Plan a Winter Wonderland weekend in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Any time is the perfect time to visit Black Mountain, but there’s something extra special about the first weekend in December. On this weekend every year, the entire town rolls out the red and green carpet, inviting you to share in some of our favorite holiday traditions! In 2024, we’re especially happy to welcome you to our beloved town.
Know before you go
Western North Carolina communities like Black Mountain are still recovering from Hurricane Helene in ways that are visible as well as deep below the surface. Please keep this in mind as you visit us this holiday season. You might encounter a restaurant or shop with limited hours or selection, or a road closure where you didn’t expect it, or variations in time-honored traditions. Rest assured that’s only temporary. As foot traffic increases, our recovery will accelerate. That’s why your visit means everything to us.
Thursday, December 5
If you can sneak away a little early, arrive Thursday evening and make a long weekend of it. Book reservations in one of our conveniently-located hotels—including locally-owned gems like Peri Social House, Red Rocker Inn, The Monte Vista Hotel, and Black Mountain Inn—or choose from a wide selection of highly-rated rental properties. Since it’s going to be a busy weekend in town, consider making dinner reservations in advance, too. Visit our Dining directory for delicious recommendations.
Friday, December 6
Friday’s the perfect day to sleep in, then enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of our coffee shops, bakeries, or local favorites.
Next, we suggest you swing by the Black Mountain Center for the Arts and check out their 2024 Ceramics Exhibit and show. Since you’re only steps away, make your next stop the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center and learn about the history of Black Mountain and our neighboring communities.
Hungry for lunch? We’ve got you covered. Black Mountain has a wide range of restaurants in downtown and within a 2-4 minute drive.
After lunch, take a stroll through downtown to get the lay of the land before festivities begin at 4pm. Don’t forget to visit The Monte Vista Hotel’s charming Deck the Trees display (they make great selfie backgrounds)!
Swing by one of our breweries or distillery for happy hour, then you’re ready for the evening’s activities.
While town shops and galleries have been open all day, starting at 5pm they come alive with Christmas cheer for our annual event, Holly Jolly Black Mountain, featuring discounts, specials, entertainment, Santa, carolers, and more. Check out the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for details, or visit their website.
From 4-8pm on Friday, White Horse Black Mountain hosts one of their Holiday Market pop-ups, a special shopping experience featuring local crafts, artisan goods, and live music.
Enjoy local fare for dinner, then if you’re looking for a lively place to round out the evening, refer to our directory of locally-owned breweries, distillery, and bars or check out My Carolina Mountain Life’s community calendar for a list of live music events.
Saturday, December 7
Saturday is the perfect day to return to the destinations you love or discover someplace new. Refer to our Things to Do directory, or scroll down this page to discover some of the holiday activities taking place in Black Mountain, Swannanoa, and Asheville.
Feel like spending time in the great outdoors? In town, you can walk the trail around Lake Tomahawk, but please use at your own risk, because this and other town parks were damaged by Hurricane Helene. Read our blog story about the status of our parks before you visit. If you don’t mind a short drive, an 11-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville has been repaired and reopened, as have some state parks in Western North Carolina. Read our blog story for more information.
Whatever you do during the day, make plans to return before 4pm for the Black Mountain Christmas parade and our beautiful Circle of Lights display from 5-7pm in Town Square. Selfie magic!
Sunday, December 8
We hate to say good-bye, but there’s one thing we know for sure. Whenever you spend time in Western North Carolina, a little piece of it stays with you in your memories and your heart. This year in particular, your visit will stay with us too, because of the love and support you’ve shared with Black Mountain.
Your Black Mountain Winter Wonderland Weekend
DECK THE TREES
December 6, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Stroll through beautifully decorated Christmas trees designed by local artists and community members. Hosted by the historic Monte Vista Hotel. CLICK for info.
HOLIDAY MARKET SERIES
Friday, Dec. 6 from 4-8pm
Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, & 21 from 10am-4pm
White Horse Black Mountain and the Black Mountain Tailgate Market team up to host this special shopping experience featuring local crafts, artisan goods, and live music. CLICK for info.
HOLLY JOLLY BLACK MOUNTAIN
Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 from 5-8pm or later
A festive event where shops stay open late, offering holiday specials and entertainment. CLICK for info.
BLACK MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS PARADE
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at 4pm
Our annual holiday parade featuring local bands, floats, and a visit from Santa Claus. CLICK for info.
CIRCLE OF LIGHTS
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 from 5-7pm
After the parade, make your way to Town Square where you’ll experience the enchanting Circle of Lights. CLICK for info.
MORE EVENTS
Visit My Carolina Mountain Life for more events this weekend and throughout the holiday season, including concerts, family activities, artisan markets, and more.
Discover More: Holiday Activities in Asheville
CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE
November 2, 2024 – January 5, 2025
From Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village, thousands of sparkling holiday vignettes create a one-of-kind experience during the day and at night. CLICK for info.
WINTER LIGHTS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM
November 15 – December 31, 2024
As night falls, this annual tradition offers more than just a stunning display of thousands of lights to walk through in wonder—this year, it also serves as a tribute to the resilient spirit of our Western North Carolina community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. CLICK for info.
GINGERBREAD TRAIL OF GIVING
November 23, 2024 — January 5, 2025
Although the 2024 National Gingerbread House Competition has been canceled due to the impacts of Helene, The Omni Grove Park Inn is keeping the spirit of this 30-year tradition alive by hosting a Gingerbread Trail of Giving. Over 40 artists will display their creations at local businesses throughout Asheville, including The Omni Grove Park Inn. CLICK for info.
GROVE ARCADE HOLIDAY LIGHTS & POP-UP SHOPS
Throughout the holidays
Every year, the architecturally-stunning Grove Arcade transforms into a holiday fairytale with splendid décor, shopping, and dining. In 2024, the Grove Arcade will also be offering gallery space to River Arts District businesses and artists displaced by Helene, like Marquee and WEDGE Studios. CLICK for info.
LAKE JULIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
December 1-23, 2024
This drive-thru display transforms a beloved South Asheville park with a series of light tunnels adorned with animated and stationary exhibits. CLICK for info.
#BlackMountainStrong
Would you like to help the Town of Black Mountain recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene? Your entire donation will support park restoration, ongoing clean-up, and individual + small business recovery programs. CLICK HERE TO DONATE, and thank you for considering.
