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 19, 2020
Happy Hanukkah from Flat Rock Playhouse
Dec 19 all-day
Online
Hanukkiah with text that reads
                  Happy Hanukkah.

Happy Hanukkah

Last night, December 10, marked the first night of Hanukkah! Wishing all those who celebrate a very happy Hanukkah. If you don’t celebrate Hanukkah but want to learn more about the history and traditions of the holiday… check out this video by actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik from The Big Bang Theory and Blossom!

Homemade Holiday A Gift Guild from Asheville Makers
Dec 19 all-day
Online

Handmade Holidays

Spread some mountain magic and holiday cheer with these unique gifts from Asheville’s artisans and makers. Shop from over 50 local vendors or share your love of Asheville by giving the gift of travel this holiday season.

Keep the Cheer Contest Shop and Dine
Dec 19 all-day
Hendersonville

 COC Shop and Dine

Enter the KEEP THE CHEER HERE Contest hosted with WTZQ!

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What is Shop & Dine HC?

Shop & Dine HC is a collaborative movement designed to remind the public of the benefits and importance of spending their dollars with our local businesses. Local businesses lay the framework for a strong community and we want Henderson County to shop local, spend local, save local.

Why does shopping locally matter?

When you shop locally:

  • $0.02 of every $1 stays in the community through the Sales Tax. These dollars support county and municipal budgets for schools, law enforcement, infrastructure, and more.
  • you help create and retain jobs for existing businesses as they succeed and grow, and create a successful business community that attracts other businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • those same businesses you are supporting will give back to our community through donations to non-profits, civic clubs, youth programs, and more.

Simply put – our local businesses make our community better.

Want to get involved?

Be part of the conversation!

Join the Shop & Dine Facebook Group

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Businesses – Take the #SafeHendo Pledge! 

We celebrate businesses that are committed to the safety of our community in these extraordinary times. Check out the #SafeHendo pledge and let your customers know their safety is your focus.

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Shop Local: Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Dec 19 all-day
Online

Consider what it means to shop Amazon
Did you know that Amazon’s net sales for Q4 are expected to be $121 Billion and to grow 38% compared with fourth quarter 2019 numbers? Clearly in this pandemic, they are the big winner. Y’all… there has NEVER been a more critical year to SHOP LOCAL! Please show your love and support of our amazing local business community which truly has all you could ever need- a vintage dress, wall tapestry, piece of pottery, growler of beer or endless gift cards to your favorite Asheville restaurants. Get some ideas here:  shops , restaurants , breweries , and more.
Show and Tell Holiday Pop Up Shop
Dec 19 all-day
Online

WELCOME TO OUR ONLINE POP UP SHOP

The Big Crafty Online
Dec 19 all-day
Online

Our weekend.

For the first time in more than a decade, we won’t be sharing hugs with you all, and we’re really missing it.
But we’ll still be admiring the year’s creative harvest and we hope you will, too!
Our artists have responded to the extraordinary circumstances of this year with creative zeal, and we hope you’ll enjoy checking in with them via our list of artists.
We will also be sharing some of our favorite work and gift ideas via Instagram and Facebook this weekend and throughout the holidays.
Treat yourself. Treat your fam. Know that your support is needed and appreciated.
Also…know that next year we will be hugging you extra tight.
Til then, stay well, keep your fires burning, and take extra good care of one another ❉❊❤❊❉

AHNA Annual Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Dec 19 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Animal Hospital of North Asheville

