The Holiday Season in Asheville – Free Fall Fun: Asheville Activities for All Ages
We’re heading toward the end of the fall season, but most of us aren’t quite ready to let go of the crisp days for sweaters and falling leaves. Winter will be upon Western North Carolina before we know it, so why not take this time to make the most of the remaining fall festivities and the beginning of the holiday season in the area? There are plenty of family friend events you can do for free right in the greater Asheville area. Here are just a few.
Asheville Holiday Parade
Yes, the Asheville Holiday Parade takes place before Thanksgiving. This means you can stay at home and still watch the Macy’s Parade on Turkey day, but you’ve already had a dose of the holiday spirit this November. Come out to downtown Asheville to see our community parade on the Saturday before Thanksgiving starting at 11am. The REACH Fund Board will have a float to help bring awareness to Homeward Bound’s efforts to end chronic homelessness in Buncombe County, so come down and say hi.
You’ll also be able to see the window decorating content entries and the whole city dolled up to celebrate the season.
Take a Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you want some of the best views of fall colors, look no further than the Blue Ridge Parkway. This unique national park winds through the mountains of Western North Carolina (and up into Virginia if you’re ambitious). You can’t beat the symphony of leaves in the fall, but the parkway is majestic every season.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way, too. If you haven’t yet gotten your fill of farms or apple orchards, be sure to stop at the Orchard at Altapass. Or start your holiday shopping early at the Folk Art Center. You can even make a pit stop at the little town of Little Switzerland for shops and dining.
Forest City Hometown Holiday Lights
On Thanksgiving night, Forest City will light their Christmas tree and kick off the holiday season. Lights go on at 7pm and afterwards, families can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and visits with Santa. The ice rink will also be open for skaters. On Fridays throughout the season, there will be hay rides and visits with Santa. And for those with furry family members, pets can get their photos with Santa on Sundays.
National Gingerbread House Competition
Everyone talks about the Biltmore over the holidays, but the cost can be prohibitive for a lot of families. But that isn’t the case at the Omni Grove Park Inn in North Asheville. Families can visit for free to see the entries for the National Gingerbread House Competition throughout November and December.
From the children’s competition (still better than anything we could ever make!) to the grand prize winner, you can wander around the halls of the historic inn and see the decorations and the gingerbread creations.
Do you want to know more about fall and the holiday season activities in Asheville? GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. . is involved in the community and can help you and your family find just the right spot to celebration the season.
