Holiday Travel: Not-So-Silent Nights in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Asheville is known for mild winters, snow-capped mountains and a cozy downtown full of holiday tradition, but this year the season will sizzle with spectacle, savings and chances to splurge. Below are some of the season's best holiday events and travel deals for 2009:

ASHEVILLE SEASONAL SIZZLE: 19 Days of Not-So-Silent Nights

Holiday magic will literally be in the air as the night sky over Asheville sparkles during Seasonal Sizzle. Firework displays choreographed to Christmas music favorites will light up the night on Saturdays at 7 p.m. in December. Downtown streets will hum with carolers, roving performers and holiday shoppers. Local restaurants will offer "Sizzle Specials," getting guests in and out in time for the fireworks. Shops and galleries will stay open late, offering a festive occasion to browse decked-out window displays, art galleries and Asheville's whimsical boutiques. The lively atmosphere will go well into the evening - visit AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com for event info and details about Sizzle after-parties.

-- Seasonal Sizzle Firework Dates: Dec. 5, 12, 19 at 7 p.m. -- FREE -- Holiday Travel Deal: 'Tis the Season-al Sizzle Package -- Weekend package includes two nights at historic Grove Park Inn, a $50 gift card, twilight spa passes and appetizers at Magnolia Lounge. Watch the fireworks from Sunset Terrace and enjoy the National Gingerbread Competition Display.

-- AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com - holiday events, travel packages, seasonal recipes and shopping guides

MORE TOP HOLIDAY EVENTS:

-- Santa on the Chimney: To ready himself for clambering down chimneys across the world, Santa will practice on 315-foot Chimney Rock. Dates: Dec. 5 & Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. FREE with park admission -- Warren Haynes Christmas Jam: Rock legend Warren Haynes returns to his hometown bringing along his friends for the 21st annual Warren Haynes Xmas Jam featuring Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco and Gov't Mule. Date: Dec. 12 -- National Gingerbread House Competition & Display: Culinary contestants from across the country will bring their edible masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn this holiday season. Check out the new behind-the-scenes gingerbread tour. Dates: Nov. 18, 2009 to Jan. 3, 2010. FREE -- New! Legendary Inns Gingerbread Tour: Take a holiday trolley tour to four of Asheville's historic bed & breakfast inns classically decorated and featuring an elaborate gingerbread scene from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Dates: Saturdays, Nov. 7, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010 at 5 p.m. -- Singing Santa & Asheville Holiday Parade: Grammy Award winner David Holt and Appalachian songstress Laura Boosinger will preside over the Asheville Holiday Parade. Always a favorite, Singing Santa croons from atop his float as it winds through historic downtown. Date: Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. FREE

-- Christmas at Biltmore: Holidays arrive at America's largest home in style. This year, Christmas at Biltmore promises more than 40 Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland, lights and holiday music. Dates: Nov. 6, 2009 to Jan. 2, 2010

SOURCE Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau