Capture photos of your friends and family members enjoying the vivid hues of fall and enter them into our photo contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

No additional costs to enter.

The first-place winner will receive an overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to the Park, brunch for two at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.

The contest’s second-place winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at the Old Rock Cafe and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.

Chimney Rock’s Facebook followers will select the People’s Choice Award winner. Followers will have a week to like and share their favorite photo from an album of Winter Photo Contest entries posted on the Park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc. The People’s Choice Award Winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at Old Rock Cafe and their photo will be featured on the Park’s Facebook page.

Shutterbugs interested in capturing Mother Nature’s wintry beauty can do so by entering Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Park’s winter hours.

All entries must be submitted to [email protected] or to the Parks’ Facebook page through Facebook messenger.

https://www.facebook.com/events/354841472011965/?event_time_id=354841602011952

Show & Tell Pop Up Shop is back this holiday season in one of our favorite Asheville venues, The Asheville Social Hall! Shop our 3-week pop up shop featuring some of the area’s best in handmade and vintage. We’ve curated goods featuring over 125 independent vendors of handmade and vintage goods including clothing, jewelry, decor, greeting cards, and more. HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP November 29 – December 21.Open 10am-8pm daily. Asheville Social Hall, 81 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801. For more details and a full list of vendors visit: https://www.showandtellpopupshop.com/

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling all the way to Asheville Mall! Santa Claus is on his way to Asheville, and we’re celebrating his arrival on Saturday, November 16. Your little elves-in-training are invited to visit Santa at Center Court, near Barnes & Noble and ULTA, to share their Christmas lists and holiday wishes.

Santa will be available from November 16^th to December 24^th, when he begins his holiday trek around the world. Your elves-in-training can visit with Santa Monday through Saturday from 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, and 6pm to 9pm; and Sundays from noon to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm.

November 16 through December 24, 2019

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, Sundays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. inside Food Court

FREE Santa Photos are back! From November 16th through December 24th, every family who visits Santa will receive two FREE 4”x6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. FREE Santa Photo is located inside the Food Court and is sponsored by N.C. Arboretum Winter Lights.

Since 2010 master scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein has been presenting live glassblowing demonstrations here at our art gallery.

And once again we are proud to announce that Jason will be blowing his unique Christmas ornaments and glass artworks here at Mountain Made gallery from now to December 23rd, 2019.

Jason will be demonstrating Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. He will also be blowing glass every Sunday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

We invite you come by Mountain Made for a fun, family-friendly event

Join us at Open Hearts Art Center for our Holiday Pop-Up Market! Shop local at the opening party on November 30th from noon to 5PM, and enjoy Hi-Wire Brewing beer, treats, and live music, along with make ‘n take ornaments. If you can’t make it for our opening day, the market will run through December 20th from 10AM to 4PM, and we’ll feature ceramics, cards, gifts, original art, and a 50% off sale on selected items each day. Give the gift of original, local art this holiday season! Open Hearts Art Center is a supportive studio and gallery dedicated to representing and empowering adults with varied abilities to connect to and reach their full potential through the arts. Our website: www.openheartsartcenter.orgarts.people.empowerment

Cross off your holiday shopping list at Aloft’s pop up shop with Grift Town Goods! Using screenprinting techniques, Grift Town Goods offers unique t-shirts and stickers with one-of-a-kind designs. Proceeds go to Toys for Tots.

Friday, December 20 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m
Saturday, December 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Holidays have never felt so magical! Get on Asheville’s homegrown purple bus tour and experience a sightseeing history tour injected with enough seasonal cheer to make your belly laugh like a bowl full of jelly. We explore Downtown, the South Slope, Historic Montford, and the River Arts District. This 90 minute holiday extravaganza only happens in December. Get your tickets now!

A minimum $25 parking charge will be in effect for all overnight and drive on guests (one charge per standard sized vehicle, based on availability.)

 The winning creations will be on display Wednesday, November 20, 2019 – January 4, 2020. As a means to preserve the overall guest experience, The Omni Grove Park Inn invites guests that are not staying overnight at the resort to view the display after 3:00 pm on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: November 27, 28, December 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 and January 1, 2020. Public viewing on December 26 will open at 1:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved exclusively for guests staying overnight at the resort. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only registered resort pets are permitted on property. No outside pets will be allowed. 

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

FREE DEAD FRIDAYS @ The One Stop
– feat. members of Phuncle Sam acoustic

Join us at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall every Friday at 5:30PM for our FREE Acoustic Grateful Dead series Featuring members of Phuncle Sam and great drink and food specials.

https://www.facebook.com/events/244820139590703/?event_time_id=244820309590686

Please note, that all of these festivities will be held on the grounds of the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre and are outdoors. Although MPP will provide patio heaters, we ask that you dress very warmly and bring any items or drinks that will help your entire day be filled with warmth.

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! 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 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Join us FRIDAY DECEMBER 20TH from 5PM – 10PM and share the love as we celebrate the season by supporting local non-profits that concentrate on the homeless population and those in crisis throughout our Asheville and WNC community. *Admission is by donation at the door, you choose what you want to give!* Your gift will go a long way to help members of our community have a place to call HOME. ALL proceeds will benefit 5 LOCAL non-profit organizations: Homeward Bound of WNC, Helpmate, BeLoved Asheville, Eliada, & Haywood Street Congregation! We have set our goal to raise $20,000! We are thrilled to have kids’ activities, visiting with Santa & Mrs. Claus, LIVE LOCAL music from LYRIC & Swing Step, photo booth fun, dinner & drinks, silent auction & raffle!

