It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

Kick-off your holiday festivities by celebrating the lighting of our Biltmore Park Christmas tree. Come make memories in our Winter Wonderland, featuring complementary entertainment including, aerial performers, face painting, a fun photobooth, interactive arts & crafts, hot chocolate and cider, and our favorite special guests, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who will be on hand to take pictures with your family from 3-6pm.

A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s twelfth annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has surprised audiences over the years with their original version of The Nutcracker. Though The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, if it is performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be farther from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the original story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.

“I always want to go back to the original story,” artistic co-director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting.” Take, for example, the King and Queen of Sausages, who have surprised and delighted audiences with delightful humor, and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King and his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet, with magical aerialists flying over head creating a surrealism to visually delight all ages.

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) is a non-profit professional dance company created in 1979. As western North Carolina’s first professional modern dance company, they believe that everything everywhere is dance and everyone is a dancer. ACDT is devoted to local and international work, forging collaborations and partnerships between Asheville artists and dance artists from around the world.

It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her brother, Fritz, are excited for the evening’s festivities to begin.  Family and friends arrive in Greenville by train and admire the sights and sounds of beautiful Main Street.  Clara’s magician Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and brings gifts for everyone.  For Clara, he has a very special nutcracker.  The celebration continues as all enjoy an evening of laughter and dancing.  As one of the maids joins in on the dancing, she bonks Herr Drosselmeyer on the head in her excitement and he is knocked unconscious.

A magical star enters to guide Herr Drosselmeyer on a beautiful journey of Clara’s future.  After all the guests have left, a lonely maid tidies up the room.  She screams in fright as mice invade from every direction.  The nutcracker doll, now life-sized, comes to save the day with an army of soldiers.  A fierce battle between the mice and soldiers ensues.  The Mouse King has The Nutcracker cornered, but Clara strikes the rodent and saves her Nutcracker who is transformed into a handsome prince. Herr Drosselmeyer’s journey continues with visions of beautiful angels and the well known Mice on Main in downtown Greenville.  The city’s rich culture appears through Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Candy dancers as well.

Herr Dosselmeyer’s glimpse into Clara’s future happens upon her Debutante Ball complete with elegant waltzing dancers. The loving Godfather has watched his precious Clara’s coming of age and finds himself on her wedding day.  The grown-up Clara is a beautiful bride and marries her dashing Nutcracker Cavalier.  The magical wedding is one only dreams are made of.  Or is it just a dream?

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky(1840-1893)

The libretto is adapted from E.T.A Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreography by Hernan Justo is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Additional choreography by Anita Pacylowski Justo

Get ready to embrace the spirit of Christmas with Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film. This enchanting musical follows the journey of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father. Through catchy, uplifting songs and zany comedic antics, Elf: The Musical serves a healthy dose of holiday cheer, laughter, and life lessons about identity, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a magical, festive spectacle guaranteed to light up the holiday season for all ages!

A talkback with the cast & crew of Elf: The Musical will be held following the performances on December 3rd and 10th.

The sisters of Johnson Family Farm invite you to their first
annual Village Nights, Saturday, December 2 and Saturday, December 9 from 5pm-9pm.
The holiday festivities will highlight the store located at 1202 Kanuga Road in
Hendersonville.
Fresh Fraser Fir trees, wreaths, garland and a bow and ribbon bar will be featured along
with tasty treats, hot cocoa and reindeer games for the kids.
The destination will also be a fun stop to take in while visiting various decorated homes
and businesses such as Johnson Family Farm in this year’s Henderson County Holiday
Light Trail.
“We’re going to decorate this place up to get everyone in the holiday spirit,” said Heather
Johnson Price, one of the sisters and owners. “We want to put this event on to connect
with the community and have an ole timey Christmas, go back to the basics.”
Get creative at the ribbon bar as you can buy various colored ribbon by the yard and
make your own bow. Local artisan crafts and gift baskets are available for purchase.
Fresh local vegetables are still available.
Normal store hours remain in effect from Tuesday- Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 9am-
1pm.
For more information visit www.johnsonfamilyfarmnc.com or call 828-484-2522.

The annual Hendersonville Christmas Parade sets the tone for the holiday season. Local organizations and businesses participate in this festive event, which is capped off by a visit from the big man in red himself, Santa Claus! Again this year, enjoy the parade in the evening, festively lit up in holiday spirit with Christmas lights.

Come to Main Street Hendersonville to enjoy the floats and marching bands, and get in on the holiday cheer. This event is hosted by the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association.

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!

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Buffalo Sabres

It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her brother, Fritz, are excited for the evening’s festivities to begin.  Family and friends arrive in Greenville by train and admire the sights and sounds of beautiful Main Street.  Clara’s magician Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and brings gifts for everyone.  For Clara, he has a very special nutcracker.  The celebration continues as all enjoy an evening of laughter and dancing.  As one of the maids joins in on the dancing, she bonks Herr Drosselmeyer on the head in her excitement and he is knocked unconscious.

A magical star enters to guide Herr Drosselmeyer on a beautiful journey of Clara’s future.  After all the guests have left, a lonely maid tidies up the room.  She screams in fright as mice invade from every direction.  The nutcracker doll, now life-sized, comes to save the day with an army of soldiers.  A fierce battle between the mice and soldiers ensues.  The Mouse King has The Nutcracker cornered, but Clara strikes the rodent and saves her Nutcracker who is transformed into a handsome prince. Herr Drosselmeyer’s journey continues with visions of beautiful angels and the well known Mice on Main in downtown Greenville.  The city’s rich culture appears through Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Candy dancers as well.

Herr Dosselmeyer’s glimpse into Clara’s future happens upon her Debutante Ball complete with elegant waltzing dancers. The loving Godfather has watched his precious Clara’s coming of age and finds himself on her wedding day.  The grown-up Clara is a beautiful bride and marries her dashing Nutcracker Cavalier.  The magical wedding is one only dreams are made of.  Or is it just a dream?

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky(1840-1893)

The libretto is adapted from E.T.A Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreography by Hernan Justo is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Additional choreography by Anita Pacylowski Justo

It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s twelfth annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has surprised audiences over the years with their original version of The Nutcracker. Though The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, if it is performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be farther from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the original story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.

“I always want to go back to the original story,” artistic co-director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting.” Take, for example, the King and Queen of Sausages, who have surprised and delighted audiences with delightful humor, and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King and his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet, with magical aerialists flying over head creating a surrealism to visually delight all ages.

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) is a non-profit professional dance company created in 1979. As western North Carolina’s first professional modern dance company, they believe that everything everywhere is dance and everyone is a dancer. ACDT is devoted to local and international work, forging collaborations and partnerships between Asheville artists and dance artists from around the world.

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Join us on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, and see the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. “Monarchs and Milkweed” explores how very survival of these majestic creatures has been shaped over time by one another, traveling through the seasons of a calendar year and revealing how both insect and plant grow and interact, culminating in a massive migration that crosses a continent.

Visit Asheville Outlets for FREE photos with Santa sponsored by the North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights on Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 & 26, December 2 & 3, December 9 & 10, and daily from Friday, December 15 through Saturday, December 23, 2023. Located in the Food Court. Visitors will receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image from TapSnap Phototainment (while supplies last). Dates and time may vary, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com for additional information.

Come enjoy selfies with The Grinch at Asheville Outlets on Friday, November 24, Saturday, December 2 – Sunday, December 3 and Saturday, December 16 – Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free, but we ask that you donate a new, unwrapped toy or a monetary donation to Western North Carolina Toys for Tots. Located in the Food Court. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

The Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt will take you on a fun-filled bear hunt through downtown Hendersonville looking for Peppermint Bear’s lost bear cubs, who are hiding out in the shops, Get your map at the Visitor Center, then head out to find all of the cubs and get a stamp at each location after you’ve found the bear, return completed entry forms to the Visitor Center to be eligible for great prizes!

It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast

featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

On Sundays, December 3, and December 17, 2023, visit Asheville Outlets from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for FREE pet photos with Santa by TapSnap Phototainment. Located in the Food Court. Visitors receive one FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image (while supplies last). For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

The Perspective Café is kicking off 2023 with a classic bang! Grab your friends and join us each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm in the Perspective Café to play an assortment of board and card games. You can even bring your own favorite games from home to share with new friends.

The Perspective Café will be offering special snacks and cocktails to savor while you play and make a memorable afternoon! Enjoy the galleries and then head up to the rooftop.

It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her brother, Fritz, are excited for the evening’s festivities to begin.  Family and friends arrive in Greenville by train and admire the sights and sounds of beautiful Main Street.  Clara’s magician Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and brings gifts for everyone.  For Clara, he has a very special nutcracker.  The celebration continues as all enjoy an evening of laughter and dancing.  As one of the maids joins in on the dancing, she bonks Herr Drosselmeyer on the head in her excitement and he is knocked unconscious.

A magical star enters to guide Herr Drosselmeyer on a beautiful journey of Clara’s future.  After all the guests have left, a lonely maid tidies up the room.  She screams in fright as mice invade from every direction.  The nutcracker doll, now life-sized, comes to save the day with an army of soldiers.  A fierce battle between the mice and soldiers ensues.  The Mouse King has The Nutcracker cornered, but Clara strikes the rodent and saves her Nutcracker who is transformed into a handsome prince. Herr Drosselmeyer’s journey continues with visions of beautiful angels and the well known Mice on Main in downtown Greenville.  The city’s rich culture appears through Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Candy dancers as well.

Herr Dosselmeyer’s glimpse into Clara’s future happens upon her Debutante Ball complete with elegant waltzing dancers. The loving Godfather has watched his precious Clara’s coming of age and finds himself on her wedding day.  The grown-up Clara is a beautiful bride and marries her dashing Nutcracker Cavalier.  The magical wedding is one only dreams are made of.  Or is it just a dream?

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky(1840-1893)

The libretto is adapted from E.T.A Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Choreography by Hernan Justo is based on the original Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Additional choreography by Anita Pacylowski Justo

Get ready to embrace the spirit of Christmas with Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film. This enchanting musical follows the journey of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father. Through catchy, uplifting songs and zany comedic antics, Elf: The Musical serves a healthy dose of holiday cheer, laughter, and life lessons about identity, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a magical, festive spectacle guaranteed to light up the holiday season for all ages!

A talkback with the cast & crew of Elf: The Musical will be held following the performances on December 3rd and 10th.

The official 2023 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 27, 2023 and will continue through Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Explore an array of exquisite gingerbread houses meticulously crafted by talented competitors from across the nation in the grandest gingerbread house competition of all.

Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 4:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed. Before travelling to the property, visit our Facebook page to verify display access is open for public viewing. CLICK FOR LIVE PROPERTY UPDATES

HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $923,000 to not-for-profit partners in Buncombe County, North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. From October 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024, parking rates are as follows:

• Valet Parking: $35 for day parking & overnight guests
• Self-Parking: $25 for day parking & overnight guests

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events.

As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.

The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same – one of wonder, awe and delight.

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!