Calendar of Events
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.
Wednesday, December
6, 2023
WNCSource’s Bargain Hendo Thrift Store closing sale
Bar Grand Opening + Holiday Party
Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Winter Lights
Bargain Hendo Thrift Store will be permanently closing its doors on December 13th.
• WNCSource operates the small thrift store which is located on the corner of King Street
and 2nd Avenue in Hendersonville.
• Bargain Hendo first opened in December of 2020 and was meant to support the programs
and services WNCSource provides in 4 western North Carolina Counties. Unfortunately,
low sales and competition from other local thrift stores has made the store less than
profitable.
• But don’t worry, starting Thursday, November 2nd, Bargain Hendo will be open
Wednesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM with some
incredible bargains and sales to clear the shelves.
• Bargain Hendo’s last day is December 13th
|
We’re thrilled to finally be able to serve beer and wine from some amazing local breweries! Enjoy a beverage and explore our gallery of 80+ resident artists, many of whom have great holiday sales active so you can shop small this season! Come in your most festive attire for 5% off your entire purchase! |
Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.
The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.
The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.
Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅
❅ November 17 through December 31!
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 year’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.
Please leave your furry friends at home!
To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.
Experience the Arboretum in a Whole New Light!
Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Presented by:
Thursday, December
7, 2023
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime and Evening
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Tree Sale
Handmade Ornament Sale
WNCSource’s Bargain Hendo Thrift Store closing sale
Mischief Moon Gala
Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Winter Lights
Immerse Yourself in the Magic
Experience Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are beautifully bedecked for the holidays.
NEW THIS YEAR: all Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access. Because more time to explore means more memories made. Select ticket types also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Antler Hill Village Illumination
Included with admission—Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect the unique shops, restaurants, and Winery in Antler Hill Village. Experience this must-see part of the Christmas at Biltmore tradition, which includes festive displays adorning Ciao! From Italy and our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await.
Christmas Daytime Celebration
November 3, 2023–January 7, 2024
A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village! Wrap yourself in the magic of this most beloved of holiday traditions: Christmas at Biltmore.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Christmas at Biltmore 2024! View Ticket Options.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
An Unforgettable Holiday Evening
November 3, 2023–January 6, 2024
A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Candlelight Christmas Evenings 2024! View Ticket Options.
Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.
SURPRISE – we’re also having a tree sale to clear out inventory that has gotten too large to be stored in the hoop houses over winter. These are species not typically given away at our adoption events, so here is your chance to add something unique to your home or business.
Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!
Bargain Hendo Thrift Store will be permanently closing its doors on December 13th.
• WNCSource operates the small thrift store which is located on the corner of King Street
and 2nd Avenue in Hendersonville.
• Bargain Hendo first opened in December of 2020 and was meant to support the programs
and services WNCSource provides in 4 western North Carolina Counties. Unfortunately,
low sales and competition from other local thrift stores has made the store less than
profitable.
• But don’t worry, starting Thursday, November 2nd, Bargain Hendo will be open
Wednesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM with some
incredible bargains and sales to clear the shelves.
• Bargain Hendo’s last day is December 13th
Invoke your imagination and dawn your most creaturely costumes at the Mischief Moon Gala! This evening of ceremony, interactive art, empowered movement, and connection is coming Thursday, December 7th, to the Asheville Masonic Temple. Head to https://www.fireflygathering.org/event/mischief-moon-gala for tickets, and see below for more details!
The Mischief Moon Gala: Thursday, December 7th from 5 – 11 pm at the Asheville Masonic Temple
Join us as we celebrate the power of creativity and community with live music from beloved artists like Holy River, Sarah Louise, and Wild Roots Rising; a community waltz with a live band (waltz class beforehand!); traditional Cherokee foods from Bigwitch Wisdom Initiative, and an entire evening of beautifully bizarre performances, installations, and offerings.
This year, we are delving into the wide world of weird, with an emphasis on the bizarre iterations of creation. Start creating your most captivating costumes as you, The Wanderer, have many adventures into the underworld and beyond soon to come!
Begin your journey in The Underworld, where we’ve curated an assortment of oddities to entertain you, including the Fae Cleaning Crew and the FerryMan. When you need to revive your spirits, journey up the Haunted Staircase to sojourn in the Realm of the Fae, where ethereal music, poetry and the Otherworldly Art Gallery & Cantina await you.
All proceeds for the Gala go toward supporting artists and fundraise for Firefly Gathering’s year-round work to empower the people of the Southeast through earthskills workshops, the Annual Firefly Gathering, and community-building events.
Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.
The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.
The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.
Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅
❅ November 17 through December 31!
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 year’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.
Please leave your furry friends at home!
To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.
Experience the Arboretum in a Whole New Light!
Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Presented by:
Friday, December
8, 2023
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime and Evening
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Tree Sale
Handmade Ornament Sale
WNCSource’s Bargain Hendo Thrift Store closing sale
Lake Julian Festival of Lights drive through
Winter Lights
Immerse Yourself in the Magic
Experience Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are beautifully bedecked for the holidays.
NEW THIS YEAR: all Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access. Because more time to explore means more memories made. Select ticket types also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Antler Hill Village Illumination
Included with admission—Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect the unique shops, restaurants, and Winery in Antler Hill Village. Experience this must-see part of the Christmas at Biltmore tradition, which includes festive displays adorning Ciao! From Italy and our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await.
