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 10, 2022
Holiday Double Cheer: FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS + JINGLEJACKS
Dec 10 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre invites you to join them this December to celebrate the holidays in a new and unique way. In Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks, two unique musical one-acts will make their North Carolina premiere at Hendersonville Theatre from December 2 to 18. Tickets are $21-30 and are available online at HVLtheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 percent discount.

Double Holiday Cheer opens with Five Carols for Christmas. Set in 1954 suburbia and inspired by classic holiday Christmas specials, Five Carols is the story of five best friends (all named Carol) who set out to present a memorable Christmas program at the local high school. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays.

The second half of Double Holiday Cheer presents JingleJacks, a new, modern, Christmas musical. Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin somewhere in the wilderness, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast. Using webcams and laptops, they serenade their “cyber” audience with a broad spectrum of musical genres: barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

Double Holiday Cheer is sponsored by Harvey’s Al Fresco at The Henderson and is also supported by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians ​
Dec 10 @ 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?

The Asheville Ballet presents THE NUTCRACKER
Dec 10 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, with stars, story, and sugarplums.

The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
Dec 10 @ 7:30 pm
Be Be Theatre
Welcome back…to Pemberley!

We’ve got TWO shows for you this holiday season!

For one weekend only, we’ll be remounting last year’s production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley! Set two years after Pride & Prejudice, this story centers bookish middle sister Mary as the heroine. As members of the family gather to celebrate Christmas together at Pemberley Estate, a newcomer sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.

While Miss Bennet depicts the Darcys’ Christmas gathering on the ground floor of Pemberley, The Wickhams takes audiences to the downstairs servants’ quarters for that same celebration. Mrs. Reynolds, a no-nonsense housekeeper; Cassie, an eager new maid; and Brian, an inventive footman, are bustling with preparations for holiday guests. But their work is interrupted by the midnight arrival of an unexpected (and uninvited) guest who creates tension in the household, both upstairs and down. The Wickhams is a charming holiday tale that explores the confines of class and the generosity of forgiveness.

Onstage we have Trinity Smith-Keel, Hanni Muerdter, Emily Tucker, Lauren Otis, Mandy Bean, Zak Hamrick, Jason Williams, Aaron Ybarra, Dana Gillihan, Gabby Bailey, and Desmond Williams.

PLEASE NOTE:

ALL PATRONS must wear an N95 or comparable type face mask that covers nose and mouth at all times when inside the theater, except when actively drinking a beverage. Due to the size of the space, social distancing while seated will not be possible, so mask wearing will be strictly enforced.

Asheville Vaudeville
Dec 10 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– AGES 18+
– SEATED SHOW

Asheville Vaudeville is WNC’s longest-running variety event! Featuring comedy, juggling, burlesque, clowns, puppetry, and more, with your host, Queen April!

Performance Image

Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 10 @ 8:00 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!

Sunday, December 11, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 11 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!

Be Here Now at NC Stage
Dec 11 @ 12:00 am – 2:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

Bari’s always been a bit of an angry, depressed misanthrope and losing her job teaching nihilism in New York to work at the local fulfillment center in her rural hometown has sent her into despair. But lately her recurring headaches manifest bizarre, ecstatic, almost religious experiences, and they’re changing her entire view of life. She’s in love. She’s almost… happy. When she finds out they’re also killing her, she must decide whether it’s better to live a short, joyful life, or risk a lifetime of unhappiness. Explore the immense joy and sorrow that come with being alive in this quirky, unexpected romantic comedy at Asheville’s only professional theatre.

Discretionary Warning: Mature Language and Content
COVID protocol: masks required in the theatre space

A Christmas Story
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
HART Theatre

The Main Stage Theatre at HART
Directed by Erin McCarson

Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. A Christmas Story is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial.

Be Here Now
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
North Carolina Stage Company

By Deborah Zoe Laufer

Please be aware that as of 11/1/2022, NC Stage is still requiring masks in the theatre for all audience members. 

Read more about this decision and our complete COVID-19 policy.

Bari’s always been a bit of an angry, depressed misanthrope and losing her job teaching nihilism in New York to work at the local fulfillment center in her rural hometown has sent her into despair. But lately her recurring headaches manifest bizarre, ecstatic, almost religious experiences, and they’re changing her entire view of life. She’s in love. She’s almost… happy. When she finds out they’re also killing her, she must decide whether it’s better to live a short, joyful life, or risk a lifetime of unhappiness. And she must also ask herself…what’s it all for anyway?
Discretionary Warning: Mature Language and Content
Holiday Spectacular Drag Brunch FUNdraiser for Loving Food Resources
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– SEATED SHOW

Time for another Asheville Drag Brunch on Sunday December 11th at the Grey Eagle. Tickets start at $25 and include admission, brunch, drag show, and a donation to the local non-profit organization Loving Food Resources.

The Grey Eagle boasts a full-service bar and brunch. The family-friendly drag queen entertainment promises to be sing-along top-notch fun with plenty of laughter and audience interaction. The show includes performances by an all-star cast of professional drag queens.

Tickets and addition info at AshevilleDragBrunch.com

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Join Big Bird and friends as they set off to “Make Your Magic” in Sesame Street Live

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose
Dec 11 @ 2:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose

A Holiday Mystery for All Ages!

In this family-friendly holiday mystery, Sherlock Holmes is asked to discover the identity of a man who lost his hat and goose in a late-night scuffle. At first, Holmes treats the request as only a mild curiosity, but then the countess of Morcar’s rare and valuable blue carbuncle is found stuffed down the goose’s throat. The pursuit of the thief leads Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from 221B Baker Street to Covent Garden Market and all over the streets of wintery London.

