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.
- Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and soundsof the holidays!
- This seasonal favorite features an entertaining blend of holiday storytelling and traditional Christmas caroling. Enjoy stories of local lore and holiday traditions, then join-in with our on-board musician singing classic carols and songs of Christmas. And all the while the Holly Jolly Trolley is rolling past festive holiday decorations in downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village and the Montford and Grove Park neighborhoods.
Tiny perfect present sized paintings. Can be made to hang on a tree as an ornament or sit on a desk or hang on a wall etc. All paintings must be smaller that 5″x5″
Listen to the music of the iconic 60’s band Creedence Clearwater Revival, who had such hits as “Heard It On The Grapevine,” Have You Ever Seen The Rain” and “Born on the Bayou,” as performed by the Ross Osteen Band.
RESCHEDULED Performance. Originally Nov. 9 now Dec. 6. Tickets still available.
“In this bilingual romantic comedy, circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman, who has little command of English, and a young American man, who has little command of romance. Is their inevitable love an accident … or is it destiny, generations in the making?”
“a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy” – The New York Times
All proceeds benefit Eliada Homes, a local non-profit supporting the children of WNC.
Experience this contemporary rendition of the beloved Nativity story beautifully told through the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, George and Ringo. Travel with Mary and Joseph down the “Long and Winding Road” to Bethlehem while savoring dozens of classic Beatles hits. This entertaining Christmas event profoundly reminds us – “All you need is Love”.
- Fri Dec 6th 7:30pm Opening night / Reception following
Kris Kringle, an old man living in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s where he surprises employees and customers by claiming to be the real Santa Claus. Seen as deluded by Macy’s vocational counselor, he’s thrown into a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. The whole family will enjoy this funny, poignant and faithful adaptation of the classic 1947 film.
An Asheville Holiday staple!
Special Event – Join the Bernsteins for their final year of the raucous holiday fun.
The Bernsteins have thrilled and cracked up Asheville audiences with their antics for a decade. With an all-star cast of local acting talent, the show features Best of WNC Award Winner Tracey Johnston-Crum, well-known Lazoom personality Glenn Reed, Erik Moellering, Sarah Felmet, and Darren Marshall, who has played both Santa Claus and Baby Jesus for all ten years of the Spectacular. Directed by Lucia Del Vecchio, the show is sure to be a rollicking comedy romp, that is most certainly not suitable for all audiences.
December 5 – 21, 2019
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 7:30pm & 10 p.m.
Note: Groupons are not accepted for The 10th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular.
Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre presents
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
ACDT’s Website
A new unique version of a seasonal delight. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a story full of adventure, courage and loyalty all performed in a colorful fast-paced dance theatre production.
Join us every first Friday of the month for this 75 minute donation-based workshop from 7:45-9pm. $1-$10 sliding scale donations encouraged, all proceeds go directly to the instructor. Arrive a little early for your first visit to the studio (7:30pm) to find parking & sign your waiver. No sign-up required, read more below…
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Empyrean Arts instructor Maddy Battles invites our LGBTQIA+ friends and their friends to an evening of aerial fundamentals and playtime jam. Expect light instruction & guided exploration of the aerial arts. Open to all queer, trans, & non-binary humans ages 14+ as well as 1 friend. Attendees under the age of 18 must be dropped off by a legal guardian for their first visit to the studio. No sign-up required – just bring your fab self and a friend every first Friday of the month at 7:30pm for a fun & affordable 75 minute circus workshop / safe space. $1-$10 sliding scale donation for the instructor’s time.
https://www.facebook.com/events/225698498357332/?event_time_id=225698535023995
Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM
A family tradition has come home for the holidays. An all-new production. Sure to delight and entertain. Join us for the celebration
Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM
A family tradition has come home for the holidays. An all-new production. Sure to delight and entertain. Join us for the celebration
The super hilarious and Asheville favorite Blaire Postman is back with another group of fantastic femme comics from Washington D.C. for two silly and slightly festive nights of comedy at LaZoom.
Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair
Tickets $12, VIP* $18
FRIDAY
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-friday-tickets-80609133087
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-friday-vip-tickets-80609417939
SATURDAY
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-saturday-tickets-81867749643
VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-white-boobs-a-jug-band-comedy-christmas-saturday-vip-tickets-81869087645
*VIP tickets come with VIP seating and a BRÖÖ product gift bag!
Violet Bell — Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7, 2019, 8 p.m. (Tina McGuire Theatre) Duo Violet Bell pairs “atmospheric, captivating vocals” (IndyWeekly) with incendiary instrumentals, putting an avant-garde twist on traditional roots music while exuding a refreshing positive energy on stage. These two will make you fall in love with their unique blend of folk, bluegrass and soul that draws inspiration from the natural world, ancient mythology and the green hills of North Carolina. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7, 2019 at 8 p.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts’ Tina McGuire Theatre. Tickets: Regular $32; Student $27; Child $20; Student Rush day-of-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Box office: 828-257-4530 or worthamarts.org. EXTRA: Connect with the artists at a special Saturday, Dec. 7 master class, “Where Do Songs Come From?” at 5 p.m. in the Tina McGuire Theatre.
Every Friday night you can find DJ Databoy and DJ Woodside spinning your favorite rap records. Dancing is permitted! No Cover.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2530249150380639/?event_time_id=2530253793713508
Saturdays at Tryon Resort are packed with holiday fun!
Bring the kids to dine on a pancake breakfast with Santa from 8am-11am, followed by story time with Mrs. Claus. Tickets are $12 for children and $15 for adults, and reservations are recommended. Call 828-863-1130 for reservations.
Then after breakfast, decorate cookies while watching classic Christmas movies in the General Store. Free carousel rides are also available.
