Christmas 2026 in Asheville promises sparkling lights, festive traditions – plus a little Hollywood magic! – for the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the spectacular decorations at Biltmore Estate to the illuminated gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum, there are plenty of reasons to plan a holiday getaway in Western North Carolina.
This year’s festivities have an extra connection to the movies. Hallmark’s A Grand Biltmore Christmas, the second holiday film set at the famous estate, premieres December 5, giving fans another reason to experience Biltmore’s Christmas traditions in person.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a few relaxing days before the holiday rush, Bent Creek Lodge offers a peaceful mountain retreat close to Asheville’s seasonal attractions. Make yourself at home, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and spend your days and evenings exploring the magic of the season.
Experience Christmas at Biltmore
Few places celebrate the holidays quite like Biltmore Estate. From November 3, 2026, through January 10, 2027, America’s largest privately owned home welcomes visitors with elaborately decorated rooms, towering Christmas trees, garlands, and thousands of sparkling lights.
For an especially memorable visit, reserve tickets for Candlelight Christmas Evenings, offered through January 9. Flickering fireplaces, soft candlelight, and live music bring the Vanderbilt family’s holiday traditions to life.
Fans of Hallmark’s A Biltmore Christmas (2023) can also look forward to its new companion film, A Grand Biltmore Christmas. Filmed at the estate, the new movie premieres December 5, 2026. Visiting Biltmore during the holidays is a wonderful opportunity to see the setting that inspired both productions.
Discover Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum
One of Asheville’s most popular holiday attractions is practically next door to Bent Creek Lodge!
Winter Lights returns to the North Carolina Arboretum November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, transforming the gardens into a spectacular nighttime display of more than one million lights.
Follow a one-mile walking route through illuminated gardens, imaginative light installations, and glowing woodland scenes. New displays for 2026 include fanciful environments inspired by forest floors, riverbeds, and the natural world. Live music, hot cocoa, and seasonal treats add to the festivities.
Because the Arboretum is just a short drive from Bent Creek Lodge, it’s easy to make Winter Lights the centerpiece of a relaxing December evening. Advance tickets are recommended, particularly for popular dates.
More Asheville Holiday Traditions
For another seasonal outing, visit the Omni Grove Park Inn to see the remarkable creations of the National Gingerbread House Competition. The elaborate gingerbread displays run November 17 through January 3, with designated public viewing days and times.
You can also spend an afternoon browsing Asheville’s shops and galleries, enjoying a seasonal meal, or exploring the decorated streets before returning to the lodge for a quiet evening.
With so many holiday attractions continuing throughout December, there’s no need to squeeze everything into a single busy day.
Make Bent Creek Lodge Your Asheville Holiday Home Base
After an evening of holiday lights and festivities, there’s something especially inviting about returning to the peaceful wooded surroundings of Bent Creek Lodge.
Start each morning with a delicious breakfast, then set out for Biltmore, NC Arboretum, or another Asheville holiday adventure. Between outings, relax at the lodge and enjoy a quieter side of the Christmas season.
Whether you’re drawn by Hallmark’s Biltmore magic, the glowing gardens next door, or simply the chance to escape for a few days, Christmas 2026 in Asheville offers plenty to celebrate.
Book your December getaway at Bent Creek Lodge and make this holiday season one to remember!