The Biltmore House is even more magical when adorned for the holidays - complete with 55 elaborate hand-decorated trees including the favorite 35-ft. live Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall, a thousand poinsettias, miles of garland, and live music. Throughout the estate, find 100+ decorated trees with 25,000+ ornaments, 1.5 miles of fresh garlands, 500 wreaths and sprays, 2,000 poinsettias and other favorite holiday plants, and 100 kissing balls! November 5 through January 9th.

Polar Express Train

A favorite area holiday tradition for kids of all ages (including the adults!) is the Polar Express Train excursion at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad located in its charming hometown of Bryson City. More than 90,000 passengers ride each year! he 1.25-hour round-trip excursion departs the Bryson City depot (see other festive things to do in Bryson City) for a journey over the river and through the woods to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, riders enjoy warm cocoa and cookies while reliving the magical story.

From Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel, dynamic father-son piano duo Donald and Barron Ryan combine their talents to create a dazzling blend of old and new. Their expertise in classical, jazz, ragtime and funk allows these musicians to create exciting new music while giving fresh interpretations of old — all in one special Valentine’s Day performance. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Donald came to the United States to study music, eventually becoming one of the most accomplished pianists in the world as a Steinway Artist.