Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Baby Story Time
Dec 10 @ 3:30 pm โ€“ 4:15 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join us for a lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.

Winter Lights
Dec 10 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this yearโ€™s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 โ€“ 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 11 @ 9:00 am โ€“ 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review ourย Running Group Guidanceย and email [email protected] with any questions.

Puppet Playtime
Dec 11 @ 10:00 am
East Asheville Public Library

Every Wednesday morning, we open up the children’s activity room to give kids time for free play with puppets. Children must be under the supervision or a parent or guardian.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,โ€™ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, yโ€™all!

Winter Lights
Dec 11 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this yearโ€™s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 โ€“ 10:00 p.m.

All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914 at North Carolina Stage Company
Dec 11 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Manโ€™s Land singing โ€œStille Nacht.โ€ Thus begins an extraordinary time of camaraderie, music, and peace in a spontaneous ceasefire during World War 1. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.

โ€œA beautiful musical retelling of a World War I ceasefire
with gifts of music, poetry, and melody.โ€
-New York Times

Thursday, December 12, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 12 @ 9:00 am โ€“ 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review ourย Running Group Guidanceย and email [email protected] with any questions.

Baby Storytime
Dec 12 @ 10:30 am โ€“ 11:00 am
Black Mountain Library

A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 12 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,โ€™ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, yโ€™all!

Winter Lights
Dec 12 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this yearโ€™s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 โ€“ 10:00 p.m.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 12 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,โ€™ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, yโ€™all!

All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914 at North Carolina Stage Company
Dec 12 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Manโ€™s Land singing โ€œStille Nacht.โ€ Thus begins an extraordinary time of camaraderie, music, and peace in a spontaneous ceasefire during World War 1. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.

โ€œA beautiful musical retelling of a World War I ceasefire
with gifts of music, poetry, and melody.โ€
-New York Times

Friday, December 13, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 13 @ 9:00 am โ€“ 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review ourย Running Group Guidanceย and email [email protected] with any questions.

Baby Story Time with Ms. Kate
Dec 13 @ 10:30 am โ€“ 11:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

These early literacy programs for kids and their caregivers are designed to develop a joy for learning through books, songs, and activities.

Story time takes place in our library community room. This is not a ticketed event.

Acoustic Jam Session
Dec 13 @ 4:00 pm โ€“ 7:00 pm
Sideways Farm & Brewery

Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio

The 4th Annual Winter Wonder Walk
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm โ€“ 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Celebrate the magic of winter at the 4th annual Winter Wonder Walk, an immersive outdoor story-walk that combines the excitement of live theater with a scenic walk in the woods. This festive adventure takes guests through the kingdom of Winterland as each page is brought to life by many delightful characters along the way. Created by Asheville Plays and hosted by the Adventure Center of Asheville, the event includes a heated tent with a holiday market featuring many local businesses, a kidsโ€™ play area, tasty concessions, and Venezuelan cuisine from Delish Food Truck. Guests can also enjoy the Treetops Adventure Park Glow Trail, open to guests aged 4 and older, illuminated with thousands of lights. Kids can earn a free general admission ticket by participating in the Sโ€™Mitten With Books program. Festivities start at 6 PM, with the Winter Wonder Walk opening at 6:30 PM. Each ticket purchased supports the community by donating to Manna Foodbank, making this a wonderful way to celebrate the season with loved ones! There are six opportunities to experience this enchanting memory; Nov 29,30, & Dec 6,7,13,14. Please check our website for more information, FAQs, and to purchase your tickets! www.winterwonderwalk.com.

Winter Lights
Dec 13 @ 6:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this yearโ€™s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise. All prices are per vehicle. No pets allowed.

Winter Lights features live entertainment nightly and food and beverages from the Bent Creek Bistro, the Cocoa Shack and the Cocoa Cabin! Open nightly from 6:00 โ€“ 10:00 p.m.

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 13 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,โ€™ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, yโ€™all!

All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914 at North Carolina Stage Company
Dec 13 @ 7:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Manโ€™s Land singing โ€œStille Nacht.โ€ Thus begins an extraordinary time of camaraderie, music, and peace in a spontaneous ceasefire during World War 1. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.