“Warm Hearts * Full Bellies” Holiday Pet Food and Supply Drive
Join us this Holiday Season to help pets in need in our community. During “Warm Hearts * Full Bellies,” AHNA will be collecting donations of wet or dry pet food, much-needed supplies, and monetary donations for the Asheville Humane Society (AHS) and Meals on Wheels of Buncombe County.
Starting Friday, November 27th, and lasting through Saturday, January 2nd, we will be offering several different ways to donate to help these amazing organizations. Due to how the threat of COVID-19 has affected our community, we have made some changes to our annual holiday food drive. We have kept safety in mind.
Donations Accepted:
We will be collecting wet or dry cat or dog food, small animal/rabbit food, cockatiel/parakeet bird food, cleaning supplies, pet supplies (toys, blankets, and more), along with monetary donations at AHNA.
DROP OFF:
We will have a donation bin on our patio at AHNA for donated items. Items can be dropped off during regular business hours (M-F 7:30am-6:00pm, and Sat 8am-5pm).
ONLINE:
Starting in December, we will be offering online donation collections through Amazon wishlist and direct donations to the organizations. Supplies can be ordered online and delivered to AHNA. We will distribute the donations after the first of the year to the Asheville Humane Society and Meals on Wheels.
Direct Donations:
Asheville Humane Society: https://www.ashevillehumane.org/donation-drive
To show our appreciation, Animal Hospital of North Asheville has partnered with Science Diet Pet Food to donate an extra pound of food for every pound (up to 2,000 pounds) of pet food donated during our Holiday Pet Food Drive.
Please, if you want to donate by check, it must be written to the organization of your choice (not to Animal Hospital of North Asheville).
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for fun weekly events, information about these wonderful organizations, and photos of animals your donations will be helping.
Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
Dec 19 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Grove Arcade

Grove Arcade is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Winter Wonderland holiday celebration.

The Arcade has transformed into a wreath-bedecked showcase for Asheville’s finest local craftspeople and retailers. Smells of pine and holly will greet visitors as they tour—at a proper social distance!—Asheville’s stunning art deco gem to discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted local gifts, enjoy holiday-themed beverages and dining specials, and winter-y feels within the warm Grove Arcade halls. Specially curated Christmas standards and the most extravagant holiday decorations in town will transport visitors to a truly unforgettable winter paradise.

We will be hosting a local MANNA Food Bank Drive! Drop-off barrels will be placed around several areas of the Arcade to be collected and distributed by MANNA to help during these uncertain times.

For the enjoyment and safety of everyone, Grove Arcade will be taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions during Winter Wonderland. All visitors and employees will be required to follow the CDC’s health recommendations, including social distancing and mask wearing.

Enjoy a safe and jolly visit to Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland! And from all of us at Grove Arcade, Happy Holidays!

Give the Gift of Literacy
Dec 19 @ 8:30 am – 8:15 pm
Online

Your support makes it happen!

Give the Gift of Literacy to create lasting change this holiday season and beyond.

A Brevard Music Center Gift Certificate!
Dec 19 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Online w/ A Brevard Music Center

Give your loved ones a gift that will last all summer long –
A Brevard Music Center Gift Certificate!

Gift certificates can be purchased for a minimum of $25 and applied toward subscriptions or tickets to any event, any season. It’s a hassle-free, printable gift solution that will introduce your friends and family to one of the country’s premier summer music festivals, and a very special way to support the next generation of classical musicians.

Brevard Music Center’s 2021 Summer Music Festival will be held from June 25 through August 8. Details will be announced after the first of the year, and we plan for another captivating season of symphony, opera, chamber, pops, bluegrass, and jazz performances.

Purchase your gift certificate online at
brevardmusic.org/giftcertificates
or call (828) 862-2131 to order yours today!

Important Note: At this time, all gift certificates are delivered digitally as PDFs
and are attached to your confirmation emails. Gift certificates are not
actual concert tickets and must be redeemed for individual performances
through the box office once single tickets go on sale. All guest artists,
programs, and dates are subject to change. Give the gift of music today!

Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration
Dec 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Buy tickets online to save up to $8 per admission. Check website for hours of operation.
Treat yourself to the beloved estate tradition known as Christmas at Biltmore, when America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and the entire estate are at their most enchanting.
A daytime visit to Biltmore is a feast for the senses, featuring wreaths, garlands, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments, from Biltmore House to Antler Hill Village!
Christmas at Connemara Thanksgiving to January 6
Dec 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg House

The house will be decorated in the simple style of the Sandburg’s with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2021.

Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar!
Dec 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

2021 year calendar with photo of the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage covered in snow.

Start the year off right with a Flat Rock Playhouse 2021 calendar! This beautiful image of our Mainstage was taken by longtime Vagabond and Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Scott Treadway. Enjoy the view of the Rock all year round in your office, on the kitchen wall, or above your desk. This quality printed calendar is 20″x16″ and supports the arts in North Carolina.

 

The ASAP Holiday Farmers Market
Dec 19 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
ASAP Holiday Farmers Market

Visit the ASAP Farmers Market between Thanksgiving and Christmas to shop for locally-made, quality gifts, including: art, jewelry, dried flowers and wreaths, soap, body care, CBD products, gourmet specialty foods and more!
While you are at it, shop with our farmers for the freshest vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, mushrooms, bread, and pastries!
Protocols, such as limiting the number of customers at a time, are in place to ensure your shopping experience is safe. The market is located outdoors in a parking lot (16 Fernihurst Drive) at the downtown AB Tech Campus
UNC Asheville’s Gift Guide
Dec 19 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Online w/UNCA

The holiday season is upon us, so we wanted to share a few suggestions for gift giving this year, with ways to stay cozy, look forward to summer and cheer on the Bulldogs, wherever you are.
100 Coats + Cans Holiday Drive
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Engel & Völkers Asheville

We’re kicking off our annual holiday drive!
This year, we are asking for coats and other cold weather gear for kids that will be donated to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buncombe County and canned goods and other non-perishables for MANNA FoodBank. Last year our community came together and made our annual coat drive a huge success. We were able to surpass our goal of donating 100 coats. This year we hope to donate 100 coats and 100 canned goods.
We invite you to join us in supporting these incredible organizations by donating either cold weather gear like a coat, canned goods, or both. Any donation is greatly appreciated. While Giving Tuesday is a one day event, we’ll be holding our holiday drive until December 19th.
TO DONATE: We have designated donation hours at our office in downtown Asheville at 26 College Street. Drop off donations Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm until December 19th. Or, please contact us and we would be happy to arrange a pick-up time!
Please help us keep the youth of Buncombe County warm and families fed this winter season. With the impact of COVID-19, it has never been more important to take care of our community.
Gardener’s Cottage 12 Days Of Christmas | 5% Of Sales Donated to Eblen Charities
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Gardener's Cottage

Shop Local To Give Local
Shop with us on December 15th and 5% of total sales will go to Eblen Charities.
About Our Annual 12 Days Of Christmas Event
It’s time for our annual 12 Days of Christmas Give Back event! Help us support our community from December 13-24th. Each day we will contribute 5% of our sales to a designated charity.
This year more than ever, we’re grateful for the support of our community and eager to show our support as well.
Holiday Bazaar UNC Asheville
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

The best local foods and handmade gifts!

Monte Vista Hotel: Deck The Trees
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monte Vista Hotel

Deck The Trees is a fun and festive December Holiday Happening in Black Mountain. This event is a fundraiser for the Fuel Fund of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. Trees decorated in the theme And A Star Appeared will be displayed in the Monte Vista Hotel and many businesses throughout Black Mountain. Trees may be voted on by placing cash/check in the box corresponding to your favorite tree. All money collected goes directly to the Fuel Fund. For more information about Deck The Trees and to support your favorite tree(s) contact svcmblackmountain.org.

North Asheville Tailgate Market/The Holiday Bazaar
Dec 19 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers tailgate markets. Several markets in Buncombe County will offer holiday markets or extended seasons in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and bread, these markets feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Christmas at Connemara Story Telling
Dec 19 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Carl Sandburg House

On Saturday November 28, December 5, 12 and 19, music or storytelling will be offered from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm with craft-making from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Live Glassblowing Demos – Handcrafted Christmas Ornaments
Dec 19 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Mountain Made Art Gallery

A Wonderful Family Holiday Tradition … Handcrafted Christmas ornaments by Master Scientific Glassblower Jason Probstein. 

Since 2010, the Mountain Made art gallery, in downtown Asheville, has been proud to host live glassblowing demonstrations by scientific glass blower, Jason Probstein.

This year Probstein will be demonstrating from 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM on these 3 days: Fridays, Saturdays & Mondays … starting November 20 to December 21, 2020 … Or until his gas tanks run dry!

He will be creating his unique handcrafted Christmas tree ornaments – while you watch. We invite you to bring the entire family and come by Mountain Made to watch this master scientific glassblower at work!

To learn more this and other holiday events, visit our website for more information. Or if you are in downtown Asheville, we invite you to just come by Mountain Made gallery, located at 1 Page Ave – Inside the Grove Arcade (Suite #123) to see for yourself just how great Jason and his ornaments are.

