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.

Saturday, December 18, 2021
Asheville’s Winter Wonder Walk – A Family Holiday Event
Dec 18 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

December 10, 11, 17, 18, and 19th.

The Winter Wonder Walk transports you inside a winter storybook where our actors bring to life the wonderful world of Winterland, and set you on a quest to find Jack Frost. Your senses will be dazzled by this completely immersive experience. After the Winter Wonder Walk Trail, a warm cozy festival tents welcomes you back to Mrs. Clause’s Kitchen with Cookies For A Clause, kids activities, a stocking stuffer market with local vendors, and concessions.
For more information, visit www.winterwonderwalk.com.

Our Memories Making Meals program will donate 4 meals to MANNA Foodbank from each ticket. Memories Making Meals is a continuation of The Haunted Trail’s BOO To Hunger program which has donated 38,400 meals in 2 years. Have a memorable family friendly night out while supporting MANNA Foodbank!

The Winter Wonder Walk is produced in collaboration with Asheville Plays!, the creators of The Haunted Trail, The Conundrum, and The Adventure Center of Asheville. We are excited to bring you another treasured part of your family’s holiday tradition.

For more information, visit www.winterwonderwalk.com.

Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 18 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Sunday, December 19, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Dec 19 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 2022 Adventures are open to book
Dec 19 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Raft splashing into 2022

We are excited to announce that all of our 2022 adventures are open to book! Grab your calendar, find the perfect whitewater, zip line, or biking adventure, and book the trip before the perfect day slips by you.

Plan your next adventure with Nantahala Outdoor Center! NOC offers more than 100 itineraries that you can sort by Whitewater Rafting, Zip Lining, Mountain Biking, and more! Filter by location, experience level, or activity type. Mix and match your favorites or book one of our packages for a full-day of fun! Planning your next adventure has never been easier.

BOOK EARLY & WIN!

We love when you plan ahead!

Book by December 31st, 2021 and

be entered to win a sweet limited edition 50th MERCH PRIZE PACK including a t-shirt, insulated mugs, Nalgene, magnets, sticker pack and a $50 Gift Card to use at our stores, on a meal or on an adventure! A $120 Value!

Our 2022 International Adventure dates are limited Book Now Nantahala Outdoor Center
Dec 19 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

THE WORLD AWAITS

Our 2022 International Adventure dates are limited! Don’t miss out. Whether your idea of an adventure is rafting Class 4+ rapids on the Zambezi, or wildlife viewing from your deck in British Columbia, our trips have something for every adventure and skill level.

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Dec 19 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
Asheville’s Winter Wonder Walk – A Family Holiday Event
Dec 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

December 10, 11, 17, 18, and 19th.

The Winter Wonder Walk transports you inside a winter storybook where our actors bring to life the wonderful world of Winterland, and set you on a quest to find Jack Frost. Your senses will be dazzled by this completely immersive experience. After the Winter Wonder Walk Trail, a warm cozy festival tents welcomes you back to Mrs. Clause’s Kitchen with Cookies For A Clause, kids activities, a stocking stuffer market with local vendors, and concessions.
For more information, visit www.winterwonderwalk.com.

Our Memories Making Meals program will donate 4 meals to MANNA Foodbank from each ticket. Memories Making Meals is a continuation of The Haunted Trail’s BOO To Hunger program which has donated 38,400 meals in 2 years. Have a memorable family friendly night out while supporting MANNA Foodbank!

The Winter Wonder Walk is produced in collaboration with Asheville Plays!, the creators of The Haunted Trail, The Conundrum, and The Adventure Center of Asheville. We are excited to bring you another treasured part of your family’s holiday tradition.

For more information, visit www.winterwonderwalk.com.

Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 19 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 19 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Monday, December 20, 2021
Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 20 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 21 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 22 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Thursday, December 23, 2021
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Dec 23 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Dec 23 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Festival of Lights at Lake Julian Park
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Image result for Festival of Light lake julian

Tickets must be purchased online this year. Your ticket is valid for a one-time use any night of the festival; tickets are not date-specific.

  • $10 for personal vehicles (standard cars/vans)
  • $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans
  • $50 for buses and motorcoaches
  • 20% of the proceeds benefit Special Olympics Buncombe County

Lake Julian Festival of Lights has become a tradition for many mountain families and visitors. Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to their favorite seasonal tunes while driving through the magical wonderland.

Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place nightly from December 1-23 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Please check our Facebook page for information on closings due to winter weather.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 23 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Dec 23 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Friday, December 24, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Dec 24 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 24 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Saturday, December 25, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Dec 25 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 25 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Sunday, December 26, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Dec 26 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Dec 26 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 26 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Monday, December 27, 2021
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 27 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 28 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.