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.
Season’s at The Highland Lake Inn offers a special New Year’s Eve Dinner, this 4-course dinner comes with a glass of champagne and an amuse bouche. Cost is $85 per person. Reservations are required.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip 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.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
The New Year’s Eve Apple Rise is the 4th Annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Historic Courthouse, it includes a family celebration at 6pm with a countdown to the Greenwich Mean Time (London) midnight (7pm local time). Starting at 11pm is the official Apple Rise ceremony, which leads up to the local midnight New Year celebration. Noisemakers, glow sticks and hot beverages will be given out while supplies last, plus a DJ will play the top hits of 2019, and warming stations, corn hole and giant jenga games will be available to help to pass the hour.
Join us for an incredible New Years Eve celebration overlooking Pack Square Park with extra special offerings from Executive Chef Tom LaFauci, live music from the “Irresistible Dance Party” sounds of Free Flow Band with a champagne toast and post ball drop breakfast bar to ring in 2020.
Seating starts at 6:30pm with savory small bites and then a 2-course dinner service beginning at 7:15pm. Enjoy your choice of a local craft beer or a glass of house wine to accompany your meal.
The evening then continues with live sets from the Free Flow Band from 9pm until 12:30am. There will be a champagne toast and breakfast bar at midnight, and DJ Dance Party until 2am for those who wanna keep it going!
Join us for a full evening of culinary delights and entertainment for only $119 per person!
Call 828.515.4151 or email [email protected] to purchase your tickets.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland presented by Ingles
Tryon Resort is thrilled to be the newest location on the Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland circuit. This two-mile journey weaves through hundreds of thousands of animated Christmas lights coordinated to music for an estimated 30 minutes of holiday enchantment. The Wonderland also features giant, custom-built displays of Santa and his pals on vacation in the mountains, hang gliding, rock climbing, ice fishing, lounging around the campfire, and more. This playful portion of the show is sure to please everyone, young to old.
The tour finishes in Tryon Resort’s Winterfest Village filled with more fun for the whole family. The tour is $25 per carload with additional pricing for group vans and buses available. Tickets are available online in advance or at the exhibit entrance, and discount tickets are available at any Ingles location. Tours are self-driven and open from 6pm-10pm seven days a week beginning November 15, 2019 and ending on January 5, 2020.
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Open nightly November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020, from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer.
$18-$8. See website for tickets and specials.
Specials
Friends & Family Discount Night – Tuesdays
Tickets are reduced to $15 for adults and $10 for children. Arboretum members receive an additional $2 off each ticket. (Excludes Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve.)
Available on Thursdays through Saturdays only, this special ticketed event offers visitors the chance to enjoy a holly, jolly ride from downtown Asheville or Biltmore Village to Winter Lights courtesy of The Trolley Company. Upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and access to the Winter Lights. Pick-up is at 6:00 p.m. from the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville and 6:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village. Guests will be dropped back off at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 per person (children 4 & under are free) and can be purchased through The Trolley Company’s website here. (Note: Arboretum member discounts do not apply for this tour). For additional questions, please call Eva Ritchey at The Trolley Company at 828.606.8606.
About This Trip
Over 90,000 guests rode THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2018 and we hope to see you in 2019! The 1¼ hour round-trip 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.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ begins November 8, 2019, and operates through December 31, 2019.
Celebrate the start of 2020 in style at Bold Rock Mills River by dressing in your favorite roaring 20’s themed outfit, enjoy live swing music, fresh hors d’oeuvres, a champagne cider toast at midnight and more. Must be 21+, costumes and tickets required. Tickets $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
CoCo Fresh and Sid Davis are serving up TWO shows on December 31 for the ultimate way to close out the year! The doors open at 5pm, and attendees can enjoy a full bar and menu available.
Join us in Campagna Italian Cuisine at 7pm or 10pm for laughs and gain admission to the Legends Club NYE Dance Party afterwards for FREE! Comedian bios below.
Tickets are LIMITED – get yours before they’re gone!
Tickets: $25/person available here.
18+ only. Admission is per show with 7pm and 10pm shows available. A wristband to the Legends Club (21+ only) is also included with purchase.
? Early Bird tickets are now SOLD OUT. Reserve your spot today!
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This New Years Eve… ?
Join us for a speakeasy-style soirée in the heart of downtown Asheville.
Step back a full century to the decade that brought Asheville the beautiful and historic Grove Arcade. While the building already has the 1920’s feel, the environment will be decorated like a 1920’s underground speakeasy, featuring Grove’s Tonic as a 1920’s prohibited beverage and original Flapper’s walking the party serving various hors d’oeuvres.
Every guest will have the opportunity to step into the 1920’s photo booth and be sent a digital copy of their photo right to their phones. Every guest will also be leaving the party with a secret take home gift to match the era and theme. More information to come!
Featuring:
– Jazz music by Asheville band, Red Echo Lab and Justice Mann of Shabidukah
– Fine hors d’oeuvres (vegetarian options available)
– Apothecary Style Craft Cocktails Curated by Jonny Burritt, 2019 NC Restaurant & Lodging Association Bartender of the Year, and the Bar Manager at Antidote and Drink Mixologist at The Chemist
– Photo booth with themed costumes ?
– Grove Arcade transformed and decorated to feel like the 1920s
TO ENTER:
– Bring your printed or digital ticket to scan at door
– Secret password: “Giggle Water”
(20s slang for alcohol)
Use this ticket link if Facebook is not letting you buy it here:
? bit.ly/GroveArcadeRoarings20sTickets
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your Asheville Symphony and the Classical Mystery Tour band — including cast members from the Broadway smash Beatlemania! The first half of the concert features selections from the unforgettable Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, performed exactly as it was recorded. The second half will include hits from throughout the Beatles’ career. Hear “Penny Lane” complete with a live trumpet section, the beautiful “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and the classical/rock fusion of “I Am The Walrus.” Plus, join us for our “Yellow Submarine” after-party as we ring in 2020 with heavy hors d’oeuvres, a beer/wine open bar and a champagne toast, featuring live music from Carolina Music Planner.
Villa Collina is your New Year’s Eve celebration destination. Tennessee’s largest home is steeped in luxury and mystique, with a surprise around every corner.
Dress to impress and join your friends for an unforgettable evening at Villa Collina and an immersive all-inclusive experience. All guests must be at least 21 years old.
Wine, beer and spirits will be accompanied by delectable food at stations around the home. Bring your best dance moves because music will abound throughout the property – from classical piano to jazz and from an 80s cover band to a DJ playing beats on the dance floor.
Enjoy the magnificent artwork as well as dancers who will perform throughout the home. Amazing silent auction packages will be available for bid until 11 p.m.
At midnight, join us on the terrace for a soaring fireworks show – the largest private show in East Tennessee – to usher in the New Year.
Don’t miss the opportunity to support Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and ring in 2020 in 1920s style!
Ring in 2020 in the clouds!
Join us for our Capella on Cloud 9 New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, December 31 from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, extensive hors d’ourves, live music, a champagne toast at midnight and a chance to win a staycation package at AC Hotel Asheville.
No weather refunds will be granted.
We hope to see you at Capella on Cloud 9 for the celebration of the decade!
Ring in 2020 in the clouds! Join us for our Capella on Cloud 9 New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, December 31 from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, extensive hors d’ourves, live music, a champagne toast at midnight and a chance to win a staycation package at AC Hotel Asheville. No weather refunds will be granted. We hope to see you at Capella on Cloud 9 for the celebration of the decade!
Cover: Three Clubs ~ One Price ~ Only $30 (ages 18+ event)
Pay at the door on the night of the event (or) Save $5 with Advance Tickets
Info: Bring in 2020 with a dazzling soiree’ at the historic YWCA 1924 building (GROVE HOUSE)
~ ONE Combined EPIC NYE Bash
~ THREE Dance Floors, THREE DJ’s, THREE Balloon Drops
~ SIX Bar Tend Stations
~ EIGHT Holiday Themed Areas (‘Pirates That Stole Christmas’, ‘Forest Of Silver & Gold’, ‘Old School Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Santa Saloon’, ‘Holiday Hall’, ‘Candy Land’, ‘Ice Palace’)
~ Balloon drops over ALL THREE dance floors, stuffed with OVER $1000 in Cash & Prizes!!!
~ Complimentary party favors (hats, tiaras, noisemakers, horns, leis, etc.)
~ Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts
~ Legendary drag show at 12:30am on the BOILER ROOM stage
THREE Venues Combined Into ONE EPIC NYE Bash
*** Club Eleven On Grove *** Scandals Nightclub *** BOILER ROOM ***
Web Page & Video: http://thegrovehouse.com/gh_nye.html
Advance Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4456662
NOTE…Advance Tickets Are Not Required. Pay at the door on the night of the event (or) Save $5 with Advance Tickets.
Murder By Death’s eighth full-length album The Other Shore is a space-western about a ravaged Earth, its fleeing populace, and a relationship in jeopardy. It’s an epic journey rocketing toward the unknown—in the universe, within the characters represented through 11 songs, and through the band’s evolving sound. But basically, the quest poses the ultimatum: Stick with what you have, or risk it all to find something new.
Come ring in 2020 and dance the night away with the Urban Orchard Fam and DJ Malinalli. FREE Admission and champagne and cider specials all day!
Say goodbye to 2019 and welcome 2020 with DJ Curtis of Phoenix Sound, beer, food, music and dancing at Guidon Brewing Company.
It’s a whimsically apt metaphor for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, a band whose very existence is rooted in the unyielding quest for joy and positive energy. Blending infectious funk grooves, psychedelic jams, and experimental electronics, the Baltimore four-piece’s new album, ‘Pizazz,’ is a buoyant, blissful reminder of just how much fun music can be. Eschewing the traditional funk band lineup that typically includes keyboards, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong constructs effervescent soundscapes with just two guitars, bass, and drums, crafting their music with a sophisticated ear for both open space and dense layering.
Imagine yourself enchanted in our book store like never before! This New Year’s Eve, experience a monochromatic masquerade party while enjoying live jazz, champagne and a full breakfast buffet!
For the special New Year’s Eve event, the Battery Park Book Exchange will have extended hours through midnight and features non-stop live music through the night. The shop will be decorated to match the “Black and White” theme and guests are encouraged to join the fun by dressing in black and white and wearing a face mask. Note: The cafe area will be open to non-ticketed customers.
This will be the Black and White Gala, in the tradition of Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball held for all the swells at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Capote served Tattinger and all guests came in their finest black and white, and wore elaborate masks. We invite our patrons to do the same, and we will have some masks to loan as well.
⬜⬛ Special Add On ⬜⬛
Advanced VIP tickets available include reserved seating, complimentary drinks, a midnight Taittinger toast, and a late night breakfast buffet inspired by Capote’s original. The store will be decorated lavishly, fascinating guests and taking them back to that elegant place and time.
What’s Included with VIP Tickets:
?Full Breakfast buffet at 11 p.m. following the same menu from Capote’s party at the Plaza Hotel, NYC in 1966.
?Live jazz music all night
?(1) Complimentary welcome sparkling cocktail
?(1) additional drink ticket (followed by cash bar with special sparkling cocktail menu, red and white wine, beer)
?(1) Midnight Tattinger Champagne toast
New Year, Tiki This: Gather your friends and loved ones to ring in 2020. Indulge in paradise-themed sips at our grandiose holiday themed, tropical oasis at our rooftop bar. Revel in a champagne toast at midnight while taking in sparkling city views.
Tickets are $135 per/person and include:
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Three drinks of your choice
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Two small plate offerings
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One midnight champagne
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New Year’s-themed party favors
*This is a capped event in our intimate rooftop space, so tickets are limited
**Take the Elevator Home: buy 2+ tickets & receive a discounted Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown hotel rate
*COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOAST PROVIDED BY BAND*
TICKETS ONLINE OR IN PERSON AT HONEYPOT VINTAGE IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE FOR 10% OFF YOUR NYE LOOK!
MORE INFO:
Both known for their soulful powerful front women, The Broadcast and Downtown Abby & The Echoes are joining forces for an unforgettable Vintage Themed New Years Eve Celebration at Ambrose West in Asheville, NC!
Say goodbye to 2019 and toast in the New Year with us, live music, sweet treats, and of course, lots of bubbly! Rustic Grape is hosting a ticketed date night event in our cozy, intimate wine bar with Lindsey Meyers, an incredibly talented local musician who will be singing all of our favorite songs. Bring your date or bestie for a fun NYE!
We will be offering a fun & festive drink menu which includes the cutest half bottles of Champagne, sparkling wines, rich fruity red wines, full-bodied whites, house-made mocktails, and our fabulous Pomsettia Champagne Cocktail. All of these drinks pair sweetly with our array of dark chocolates, local cheeses, and other decadent bites!
$50 per couple, What your ticket includes: (ticket includes gratuity)
- Reserved seating for your sweet treat, Artisan dessert board for two filled with Patty’s house-made sweet bites, Melissa’s chocolate truffles, along with local gourmet cheeses.
- A complimentary midnight bubbles toast!
- Live local music with Lindsey Meyers.
Can’t make our festive night? Wine bar opens at 6pm to start your celebratory night out! Come grab a cozy glass of wine before dinner or swing by after to catch some fantastic live music and toast to 2020!
*A limited number of event tickets will be available at the door for $60 IF available, but we expect this event to sell out! Walk-ins welcome for free music and our regular menu.
What’s in a name? Sometimes, everything… Grass is Dead are a bluegrass combo paying homage to the music and cultural legacy of The Grateful Dead, arguably America’s first folk rock band and one of the most influential musical artists of the last 50 years. The catalogue of the Dead’s music is a gold mine for string bands and story tellers, and Grass Is Dead have established themselves far and wide as premiere purveyors of this rich tradition of Americana music. Pickin’ and grinnin’ is what they do best, and they have been adapting Grateful Dead songs in their own bluegrass style since 1998.
