Calendar of Events
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.
Honor the special qualities of this season, bring new awareness to your life, and benefit from the mysterious possibilities of this darkest night of the year.
In this ancient ceremony in the Nahua (“Aztec”) tradition, we call on the deep, alive creative force behind the flow of Time and Change to help us let go of what no longer serves us and open to receive the benefits from what is coming. In this precious moment, a doorway swings wide, and, with the help of these ancient rites, our human longings and requests can be heard by the living world that both created us and supports us throughout our existence.
The ceremonies and life-ways of this lineage, based in the Central Highlands of Mexico, are now brought forward throughout the lands by initiated traditional weather workers who hold the responsibility of honoring and renewing our relationship with the natural cycles in these lands where we live.
Hosted by Sacred Fire Asheville, this gathering takes place around a consecrated fire in the Sacred Fire Council House. It is led by quiatlzques weather worker and tepahtiani healer Erin Everett, one of the Asheville weather workers in the living, unbroken tradition of don Lucio Campos Elizalde of Morelos, Mexico.
This ceremony is one embodiment of a prophecy that the Nahua ceremonies will be brought forward to re-enliven human beings and our communities, renewing our relationship with Cycles, Weather, Healing and Sacred Time.
This traditional ceremony was employed by many generations of very practical native people because it works to align human beings with the sacred cycles.
There will be online registration for this event and a limited number of seats. Learn more by emailing [email protected]
Online registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/444545426337
This is a free event. Donations are requested, which support Sacred Fire Asheville and the Asheville-area Nahua-tradition weather workers.
This holiday season, visit Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village to find festive fun for the entire family. Meet Santa and your favorite Who-ville characters with your Winterfest Village ticket, or come enjoy free live music and character interactions in Legends Plaza. There is something to get every member of the family in the holiday spirit!
Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.
A holiday tradition for many mountain families returns to Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd. in Arden) in December. Festival of Lights continues with all its illuminated magic and more, as the annual event now finds itself on a mission.
Festival of Lights is a fun, inexpensive way to celebrate the season and make memories. As the original – and longest running – drive-thru holiday light show in the area, is excited to once again turn on the tradition of making spirits bright.
Mark your calendars, Lake Julian Festival of Lights will thrill visitors of all ages, nightly from 6-9 p.m. from Dec. 2-23, with two special walk-thru nights on Dec. 2 & 3. The festival thrives from its connection to the community; twenty percent of proceeds are donated to Special Olympics Buncombe County, while the remaining income is reinvested to enhance the festival for the following year.
Get your tickets for the Walk-Thru Nights
Get your tickets for the Drive-Thru Nights
Visitors can expect the drive circling Lake Julian Park to transform into a magical journey with tunnels of dazzling animated and stationary light displays. Watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to your own favorite holiday music while taking in the sights.
Vehicle entry for the Festival of Lights is $10 per passenger vehicle, $25 for large vans, and $50 for motor coaches and buses.
Inclement weather note: December can be month for inclement weather in Buncombe County. Make sure to stay up to date with all the latest information by signing up for alerts and notifications from Buncombe County. Text bcalert to 99411.
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A holiday tradition for many mountain families returns to Lake Julian Park (37 Lake Julian Rd. in Arden) in December. Festival of Lights continues with all its illuminated magic and more, as the annual event now finds itself on a mission.
Festival of Lights is a fun, inexpensive way to celebrate the season and make memories. As the original – and longest running – drive-thru holiday light show in the area, is excited to once again turn on the tradition of making spirits bright.
Mark your calendars, Lake Julian Festival of Lights will thrill visitors of all ages, nightly from 6-9 p.m. from Dec. 2-23, with two special walk-thru nights on Dec. 2 & 3. The festival thrives from its connection to the community; twenty percent of proceeds are donated to Special Olympics Buncombe County, while the remaining income is reinvested to enhance the festival for the following year.
Visitors can expect the drive circling Lake Julian Park to transform into a magical journey with tunnels of dazzling animated and stationary light displays. Watch the lights twinkle over the lake and listen to your own favorite holiday music while taking in the sights.
