Kick off the New Year with the fun only found in Asheville and western North Carolina! Here are our top things to do, including the best celebrations and things to do all weekend.

Asheville Area New Year 2020 Eve Parties, Packages & Festivals

Stay in Style: Be pampered in one of the fabulous bed and breakfast inns in and around Asheville. Or get away in a cozy cabin or vacation rental or highly-reviewed hotel. It's a busy weekend in Asheville - so plan ahead!

Winter Lights at NC Arboretum: Stroll through the wonderland in the gardens. Open both New Year's Eve and New Year's nights. Read all about Winter Lights.

Wonderland Drive-Through Light Show: Head to Tryon International Equestrian Center for a 2-mile drive through an over-the-top animated light display. Read more.

Biltmore Estate: Biltmore Estate is open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. See America's largest home decked out in festive finery! Restaurants are open (make dining reservations in advance). Also buy admission tickets well in advance since those dates will probably sell-out. See our Christmas at Biltmore Guide.

Ski: Area ski resorts will be open all weekend, weather permitting.

Get Outdoors: Start work on that New Year's resolution to lose a few pounds and get in better shape! Take a winter hike and enjoy views through with leafless trees, cool temperatures, and few fellow hikers. See our hiking guide for top picks. All trails in the National Forests are open every day. And don't forget to find some of our spectacular waterfalls (most waterfalls are open on New Years Day, including DuPont State State Forest and Gorges State Park).

First Day Hikes: The North Carolina's state parks system will offer free guided First Day Hikes on January 1, the perfect chance to begin the New Year with exercise and a reconnection with nature. Read about First Day Hikes near Asheville.

Shop: There's plenty of shopping options to find after holiday deals. Browse shops in Downtown Asheville (free parking on New Year's Eve & Day). The Asheville Outlets are open both December 31 and January 1. For more great local shops with unique gifts, explore the cool small towns in our mountains.

LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours: What a fun outing with friends and family! Take the zany tour on the big purple bus. Make reservations in advance. Read more about LaZoom Tours.

See our Asheville Holidays Guide for more things to do!

New Year’s Polar Plunge: Unfortunately, the Lake Lure Plunge into chilly water is cancelled for 2020. They plan to return on January 1, 2021. Read more about the Polar Plunge.