Grove Park Inn
Walk around the gorgeous and cozy Omni Grove Park Inn while you sip on decadent hot chocolate (spiked and regular options) served out of a giant gingerbread house and into a commemorative glass mug while you also get to view all of the 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition Finalists! There’s nothing better to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Important Information for Planning Your Holiday Omni Grove Park Inn Visit:
The official 2025 Gingerbread display begins on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and will continue through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6PM on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: November 27, December 7, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations.
Parking Costs: $30 for day parking & overnight guests (Holiday Parking Partner program contributes to not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina)
2. Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
It doesn’t get more festive or magical than the Biltmore decorated at Christmas! The decorations are absolutely immaculate! You can do the candlelight tour, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride, explore the poinsettias in the Conservatory, see the lights at Antler Hill Village, and of course sip on hot chocolate! There’s a playground and farm animal area for kids too!
If you are local, or planning to visit more than once in the next year, consider getting an annual pass! Biltmore Estate Annual Passes are on sale through 12/31/2025 for $209!
3. Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum
Winter Lights at the Arboretum is SO much fun! Especially for young kids who love lights and running around! It’s an open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! You get to drink hot chocolate, walk through lit-up tunnels, loo up at giant lit up flowers and butterflies, shop the gift shop, and more! You might even see Santa!
Winter Lights Exhibit Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Purchase Winter Lights Tickets Here (Priced per vehicle, reserve time slot in advance)
4. The Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City, NC
Take the 1¼ hour round-trip train ride to from Bryson City depot, through the quiet wilderness, for a special visit at the North Pole to meet Santa where he will greet each child and give them a silver sleigh bell! Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story and singing Christmas Carols! Bryson City, NC is just over an hour from Asheville (65mi)!
Explore The Polar Express Ticket Options Here ⬅️⬅️⬅️
5. Winterfest at Tryon International
This year there at Winterfest there is a new walk-through Light Spectacular Exhibit and expanded Winterfest Holiday Village — plus returning favorites including our ice skating rink, Shadrack’s Drive-Through Light Show, carriage rides, and holiday shopping for the whole family. Winterfest is located in Mill Spring, NC, about a 50 mintue drive from Asheville, NC (50miles).
Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2025
6. Christmas at Jeter Mountain Farms
Jeter Mountain Farms in Hendersonville, NC is a beloved Apple Orchard in the Fall and now a beloved Christmas destination in the Winter! In addition to Christmas Trees, they also have keepsake hot chocolate, holiday hard cider, live Christmas jazz music, and rocking chairs around the fire! Dates are limited, the last weekend they are open is Saturday, December 6th-Sunday, December 7th!
7. Snow Tubing at Moonshine Mountain
For a fun, outdoor winter destination near Asheville, check out Snow Tubing at Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville, NC! They have 500 feet of snowy, steep fun! They plan to re-open December 19th, 2025 and recommend making reservations! The cost is $40 (cash-only) per person.
8. Lake Julian Festival of Lights Drive-Thru
Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland. This year’s Festival of Lights will take place nightly from December 2nd-23rd. Sunday-Thursday hours are 6pm-8:30pm and Friday-Saturday are 6pm-9pm. Tickets are $15/personal vehicle. This is a shorter drive-thru, but great for those really cold nights when it’s dark at 4:30 and there isn’t much else to do!
9. Asheville Yards Ice Skating Rink
From November 26th to January 19th, you can go to a real outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Asheville! They also have holiday-inspired craft cocktails and hot chocolate, festive photo ops, a winter market, kids activities and weekly theme nights. Ticket prices vary by date, but range from $8-$22.
Bonus: Free Things to Do around Asheville, NC in the Winter
- Walk around one of our many adorable small towns! Hendersonville, Brevard, and Black Mountain are 3 of my favorites! Tons of cute shops, decorations, and yummy coffee shops!
- Walk around Santa in the Square & Holiday Market at Biltmore Park (Saturday, December 6th)
- Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway! The mountain views are gorgeous!
I hope you found something fun to do with your family this Holiday season!
And if you are looking for a family photographer while you are in the Asheville area, I would love to connect!
I am a mama of a 2 year old and 4 year old and love capturing the chaos and joy of young families exploring WNC together!
Check out my website, join my mailing list, and inquire below!
Thanks for Reading!
Xoxo,
Rachel
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