Spending December in western NC can be a magical experience. Temperatures drop below freezing in the winter months. And snow coats the trees and mountain tops in a beautiful blanket of sparkling white. There are great things to do for the holidays too. Get in on the fun and start planning the perfect holiday getaway.
Top Popular Events and Must-Do Activities in December
Weather in Western NC in December
In the winter, the temperatures cool down between 30 and 50 degrees. The humidity is in the 70s. It is a gorgeous place to be for the winter and Christmas holidays. But make sure to pack for a winter mountain vacation in western NC.
Popular Events in December in Western NC
Saluda Hometown Christmas
This free community event is for everyone. See Elf stations lined along Main Street and get goodies and hot drinks. Bring a toy for the donation box and enjoy a stroll along Main Street. You will meet with a wonder of Christmas lights and decorations. There is music, a campfire, and even a visit from Santa at the Saluda Hometown Christmas!
Tryon Light Show and Winterfest
This two-mile-long drive-thru light show has light displays synchronized to Christmas-time music. It is at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, about an hour from Asheville. Along with the Tryon Light Show, they also host the Tryon Winterfest. A festival with activities for kids, live music, ice skating, photos with Santa, and shopping!
Charles Dickens’ Dinners
Get the most memorable dinner in town at The Orchard Inn! This Charles Dickens’ Dinner features a four-course meal with readings from “A Christmas Carol.” It is so popular that many will reserve their seats up to a year in advance!
New Year’s Eve Gala
Celebrate the new year at our New Year’s Eve Gala with a seven-course meal that starts with hors d’oeuvres at 7 pm. Watch the ball drop with a glass of champagne and your favorite people. If you want to start the festivities earlier, get the NYE Package. It includes brunch on New Year’s Day, dinner for two on New Year’s Eve, and a two-night stay at our inn!
Cowboy Judy Christmas Show
Enjoy dinner and music at the at The Purple Onion! This music talent sings country and Motown in soulful and eclectic styles. They are Amanda Ann Platt, Amber Sankaran, Dulci Ellenberger, and Melissa Hyman. Dinner is available for guests with tickets.
Winter Lights at NC Arboretum (Asheville)
Walk in the beautiful gardens of Asheville and see thousands of energy-efficient LED lights at Winter Lights at NC Arboretum. Listen to story times and live music while enjoying hot cocoa, fire pits, and s’mores!
Biltmore Estate Christmas (Asheville)
If you have never experienced a Christmas at an estate, you want to go to Biltmore Estate Christmas. Here you get two experiences depending on if you visit during the day or at night. During the day, enjoy their Daytime Celebration by exploring the gardens, visiting the winery, and seeing Santa! At night the Candlelight Christmas Evenings stroll the estate after having a fine meal and a glass of wine. Day or night, the Biltmore Estate Christmas is an enchanting place to be.
Holiday Market Asheville
Enjoy a weekend of shopping for holiday crafts and wares at the Holiday Market in Asheville. Find handcrafted gifts for your loved ones over three different weekends. Enjoy unique vendors and items you may not find anywhere else!
Must-Do Seasonal Activities in December in Western NC
Snow Tubing
If you want to laugh and smile, go tubing at Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park. Slide down the hill on a bouncy tube, get pictures, and make fun memories!
Winter Hiking
Winter hiking is perfect for taking in the fresh mountain air and gorgeous photographs. The Best Spots for Winter Hiking will take your breath away because they are such fabulous places.
Skiing and Snowboarding
A popular activity in December in western NC is skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of places to go in the mountains of North Carolina. We wrote a thorough blog detailing everything you need to know about the best ski areas near Asheville, NC.
Spend Your December in Western NC at Orchard Inn
Gift a holiday getaway with us and have a fantastic time in the winter wonderland in Saluda, NC. When you are done exploring Saluda, come back to one of our cottages or bed and breakfast guest rooms. Enjoy cozy gas fireplaces and whirlpools. We have gorgeous views of the mountains, complimentary breakfast, and our restaurant, Newman’s. You can get Sunday brunch and dinner. Browse our accommodations and special packages. We can’t wait for you to come to stay with us for the holidays!
