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 3, 2022
ASHEVILLE CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Dec 3 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre 18 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC 28801

ASHEVILLE CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

December 2, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
December 3, 2022 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s eleventh annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has shocked and surprised audiences over the years with their original version of The Nutcracker. Though The Nutcracker might be the world’s most famous ballet, if it is being performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be farther from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the original and much darker story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann.

School Show – Dec. 2 @ 10:00 a.m. Call the box office for tickets: 828-257-4530, ext. 1.

Caroling by Gaslight A deviously twisted new take on a Christmas classic
Dec 3 @ 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.

Elf The Musical
Dec 3 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

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

 

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

Holiday Double Cheer
Dec 3 @ 7:30 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 3 @ 7:30 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 3 @ 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.

Sunday, December 4, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 4 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!

Yoga Taco Mosa
Dec 4 @ 10:30 am
The Grey Eagle

 

– ALL AGES
– FREE ADMISSION ($10 SUGGESTED DONATION)
Our monthly installment of Yoga Taco Mosa! Join us as we honor one another in practice lead by Clare Desmelik, and then enjoy tacos and mimosas in the taqueria.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec 4 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Studio 52 Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas. Dec. 1 - 4.

Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in a spectacular new production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story and featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi,  A Charlie Brown Christmas is a present the whole family can enjoy. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas!

Be Here Now
Dec 4 @ 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
Elf The Musical
Dec 4 @ 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

Holiday Double Cheer
Dec 4 @ 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 4 @ 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 4 @ 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.

2022 HOLIDAY SHOW
Dec 4 @ 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

Monday, December 5, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 5 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 6, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 6 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 6 @ 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 7, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 7 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 7 @ 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 8, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 8 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!

YOGA
Dec 8 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Rabbit Rabbit

Tanglewood Youth Theatre: Broadway Cabaret (ages 8-12)
Dec 8 @ 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 8 @ 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.

An Appalachian Christmas Carol
Dec 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Vance Birthplace State Historic Site

An Appalachian Christmas Carol: Vance Birthplace State Historic Site and the American Myth Center partner once again to present an evening of historical drama.  Under new direction by Mikayla Wilson, who created Leah & the Rabbit for the Vance Birthplace’s Juneteenth celebration, the sixth iteration of this show promises the same holiday tradition with a few new twists.

An Appalachian Christmas Carol – During this in-person program, the American Myth Center presents one of the greatest Christmas stories ever told, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Through the storytelling of puppetry, shadow theatre, and moving panoramas the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future lead Zebulon in an exploration of the life of Venus, a woman enslaved by the Vances. For approximately 25 minutes, visitors go on an illuminating journey through some of the history of the Vance Birthplace and the people who lived here.  Afterward, visitors are encouraged to return to the Visitor Center to talk with staff and visit the classroom where they can view the panel discussions from community members from previous years and hear present day discussion around how historic sites interpret slavery.

Tour tickets are $7.00 and can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-appalachian-c

Tour Dates & Times: Thursday, December 8th & Saturday, December 10th. Weather date, Sunday, December 11th. Tours will run every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 pm with the last tour at 8:30 pm.

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Due to the nature of the program after the play starts, late visitors will not be permitted. We recommend arriving to the Visitor Center ten minutes in advance. Tickets are a tax-deductible donation through the Mountain History and Culture Group and are non-refundable.

Pre-Visit Materials – Upon registering, guests will receive a virtual “program” giving background on the story of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the history behind the characters portrayed in the play and background on the art form known as “crankies.”

Artists: Mikayla Wilson (director, puppeteer), Sherly Moore (puppeteer), Mack Moseley (actor, puppeteer), Cody Lovell (puppeteer)

The American Myth Center is a non-profit organization in Asheville whose mission is to curate stories that spark necessary conversation within our community. For more information visit www.americanmythcenter.org.

Caroling by Gaslight A deviously twisted new take on a Christmas classic
Dec 8 @ 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.

Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Dec 8 @ 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!

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Dec 8 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

12.01 PULP Featuring Katie Hughes plus Comedy Open Mic
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 12.01.22. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel Website)
Katie Hughes is an Atlanta-based comedian and writer who Creative Loafing Atlanta named Critics’ Choice Best Comedian & Readers’ Choice Best Celebrity of 2019. Her album “Queen of the Castle” debuted at #1 on iTunes. Katie can be heard frequently on SiriusXM and seen on HBOmax and [adult swim].
Comedy open mic. [signup at the door to get 3-5m. Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
Hosted by Cody Hughes.
Katie Hughes Videos:


FB EVENT: https://fb.me/e/22QEIpORh

Friday, December 9, 2022
Asheville Community Theatre Holiday Special Subscription
Dec 9 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!

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Dec 9 @ 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?