Christmas Daytime Celebration
November 3, 2023–January 7, 2024
A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village! Wrap yourself in the magic of this most beloved of holiday traditions: Christmas at Biltmore.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Christmas at Biltmore 2024! View Ticket Options.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
An Unforgettable Holiday Evening
November 3, 2023–January 6, 2024
A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Candlelight Christmas Evenings 2024! View Ticket Options.
Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.
SURPRISE – we’re also having a tree sale to clear out inventory that has gotten too large to be stored in the hoop houses over winter. These are species not typically given away at our adoption events, so here is your chance to add something unique to your home or business.
Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!
Bargain Hendo Thrift Store will be permanently closing its doors on December 13th.
• WNCSource operates the small thrift store which is located on the corner of King Street
and 2nd Avenue in Hendersonville.
• Bargain Hendo first opened in December of 2020 and was meant to support the programs
and services WNCSource provides in 4 western North Carolina Counties. Unfortunately,
low sales and competition from other local thrift stores has made the store less than
profitable.
• But don’t worry, starting Thursday, November 2nd, Bargain Hendo will be open
Wednesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM with some
incredible bargains and sales to clear the shelves.
• Bargain Hendo’s last day is December 13th
Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.
The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.
The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.
Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅
❅ November 17 through December 31!
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 year’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.
Please leave your furry friends at home!
To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.
Experience the Arboretum in a Whole New Light!
Winter Lights is The North Carolina Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.
Presented by:
Saturday, December
9, 2023
Christmas at Biltmore Daytime and Evening
Miracle on Main Street opens at Chimney Rock Smokehouse
Tree Sale
Collage + Magic with Worlds Best Tape/Sticker Artist
COLLECT Designer Market
Handmade Ornament Sale
Holiday Book Sale
Holiday Seconds at the Folk Art Center
Local Cloth Holiday Market
Uncommon Holiday Market
WNCSource’s Bargain Hendo Thrift Store closing sale
Immerse Yourself in the Magic
Experience Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are beautifully bedecked for the holidays.
NEW THIS YEAR: all Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access. Because more time to explore means more memories made. Select ticket types also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Antler Hill Village Illumination
Included with admission—Bask in the glow of a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and the pathways that connect the unique shops, restaurants, and Winery in Antler Hill Village. Experience this must-see part of the Christmas at Biltmore tradition, which includes festive displays adorning Ciao! From Italy and our relaxing Winery, where complimentary tastings await.
Christmas Daytime Celebration
November 3, 2023–January 7, 2024
A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village! Wrap yourself in the magic of this most beloved of holiday traditions: Christmas at Biltmore.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Christmas at Biltmore 2024! View Ticket Options.
Candlelight Christmas Evenings
An Unforgettable Holiday Evening
November 3, 2023–January 6, 2024
A majestic Norway spruce and pathway luminaries welcome you to America’s Largest Home®. Inside, thousands of ornaments reflect the soft glow of candles, fireplaces, and twinkle lights. The magic continues in Antler Hill Village, which is festooned with glittering lights, ornaments, and displays.
NEW THIS YEAR:
All Biltmore House tickets include FREE next-day grounds access!
Select ticket options also include Italian Renaissance Alive.
Plan now for Candlelight Christmas Evenings 2024! View Ticket Options.
Miracle on Main Street will take over Chimney Rock Smokehouse from November 24 to December 31st. Featuring craft cocktails, tons of decor, award winning bbq, and weekly events. This place will make even the Grinch smile.
SURPRISE – we’re also having a tree sale to clear out inventory that has gotten too large to be stored in the hoop houses over winter. These are species not typically given away at our adoption events, so here is your chance to add something unique to your home or business.
Come join the Artists of the Phil Mechanic for Holiday sale
An alternative to the ‘pop-up’ or a larger fair, COLLECT curates extraordinary warm and festive gifts for the holidays by regional artists and makers. In addition to gifts, COLLECT will feature food and drink from Crocodile Wine, Roll Up Herbal Bar, Botanist & Barrel, and Nibbly Onigiri.
Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!
| $5 per bag. Must use bags provided by the Friends of the East Asheville Library. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. Also accepting Friends memberships and renewals for 2024. Free bag of books for each membership purchased during the sale! Membership fee $15.00 |
Featuring handmade gifts, accessories, clothing and art, the Holiday Market is the perfect place to complete your holiday shopping list. There will be more than a dozen vendors inside and outside of Local Cloth! And you can meet an alpaca! Bring your friends and family!
The Uncommon Holiday Market is in its 9th season of gathering makers of art and handmade items as well as curators of antique & vintage finds.
The market will be held at the beautiful Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center from 10 am – 4 pm both days.
Admission is FREE this year so please be generous & give to our 501C3 partner Mountain Pet Rescue, a foster-based animal rescue serving cats and dogs in the Asheville area.
Parking is also FREE!
This is an INDOOR & OUTDOOR market and Service dogs only are allowed inside.
Food will be available both days from 11-3.
Bargain Hendo Thrift Store will be permanently closing its doors on December 13th.
• WNCSource operates the small thrift store which is located on the corner of King Street
and 2nd Avenue in Hendersonville.
• Bargain Hendo first opened in December of 2020 and was meant to support the programs
and services WNCSource provides in 4 western North Carolina Counties. Unfortunately,
low sales and competition from other local thrift stores has made the store less than
profitable.
• But don’t worry, starting Thursday, November 2nd, Bargain Hendo will be open
Wednesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM with some
incredible bargains and sales to clear the shelves.
• Bargain Hendo’s last day is December 13th