โ€œA beautiful musical retelling of a World War I ceasefire
with gifts of music, poetry, and melody.โ€
-New York Times

Itโ€™s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Dec 13 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Frank Capraโ€™s beloved American holiday classic film is reimagined as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Set in Studio A at WBFR in Manhattan on Christmas Eve 1946, this hilarious re-enactment, with the help of a live Foley and a talented small ensemble, brings the entire town of Bedford Falls to life on stage. Small-town everyman George Bailey is having a Christmas Eve that can only be saved by a miracle. Enter Georgeโ€™s guardian angel, Clarence, who takes him on a heartwarming journey of redemption proving that โ€œno one is a failure who has friends.โ€

Saturday, December 14, 2024
Dolly Partonโ€™s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Dec 14 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Partonโ€™s Imagination Libraryย impacts the preยญ-literacy skills and school readiness ofย children under the age of 5ย in Buncombe County. The program mails a new,ย free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Partonโ€™s Imagination Library creates a home library of up toย 60 booksย andย instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email toย [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, whichย include:ย The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come,ย and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Partonโ€™s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from theย Buncombeย Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their childrenโ€™s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Togetherโ€™s adult programming.

The program servedย 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 inย August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget.ย Weโ€™re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County. ย 

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Dec 14 @ 9:00 am โ€“ 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review ourย Running Group Guidanceย and email [email protected] with any questions.

Li’l Boogers: Kids Comedy Tour
Dec 14 @ 10:00 am โ€“ 11:00 am
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

Explore Asheville with the whole family!

Age Restrictions

All Ages Welcome!
(Content is geared towards ages 5-12 years old)
Childrenย mustย be accompanied by an adult.
Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Duration

60 Minutes

What’s Included

Crazy funny guide
Off-bus characters
Fun facts about Asheville
Age-appropriate jokes

About

Nowโ€™s your chance to bring the whole family on the big purple bus! Educational and entertaining, LaZoomโ€™s Kidsโ€™ Comedy tour features a perfect blend of Asheville information and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically towards the 5-12 year old crowd, youโ€™ll learn about our cityโ€™s history and see the sights in true LaZoom style โ€“ complete with our famously outlandish tour guides, hilarious comedy skits, and all sorts of special appearances! Perfect for birthday parties or school field trips, itโ€™s the best thing to do with your kids in Asheville. Itโ€™s a show on wheels!

The tour is 60 minutes long and includes no stops. The tour is hosted by a zany tour guide, and along the way other characters will hop on the bus and perform kid-centric sketches (Candy Pirate, Ninja, and a Levitator) The tour is not only fun โ€“ itโ€™s educational! Kids and adults will learn new and interesting facts about Asheville along the way. There must be 1 adult for every 4 children. We do not allow any unaccompanied children. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket if they are sitting in an adults lap.

Waitlist

If your desired time and availability is full, then please give us a call to be added to the waitlist.

Breakfast with Santa
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am โ€“ 2:00 pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown

Bringing you a new family holiday tradition, Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown is proud to present Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 14th from 11am-2pm. This family-friendly event will be the highlight of the holiday season, bringing smiles and memories to cherish. Spread the holiday cheer to friends and family via Facebook event.

FREE to the public:
๓ฐ–ก Meet & greet, plus photo op with Santa by Yellow Tie Photo Booth
๐ŸŽ„ ‘Letters to Santa’ station with Wedge Studios artist Julie Armbruster
๐ŸŽถ Groove to the holiday beats with live music by DJ Camaro
๐Ÿ– Activity table by YMCA of Western North Carolina

Add a special holiday breakfast to your Santa visit. Buffet ticket prices are $32 for adults and $12 for kids with a portion of the proceeds to benefit YMCA WNC. Purchase your breakfast tickets today on Eventbrite.

Breakfast Ticket Includes:
๐Ÿณ Full breakfast with a build your own omelet bar
๐Ÿพ Savor a complimentary mimosa (for the grown-ups!)
โ˜•๏ธHot chocolate for the kiddos

Breakfast with Santa
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am โ€“ 2:00 pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown

Bringing you a new holiday tradition to celebrate in Asheville with your family this year – Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Asheville is proud to present BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on December 14th from 11AM – 2PM. This family-friendly event will be sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer.

FREE to the Public:
๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿผ Santa Meet & Greet + Photo Op with Yellow Tie Photo Booth
๐ŸŽ„ “Letters to Santa” Station featuring Wedge Studio artist Julie Armbruster
๐ŸŽถ Holiday Tunes spun by DJ Camaro
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Creative Fun at the activity table hosted by YMCA of Western North Carolina

Make your Santa visit extra special with a festive breakfast! Tickets for the breakfast buffet are $32 for adults and $12 for kids, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting YMCA of WNC.

Purchase your breakfast ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1079982840749/preview/

Breakfast Ticket Includes:
๐Ÿณ Delicious Full Breakfast with a build-your-own omelet bar
๐Ÿพ Complimentary Mimosa for the grown-ups!
โ˜•๏ธ Hot Chocolate for the little ones

Breakfast with Santa
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am โ€“ 2:00 pm
Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown

Bringing you a new holiday tradition to celebrate in Asheville with your family this year – Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Asheville is proud to present Breakfast with Santa on December 14th from 11AM-2PM. This family-friendly event will be sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer.

