Do you light up at the thought of the holidays? So does Asheville – quite literally! Every year, festive displays of glittering, glorious decorations adorn Asheville and the surrounding areas and make already breathtaking vistas even more dazzling. Following, a few favorites:

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum

Open evenings from mid November through Dec. 31, Winter Lights is an outdoor holiday light exhibit placed throughout The North Carolina Arboretum’s gardens. Visitors can walk through a winter wonderland and enjoy uniquely lit displays and landscapes composed of nearly 500,000 energy-efficient LED lights. All tickets are date-specific and must be purchased in advance.

Christmas at the Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Village Lights

Beginning in early November, and running through early January, the Biltmore Estate takes on a magical glow. Across the estate, dozens of Christmas trees, thousands of lights and poinsettias, and miles of garland set the holiday scene. With a 35-foot live Fraser fir towering over the Banquet Hall, elegant decorations in platinum, gold, silver, and jewel tones adorn the grand spaces. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy Candlelight Christmas Evenings, replete with live music, candlelight and firelight. After visiting the estate, make a stop at Biltmore Village for a stroll through the shopping district’s dazzling display of lights for a truly wondrous Old-World holiday experience.

National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn

For a quarter of a century, this highly anticipated gingerbread house competition has wowed thousands of visitors to the Omni Grove Park Inn. Held annually in late November, the competition features houses from all over the country. The winning creations are on display through early January, interspersed with glowing, elaborately decorated Christmas trees. Enjoy a commemorative cup of whipped-cream-topped hot cocoa as you take in the amazing array of gingerbread creations.

Buncombe County Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park

Beginning the first of December and running until right before Christmas, this annual drive-through event transforms Lake Julian Park into a winter wonderland. The park is brightly lit with thousands of colored lights and more than 50 animated and stationary light displays. The road circling the park becomes a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling lights. Advance tickets can be purchased online.

Explore Holiday Lights in Downtown Asheville

Enjoy a post-dinner feast for the eyes in downtown Asheville, where a lights display weaves through the trees in Pack Square and the surrounding streets. Historic buildings take on a festive veneer (don’t miss the fun façade of the Grove House) that adds even more magic to downtown’s architecture. Make a stop inside the Grove Arcade, where the grand hall becomes even more spectacular with added holiday sparkle and garlands.

For a personally guided tour of Asheville, or for information on real estate in the area, please contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.