It brings so much joy to Santa seeing everyone truly enjoying Christmas with smiles, hugs, and embracing the Christmas Spirit. Here are some of Santa’s and the Elves’ favorite things to do during the Christmas season. Just click the BLUE TITLE on each activity for more information. Have fun!!
Google Santa Tracker and NORAD Tracks Santa
Google Santa Tacker not only allows children to keep track of Santa’s travels on Christmas Eve — children can also play, learn, and explore with Santa and his Elves all year long.
NORAD has been the official tracker of Santa’s Christmas Eve travels since 1955. Available on December 1 of each year, children can play games and, of course, keep a close watch on Santa’s location anywhere in the world on Christmas Eve.
Altogether Christmas Coloring Pages
Lots of Christmas joy for all the little ones with free Christmas Coloring Pages from AltogetherChristmas.com. Easy to download and print, there are pages for all skill levels — from little ones just getting started to the more accomplished artist!
Winter Lights At The North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum, located just off Brevard Road in Asheville, presents the Winter Lights display each Christmas. The show is the largest annual fundraiser for the Arboretum supporting many other of its activities and mission to the community.
Call 828-665-2492 for ticket information.
The Lake Julian Festival of Lights
The Lake Julian Festival of Lights, sponsored by Buncombe County Parks & Recreation, is a drive-through light show that has become a yearly tradition for families and visitors. All are invited to drive along the magical Christmas displays as lights sparkle over the lake and favorite Christmas songs are played. See a video here of the Lake Julian Festival of Lights.
Call 828-250-4260 for more information.
The Polar Express Train RideThe Polar Express Train Ride departs from the Bryson City Depot and heads for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself! The classic story will unfold before your eyes as all sing and dance their way to the North Pole while enjoying hot chocolate and sweet treats. Santa visits each coach and hands out the first gift of Christmas to each child.
See a video here from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express.
Call (800) 872-4681 for reservations.
Just over an hour from Asheville, the town of Forest City welcomes you to over one million Christmas lights along its historic Main Street. It has been voted the #1 Christmas town in the greater Asheville area and the #2 place to see Christmas lights in Western North Carolina by RomanticAsheville.com. Additionally, the celebrations include a tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas parade, carriage rides, hay rides, ice skating — and, of course, Santa Claus! See a video here at Christmas in The Forest.
The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour is a great family activity for the kids when in Asheville. It includes storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling with an on-board musician performing classic songs of Christmas. You will see festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville as well as the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
The Winter Wonderland At Grove Arcade
The 1920’s architecture of Asheville’s historic Grove Arcade comes to life during the Christmas season with the Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade. There is a tree lighting ceremony, movies and book readings for children, Christmas trees, lights, and Santa Claus! The smiles on faces puts all in the Christmas spirit.
The Winterfest & Christmas Light Show at Tryon
Just a 45 minute drive from Asheville, the Tryon International Equestrian Center hosts the Winterfest & Christmas Light Show. You will drive through a beautiful 2 mile Christmas light show that is synchronized to music. As you drive through hundreds of thousands of lights, you will enjoy large displays of Santa and many other characters. Families can visit the Winterfest Village that includes Santa’s North Pole Experience (you might see Santa!!), the Who-liday Character Zone, Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Kitchen, and live music. See a video here of the Winterfest & Christmas Light Show.
Christmas at BiltmoreOne of Asheville’s most famous landmarks, the Biltmore Estate becomes a Christmas destination like no other transporting one back in time to 1895 when George Vanderbilt first welcomed Christmas guests into his home. Elaborate hand decorated trees, a 35 foot live Frasier fir in the Banquet Hall, daytime tours, and candlelight tours all await a Christmas visit to Biltmore. See a video here of Christmas at Biltmore.