Hidden in the North Carolina Mountains is the charming Asheville, NC! Known for its historic downtown area, full of shopping, artwork, city tours, and amazing restaurants, Asheville is the perfect year-round destination. During the holiday season, there is so much more to experience on your trip. Breath-taking mountains serve as a backdrop to a spectacular city! Only 4 hours outside of Atlanta, this would be a great weekend getaway or extended trip this holiday season.  Rent a charter bus with a group of friends to Asheville and check out all of the unique attractions during Christmas time! 

 

Things to do

Christmas at Biltmore Estates

The Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina is a beautiful destination to visit during Christmas. With its gorgeous array of Christmas decor, including over 100 decorated trees and 500 wreaths, the Biltmore is a must see during your group’s trip to Asheville. Tickets for Christmas season at the Biltmore start at $99 per adult. The parking lot is charter bus friendly, making this a great stop for your group’s Asheville itinerary. There are special events that your group can attend during the holidays such as Candlelight Christmas Evenings, and Antler Hill Village Illumination. These events take place at night and have separate costs added on to a general admission price. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include live music and a viewing of the largest decorated tree standing 55 feet tall on the front lawn of the Biltmore property. There are also daytime tours, including both a guided tour and audio tour option. If you are visiting during the day time, be sure to grab lunch at the Stable Cafe for southern style BBQ and burgers in a renovated and decorated barn stable! Antler Hill Village Illumination is connected to The Village at Biltmore and is decked out with glimmering trees and sparkling pathways. Walking Antler Hill is about two miles from the iconic Biltmore house, or you can ride in your coach bus to get to the Village. The Village has gift shops, a winery, restaurants, and even an ice cream parlor! A wide variety of restaurants are offered including Cedric’s Tavern, the Smoke House Food Truck, or The Bistro. These are great lunch options for your group as you explore The Biltmore and Antler Hill Village!

 

Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum

Looking for a great spot to view Christmas lights and take some group photos and view spectacular light displays? Be sure to visit Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville! The walk through light show includes magical photo ops, live musical performances, and educational exhibits! Seasonal snacks such as s’mores kits and hot chocolate are available to purchase in the Bent Creek Bistro. Fire pits and heaters are located along the walking trail so you can roast your marshmallows and build s’mores as you go! The gift shops located within the Arboretum have extended hours during the Winter Lights events to fulfill all of your holiday shopping needs! Winter Lights is a charter bus friendly location, however the North Carolina Arboretum requests your group to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are priced by the vehicle rather than per person, making it an affordable stop to include on your Asheville itinerary!

 

 

Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park

If the weather is on the chilly side, visit Lake Julian Park’s Festival of Lights drive-thru! This drive-thru light display is charter bus friendly, and includes over 50 moving and still light exhibits. Coming in at one of the most affordable entertainment options during the holidays in Asheville, Festival of Lights charges $50 per coach bus, and $10 per car. This light show is also a charity giving 20% of your ticket purchase to the Buncombe County Special Olympics.

 

 

Folk Art Center

The Folk Art Center is located off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. Tour the spectacular art displays and crafts created by local artists! Your group will have the opportunity to shop a wide selection of crafts from southeastern artists spanning across 9 states in the Craft Guild. There are even craft lessons during select times of the year for you and your group to learn from the Folk Art Center professionals! This location is coach bus friendly, and will accept large groups visiting. Be sure to check out the Parkway Store located inside the Folk Art Center, for travel guides, other tour options, and souvenirs! The Folk Art Center is an amazing option for your group to experience the stunning art of Asheville! 

 

 

Dining Options

Sunset Terrace at Grove Park Inn

For stunning views and great food, check out Sunset Terrace at Grove Park Inn. The Grove Park Inn is a luxurious hotel featuring a day spa for guests, golf course and a restaurant that is open to the public. This fine dining location serves fresh cut steaks and seafood, all locally harvested by North Carolina farmers. See the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while experiencing world class cuisine. Sunset Terrace is named “Sunset” due to the beautiful sunsets that cascade over the North Carolina mountains. Being that the Grove Park Inn is a hotel, there is charter bus parking available on site, making this a convenient spot for you and your group. Be sure to call ahead or book a reservation online, because it is peak season for this popular Asheville dining location!

 

 

 

 

Asheville Proper

Located in The Grove Arcade, a historic shopping mall in downtown Asheville, Asheville Proper is one of the premier fine dining restaurants in the city. Asheville Proper is a unique dining experience with a fun atmosphere! This American Cuisine is incredible from start to finish with amazing appetizers and deserts! While charter bus parking is not located on site, there are various parking lots that pay by the hour or day rates. We recommend taking advantage of the day rates and exploring downtown Asheville leading up to your dinner at Asheville Proper. Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation for your group. Known for its perfect cut steaks, Asheville Proper is a great location for fine dining and good times. 

 

 

Biscuit Head

Looking for the perfect brunch spot in Asheville? Look no further than Biscuit Head! The southern, cat-themed, breakfast joint known for its scrumptious biscuits and array of jams, will have your group pleased! Biscuit Head got its name from the traditional southern term to describe the size of the biscuit being about the size of a cat’s head. Throughout the restaurant, you will see cat themed artwork from local artists. The freshly squeezed juices or coffee will start your morning with a burst of energy! Scratch made biscuits with delicious sides will leave your group full and happy. Be sure to visit the “jam bar” and try out all of the different jams. The apple pie jam is a fan favorite during the winter seasons. Looking for a salty side? The “home fries” will not disappoint. Coach bus parking is available at each of their three Asheville locations. With three convenient Asheville locations, Biscuit Head is a must eat stop on your Asheville trip!

 

Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive

Is your group looking for a lively atmosphere with amazing food? Check out Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive in downtown Asheville! Whether your group wants to watch the big game on a giant projector, or listen to live music while you eat, Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive is the place! Charter bus parking is available at the many downtown Asheville parking lots. Known for its sweet Cheerwine BBQ, crisp “Salad Bar In A Jar”, and massive “Bar-B-Cue-Terie” boards, you won’t want to miss this restaurant stop on your next trip to Asheville!

 

Asheville North Carolina is located about four hours north of Atlanta, Georgia, making it an affordable and convenient holiday getaway destination. If you are interested in taking a group to Asheville, you can get an instant quote for charter bus transportation here: Get My Instant Quote or you can call our office at (706) 314-8684 to get a quote today!