Doors for performances open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Ticket sales end 1 hour prior to showtime, but there may still be tickets available in the office. Tickets purchased in the hour before a show starts in the office are $25. Contact BMCA for availability, and go to BMCA office to buy last-minute tickets.

Elf The Musical
Dec 11 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Book by: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by: Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by: Chad Beguelin; Directed by: Jeff Catanese

December 2 – December 18, 2022

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, and Thursday December 15 at 7:30 pm

 

Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to live joyfully in community as he finds and shares his true identity. Elf The Musical is full of cheer with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!

 

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Dec 11 @ 2:30 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?

Holiday Double Cheer
Dec 11 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain

Directed by Beth Norris

FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.

JINGLEJACKS
Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

HOLIDAY DOUBLE CHEER
Dec 11 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Book and Lyrics by Jim Christian
Music by Kenneth Plain

DIRECTED BY CHANDLER SMITH

FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s 1954, and five best friends – all named Carol – as they prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.

JINGLEJACKS

Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

Holiday Double Cheer: FIVE CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS + JINGLEJACKS
Dec 11 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre invites you to join them this December to celebrate the holidays in a new and unique way. In Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks, two unique musical one-acts will make their North Carolina premiere at Hendersonville Theatre from December 2 to 18. Tickets are $21-30 and are available online at HVLtheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10 percent discount.

Double Holiday Cheer opens with Five Carols for Christmas. Set in 1954 suburbia and inspired by classic holiday Christmas specials, Five Carols is the story of five best friends (all named Carol) who set out to present a memorable Christmas program at the local high school. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays.

The second half of Double Holiday Cheer presents JingleJacks, a new, modern, Christmas musical. Four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin somewhere in the wilderness, are living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast. Using webcams and laptops, they serenade their “cyber” audience with a broad spectrum of musical genres: barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals.” Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh new melodies.

Double Holiday Cheer is sponsored by Harvey’s Al Fresco at The Henderson and is also supported by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
Dec 11 @ 3:00 pm
Be Be Theatre
Welcome back…to Pemberley!

For one weekend only, we’ll be remounting last year’s production of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley! Set two years after Pride & Prejudice, this story centers bookish middle sister Mary as the heroine. As members of the family gather to celebrate Christmas together at Pemberley Estate, a newcomer sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.

While Miss Bennet depicts the Darcys’ Christmas gathering on the ground floor of Pemberley, The Wickhams takes audiences to the downstairs servants’ quarters for that same celebration. Mrs. Reynolds, a no-nonsense housekeeper; Cassie, an eager new maid; and Brian, an inventive footman, are bustling with preparations for holiday guests. But their work is interrupted by the midnight arrival of an unexpected (and uninvited) guest who creates tension in the household, both upstairs and down. The Wickhams is a charming holiday tale that explores the confines of class and the generosity of forgiveness.

Onstage we have Trinity Smith-Keel, Hanni Muerdter, Emily Tucker, Lauren Otis, Mandy Bean, Zak Hamrick, Jason Williams, Aaron Ybarra, Dana Gillihan, Gabby Bailey, and Desmond Williams.

PLEASE NOTE:

ALL PATRONS must wear an N95 or comparable type face mask that covers nose and mouth at all times when inside the theater, except when actively drinking a beverage. Due to the size of the space, social distancing while seated will not be possible, so mask wearing will be strictly enforced.

2022 HOLIDAY SHOW
Dec 11 @ 4:00 pm
Magnetic Theatre

2022 HOLIDAY SHOW
By Skyler Goff

From the deviant minds that brought you Spanko: A Tex-Mex Commedia Musical, in partnership with The Magnetic Theatre comes a paranoid, bawdy, and morbid retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic. More information to follow!

December 2 – 17, 2022
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 4pm

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic
Dec 11 @ 5:30 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Join Big Bird and friends as they set off to “Make Your Magic” in Sesame Street Live

Monday, December 12, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 12 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!

Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 13 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!

Tanglewood Youth Theatre: Youth Acting Ages 8-12
Dec 13 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

In this class designed for beginners and younger performers, students will learn basic acting techniques and have a great time doing so! They’ll get creative with short scenes and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class builds the confidence to help them to shine on stage and in life –  even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTEIf applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 14 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!

Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 14 @ 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 15, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 15 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!

Tanglewood Youth Theatre: Broadway Cabaret (ages 8-12)
Dec 15 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Ages 8-12 Nov 3 – Dec 18 | Thursdays 4:30 – 6:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Learn to be a triple threat in this musical performance class! Students will work with acting, music, and dance professionals to stage songs from some of our favorite Broadway musicals. Get ready for the spotlight – students perform in a cabaret style showcase at the end of the class!

Registration begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Tuition will be $375.00 – payment plans and scholarships will both be available. 

Student Ages 8-12
Classes/Rehearsals: 
Nov 3 – Dec 18 | Thursdays 4:30 – 6:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Tech Week: Dec 12-15 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-6:30 pm
Performances: Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 6:30 pm

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out a registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Tanglewood Youth Theatre: Teen Acting
Dec 15 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

In this class designed for beginners to intermediate performers, students will develop and hone their acting techniques. They’ll work on short scenes, monologues and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class gives students the confidence to shine on stage and off – even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a  showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTEIf applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Caroling by Gaslight A deviously twisted new take on a Christmas classic
Dec 15 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

CAROLING BY GASLIGHT

Written and Directed by Skyler Goff

Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the tightfisted old miser. But if you thought he was bad, wait until you get a load of his neighbors. Find out what really happened that fateful night in this hilariously devious retelling of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.

Content Warning: Contains explicit sexual content, language, and dialogue. Depicts murder, gore, gun use, conspiracy, prostitution, necrophilia, hallucinogens, psychotic breaks, and other content not suitable for children. Please contact the box office for more information if needed. We do not recommend this show for audiences under 18.