Vehicle entry for the Festival of Lights is $10 per passenger vehicle, $25 for large vans, and $50 for motor coaches and buses. Stay tuned for more information.
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
The Lights!
This year’s show features over a million lights and mixes enchanting new displays with old favorites like the 50ft tree and Quilt Garden. Winter Lights is a walk-through light show with countless opportunities for photos. Use our hashtag #NCWinterLights22 to share the magic!
Live performances
Live performances are scheduled nightly at the Education Center, near Bent Creek Bistro. View the music schedule here.
Rocky Cove Railroad*
During Winter Lights, our beloved g-scale model train offers nightly service to the North Pole. All aboard!
Storytime at Woodland Cove
Visit the Education Center for a whimsical window display that follows a young bear’s journey to discover new habitats. This is an educational exhibit that will delight the whole family.
Gift Shops
Still have a bit of shopping to do for the holidays? our Connections Gallery Gift Shop in the Baker Visitor Center and Winter Lights Shop in the Education Center are open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily, and from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. nightly, during Winter Lights.
S’mores and Firepits*
If the winter nights turn a bit chilly, cozy up to the fire pits and heaters throughout the gardens.
S’mores kits are available for purchase at the Bent Creek Bistro, where there’s an especially large fire pit for all your marshmallow-roasting needs!
Wishing Trees
A favorite Winter Lights tradition, the Wishing Trees return this year in a new location! Look for them near Rocky Cove Railroad, and make sure to leave a wish for the coming year.
Eat and Drink**
Looking for something to warm you up while you stroll? Cocoa, beer, and wine are available at both the Cocoa Shack and Bent Creek Bistro.
View the menu for Bent Creek Bistro
Bent Creek Bistro Hours: Full menu: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Snacks: 9:30-10:00 p.m.
*The Rocky Cove Railroad and the fire pits cannot run in certain weather conditions, and may be closed without notice.
**Alcohol purchased on-site may only be consumed in the event area and is not permitted in the parking lot or on the trails. Outside alcohol is prohibited at all times, on all parts of the property. This includes the parking lot and trails.
- Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring live music!
- 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.
This has all the makings of a jolly good family tradition!
- Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
- Admission: Adults $29; Children (5-11) $13
- Phone:
- Email:
The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!
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From 11/15 – 12/31, we’re offering a Holiday Special on our subscriptions! Get tickets at a discounted price, AND get a free ticket voucher for our next play, Native Gardens! Check our website on 11/15 to purchase this limited-time deal!
Come see the Carl Sandburg Home be decorated for the holidays, tour the house to see the interior in its simple holiday style, and on three Saturdays in December, visitors can enjoy free demonstrations and craft making, including making a simple musical instrument, making and frosting gingerbread cookies and
making a birdseed ornament, Advance tickets recommended for home tour, Tickets at Recreation.gov, Tours at 11am, 1pm &
2pm and activities on Saturdays from 10am-1pm,
We’ve got so many reasons to give thanks! In each of our program areas, we see ordinary people taking heroic action to protect our home from the pressures of a changing climate.
This year-end, we’re highlighting stories that inspired us and sharing how we’re planting seeds to create a climate-resilient future for all of us.
With our native pollinators, more is more. The more habitat we plant, the more easily our native pollinators can find shelter and food, the more resilient they become to the challenges posed by pesticides and extreme heat—the more stable our entire food ecosystem becomes.
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Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
WHAT THEY DO: We permanently protect and steward our region’s most beloved natural areas. When you support local land and water conservation, you ensure our lands, our water, our wildlife and our farms will be there for future generations. SAHC is committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
- Donate $25+ and get a day pass to the WNC Nature Center.
- Donate $50+ and get an animal sticker and a day pass.
- Donate $100+ and get an animal tracks necklace, animal sticker, and a day pass.
- Donate $250+ and get a a guided tour of the Nature Center with animal enrichment for two people, plus the necklace, sticker, and day pass. PLUS, you’ll be entered to win a chance to go on habitat with red pandas Leafa and Phoenix in 2023!
Downtown Hendersonville
Peppermint Bear takes you on a fun-filled bear hunt in downtown Hendersonville in search of her lost cubs. Hint: the cubs are hiding in downtown businesses.