Celebrate the holiday season as Tweetsie Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland for Tweetsie Christmas! Enjoy a nighttime train ride among thousands of dazzling lights, meet Santa in his Gingerbread House, larger than life snowglobes to play in, a live Christmas show, and more!

Tickets are for a specific date and train ride time. A limited number of guests are admitted nightly, so advance tickets are strongly recommended. Adults: $44, Children (age 3-12): $38, Children 2 and under: Free

Click here to see EVERYTHING happening at Tryon Resort this holiday season!

We are thrilled to bring “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to life at Tryon Resort this holiday season!

Kids will have the opportunity to interact with Whoville characters and the Grinch himself at the Grinch’s Whoville Village. Located in the Legends Plaza, guests can enjoy multiple photo-ops with Whoville props and characters, as well as a meet-and-greet with the Grinch! You don’t want to miss this holiday fun.

COST:
1 ticket/person to visit The Grinch and Whoville. Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased from 5pm-9:30pm in the ticketing booth in Legends Plaza near the carousel.

Come enjoy the holiday lights at Lake Julian Park.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland presented by Ingles
Tryon Resort is thrilled to be the newest location on the Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland circuit. This two-mile journey weaves through hundreds of thousands of animated Christmas lights coordinated to music for an estimated 30 minutes of holiday enchantment. The Wonderland also features giant, custom-built displays of Santa and his pals on vacation in the mountains, hang gliding, rock climbing, ice fishing, lounging around the campfire, and more. This playful portion of the show is sure to please everyone, young to old.

The tour finishes in Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village filled with more fun for the whole family. The tour is $25 per carload with additional pricing for group vans and buses available. Tickets are available online in advance or at the exhibit entrance, and discount tickets are available at any Ingles location. Tours are self-driven and open from 6pm-10pm seven days a week beginning November 15, 2019 and ending on January 5, 2020.

Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Open nightly November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020, from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer.

$18-$8. See website for tickets and specials.

Specials

Friends & Family Discount Night – Tuesdays

Tickets are reduced to $15 for adults and $10 for children. Arboretum members receive an additional $2 off each ticket. (Excludes Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve.)

Available on Thursdays through Saturdays only, this special ticketed event offers visitors the chance to enjoy a holly, jolly ride from downtown Asheville or Biltmore Village to Winter Lights courtesy of The Trolley Company. Upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and access to the Winter Lights. Pick-up is at 6:00 p.m. from the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville and 6:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village. Guests will be dropped back off at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 per person (children 4 & under are free) and can be purchased through The Trolley Company’s website here. (Note: Arboretum member discounts do not apply for this tour). For additional questions, please call Eva Ritchey at The Trolley Company at 828.606.8606.

About This Trip

Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! 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 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.

Since y’all have kept the Blue Ghost dance floor lit, we’ve decided to keep the beats flowing by hosting monthly salsa nights.
Join us on the third Friday of each month from 7-11PM for a night of family friendly dancing. Spread the word and bring your whole crew for drinks, eats, heavy beats and happy feet.
Food will be available from The Hungry Ghost until 9PM and last call for drinks will be at 10:30. Thanks for making Salsa Night a hit! There is no curfew for this event. Children may attend Salsa night so long as they are with an adult at all times. Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1977330869241743/?event_time_id=1977330895908407

• Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and soundsof the holidays!

• This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.

A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker production, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company. 
  
A young girl’s holiday dream comes true. Having crept downstairs at midnight to play with her new Nutcracker doll, Clara is swept up in a fantasy of toy soldiers, giant mice, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the Mouse King, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting characters.

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Theatre proudly presents…The Santaland Diaries, written by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello.

PLOT SUMMARY: When a down-on-his luck wannabe actor arrives in New York City at the end of the year, the only employment he can find is at Macy’s department store — working in Santaland for the holiday season, as a reluctant, but relentlessly cheerful, elf. Newly christened “Crumpet”, our clever anti-hero shares his observations of the mayhem in front of and behind the scenes during one chaotic December, from aggressive parents and drunken Santas, to flirtatious actors, poor hygiene, and the racially charged hazards of being a “Pointer Elf.” Will Crumpet find a moment of pure Christmas spirit? Will he end up in Santa’s cottage with Snowball the elf? Will he escape with his life on Christmas Eve before being torn apart by enraged customers?

This show contains mature content and is for adults only.

Evening performances on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and matinees on Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Edvard Tchivzhel, Conductor
Diane Penning & Paul Langford, Vocalists

The “most wonderful time of the year” can only mean one thing…Holiday at Peace! Making their Greenville debut are the universally praised vocal duo, Diane Penning and Paul Langford.  You and your family will be swept into the season spirit with Diane and Paul’s heartfelt vocals and magical chemistry.  Music and merriment abound in our holiday pops concert, perfect for the entire family.

“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”

“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times

An Asheville Holiday staple!

Special Event – Join the Bernsteins for their final year of the raucous holiday fun.

The Bernsteins have thrilled and cracked up Asheville audiences with their antics for a decade. With an all-star cast of local acting talent, the show features Best of WNC Award Winner Tracey Johnston-Crum, well-known Lazoom personality Glenn Reed, Erik Moellering, Sarah Felmet, and Darren Marshall, who has played both Santa Claus and Baby Jesus for all ten years of the Spectacular. Directed by Lucia Del Vecchio, the show is sure to be a rollicking comedy romp, that is most certainly not suitable for all audiences.

December 5 – 21, 2019
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 7:30pm & 10 p.m.

Note: Groupons are not accepted for The 10th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular.