Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina and the 12th most populous city in the state of North Carolina. It is surrounded by scenic mountains and it sits at an elevation of 2,134′. According to currentresults.com, the hottest month in Asheville is July with a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 64, with August not too far behind with a high of 84 and a low of 64. The coolest month in Asheville is January with a high of 47 degrees and low of 28.

Summer or Winter, there is always a lot happening in Asheville, so if you want to take in the beautiful scenery, you can do it all year round. Since we are in the middle of December, let’s talk about what is going on in Asheville during this time.

1) Biltmore Castle:

You can visit the Biltmore Estate at anytime during the year; however, you can enjoy the whole house decked out in lights.

According to their website, from November 2, 2017 – January 7, 2018, you can do a daytime visit of the Estate. During the visit, you can enjoy the holiday decor  featuring wreaths, garlands, and thousands of sparkling ornaments on more than 55 beautiful Christmas Trees. Additionally, there are live performances of Christmas music will make your self-guided tour even better. The ticket includes admission to Antler Hill Village & Winery. If you are going there this year, you must visit the Village. The trees, buildings, and pathways to the restaurants, shops, and Winery are illuminated with lights, the fountain is gleaming with special visual effects, and there are champagne bubble ornaments displayed on the Winery’s Tasting Room ceiling. The pricing key for Daytime admission are below.

Pricing key for nighttime Candlelight Christmas evenings is below:

Please note that Children 9 and younger are admitted free year-around with a paying adult. Also, Kids between the age of 10-16 are 50% off the adult price. Group pricing is also available by calling 800-211-9805 or emailing   groupsales@biltmore.com.

2) Downtown Asheville:

Downtown Asheville has a lovely architecture, a big number of locally-owned stores, and a variety of restaurants, museums, fun street performers and free festivals. According to romanticashecille.com, some people call Asheville Paris of the South. You can get on a bus tour with LaXoom Tours and experience the history and culture of the city.

If you enjoy beer (and who doesn’t?), Downtown Asheville is the epicenter of local craft beer. You can also walk around the city and see 30 sculptures that depict the history of the city.

3) Polar Express Train:

From November 10-December 31, 2017 (No trains on November 12-16, Thanksgiving, 27, 28 and Christmas Day) guests can ride The Polar Express with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. In 2016, over 84,000 people rode the train! The round trip is 11/4 hour long,and it begins as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. The guests on board enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along the magical story. When the train arrives at the North Pole, Santa will be waiting to board the train! 🙂 You can purchase tickets to First Class, Crown Class, or Coach Class. Please see the ticket prices and the class comparison below:

First Class:

Crown Class:

Coach Class:

Class Comparison: