Asheville Holiday Season City Tour

If you’re looking for a way to soak up Asheville’s holiday spirit without the hustle and bustle of crowded malls or overly commercial events, the Asheville Holiday Season City Tour offers a charming, laid-back alternative. This fully guided experience emphasizes the magic of the season with beautifully decorated neighborhoods, cozy transportation, and a friendly, knowledgeable guide who makes the journey memorable. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends eager to see Asheville’s festive lights in comfort and style.

Two things stand out immediately about this tour. First, the stunning neighborhood displays bring the city’s holiday sparkle to life in a way that’s both visually delightful and heartfelt. Second, the friendly guides, who are praised for their warmth and knowledge, help turn what could be just a pretty light show into a genuine holiday experience. A possible drawback? The tour is relatively short—around 90 minutes—so if you’re craving a longer, more immersive experience, you might want to combine it with other activities. Still, for a quick, joyful outing, this tour hits the mark. It’s best suited for anyone wanting a cheerful, relaxed way to enjoy Asheville’s holiday ambiance—families with kids, couples, or groups of friends.

Key Points

Beautifully decorated neighborhoods highlight Asheville’s festive charm
Guided experience with friendly, knowledgeable hosts
Comfortable transportation options like open-air Jeeps or a military transport vehicle
Hot chocolate and seasonal music add to the cozy, festive atmosphere
Short, 1.5-hour tour makes it a convenient evening activity
Free cancellation offers peace of mind for planning

An In-Depth Look at the Asheville Holiday Season City Tour

What the Tour Is All About

This 1 hour 30 minutes guided adventure offers a chance to see Asheville’s holiday lights while enjoying a relaxed, festive atmosphere. The tour is priced at $59 per person, which generally represents a good value considering the cozy transportation, hot chocolate, and the sheer beauty of Asheville’s decorated neighborhoods. The experience is hosted by Asheville Tours and Excursions, a reputable provider ensuring a professional and enjoyable outing.

The tour is designed for most travelers—it’s accessible, with service animals allowed, and is near public transportation at the starting point, the Asheville Visitor Center. With a maximum of 11 travelers, it maintains an intimate vibe, making conversations with your guide more personal and engaging.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

The tour kicks off at the Asheville Visitor Center at 6:30 pm, timing it perfectly for evening light displays. The highlight is the journey through Asheville’s most beautifully decorated neighborhoods—your guides will lead you on a route that showcases the city’s festive spirit.

You’ll have the option to ride in a custom-built giant military transport vehicle—a unique and fun way to see the lights— or in one of the open-air Jeeps, which allows for an unobstructed view of the decorations. The choice of vehicle adds a playful element to the experience, especially for families or groups seeking a bit of adventure.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy rich hot chocolate in your complimentary thermal mug, perfect for warming your hands and spirits. The festive soundtrack of Christmas music enhances the atmosphere, making you feel part of a holiday celebration rather than just a sightseeing trip.

Highlights of the Neighborhoods

The neighborhoods featured are decked out in twinkling lights, colorful displays, and charming holiday ornaments. Although the exact areas aren’t listed, the focus on “most beautifully decorated neighborhoods” suggests a curated route that showcases Asheville’s best holiday displays. Expect to see a variety of creative light setups, from traditional white icicle lights to elaborate themed displays.

The Guide’s Role

Judging by the glowing reviews, the guides are a key part of what makes this tour special. One reviewer described the guide as “super friendly and knowledgeable,” who “made the entire experience fun, funny, and unforgettable.” Their enthusiasm and personality turn a simple light tour into a memorable event, especially when they share interesting tidbits about Asheville’s holiday traditions or neighborhood highlights.

Transportation: Comfort and Choice

The transportation options make a difference. The open-air Jeeps provide a more immersive experience, allowing unobstructed views, while the custom-built military vehicle offers a more adventurous, group-oriented vibe. Both options ensure you’re comfortably seated, with plenty of space to enjoy the sights and sounds of Asheville’s holiday displays.

The Experience’s Value

At $59, the tour offers a relaxing and festive evening that includes hot chocolate, music, and expert guiding. When you consider the care taken to select the best neighborhoods and the intimate group size, it’s a good value for those wanting a special way to celebrate the season. The free cancellation policy adds flexibility, so if weather or plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

Traveler Feedback

The reviews are unanimous in their praise. One reviewer exclaimed, “Definitely take this excursion! The guide made the entire experience fun, funny, and unforgettable,” highlighting how much the guides contribute to the tour’s success. The visual appeal of Asheville’s holiday displays and the cozy, fun atmosphere make it a highlight for many visitors.

Practical Tips

To make the most of your experience, arrive at the meeting point a little early to settle in, especially if you want to snag a good spot in the vehicle. Dress warmly, since the tour takes place outdoors in the evening, and consider bringing a small blanket if you tend to get chilly. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak holiday season, and be sure to cancel if your plans change to avoid unnecessary charges.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those who enjoy seasonal festivities in a relaxed setting. Families with children often find it enchanting, especially with the element of a fun vehicle ride and hot chocolate. Couples looking for a cozy, romantic outing with a touch of holiday magic will appreciate the intimate group size and charming neighborhood displays. Groups of friends seeking a cheerful, quick adventure before or after dinner also find it a perfect choice.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want to enjoy the visual spectacle of Asheville’s holiday lights without the hassle of navigating on their own or dealing with crowded events. If your idea of a holiday outing involves good company, beautiful sights, and a warm atmosphere, this tour ticks all those boxes.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For a modest investment of $59, this guided holiday lights tour delivers a delightful peek into Asheville’s festive neighborhoods with the added bonus of warm drinks and lively music. It’s a family-friendly, easy-to-join activity that’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, cheerful evening. The small group size and friendly guides make it feel personal, not touristy.

While it’s a relatively short experience, its charm lies in the quality of the decorations, the warmth of the guides, and the cozy camaraderie of fellow travelers. It’s especially valuable for those visiting Asheville during the holiday season who want a convenient way to enjoy the city’s Christmas spirit without the stress of planning or crowds.

This tour offers a balanced, authentic, and enjoyable way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re a local looking to relive holiday magic or a visitor eager for a memorable Asheville experience, this tour is likely to leave you with warm memories and a big smile.

FAQs

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at the Asheville Visitor Center located at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect short activity for an evening.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes the guided tour, hot chocolate in a thermal mug, festive Christmas music, and transportation in either open-air Jeeps or a custom-built military vehicle.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for families with kids and travelers with disabilities.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your holiday plans.

What vehicles are used for transportation?
You can choose between open-air Jeeps or a custom-built giant military transport vehicle, adding fun and adventure to your viewing experience.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour is accessible to most travelers, the use of vehicles and outdoor settings means it’s best to check specific accessibility options if needed.

How many people are in each tour group?
The tour maintains a small group size, with a maximum of 11 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

In the end, the Asheville Holiday Season City Tour offers a cozy, joyful way to experience Asheville’s festive lights, guided by friendly experts who make it special. If you’re after an authentic holiday outing that’s easy to enjoy, this tour is well worth considering.