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.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Asheville + Grateful Bread Team Up for Winter Coat Drive
Dec 20 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

 

For the second consecutive year, Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA) and Grateful Bread will team up to host a Winter Coat Drive to benefit our local community. Guests, community members, and more are encouraged to bring their lightly used and recently cleaned jackets, coats, and related winter apparel to the HCCA Box Office during business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10a-4p) or during active event times until December 22nd. Grateful Bread will also be hosting a special pop up coat drive event on December 10th in front of the venue for the Christmas Jam.
NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Dec 20 @ 4:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet! The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony and get tickets now at nutcracker.com!

Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign
Dec 20 @ 6:21 pm
Harris Teeter

Help Us Meet the Need This Holiday Season

Round Up Campaigns & Community Events

We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.

  • Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign (11/2 – 12/27): Harris Teeter shoppers will be invited to Round Up their transaction to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit local hunger relief partners. MANNA will be the recipient of funds raised at the Harris Teeter stores on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville and Spartanburg Hwy. in Hendersonville.
Whole Foods’ Round-Up Campaign
Dec 20 @ 6:26 pm
Whole Foods
  • We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.
  • Whole Foods’ Round-Up Campaign (11/30 – 12/20): Whole Foods shoppers are invited to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar. Whole Foods will also match a donation to MANNA when a customer buys a locally made product.
Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 20 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas.
                Nov. 25 - Dec. 22

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!

NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Dec 20 @ 8:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet
Dec 20 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah's Cherokee Casino

This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with “NUTCRACKER! Magic of Christmas Ballet!” The acclaimed holiday tradition is LIVE in theaters for the 30th Anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to relive your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of Peace and Harmony and get tickets now at Nutcracker.com!

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 21 all-day
online

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!

Donate to Greenworks Double your impact with a $50,000 match!
Dec 21 all-day
online

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.

Give!Local fundraiser! Nature Center and Weiler Woods for Wildlife
Dec 21 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

From November 1 to December 31, you can support the WNC Nature Center through Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local fundraiser!
Your donation gives you great incentives from the Nature Center and Mountain Xpress, and your gift will be matched by Weiler Woods for Wildlife up to $2,500, with the entire donation coming to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center!
This is a powerful way to support local nonprofits and your community during the holiday season!
Here are a few of the awesome perks of supporting the Friends:
  • 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!
The Wish Tree- Older Adults + Adults w/ Disabilities and Foster Care Wish Tree
Dec 21 all-day
online

Make A Wish Come True This Holiday Season

Wishes

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.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A CHILD

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.

Asheville + Grateful Bread Team Up for Winter Coat Drive
Dec 21 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

 

For the second consecutive year, Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA) and Grateful Bread will team up to host a Winter Coat Drive to benefit our local community. Guests, community members, and more are encouraged to bring their lightly used and recently cleaned jackets, coats, and related winter apparel to the HCCA Box Office during business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 10a-4p) or during active event times until December 22nd. Grateful Bread will also be hosting a special pop up coat drive event on December 10th in front of the venue for the Christmas Jam.
Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign
Dec 21 @ 6:21 pm
Harris Teeter

Help Us Meet the Need This Holiday Season

Round Up Campaigns & Community Events

We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.

  • Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign (11/2 – 12/27): Harris Teeter shoppers will be invited to Round Up their transaction to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit local hunger relief partners. MANNA will be the recipient of funds raised at the Harris Teeter stores on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville and Spartanburg Hwy. in Hendersonville.
Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 21 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas.
                Nov. 25 - Dec. 22

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!

Thursday, December 22, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 22 all-day
online

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!

Donate to Greenworks Double your impact with a $50,000 match!
Dec 22 all-day
online

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.

Give Local: SAHAC and Wicked Weed
Dec 22 all-day
online
GiveLocal
                                                    campaign logo
SAHC is thrilled to be selected again this year to participate in the MountainXpress Give!Local Campaign. Our generous partners at Wicked Weed Brewing will MATCH donations up to $10,000! PLUS, anyone donating at a level of $100 or above will receive a $10 gift card from Wicked Weed. 

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.

sahc

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Give!Local fundraiser! Nature Center and Weiler Woods for Wildlife
Dec 22 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

From November 1 to December 31, you can support the WNC Nature Center through Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local fundraiser!
Your donation gives you great incentives from the Nature Center and Mountain Xpress, and your gift will be matched by Weiler Woods for Wildlife up to $2,500, with the entire donation coming to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center!
This is a powerful way to support local nonprofits and your community during the holiday season!
Here are a few of the awesome perks of supporting the Friends:
  • 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!
The Wish Tree- Older Adults + Adults w/ Disabilities and Foster Care Wish Tree
Dec 22 all-day
online

Make A Wish Come True This Holiday Season

Wishes

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.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A CHILD

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.

Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Concert
Dec 22 all-day
The AMT Theater

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.

Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign
Dec 22 @ 6:21 pm
Harris Teeter

Help Us Meet the Need This Holiday Season

Round Up Campaigns & Community Events

We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.

  • Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign (11/2 – 12/27): Harris Teeter shoppers will be invited to Round Up their transaction to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit local hunger relief partners. MANNA will be the recipient of funds raised at the Harris Teeter stores on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville and Spartanburg Hwy. in Hendersonville.
Listen to This: “Away in a Manger” true tales of holiday celebrations in odd locations
Dec 22 @ 7:30 pm
Story Parlor

Featuring stories by Ali McGhee (of AshevilleFM’s Slumber Party), Heather Maloy (of Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance), Lindsay Lee (of Highland Brew tours), and George Awad (of Appa-Laffin Mountain Review)
Plus songs by Carpal Tullar
Hosted by Tom “Pass the Suntan Lotion, Santa” Chalmers

Friday, December 23, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 23 all-day
online

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!

Donate to Greenworks Double your impact with a $50,000 match!
Dec 23 all-day
online

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.

Give!Local fundraiser! Nature Center and Weiler Woods for Wildlife
Dec 23 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

From November 1 to December 31, you can support the WNC Nature Center through Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local fundraiser!
Your donation gives you great incentives from the Nature Center and Mountain Xpress, and your gift will be matched by Weiler Woods for Wildlife up to $2,500, with the entire donation coming to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center!
This is a powerful way to support local nonprofits and your community during the holiday season!
Here are a few of the awesome perks of supporting the Friends:
  • 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!
Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign
Dec 23 @ 6:21 pm
Harris Teeter

Help Us Meet the Need This Holiday Season

Round Up Campaigns & Community Events

We are so grateful to all of our partners who are helping us during this critical time by providing various ways for people to get involved and help provide meals for neighbors this holiday season. Read through the list below to find out ways you can get involved.

  • Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast Round-Up Campaign (11/2 – 12/27): Harris Teeter shoppers will be invited to Round Up their transaction to the nearest whole dollar at checkout to benefit local hunger relief partners. MANNA will be the recipient of funds raised at the Harris Teeter stores on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville and Spartanburg Hwy. in Hendersonville.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians ​
Dec 23 @ 7:30 pm
Attic Salt Theatre

A battle so epic, it could only be shown in the dumbest way possible!

Acclaimed local playwright and director Rodney Smith has offered to take the usual holiday fare and turn it on its head by adapting this campy and (unintentionally) funny film from the 1960s for our stage. I’d explain the plot, but there’s not much to it outside the title.

Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for an alternative to Christmas schmaltz, you’re going to laugh and cheer at the bumbling Kinmar, Voldar, Dropo and the sexy Mrs. Candi Clause. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

Saturday, December 24, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 24 all-day
online

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!

Give Local: SAHAC and Wicked Weed
Dec 24 all-day
online
GiveLocal
                                                    campaign logo
SAHC is thrilled to be selected again this year to participate in the MountainXpress Give!Local Campaign. Our generous partners at Wicked Weed Brewing will MATCH donations up to $10,000! PLUS, anyone donating at a level of $100 or above will receive a $10 gift card from Wicked Weed. 

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.

sahc

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Give!Local fundraiser! Nature Center and Weiler Woods for Wildlife
Dec 24 all-day
online w/ WNC Nature Center

From November 1 to December 31, you can support the WNC Nature Center through Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local fundraiser!
Your donation gives you great incentives from the Nature Center and Mountain Xpress, and your gift will be matched by Weiler Woods for Wildlife up to $2,500, with the entire donation coming to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center!
This is a powerful way to support local nonprofits and your community during the holiday season!
Here are a few of the awesome perks of supporting the Friends:
  • 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!