Once you have found a lost cub in at least 12 of 26 participating businesses and the shopkeeper has punched your brochure, you are eligible to win scavenger hunt prizes. Complete the entry form in the brochure and drop it in Peppermint’s mailbox in front of the Welcome Center, by Dec. 23.
For more details about the Scavenger Hunt, watch this video or stop by the Welcome Center at 201 South Main Street. Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt brochures are available at the Hendersonville Welcome Center.
Make A Wish Come True This Holiday Season
Ready the hot cocoa and pull out your decorations; it’s time for another holiday season. As you begin your holiday preparation traditions, remember to visit the Buncombe County Wish Trees! This year we are offering two opportunities to spread cheer throughout the community:
Foster Care Wish Tree
Each year children in foster care and young adults participating in Extended Foster Care in Buncombe County submit a list of wishes they would like for the holidays. Signing up to sponsor a child or young adult is easy! Just follow the link below and select the child or young adult you would like to sponsor. After signing up, you will receive email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop off. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow up email in its entirety.
Direct Questions to Amber Cook
[email protected]
(828) 250-5824
The Wish Tree- Fulfilling Wishes of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities
There are a lot of Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities in Buncombe County in need of connection this holiday season. Show a Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities how much you care by sponsoring them this holiday season. Signing up to sponsor a Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities is easy. Just follow the link below, select the Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities you would like to sponsor, and check your email for confirmation, a reminder of what your Older Adult and or Adult with Disabilities would like this holiday season, and drop off instructions. We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 so be sure to read the follow up email in its entirety.
CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR AN OLDER ADULT OR AN ADULT WITH DISABILITIES
A note from HHS
The holidays can be hard for a lot of people, children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities in particular. Holidays are a time when family and friends gather together, show support for one another, and shower each other with love, kindness, and generosity. Each year, we have an opportunity to deliver the holiday spirit to children in foster care, older adults, and adults with disabilities through our wish tree gift drives. The expressions of joy and excitement on our clients faces as we deliver their gifts reminds us of the true meaning of the holiday season, connection. Yes, the gifts are nice. But the real gift is knowing that someone loves and cares. That is what we deliver to our clients. Thank you in advance for your generous sponsorship.
With over two thousand flickering candles illuminating the performers, The VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA will feature some of the worlds most beloved Christmas favorites, played by world-class musicians over the course of 60 mesmerizing minutes.
VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA — CHRISTMAS —
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful and unique Asheville Christmas event or a nostalgic candlelit experience, the timeless seasonal music is an evening at the Theatre you and your family will not soon forget. VLO’s awe inspiring performance is a positive interruption from the noise of the world — while elevating audiences into an atmosphere of seasonal favorites. You don’t need to know all things orchestral music to enjoy this evening of magical ambiance, simply unplug and savor the music you’ll hear.
Held in specially selected venues in comfortable idyllic settings so you can immerse yourself with Christmas music in a relaxed but awe inspiring atmosphere bathed by the flicker of over two thousand candlelights. Prepare to soar into the clouds! This concert series is coming to The AMT Theatre, a historical venue of purpose and elegance located in Downtown Asheville.
Performances by The VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA
After traveling around the world—to cities like Edinburgh, London, Kotor, Montenegro, Durres Albania and Calagary, BC—the experience of Vienna Light Orchestra has finally made its way to Asheville! Vienna Light Orchestra features world-class musicians from around the world and is named after what is often heralded as the “capital of orchestral music.” You don’t have to know everything about the genre of orchestral music to discover the joys of immersing you and your family into the dramatic symphonic sounds.
Note: For the safety of our audience, all of the candlelight ambiance is provided through flameless, unscented candles.
This is the 15th year of this popular, free and elaborate Christmas display where you can bring the family, pets and your own camera to take your holiday
pictures in a beautiful Christmas setting.
Immerse yourself in a Winter Wonderland with Santa and his elves and of course, Santa’s reindeer at Carolina Ace Hardware. Bring the whole family and take your Christmas pictures in the magical Christmas display in the Garden Center. Free to the public. Bring your cameras.