Adult tickets $45 and kids $15 with a portion of the proceeds to benefit YMCA WNC.

Ticket Includes:
๐Ÿณ Full breakfast with a build your own omelet bar
๐Ÿพ Savor a complimentary mimosa (for the grown-ups!)
๐ŸŽ…๐Ÿผ Meet & greet, plus photo op with Santa by Yellow Tie Photo Booth
๐ŸŽ„ ‘Letters to Santa’ station with Wedge Studio artist Julie Armbruster
๐ŸŽถ Groove to the holiday beats with live music by DJ Camaro
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Activity table by YMCA of Western North Carolina

Around the World Christmas Market
Dec 14 @ 12:00 pm โ€“ 5:00 pm
The Expo Center

๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŽ Step into a festive wonderland at the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County’s Around the World Christmas Market! Join us on Saturday, December 14th, from 12 PM to 5 PM at the Expo Center for a dazzling day of holiday fun.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ With over 50 vendors, youโ€™ll find the perfect last-minute gifts for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members. From unique crafts to artisan goodies, thereโ€™s something for everyone!
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Treat yourself to mouth-watering flavors from four food trucks and enjoy delicious locally sourced baked treats at our concessions.
๐ŸŽค Experience the magic with live performances from our talented Club Kids and capture the holiday spirit in every note.
๐ŸŽ… And donโ€™t miss out on a visit from Santa himselfโ€”ready to greet you with a ho-ho-ho and listen to all your Christmas wishes!
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Tickets: $10 General Admission
๐Ÿต Special Feature: Upgrade your general admission with an Around the World Tea Tasting Package, which includes a tea-tasting experience with a Tea Sommelier, all for just $30.
All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County. Come celebrate the season of giving with us and help spread the Christmas cheer! ๐ŸŽ„โœจ

Asheville SantaCon 2024
Dec 14 @ 1:00 pm โ€“ 8:00 pm
Urban Orchard Cider Co.

From holiday spirits to festive brews, revel in the merry-making with drink specials designed to warm your heart and ignite holiday cheer. Whether you’re Santa, an elf, or any other holiday character, make this night an epic adventure with friends old and new.

What’s Included With Your Bar Crawl Ticket?
OVER 4+ VENUES!
WAIVED COVER FEES!
JOIN THE MERRIEST BAR CRAWL EVER!
GENEROUSLY LOW DRINK SPECIALS!
FREE AFTER PARTY!
LIVE DJ AT SELECT VENUES!
TAG US FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED ON OUR SOCIALS
HUNDREDS OF SANTAS!

Don’t miss out on this epic event! Grab your tickets now and let’s make memories together.

Free Tickets Galore!
Want to experience the festive fun on the house? You can earn 2 free tickets by spreading the word! Simply invite your Facebook friends to the event and shoot us a message with the magic words “Free tickets” at https://www.messenger.com/t/pubcrawlsusa. It’s that easy! Limited time offer so hurry before it expires December 1st!

Event Information Cancellations, Refunds, and Event Guidelines
Event Guidelines: As you prepare for this exciting adventure, please remember to drink responsibly. Our event is all about enjoying the moment, but safety is paramount. Never drink and drive – let’s keep the roads as safe as our party! If you have any questions or need more information, be sure to check out our FAQs page at https://pubcrawls.com/faq/. We’ve got answers to all your queries.

Contact Us: Our dedicated customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with any inquiries. Whether it’s regarding tickets, event details, or anything else, we’re here to help. Your questions are important to us, and we guarantee prompt responses. Contact us via email at [email protected]. Visit www.pubcrawls.com for more information and exclusive discounts.

Disclaimer: Must be 21 years or older to participate in our events. All participating bars and their food or drink specials may be subject to change at the venue’s discretion. Free tickets do not include any beverages, shots, promotional items, or supplies provided as part of the paid bar crawl. Must present your ticket at check-in before check-in time ends to receive your wristband. All sales are final, no returns, refunds, or exchanges for services once purchased.

Group Rate :: 4 Single Santas Check In 1pm-4pm: USD 10.99,
General Admission :: Check In 1pm-4pm: USD 19.99

Urban Orchard Cider Co., 24 Buxton Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina, 28801, United States

A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 14 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Tis the season to be jolly! The tradition continues with the same great holiday cheer to put you in the Christmas spirit. All new renditions of your holiday favorites will help you get those sleigh bells jinglin,โ€™ and chestnuts roasting! There is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season. So, hurry on over with your family, friends, and loved ones to share in the joy and excitement of this seasonal spectacular that will have you feeling merry and bright! Ring-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding, yโ€™all!