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 15, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 15 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells!
Dec 15 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown

Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Showtimes are Thursdays at 3:00PM, Fridays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, Saturdays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, and Sundays at 3:00PM.

 

Playhouse Downtown 125 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 15 all-day

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!

Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (December)
Dec 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)

*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”

Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655823803295

It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

This fresh adaptation of the film is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter’s night. The professional voice actors are unable to get to the studio, but the show must go on—and so a small but intrepid band of employees manages to create the story’s dozens of characters and scenes using just their voices and some everyday household items for sound effects.

https://www.facebook.com/events/334279477356360/?event_time_id=334279504023024

Sparkle Up Clothing Swap
Dec 15 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Regeneration Station

We all have that “One Night Out Outfit”. One, that has been sitting in the closet for past few years or decades? Is it a Flapper Party Dress from New Year’s Eve 2015? Best man’s tuxedo? Prom outfit? Ballroom gown? Last year’s birthday party look? One from “theatre sale” rack?
Bring it in, and swap it for a fresh new look just in time for the New Year’s Eve Party!
Sparkles, lace, rhinestones, ruffle, feathers, sequin, corsets, fur, fringe – bring it all!
Don’t forget about shoes and accessories!
All sizes, all styles, all genders – ALL ARE WELCOME! Revamp your closet at no cost to you, and no harm to the Planet.
Five dollars suggested donation to Community Roots, and you can swap till you drop!
We will serve sparkling, hot chocolate and biodegradable glitter till run out!
Let’s play dress up! Let’s celebrate!

P.S.
Please, RSVP (get your free ticket from Eventbrite). It will help us get the right amount of supplies. Also, be sure to bring your ID, if planning to have some bubbly! Cheers!

https://www.facebook.com/events/567386367040037/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 15 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 15 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings (December)
Dec 15 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)

*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.

Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627397681053

It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

This fresh adaptation of the film is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter’s night. The professional voice actors are unable to get to the studio, but the show must go on—and so a small but intrepid band of employees manages to create the story’s dozens of characters and scenes using just their voices and some everyday household items for sound effects.

https://www.facebook.com/events/334279477356360/

It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

This fresh adaptation of the film is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter’s night. The professional voice actors are unable to get to the studio, but the show must go on—and so a small but intrepid band of employees manages to create the story’s dozens of characters and scenes using just their voices and some everyday household items for sound effects.

https://www.facebook.com/events/334279477356360/?event_time_id=334279534023021

NUNCRACKERS
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

Mount St. Helen’s nuns are putting on a Christmas show which is an original ballet based on “The Nutcracker“. The show is filled with the traditional “nunsense humor” and one-liners that have made the Nunsense shows so popular.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told ( And Then Some!)
Dec 15 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Spartanburg Little Theatre

Back by popular demand!! Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told- plus Christmas traditions from all around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) contains mild adult language and “The Santa Talk”

General Admission $20.00
SLT Season Members $15.00

https://www.facebook.com/events/1123136931168741/

Sunday, December 16, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 16 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

All new! In 2017, we broke box office records with A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas. In 2018, come join us for a brand new version of this holiday tradition.

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells!
Dec 16 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown

Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Showtimes are Thursdays at 3:00PM, Fridays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, Saturdays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, and Sundays at 3:00PM.

 

Playhouse Downtown 125 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 16 all-day

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!

Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (December)
Dec 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)

*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”

Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655763803301

NUNCRACKERS
Dec 16 @ 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

Mount St. Helen’s nuns are putting on a Christmas show which is an original ballet based on “The Nutcracker“. The show is filled with the traditional “nunsense humor” and one-liners that have made the Nunsense shows so popular.

Nuncrackers on HCT Main Stage
Dec 16 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

It’s the annual Christmas program at Mount St. Helen’s. Our favorite nuns are treating everyone to an original ballet based on the “Nutcracker.” But the star has an accident, and the show will have to go on without the ballet until the Reverend Mother can figure out what to do. Find out what happens at this hilarious holiday production from Hendersonville Community Theatre. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. The show is filled with the traditional “nunsense humor” and one-liners that have made the Nunsense shows so popular.

https://www.facebook.com/events/123999794978666/

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Dec 16 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Fri, 6 Apr 2018 at 10:00 AM
Ticketmaster Presale : Tue, 3 Apr 2018 at 10:00 AM
Venue Presale : Wed, 4 Apr 2018 at 10:00 AM

Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls – Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. “Kids wide-eyed with delight!” says the New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! www.nutcracker.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/2013827168878761/

Asheville Community Band Holiday Concert
Dec 16 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Lipinsky Hall on the Campus of UNCA

This symphonic winds concert will include family- friendly pieces that are staples of the holidays, such as Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson, Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Up On A Housetop, and Chanukah Celebration. We will have a sing-along segment. And to top it off, we will have a handbell choir playing with the band! You read that right – Jubilee Handbells from First Methodist Church of Hendersonville will play during our concert as well! You won’t want to miss this! Such great “sound candy” for your ears! Our concert will be performed on the campus of UNCA at Lipinsky Hall on Sunday, December 16 at 3:30 PM.

Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at The Monte Vista Hotel
Dec 16 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
The Monte Vista Hotel

Tis’ the season for a Murder Mystery! Put on your best ugly Christmas sweater and come join us for a festive collaboration with The Watermark Theatre Collective, The Monte Vista Hotel, and Milton’s on December 16th at 4:30PM! Enjoy dinner, dessert, and an interactive show where guests will be asked to help characters determine who the mystery killer is. This will be a fun and exciting evening of dinner theatre you don’t want to miss! There will also be an Ugly Sweater Competition!

More Info:
A murder mystery dinner is a type of dinner theater in which audience members cooperate with each other and interact with performance cast members in order to solve a fictitious murder scene. Murder mystery dinner shows are most often comedic in nature and performed in coordination with the serving of a multi-course meal. The goal of a murder mystery dinner is for participants to gather clues provided throughout the plot and use them to deduce the identity and motive of the “murderer.”

Sunday December 16th, 2018
$55 per ticket includes Dinner, Dessert, and the Murder Mystery Dinner Experience

Dinner Menu

Mixed green salad, toasted almonds, shaved apple and a balsamic vinaigrette

Braised beef short rib, butternut grits, grilled broccoli
or
Roasted butternut squash, pumpkin seed granola, carrot purée, sage and a house made farmers cheese

Lemon tart, toasted meringue, and blueberries

Call (828) 669-8870 if you have any questions!

https://www.facebook.com/events/712796179094450/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 16 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.

Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 16 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required. Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings (December)
Dec 16 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight Christmas Evenings*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Saturday, January 5, 2019 (Select Dates)

*Check website for availability/dates
*By reservation only.
*Pricing varies by date.

Candlelight, firelight, and live music bring holiday warmth to the extravagant holiday décor of Biltmore House, creating an evening to remember. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings. Advance reservations are required for evening visits.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/1524627331014393/?event_time_id=1524627394347720

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
Dec 16 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Fri, 6 Apr 2018 at 10:00 AM
Ticketmaster Presale : Tue, 3 Apr 2018 at 10:00 AM
Venue Presale : Wed, 4 Apr 2018 at 10:00 AM

Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls – Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. “Kids wide-eyed with delight!” says the New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! www.nutcracker.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/1628175333928177/

Monday, December 17, 2018
Christmas Tours at Historic Johnson Farm
Dec 17 – Dec 21 all-day
Historic Johnson Farm

Come take a tour of the decorated farm house. Tours will also include a Christmas craft for kids (or the young at heart), hot chocolate and cookies, and the Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists will have their gift shop open for holiday shopping! December 17-21 at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM each day. Please call or email to reserve your spot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 17 all-day

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!

Over 88,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2017 and we hope to see you in 2018! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot.

THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 9, 2018, and operates through December 31, 2018.

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration (December)
Dec 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration*
Saturday, November 3, 2018 – Sunday, January 6, 2019 (daily)

*Included with estate admission.
*Does not include “Candlelight Christmas Evenings”

Experience the holidays wreathed with the wonder of Biltmore. Our celebration presents Christmas on a grand scale with more than 55 trees decorated by our talented staff, accented with miles of ribbon, garlands, and lights. Festive menus in our restaurants and holiday wine tastings make for a memorable visit.

Learn more about #ChristmasAtBiltmore or plan your visit: biltmore.com/Christmas

https://www.facebook.com/events/104655743803303/?event_time_id=104655797136631

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 17 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for 30 years!

  • Nearly one million twinkling lights
  • Countless decorative images
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Parade
  • Animated Story Tree
  • Animal Characters
  • Nightly visits with Santa (start at 6:00PM through December 23)
  • Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire
  • Hot cocoa, s’mores and other festive foods available for purchase

While you may spot a few night owls during Lights, most of our residents will be off-exhibit to catch some zzz’s.