Holiday Things to do in Hendersonville!

 All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season! Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

Through December 31, 2018 More Info and Booking

Winter Lights

December 31, 2018

Open Nightly: 6 – 10 p.m.

Winter Lights @ North Carolina Arboretum 

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and enjoy unique displays and landscapes composed of more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer. Bent Creek Bistro will be offering its regular menu nightly, as well as specialty items on weekends and holidays. Proceeds generated from Winter Lights help support the Arboretum’s educational programs, exhibits and year-round.

All tickets are date-specific and must be purchased in advance ($5 convenience charge applied when purchased at door on non-sell out nights). Guests must select an entry time (6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., or 8:00 p.m.) when purchasing tickets. Ticket holders may enter any time between their selected entry time and 9 p.m. (Note, if you are using a transportation service such as a taxi, Uber or Lyft, your ride must pick you up no later than 9 p.m. before the entrance gates close.) All tickets sales are final; no refunds/exchanges permitted.

Dogs and outside food and beverages are strictly prohibited at Winter Lights.

Tickets
Ticket Price Ticket Price with Member Discount*
Adult (ages 12+) $18 $16
Child (ages 5-11) $12 $10
Child (4 & under) FREE FREE
Group (minimum of 20 people) $15 $13

Find out more Winter Lights

Check Out More Hendersonville Holiday Events!

December 6 – 9 & 13 – 16
Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown presents: “Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells”
Thursday and Friday 7pm, Saturday 11am & 3pm, Sunday 3pm
When Junie B. draws her rival’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her a lesson! Will the Christmas spirit win out? Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse

December 7
Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas
Main Street / 5pm-8pm
The Downtown merchants open their doors and invite holiday shoppers in with a festive window displays, decorations, caroling, music, and refreshments. (828) 697-2232.

December 9
Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper
1pm-4pm
Fee Charged
The Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper is a self-guided tour of seven of inns and the Cookie Caper part of the tour is a delicious Christmas treat at each inn. (828) 697-3010

December 18 – January 1
Iceless Skating Rink
Regular Hours: 11am-7pm, Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 11Noonpm-7pm
Adults $8, Children $5 ages 10 & younger, group rates available for 12 people or more (payment by cash or check only)
Enjoy ice-skating in Downtown Hendersonville this holiday season. The new larger and improved iceless rink is located at the Visitor Center on South Main Street. The new surface is faster and makes for easier gliding. Two curling are available to try your skills. Play a variety of free games while you wait your turn on the ice. Skating offers endless family-friendly fun.The synthetic ice skating rink is made from special polymers so it can be enjoyed year-round in any temperature. Skate rental included in admission price. Fundraiser of the Henderson County America in Bloom Program. To learn more go to: Henderson County America in Bloom

December 21 – 23
Visit with Santa Claus on the Visitor Center Stage!
2pm-6pm / Free
Visitor Center – 201 South Main Street
Santa Claus will be visiting with the children on the Stage at the Visitor Center on Main Street. Kids bring your wish list to discuss with Santa. Mom and dad need to bring their cameras to capture this cherished moment. (828) 693-9708

December 21 – 23
Main Street Holiday Hayrides
6pm – 9pm
Free
Take a magical hayride through Historic Downtown Hendersonville among its twinkling lights and festive decorations. Board the tractor-drawn wagon ride at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main Street. Reservations are not accepted, first come, first serve basis.

https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/home-for-the-holidays