The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
The 30th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in-person at The Omni Grove Park Inn on Monday, November 21, 2022 with an Awards Ceremony following in the Grand Ballroom. Competition judging will be conducted in-person and is closed to the public. The competition’s esteemed panel of judges, including Chef Carla Hall, will announce a winner on November 21st at the Resort. All entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn (290 Macon Ave., Asheville) throughout the holiday season.
The official 2022 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 28, 2022 and will continue through Monday, January 2, 2023. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6:00 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.
HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM
Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $680,000 to not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. Starting Saturday, October 1st, guests can drive up to the main entrance at The Omni Grove Park Inn and be assisted by a valet for $35 for day guests and $30 for overnight guests. Self-parking for day guests is $25 and $20 for overnight guests. A portion of the parking proceeds is donated to the community in support of local not-for-profit organizations.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is pleased to welcome regional school choral groups and local musicians to the airport as part of our annual Sounds of the Holidays program. The musicians and students will perform festive music for the enjoyment of those arriving and departing from AVL this holiday season.
Following is a schedule of choral performances: Thursday, December 15
11:20am East McDowell Middle School Chorus
Friday, December 16
12:45pm Erwin Combined Choirs
Following is a schedule of Music in the Airport performances:
Mike Anderson
Mondays in December 10:30am
Thursday December 15 5:30pm
Phil Okrend
Thursdays in December 11:00am
Saturday December 15 5:30pm
Joseph Olschner
Fridays in December 10:00am and 2:00pm
Saturdays in December at 11am
Bill Cozzens-Bryant
Tuesdays in December 11:00am
Wednesdays in December 10:30am
Jenna Jaffe
Sunday December 18 11:30am
Saturday December 24 2:00PM
Sunday December 25 10:00am
Each tree, uniquely decorated around the theme: A Black Mountain Christmas, will be created by businesses, organizations, or individuals to help raise funds for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund. Come join us! Share in the Christmas spirit and support your favorite tree by donating with cash, check, or on-line at svcmblackmountain.org.
Many downtown businesses have decorated their windows for the holiday season. Follow along our Holiday Windows Walking Tour as you shop for the perfect gift for everyone on your list and support small businesses. Charmed Asheville is offering a special 10% discount to people who mention the Holiday Windows Walking Tour (some exclusions apply).
Also, are you have a holiday sale, event or promotion? We’re happy to share through our social media, newsletters and press releases.
see the beautiful holiday decorations and lights. Plus find lots of great gifts at the many local shops and businesses
Located in the Food Court at the Santa set. 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 POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is back in 2022! The 1¼ hour round-trip passenger 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.
Weather
We encourage guests to plan ahead and stay apprised of the latest weather developments. Cancellations of a POLAR EXPRESS departure because of inclement weather are very rare. If you’re staying in the Gatlinburg/Sevierville, Tennessee area, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service announces road closures and openings on Twitter, or call (865) 436-1200 extension 631 for a recorded message. In such case Highway 441 is closed through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Interstate 40 typically remains open. Use 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713 as your destination to find an alternate route.
Create a lush Christmas table arrangement that will be sure to wow your guests or someone you choose to make it for. Pick from a variety of seasonal flowers and foliage to make a truly unique arrangement. Abigail and Emily of Wander Floral Design will teach you how to incorporate your selections in a low and long format that will fit your table. All materials and containers will be provided.
This class is capped at 12 people, so it will sell out quickly!
Wander Floral Design is comprised of Abigail Wyatt and Emily O’Neil. They often incorporate foraged elements with a style that reflects the aesthetic of the orderly, yet untamed natural beauty of the Appalachians.
This holiday season, visit Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village to find festive fun for the entire family. Meet Santa and your favorite Who-ville characters with your Winterfest Village ticket, or come enjoy free live music and character interactions in Legends Plaza. There is something to get every member of the family in the holiday spirit!
Biltmore House glows with candlelight and firelight during this nighttime tour, changing the daytime visit’s mood and experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings in Biltmore House allows guests to step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians stationed throughout the house perform seasonal favorites. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce encircled by illuminated evergreens and shrubs sparkling in the center of the front lawn.