November 29
Downtown Street Lighting & Santa’s Arrival
5:00pm
The lighting of downtown holiday lights and Santa’s arrival kick off the holiday season in Downtown Hendersonville. The evening features entertainment, sing-along, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus at the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Click for more information Downtown Hendersonville
November 8 – 17
Flat Rock Playhouse presents: “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion! The play was based on the novel by C. S. Lewis. 828-693-0731 Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse
November 29 – December 23
Peppermint the Bear Scavenger Hunt
Free
Peppermint Bear will take you on a fun-filled bear hunt through downtown Hendersonville looking for her cubs. As you search for the cubs, visit at least 12 of the 22 downtown participating businesses to be eligible for prizes. Complete the entry form in the brochure and drop it in Peppermint’s mailbox, located in front of the Visitor Center, by December 23rd. For more details about the Scavenger Hunt, stop by the Visitor Center at 201 South Main Street.
December 7
Hendersonville Christmas Parade
10:00am
A traditional hometown Christmas parade travels along Main Street from Five
Points to Caswell Street. Sponsored by the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association. This year’s theme is the “The Magic of Christmas”. Visit the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association web site to download a Parade application. 828-692-4179
November 29 – December 22
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage presents: “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas”
An all-new Christmas production follows up last year’s smash holiday hit. This original musical revue performed by your favorite Flat Rock Playhouse singers and dancers is filled with holiday cheer. Celebrate the holidays Vagabonds style! Click for tickets Flat Rock Playhouse
December 6
Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas
Main Street / 5pm – 8pm
The Downtown merchants open their doors and invite holiday shoppers in with a festive window displays, decorations, caroling, music, and refreshments. 828-697-2232.
December 8
Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper
1pm-4pm
$20
The Holiday Tour of Historic Inns and Cookie Caper is a self-guided tour of several inns and the Cookie Caper part of the tour is a delicious Christmas treat at each inn. The inns on tour include the 1898 Waverly Inn, Charleston Inn, Mill House Lodge, Echo Mountain Inn and Brightwaters Guesthouse. 828-697-3010
December 18 – January 1
Iceless Skating Rink
Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm
Admission: $10, Children 10 & under $5 (payment by cash or check only)
Enjoy ice-skating in Downtown Hendersonville this holiday season. The iceless rink is located at the Visitor Center on South Main Street. The synthetic surface is made from special polymers that does not require liquid, so it can be enjoyed year-round in any temperature. A curling lane is also available. Curling involves players sliding stones on the ice towards a target. Play a variety of free games while you wait your turn on the ice. Skate rental included in admission price. Admission: $10, Children $5 for ages 10 & under, with group rates available for groups of 10 or more, but must call to reserve a time for groups, $5 for for 30 minutes of curling. Regular Hours 11am-6pm, EXCEPT Christmas Eve 11am-3pm, Christmas Day Closed, New Year’s Eve 11am-3pm, and New Year’s Day from 1pm-6pm. Operates weather permitting. Benefits the Henderson County America In Bloom Program, 828-768-4413 To learn more go to: Henderson County America in Bloom
December 20 – 22
Main Street Holiday Hayrides
5pm – 8pm
Free
Take a magical hayride through Historic Downtown Hendersonville among its twinkling lights and festive decorations. Board the tractor-drawn wagon ride at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main Street. Reservations are not accepted, first-come, first-served basis.
There are sunrises, and then there are Grandfather Mountain sunrises. And then there are Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Day sunrises.
Ring in an epic New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the first sunrise of 2020 — atop Grandfather Mountain.
This special event will allow guests the rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain outside of regular operating hours.
Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m. Jan. 1, 2020, and Grandfather’s gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Due to safety regulations, participants may only visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge area, including the Top Shop, during the event.
To help warm up on a likely cold winter’s morning, the mountain will offer complimentary coffee, cocoa and bearclaws for sunrise guests.
Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and to wear heavy winter jackets, hats, gloves and rubber-soled shoes, as there may be slick surfaces on the mountain. The event may be cancelled upon short notice in case of inclement weather.
Admission to the New Year’s sunrise event costs $15, in addition to general admission, meaning $35 for adults and $24 for children. Guests are free to remain in the park all day, but those who leave before 9:30 a.m. will have their general admission charge refunded. Bridge Club members, who receive free admission to the mountain, will only pay $10 for the sunrise event.
The event is open to no more than 100 participants, and registration is required. To register, please contact Judi Sawyer at [email protected] or 828-733-2013.
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?
The 5th Annual New Year’s Resolution Run is a great way to get your new year off to the right start! Choose from a 5k Run/Walk or 10 Mile Run, both of which go through the heart of Downtown Asheville. The race starts at a reasonable 10am, so there’s no excuse not to ‘run into’ 2020!