Asheville’s holiday season is in full swing, and it has already brought some unforgettable moments to Biltmore Park Town Square.
We’ve seen the bright glow of the annual Tree Lighting, the cheerful bustle of Santa in the Square, the start of the Winter Lights Trolleys, and two amazing Holiday Markets. The community has shared joy, laughter, and a whole lot of wonder throughout it all.
If you’ve been part of these holiday events, you know just how special they’ve been. And if you haven’t had a chance to swing by yet, there’s still time to join in!
South Asheville’s most iconic Tree Lighting once again set the tone for the season. It was truly the best way to start the season.
Families gathered in their warmest coats, children raced toward the tree, and everyone seemed to carry the same excited energy as our friends from the Koontz Intermediate School band filled the night with cheerful music.
As the time approached, the crowd began to count down before a moment of anticipation, then a flash of light, a burst of music, and snow drifting through the air.
Parents lifted little ones higher to see the lights dance through the branches, and groups stopped to take photos under the canopy of color. Some kids were giddy with joy as they jumped and danced around in the snowfall. It was the kind of moment that you remember for years to come.
The magic continued with Santa in the Square and the Holiday Market. From the moment Santa arrived, children hurried over with warm hearts and big smiles. His chair stayed busy with families capturing memories and sharing wish lists while others wrote their letters to Santa.
The Holiday Market stretched through the Square with local vendors offering handmade toys, warm drinks, baked treats, and gifts you cannot find anywhere else.
The air was filled with a myriad of delicious seasonal scents, and you could hear laughter floating between the booths. It was a perfect mix of festive charm and community spirit that made the day feel full from beginning to end.
Looking for your pictures with Santa? Our 2025 Santa in the Square Image Gallery is now live!
The first Winter Lights Trolleys also rolled out this month, giving guests a unique, cozy, and convenient way to experience an Asheville-favorite holiday tradition.
Riders stepped aboard to the sound of holiday music as the trolley made its way from Biltmore Park to the North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights exhibit. From large families to single riders, the Trolley brought the community out.
Once the trolley reached the Arboretum, guests walked into a world of glowing pathways and illuminated displays that covered the gardens in color, all while sipping on a complimentary hot cocoa.
If you missed the start of the season, don’t worry, there is still plenty more to enjoy. The Winter Lights Trolleys continue until December 27, with each ticket including transport both ways, admission, and a gift bag full of some special goodies.
The Winter Lights Trolley is the easiest and most festive way to see the Arboretum’s Winter Lights display without worrying about parking or planning. All you have to do is hop on, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Tickets for the remaining Winter Lights Trolleys are available now. Seats are limited, so make sure to click the link below and reserve your spot today!