Gallerie Bazaar: a gift show
Dec 19 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Art Garden AVL

We’re turning the gallery into a bazaar for the holidays! The gallery will be filled with affordable and giftable original art and prints from a wide array of local artist and craftspeople. We’ll be donating 10% of gallery bazaar sales to MANNA food bank in Asheville. It’s been a rough year; come find a sweet little piece of art to brighten someone’s holiday, and support local artists when you do.
Show Dates: Nov 14 – Jan 4.
Gallery Hours: 11-5 pm.
(closed Wednesdays)
Featured artists tba very soon ~ there’s still time to participate if you’d like to submit some artwork~ send us a message!
cover art: “Earth Rhythm” by @Annie Kyla Bennett Art
In person or Virtual: Visit Santa at the Asheville Mall
Dec 19 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville Mall (near Barnes and Noble)

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We are excited to continue the tradition of hosting Santa to meet and greet all kids and kids-at-heart. Santa is doing many things differently this year, and because of that we are providing multiple options for you and your loved ones to see Santa.

In person visits will still be available, but you will have to reserve a special time to see Santa. Click here to reserve your spot now. These visits will be contactless, and hand sanitizing stations will also be available. Scroll further down the page to learn more about available dates, times, photo package pricing and more. Face masks are required to visit Santa for children age 2 and up as well as adults, so remember to bring your festive holiday mask or face covering.

For those unable to see Santa in person or who want additional memorable experiences, we are now offering several online options. You can continue to Create Holiday Magic from the comfort of your home, and celebrate Christmas throughout the season with things like Story Time with Santa, Photos with Santa (including pets), a live zoom call and more! Click here to learn more.

Santa Claus visits
Dec 19 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Asheville Mall

The Asheville Mall is now offering Santa Claus visits for children this year, but it will look a bit different as the staff follows strict guidance to keep families safe. “Santa’s Workshop” is located in the traditional center of the mall, but the visits will be contactless. Instead of children sitting on Santa’s lap, families will sit 6 feet in front of Santa for photos. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
Free Outdoor Film The Nutcracker and The Mouse King
Dec 19 @ 12:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

This Saturday, join us for a fun, free, community event that your ballet fans young and old will love. So much has been cancelled because of the pandemic, but we are proud to our offer our community and families a safe, spacious outdoor site to enjoy socially distanced festive traditions. This Saturday, we are partnering with Asheville Community Dance Theater to host a screening of their 2019 performance of the beloved holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Entry is free. As a special surprise, some of the cast favorites in costume will be on site as special guests. Masks and social distancing are required at all times, as always.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Special Get a Box, Give a Pound to MANNA
Dec 19 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Get a Box, Give a Pound
From now until Dec. 31st, when you shop our new shippable curated sampler boxes, we’ll donate a pound of grassfed beef or pastured pork to MANNA foodbank to support a family in need.

*Order by Sunday, December 20 to ensure Christmas delivery!

NEW Holiday Hours
While the Farm Store is still closed to the general public, you can shop HNG products online and pick them up at the Farm Store.

PICKUP HOURS EXTENDED
Open: Friday (12/18) – Wednesday (12/23) 1-4 PM
Closed: Thursday (12/24) – Wednesday (12/30)
Open: Thursday (12/31)
Closed: Friday (1/1)
Open: Saturday (1/2) – Sunday (1/3) 1-4 PM

Youth Studio at Asheville Art Museum: Winter Wonderland (Grades K–5) 
Dec 19 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

It’s beginning to look a lot like… winter! Instead of staying bundled up under the covers, be inspired by the season to create snowy landscape cards and Model Magic decorations. Held indoors in the Museum’s John & Robyn Horn Education Center during cold weather. Space is limited to small groups of up to eight students; face coverings and social distancing are required.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm Holiday Sale
Dec 19 @ 4:04 pm – 5:04 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

HICKORY NUT GAP WILL DONATE A POUND OF OUR PASTURE RAISED MEATS TO FAMILIES IN NEED FOR EVERY SAMPLER BOX PURCHASED BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2020.

Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore
Dec 19 @ 5:00 pm
Biltmore

Candlelight, firelight and live music bring holiday warmth to Biltmore House’s extravagant holiday décor during these nighttime tours. Candlelight Christmas Evenings include a self-guided candlelight tour of Biltmore House, next-day visit to the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery. Evening guests can also take advantage of Antler Hill Village & Winery to enjoy free wine tastings.

Tickets may be purchased at www.biltmore.com or by phone (800-411-3812).