Fall/Winter Activities

The 31st Annual National Gingerbread Competition™ will be held in November. The official Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 27, 2023 and will continue through Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

The annual tree raising ceremony, Candlelit Christmas evenings, the festive front lawn and poinsettias in the conservatory - such a beautiful way to experience the Biltmore Estate!

The apple harvest season runs from early August through October, and many of the orchards are open daily. Just 25 miles south of downtown Asheville is one of the country's top apple growing areas. Visit the orchards and farms for free! Popular ones include: Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, Sky Top Orchard, Grandad's Apples, Jeter Mountain Farm, Orchard at Altapass (Little Switzerland), Barber Orchards (Waynesville)

The NC Arboretum is a beautiful place to explore, hike and just experience the plants and trees native to this area. In addition to normal hours, Winter Lights is an extra special event each year! Be sure to get your advance tickets to visit this display.