Gingerbread Houses, Nutcracker, Winter Wonderland & More Seasonal Fun in Asheville

Photo Courtesy of Joyful Now Photography

It's Thanksgiving week, and it's a great time of year to be in Asheville, North Carolina. With the holiday season in full swing, the sights and sounds of the season surround you as you stroll the downtown streets, shop the boutiques, dine in the local eateries, and cap off the evening in our at a favorite local watering hole. Be sure to take in some of the local holiday productions and just enjoy your time here in Asheville.

If you are visiting with us over the Thanksgiving holiday, here are a couple of other local stops that you may want to pencil-in to your vacation itinerary. Also be sure to check the comprehensive events calendar for Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina region at ExploreAsheville.com.

The Grove Park Inn in Asheville
The Grove Park Inn is a must-see any time of the year that you're here in Asheville. The grandeur of this historic hotel combined with its fine dining, world-class golf, spectacular shopping, and breathtaking views makes it true treasure. 

Beginning Tuesday, November 20 and continuing through January 2, visitors can enjoy sugar and spice and everything nice at the 2012 National Gingerbread House Competition™ display at the Grove Park Inn. The competition was held privately last weekend and now the masterful entries are available to the public for viewing. These culinary creations were masterfully designed by contestants from across the country. 

While you're here, enjoy the Winter Wonderland you'll find at Downtown Asheville's Grove Arcade. It's your chance to start your holiday shopping while also supporting locally owned businesses. In addition to the gingerbread house displays, visitors can also enjoy the stunning seasonal décor while surrounded by a beautiful mountain setting. A wide selection of gingerbread houses are on display in Suite 115 on O. Henry Avenue. The display is free and open to the public Monday-Saturday from 10a.m.-6p..m and Sunday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. Artist Jason Probst is also on-hand creating beautiful handmade blown glass ornaments in Mountain Made, Suite 123 Sundays through Thursdays through the holiday season.

Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place

Photo Courtesy of Asheville Puppetry Alliance

Are you in the Nutcracker mood? Bring the family to the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville for an unforgettable performance by the Asheville Puppetry Alliance. They present the Mountain Marionettes in "In The Nutcracker Mood", an entertaining production featuring your favorite holiday music. 

The trick marionettes perform a special rendition of "The Nutcracker" by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Also enjoy favorites such as Spike Jones' "All I Want for Christmas" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." 

The public performance of "In The Nutcracker Mood" is held on Saturday, November 24 at 2p.m. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased here.

If you can't be here over the holiday, be sure to plan ahead for a getaway in the mountains of Western North Carolina sometime soon. It's a fabulous time of year to spend in the mountains! 

Asheville Connections wishes you a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Have you been to Asheville or Western North Carolina over the holiday season? Tell us about your visit. We always love hearing from our readers. Our comment section is open!