Asheville West KOA Holiday Blog
It's Fall Color Season! Book Your RV Camping and Cabin Rentals off I-40. RV Sites Start at $45.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Take I-40 12 miles west of Asheville to Exit 37.
Eastbound take three rights.
Westbound take a left and two rights, 1/2 mile from exit.
Follow directions, not GPS.
December is an extraordinary month in the mountains. You’ll find Christmas lights, holiday markets, mountain-town celebrations, and the start of winter recreation season in Western North Carolina. Asheville West KOA makes a great home base for exploring Asheville, Biltmore, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and the mountain communities beyond. There’s so much going on that you just may want to stay for a month.
Biltmore Estate
November 3, 2026–January 10, 2027
Event details: https://www.biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/christmas/
Experience one of Asheville's favorite holiday traditions. Biltmore House is beautifully decorated for Christmas, and Candlelight Christmas Evenings offer a special way to tour the estate after dark. Candlelight tours run through January 9.
North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027
Event details: https://ncarboretum.org/winter-lights/
One of the most popular holiday activities in Western NC! Walk through the Arboretum's gardens illuminated by more than one million lights, with colorful displays and seasonal music.
The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
November 17, 2026–January 3, 2027
Event details: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/national-gingerbread-competition
See the incredible gingerbread creations from this nationally recognized competition.
Important viewing information: Public viewing is available Monday through Thursday during regular resort hours and Sundays after 6 PM. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those with confirmed dining reservations. The display is also closed to the general public December 6, 23–26, and 30–31, and January 1.
Lake Julian Park, Arden
December 2–23, 2026
Event details: https://www.exploreasheville.com/article/top-places-to-see-holiday-lights-asheville-nc
A favorite local holiday tradition featuring a drive-through display of animated lights around Lake Julian. Admission is $10 per vehicle, making this a fun and affordable family outing.
Asheville Community Theatre
December 4–20, 2026
Event details: https://ashevilletheatre.org/mc_event/frozen/
Bring the family to see the beloved Disney story brought to life on stage, complete with familiar songs, memorable characters, and winter magic.
Adventure Center of Asheville
December 4–5 and 11–13, 2026
Event details: https://ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/winter-wonder-walks-2/
A family-friendly outdoor adventure featuring a live-action story walk with costumed characters, twinkling lights, and plenty of fun for kids. On select nights, families can also book an illuminated treetop adventure.
Harrah's Cherokee Center, Downtown Asheville
December 5–6, 2026
Event details: https://thebigcrafty.com/
One of Asheville's most celebrated craft markets, featuring around 180 independent artists and makers. It's an incredible place to shop for handmade holiday gifts. Saturday admission is $10, and Sunday is free!
Downtown Waynesville
December 7, 2026
Event details: https://www.downtownwaynesville.com/events-1/hometown-heritage-christmas-parade-2026
Head to Main Street in Waynesville for a classic small-town Christmas parade featuring festive floats, marching groups, performers, and holiday fun.
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville
December 11–13, 2026
Event details: https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-asheville-ballet-presents-the-nutcracker-2026/
Enjoy this classic Christmas ballet featuring Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky.
Downtown Weaverville
December 11, 2026
Event details: https://visitweaverville.com/events/the-candlelight-stroll/
Stroll along Main Street for an evening of holiday shopping, music, storytelling, kids' crafts, and festive small-town charm.
Harrah's Cherokee Center, Asheville
December 12, 2026
Event details: https://xmasjam.com/
Asheville's own Warren Haynes brings back his legendary Christmas Jam, a marathon concert known for bringing together incredible musicians while supporting the local community. This is the 34th year!
First Baptist Church of Asheville
December 19, 2026
Event details: https://ashevillesymphony.org/event/handels-messiah-2026/
Celebrate the season with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus performing Handel's Messiah. Two performances are scheduled for 2 PM and 8 PM.
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville
December 20, 2026
Event details: https://www.worthamarts.org/events/a-swannanoa-solstice-2026/
Celebrate the winter solstice with an Asheville holiday tradition featuring Appalachian and Celtic music, storytelling, and the region's cultural heritage.
December also brings the start of winter sports season to Western NC. From skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing with the kids, there are some great winter outings within reach of Asheville West KOA.
Winter Tip: Ski and tubing opening dates depend on weather and snowmaking conditions. Check each destination's website for current operations, tickets, and availability before making the drive.
Maggie Valley, NC
Winter season, weather permitting
Details: https://cataloochee.com/
Cataloochee Ski Area is one of the closest ski destinations to Asheville West KOA. Located above Maggie Valley, it offers slopes for different skill levels, equipment rentals, and lessons. A great option for a winter day trip from camp.
Maggie Valley, NC
Winter season, weather permitting
Details: https://cataloochee.com/tube-world/
No skiing experience needed! Tube World offers snow tubing with a conveyor lift to take you back up the hill. It's a fun family activity, with a separate Wee Bowl snow-play area for younger children. Tubing participants must be at least 42 inches tall.
Mars Hill, NC
Winter season, opening date to be confirmed
Details: https://hatleypointe.com/
Another option for skiers and snowboarders is Hatley Pointe in Madison County. Check the resort's website for its 2026–2027 opening schedule, slope conditions, and reservations.
Downtown Asheville
November 20, 2026–January 18, 2027
Details: https://www.ashevilleyards.com/ice-rink/
Enjoy outdoor ice skating in downtown Asheville, surrounded by holiday lights, music, and seasonal activities. The Winter Wonderland area is also open to non-skaters.
Looking for even more ways to enjoy the holiday season? Check out these helpful guides:
Find even more December events happening across Western North Carolina:
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