This year’s Christmas display theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Come take your family photos at this magical display. Santa will be available on special dates, contact store for more details! Display also open when Santa is not there.
Toby Dickerson, a local Gulf War veteran, is organizing a veterans’ coffee and information meeting. The first of this monthly event will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 8:30am- 10am at the Ryan’s Steakhouse located at 1000 Brevard Road, Asheville (next to the Asheville outlets).
The purpose of the monthly coffees is to build a community of veterans to help one another. Male and female veterans from all branches and eras are welcome. Representatives from veteran service organizations, non-profits, health and benefits will be present to provide information and answer questions.
Winter can be the most beautiful time of the year at Chimney Rock. Leafless trees make for expansive views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. The sky is clear; you’re likely to find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the peacefulness. You may even see a critter scamper by you in the forest. Capture that special moment or scene on your camera, enter it in our Winter Wonders Photo Contest and tell us about it. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
Cost: No additional cost to enter.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1883673098397455/?event_time_id=1883673131730785
This historical event features unique, handmade goods crafted by regional artists. Materials are locally-sourced and all-natural. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, offering exclusive art for holiday gift-giving and home decorating.
Cookies and fresh apple cider served throughout the day, along with a warming fire on the lawn, marshmallows to roast, and cornhole games for enjoyment. Homemade holiday baked goods are also for sale!
Rain or Shine. Cash/Checks/Credit Cards accepted. 100% of Club proceeds supports local horticultural and conservation scholarships and projects
Sign up by November 8! In Drawing Journey Journals, travel the Museum’s galleries, drawing as you go in handmade journals with watercolor pencils; then, transform your sketches into paint in the Studio. Engage in basic drawing exercises during each class, as well as learn tips and tricks to inform your drawing with the elements of composition, light, perspective, and color. Carry drawing and writing techniques used in class over into your personal travel journals, plein air painting, and self-expression.
Click the button below to learn more, or call 828.253.3227 x122 to register by phone.
Join the Elves at Bullington Gardens to shop for Amaryllis, Poinsettias, wreaths, unique holiday crafts, ornaments and so much more!
Holiday shoppers will want to get ready for the eighth annual Papertown Christmas Craft Fair. A wide variety of crafters will be selling handmade goodies and all types of Christmas items. Every inch of the Armory will be filled with Christmas items for sale. Artisans and crafters from all over North Carolina will be represented at the Canton craft fair. Shoppers can find homemade cookies, candy, cakes, an array of Christmas decorations for the home, handmade ornaments, stocking stuffers, candles, soap, perfect for everyone’s Christmas list. Shoppers need to arrive early and stay for door prizes. Spend time with family and friends.
Join Pure Yoga Asheville for a purrfectly fun event to benefit Asheville Humane Society! Yoga with Kitties is led by Pure Yoga Asheville at Asheville Humane. The class is one hour.
Kittens and cats will be provided by the Asheville Humane Society – please don’t bring your own cat. Do bring your own yoga mat. Space is limited and expected to sell out! The class is taught by Farrell!
“Dressing for the Occasion” offers visitors a window into the style, culture, and feel of mid-century America. The family’s clothing and accessories weave together the roles of Carl Sandburg as a prominent writer, celebrity, father, and husband. This temporary exhibit offers an exciting opportunity for the public to view objects that are normally in storage or in the possession of Sandburg family members. Tours of the Sandburg Home are offered daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are available first come, first served, each day from the visitor information area in the ground level of the Sandburg Home.
Nearly every room in the historically furnished house museum will be included in the exhibit. Visitors will see the characteristic scarves Carl Sandburg wore as he played his guitar and sang folk songs to entertain his family and guests, the dress Lilian Sandburg wore to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson, and many other mid-century pieces worn by the Sandburgs and their daughters. Historic photographs, paired with the clothing, will provide context.
Named for two years by Explore Asheville as one of the top 5 events in the Swannanoa Valley at Christmas, you are invited to come experience 25 Christmas trees that bring joy to the whole community. The public is invited to view the trees and then vote with money for their favorite tree. Every cent raised through Deck The Trees goes to the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. Be a part of creating something beautiful that also gives back to the community. Prizes are awarded for the tree that raises the most money and for the tree that most represents the theme.
Calendar of Events:
Dec. 6, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020
Visit Deck The Trees from 10 AM to 9 PM
Dec. 9, 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Photos and a Visit with Santa Claus
$15.00 per photo
Dec. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Deck The Tree Christmas Tea with Highland Farms
January 6, 2020 6:00 to 8:00
A Final Celebration
-Which tree most represents the theme?
-Which tree raised the most money for the Fuel Fund for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry?
Capture photos of your friends and family members enjoying the vivid hues of fall and enter them into our photo contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
No additional costs to enter.
The first-place winner will receive an overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to the Park, brunch for two at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
The contest’s second-place winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at the Old Rock Cafe and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
Chimney Rock’s Facebook followers will select the People’s Choice Award winner. Followers will have a week to like and share their favorite photo from an album of Winter Photo Contest entries posted on the Park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc. The People’s Choice Award Winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at Old Rock Cafe and their photo will be featured on the Park’s Facebook page.
Shutterbugs interested in capturing Mother Nature’s wintry beauty can do so by entering Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Park’s winter hours.
All entries must be submitted to [email protected] or to the Parks’ Facebook page through Facebook messenger.
https://www.facebook.com/events/354841472011965/?event_time_id=354841548678624
November 16 through December 24, 2019
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, Sundays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. inside Food Court
FREE Santa Photos are back! From November 16th through December 24th, every family who visits Santa will receive two FREE 4”x6” Santa photo prints and a digital download of a single image. Additional photos and Christmas merchandise are available for purchase. FREE Santa Photo is located inside the Food Court and is sponsored by N.C. Arboretum Winter Lights.