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.
- 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!
Merchants all over Henderson County vie for the honor of best holiday window displays and lighting, Take a drive around the county then vote for your favorite store front online, All displays will be available to view by November 26, but voting is only open December 6 – 17, Find the list of participants and information for online voting.
Homeowners all over Henderson County vie for the honor of having the best holiday decorations, as voted on by you. You are invited to take a drive around the county to look at all the festive holiday displays and then vote online for your favorite. An interactive online Google map with all locations and a printable PDF will be available by Nov. 25, 2022.
Printed copies of maps will also be at the Hendersonville Welcome Center at that time. Online voting opens in December.
Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there to see the children! Hot chocolate and cookies will be served for everyone. All aboard!
Purchase tickets on the day of the event. Reservations recommended — seating is limited!
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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. - Food Lions Feeds (11/9 – 12/12): Food Lion stores will be hosting Food Lion Feeds, which is an in-store food drive program where customers have the opportunity to purchase and donate a Food Lion Feeds for the Holidays box of food that will be donated to MANNA FoodBank.
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.
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.
On December 11, 2022, The Salt Spa of Asheville on 473 Hendersonville Rd. in Asheville will celebrate 11 Years in Business. As the first Salt Therapy Spa in North Carolina, the Salt Spa has brought new holistic therapies and modalities for Wellness and Self-care to the wonderful people of Western North Carolina. To celebrate this milestone and the Holidays, The Salt Spa will hold a Winterfest offering free hot apple cider and alcohol-free Christmas Punch. You can shop for beautiful locally handmade jewelry, wood art, photography, candles and other products made especially for this day, which are great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
You can also book a Special Event Spa Session for your relaxation, including:
- 9:45 am Community Salt Therapy Session $35/person/45 min.
- 11 am Community Crystal Singing Bowl Concert $50/person/50 min.
- 12:15 & 1:15 pm Community Salt Therapy Session w/20 minute foot massage $60/person/45 min.
Space for the Spa Sessions is very limited and reservations are required. Call (828) 505 1838 to save your spot. More information can be found on the website
Santa is Coming to The Farm! A festive brunch with Santa will usher in the Christmas magic for young and old alike. Enjoy the fun including breakfast, crafts, hot cocoa, and, of course, a visit from Santa himself! Gather with your loved ones and find out if you made Santa’s nice or naughty list this year
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.
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.
$5 adult admission (good for both days)
eggnog, music, 50-80% off, kids activities and more!
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 annual Holiday Tour of Inns & Cookie Caper is a well-loved holiday tradition in Hendersonville, where the area’s Historic Inns invite the public in to experience the warmth and joy of the season at their beautifully appointed and festively decorated properties. Enjoy a sweet treat at each stop along the way of this self-guided tour of 6 of the area’s historic inns.
Sunday, December 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 11, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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.
Santa welcomes people of all ages and abilities! All families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calmer environment on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sensory-friendly visits with Santa are free and keepsake photo packages will be available for purchase. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
Asheville Humane Society and some of our most loyal supporters are joining forces to convince Santa to take some much needed time off before the busy season to come down and spend some time with pet families in our area. Santa will be taking pictures with pets, kids, families, friends, and anyone interested, in order to raise money for the pets in need in Buncombe County. Participating in this event gets you a professionally taken/edited digital photo of your pet (etc.) with Santa, a keepsake Polaroid photo, one on one time with Santa, and entries to win giveaway prizes from our supporting venues. Support AHS by participating in this heartwarming, family centered event series! Special appearances by The Grinch at several locations! Join Santa as he samples this season’s most happening local brews and burgers from the Foothills food truck!
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.
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
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?
profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, with stars, story, and sugarplums.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy the artistry and tradition of concert band music by attending an Asheville Community Band Concert!
The Asheville Community Band is a community-based concert band for musicians of all ages and professions. The band truly represents Western North Carolina with members representing six counties. The all-volunteer band ranges in age from high school to octogenarian and is a 501(c)3 organization. Our mission is to support music education and the proud tradition of community bands and symphonic band music across America, and have a great time together doing so.
Our concerts are held four times per year and are not to be missed. We program a variety of musical selections to keep audiences entertained yet still maintain musical rigor and interest.
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.