November 25 - December 31st. Open Daily 11AM – 5PM

Throughout the city of Asheville, a special kind of Christmas spirit comes alive. This year, the sights and sounds of the holiday await at a unique, homey destination. A visit to the Southcliff Christmas Cottage, located just minutes from downtown Asheville, offers an inspiring take on holiday decorating, along with a taste of mountain living at its best.

Showcasing the talents of local home furnishings and interior design company, Yesterday’s Tree, of Asheville, the Christmas Cottage transports visitors to a magical place. Step inside and it feels like you’re home for the holidays, in a cozy, festive mountain getaway that’s rustic and yet elegant, with a whimsical feel that “touches people’s hearts and makes them feel at home,” says Stephanie Wilkinson, head designer and buyer at Yesterday’s Tree. Filled with holiday cheer and innovative decorating ideas that are sure to inspire (well beyond the artfully-adorned Christmas tree and stockings hanging on the fireplace mantel,) visitors to the Christmas Cottage will discover countless ways to transform their own homes for the holidays.

Outside, a winter wonderland lights the way to the cottage and surrounds it in a festive glow. Shimmering icicles and snowflakes, white-sparkled trees and lit candles in the windows add to the magical Christmas mood. Installed by Bailey Tree Preservation, a tree care service company in Asheville, the stunning light display is exclusively created with eco-friendly LED bulbs, providing a beautiful white glow while leaving a lower carbon footprint, says Ian Bailey, owner.

“This is the essence of Christmas, kicked up a notch, with some unexpected surprises that appeal to everyone in the family,” adds Wilkinson.

The Christmas Cottage is representative of the homes that blend in with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains in the award-winning Southcliff community. Featuring poplar siding, interior wooden beams, a natural stone fireplace and an outdoor living area with a summer kitchen and fire pit, its architecture, as well as the furnishings inside, reflect a style that’s both rustic and elegant, with a nod towards Arts & Crafts design, says Wilkinson.

Visitors to the Christmas Cottage will also be treated to traditional winter and Christmas treats, including warm apple cider, eggnog, hot chocolate, and holiday cookies, while listening to the sounds of Christmas music. For those interested, private tours of the Southcliff community and homes will be available on an ongoing basis during the event.

Asheville offers a variety of additional festive events and attractions throughout the holiday season. Don’t miss the National Gingerbread House Competition & Display at the Grove Park Inn, November 14 – January 1 (www.groveparkinn.com); the Biltmore Village Dickens Festival, December 2 – 4 (www.biltmorevillage.com); and Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration/Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore Estate, November 11 – December 31 (www.biltmore.com).

Located on the south face of Cedar Cliff Mountain, the Southcliff community is gently nestled within its natural setting, offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As Asheville’s closest gated community to downtown, Southcliff is a peaceful, breathtaking mountain retreat just minutes away from city life.