The City of Asheville is excited
to announce it will partner with
local organizations to expand
the holiday lights program,
newly named Local Lights.

The purpose of the program is to encourage families to visit commercial districts during the holiday season to eat, shop and enjoy holiday festivities.

The N.C. Arboretum continues to curate and install the displays, in tradition with their Winter Lights program at the Arboretum.

The partnership will expand the existing Downtown Lights program and extend into Historic Biltmore Village.

The Asheville Downtown Association, which funds the “starflake” display, also led the expansion of decorations to Pritchard Park this year.

Historic Biltmore Village is a new partner for this year’s Local Lights expansion. The City is delighted to welcome the district to the program, and looks forward to continuing to partner with commercial districts on economic development initiatives like these.

The expansion of this year’s Local Lights program is made possible by generous funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.

This year there are several options to enjoy holiday light celebrations with your friends and family.

Downtown lighting

The 72nd annual Asheville Holiday Parade, produced by the Asheville Downtown Association, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17 on Biltmore and Patton avenues. The Downtown Local Lights program will continue in Pack Square near the Hoss Haley Fountain, featuring the beloved Starflake and a new lighting display in Pritchard Park.

Photos with Santa will take place beginning at 5 p.m. in Pack Square, followed by a Lighting Ceremony to kick-off this year’s Local Lights program at 6 p.m. This free, family friendly event includes hot chocolate, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and carols with the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus. Lights will remain up through the winter season.

Related link: Asheville Holiday Parade to impact bus routes, include street closings

Biltmore Village Local Lights

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Dickens Festival in Historic Biltmore Village. This tradition will incorporate a new Local Lights program this year, extending the lighting display down the length of Boston Way from All Souls to Kitchen Place.

The Dickens Festival is a two-night event, beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. This family friendly event includes a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. that includes Santa Claus, Montford Park Players, Asheville High Choir, chestnuts roasting and Dickens acts and caroling throughout the Village. This year there will be a new attraction — Mugs of Merriment, a hot drink contest featuring local restaurants. Also, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, world famous-puppeteer Lisa Sturz and Red Herring Puppets will perform on the Green.

Arboretum Winter Lights

The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Winter Lights holiday light show from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly Nov. 16 through Dec. 31.

Winter Lights is an outdoor walking tour of the Arboretum’s nationally known gardens dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Designed with an artistic aesthetic, this family-friendly event includes beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes that emphasize the beauty of Western North Carolina during the winter season. More information and tickets are available at ncwinterlights.com.

Biltmore Park Town Square lights

Biltmore Park Town Square will kick off the holiday season with its Holiday Magic and Memories celebration and lighting from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 1. Get in the holiday spirit with festive music, free activities, an appearance from Jolly Old Saint Nick and the tree lighting.