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.

Friday, December 21, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 21 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

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 21 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 21 @ 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=104655837136627

Winter Solstice Celebration – Dark Prong Coffee Release
Dec 21 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ecusta Brewing Company

Come and celebrate the Winter Solstice with the release of our Dark Prong Coffee Porter. Roasted barley, chocolate malt and smooth pecan coffee (from local Pisgah Coffee Roasters) intertwine for a bold, flavorful porter.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1422759147855974/

Natural Wine Tasting with Drew Summers
Dec 21 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tasty Beverage Company

Come try some fantastic natural wines that will pair perfectly with your holiday! We will be pouring the following wines:

Teutonic Riesling – Williamette Valley
Martha Stoumen Post Flirtation – 55% Del Barba Zinfandel, 45% Redwood Valley Carignan
Idlewild The Bird – Mendocino County – 60% Dolcetto, 35% Barbera, 5% Nebbiolo

Each of these wines is bright and high acid, drinkable enough to stand alone but is extremely food friendly. We love these wines and are excited to share them with you!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1471390979659282/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 21 @ 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 21 @ 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 21 @ 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=1524627411014385

Ol’ Timey Christmas Gospel Music Sing Along
Dec 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Leicester Community Center

Every third Friday

We will be singing mostly ol’ timey hymns along with a few new ones.

This is a family event. People of all ages and from all denominations are welcome!

https://www.facebook.com/events/701615543570465/

A Bluegrass Christmas with Sierra Hull
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
A Bluegrass Christmas with Sierra Hull @ Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts |  |  |

Sierra Hull is a singer, mandolinist and former child prodigy who signed with Rounder at age 13 and distinguished herself by becoming the first bluegrass musician to receive a Presidential Scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Though she is best known for her work as a mandolin player, Hull is also respected as a composer and lyricist, having worked closely with 15-time Grammy Award-Winner, Bela Fleck. And now, Sierra invites everyone to enjoy the musical sounds of a Bluegrass Christmas celebration.

Saint Paul Holiday Wine & Food Pairing
Dec 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sweet Sippin'

Sweet Sippin’ will be Merry & Bright tonight as we collaborate with a local catering partner and Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard out of Hendersonville, NC. 5 wines, 5 course samples and the beautiful sounds of The Quatrophonics, a quartet of wily saxophonists…even Santa will want a ticket! A great early Christmas gift for yourself or others – join us as we celebrate what this season is all about – spending time with those you love, and celebrating the local talents around us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/207106746860707/

A Rocky Mountain Christmas by Jim Curry featuring the Music of John Denver
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
A Rocky Mountain Christmas by Jim Curry featuring the Music of John Denver @ Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

A family holiday tradition comes to life in “A Rocky Mountain Christmas” as Jim Curry performs the music from John Denver’s many Christmas Television specials and Christmas Music collections. Memorable melodies that speak to the heart of the holidays like “Silver Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night,” along with John’s own “Christmas for Cowboys,” “Noel, Christmas Eve,” “Aspenglow,” and “The Peace Carol.” Enjoy these songs along with John’s all-time hits like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” and “Back Home Again,” as Jim Curry and his band “fill up your senses” in this heart-felt seasonal show.

Special Christmas Event, 2umbao’s Debut Performance
Dec 21 @ 8:00 pm – Dec 22 @ 1:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope

Hello Everyone! Hope you are all looking forward to this New location! 2umbao will be hosting this special Christmas event for the Debut Performance of 2umbao’s Ladies Team!!
Thanks to #RitmoKultural and 103.3 Asheville FM for their support!

*Cover $10 ( This includes Class , Social, & Performance ?)

** Sensual Bachata Class at 8pm with Jennifer & Mary from 2umbao!

***Sharing the Decks at 9pm
1st DJ Malinalli, Asheville NC
2nd Special guest DJ Sens3 , Knoxville TN

****Special Performance at 11:15pm

This is a gorgeous new location for Urban Orchard Downtown , large open space and a bar that provides Beer, Cider, & Wine!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1946343472337577/

Saturday, December 22, 2018
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 22 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

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 22 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 22 @ 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=104655830469961

Holiday Party & New Wine Release
Dec 22 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Join us for a fun, relaxed holiday party to decompress and rejuvenate for the final days of this holiday season!

*NEW WINE RELEASE*
2018 Chardonnay Pet Nat – Hand harvested in Hendersonville, NC on September 2, this sparkling Chardonnay was produced by the Pétillant Naturel method.

12 – 5pm: Cookie Swap – bake a cookie and pack a to-go of delicious treats.

12 – 10pm: Ping Pong by Pong AVL

7 – 9pm: Holiday Decoration with Jillian Stewart – make something festive for yourself, or a last minute gift!

Rock your favorite ugly sweaters all day.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1976619585784785/

Michael Wilson Knowles at Silver Fork
Dec 22 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Silver Fork Winery

Fans of great blues and classic rock will love the eclectic range and vocal stylings of Michael Wilson Knowles in his first solo appearance at Silver Fork! Come out for excellent wine, celebration, and even a few seasonal tunes to round out the afternoon!

https://www.facebook.com/events/186857532246126/

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 22 @ 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 22 @ 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 22 @ 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=1524627427681050

Michelle Leigh @ Mack Kells
Dec 22 @ 9:00 pm – Dec 23 @ 1:00 am
Mack Kells

Mack Kell’s Christmas party

https://www.facebook.com/events/1681764688607584/

Sunday, December 23, 2018
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Dec 23 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 23 @ 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=104655827136628

Creative Arts Market
Dec 23 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The BLOCK off biltmore

Asheville’s newest downtown market!
Featuring Conscious Consumption, Craft & Conversation.

Calling all revolutionary hearts and wild spirited folks! Join us for craft and creative makers, mountain medicine, and metaphysics. This is an opportunity to get cozy with an amazing community of local vendors. Come for your handcrafted holiday gifts and stay for personal enjoyment!

Visit us on 2nd & 3rd SUNDAYS after your brunch or church of choice and see what’s happening!

AshevilleFairyHair.com
Dec 23 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Blue Ghost Brewing Company

Come get your Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair Sparkles for the holidays!
Sing up below!

Chimney Rockin’ with Daniel Sage!
Dec 23 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro

Come out to Chimney Rock to enjoy the Fabulous Food, Wonderful Wines and Rockin’ talent of Daniel Sage!

https://www.facebook.com/events/563829534058941/

Smoke on the Mountain: Sanders Family Christmas
Dec 23 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre

Come spend the holidays with your favorite SART family; THE SANDERS FAMILY! Jennifer O’Rear, Joshua Robinette Whitt, Natalie Brouwer Wilson, Lyn Nihart, Pem Price Tomaselli Brad Curtioff are back in this hysterical show. Timothy Wilds and Allen Law law are joining the Sanders Family this year and you don’t want to miss all the new funny moments!

Sanders Family Christmas is the sequel to Connie Ray and Alan Bailey’s wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain. It’s December 24, 1941, and America is going to war. So is Dennis Sanders, of the Sanders Family Singers. Join Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and the rest of the Sanders family as they send Dennis off with hilarious and touching stories and twenty-five Southern Gospel Christmas favorites.

https://www.facebook.com/events/329224851172923/

Christmas Eve Eve Church Service at Ridgeline Church
Dec 23 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ridgeline Church

Hot cocoa bar, Christmas music, and a heart-warming message. Bring the whole family to Ridgeline for Christmas in Asheville and have a holiday experience you’ll never forget. Meet Buddy the Elf and Santa! 35 Airport Rd. Arden, NC 28704. 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo
Dec 23 @ 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.