You’ll experience a special kind of magic during winter in the WNC mountains. Snowy peaks, holiday spirit, romantic retreats, and family-friendly adventures await during your visit this season. With Waynesville averaging 11 inches of snow and 209 sunny days per year, there’s no better area to explore this winter.
For this month’s edition, we’re sharing the best ways to take advantage of the WNC’s winter wonderland, from festivals and holiday events to weekend getaways and more. Plus, you’ll learn about a fantastic homesite that could be yours — and meet your future neighbors, too.
Experience Holiday Magic Like Never Before
There’s no shortage of holiday spirit in the WNC area! Stay right here in Waynesville for downtown’s finest holiday festival, A Night Before Christmas. Enjoy live music, carolers, lights lining the streets, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Stroll through shops to check off your gift list, enjoy eateries, and visit the Living Nativity display under the stars.
Continue the festive fun with tons of options within about a 40-minute drive from Avalon!
Don’t miss The Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread Competition, which has been part of the community for nearly 30 years. Bring the whole family to view the impressive displays and enjoy the artistry of this beloved event.
Even more magical displays await at the Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Take in the illuminated ambiance with beautifully lit displays in the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. Celebrate the season as you walk through the displays and see their 50-foot lighted tree for yourself.
Book your weekend or day trip to the famed Biltmore Estate and see America’s largest home in person. Enjoy magical experiences during Christmas at Biltmore, including more than 100 decorated trees, twinkling lights, live music, and holiday displays you won’t find anywhere else. Visit the estate’s Antler Hill Village to enjoy a dazzling light display, wine tastings, plus plenty of dining, relaxing, and shopping options. The perfect romantic getaway in NC, book your stay at the Biltmore for a couple’s retreat like no other.
Next, head up to the Asheville area to experience a local-favorite drive-thru Christmas light show. Lake Julian’s Festival of Lights features 50 animated and stationary displays both kids and adults alike will love.
Branch out about an hour and a half or less for even more holiday fun, plus great winter scenery along the way! Book a trip to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Tryon, NC, and feast your eyes on an orchestrated light show set to music for a magical holiday experience you can’t miss.
Keep the light show going with a scenic drive to Gatlinburg, TN, to see Anakeesta’s Enchanted Winter of Lights display. When the sun goes down, Anakeesta mountain comes to life with its very own winter wonderland featuring magical villages, light displays, and entertainment for the whole family.
Explore even more holiday fun for the whole family right here in the Waynesville area.
Homesite Spotlight: Site 54 on Sleepy Hollow Drive
Ready to experience holiday mountain magic every year? There’s a homesite waiting for you.
Sitting on 1.130 acres and approximately 3,800 feet elevation, this homesite features no shortage of stunning views from every angle. Drink your morning coffee as you gaze at the long-range views of the Great Smoky Mountains, Mt. Pisgah, and Cold Mountain. Take in views of peaceful Lake Junaluska, and work with our team of professionals to bring your dream home to life. Schedule your tour of homesite 54 while it’s still available!
Future Neighbor Feature: Meet the Friedmans
Custom views and stunning natural amenities are certainly part of what makes life at Avalon special — but the people in our mountain community are really what set it apart. This month, we’d like to introduce Carin and Rob Friedman as they share why they chose to call Avalon home.
“We chose Avalon for several reasons, such as gorgeous mountain views, high elevation, hiking trails/walkable community, and low HOA fees. In addition, we love that it is just a short drive into Waynesville – a charming mountain town with all of the necessary conveniences such grocery stores, restaurants, fitness centers, and medical facilities, “ say the Friedmans.
“Perhaps most importantly, everyone in the neighborhood seems friendly, warm, and kind. We are incredibly excited to have our house finished so that we can begin to enjoy our new home, acclimate to the fun NC mountain lifestyle, and become part of this wonderful Avalon community.”
Plan your winter wonderland getaway and experience the magic of Avalon for yourself. Schedule your discovery tour today.