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.

Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Bringing Black back to the Block: Noir Collective AVL
Dec 29 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Noir Collective AVL LLC
NC Logo FINAL.jpg

Noir Collective AVL located in the historic Black business district, referred to as The Block, is a Black-owned boutique shop and art gallery featuring Black entrepreneurs. Noir Collective AVL is a community network of wellness warriors, creative activists, and social justice visionaries, cultural keepers and peace makers. We believe that in order to achieve collective liberation, our community needs to focus on opening greater opportunities for access, especially economically, that has been historically denied to African Americans and other people of color. Noir Collective AVL supports Black Liberation through Arts, Culture, and Kinship by featuring the wares of local and regional artists, designers and craftspeople. Our mission is simple, Bringing Black back to the Block.

Entrepreneurs will have products and information on hand:

Jewelry. Original Art. Tea. Shea Butter. Prints. Black Soap. Cards. Books.

& Featured services:

Realty. Exercise & Fitness. Landscaping. Catering. Heritage Tours and more.

We have open spots for Makers and Creatives!

Holiday Arts Extravaganza 2021
Dec 29 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Let art turn your child’s holiday into an adventure to remember! Students in grades 1–4 are invited to join our educators for one or both afternoons of art-filled fun. Students spend their time in the Museum’s Education Center creating art of all kinds.

Please note:

  • Space is limited to small groups; pre-registration is required.
Holiday Youth Camp at Hendersonville Racquet Club
Dec 29 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Racquet Club
Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 29 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

Thursday, December 30, 2021
Asheville Art Museum Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Dec 30 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

The holiday shopping season has begun and we’re here to help with gift ideas! From kids and students, to teachers, art lovers, bookworms, and that person who has everything, you’re sure to find something unique at the Museum for those on your list. Scroll down for a selection of our favorite ideas!

 

Bullington Gardens Virtual Holiday Sale
Dec 30 all-day
online

Join us for our virtual holiday sale. Trees, wreaths, holiday decor, ornaments and so much more! Easy ordering and contactless pick up.

Give the gift of live theatre with Flat Rock Playhouse gift certificates
Dec 30 all-day
online with Flat Rock Playhouse
Give the gift of live theatre at
              Flat Rock Playhouse!

Gift Certificates Available!

Looking for a great stocking stuffer or holiday gift?

Why not give the gift of live theatre?

The 2022 season will be announced on January 10th, and an experience is an unforgettable gift.

Contact the Box Office at (828)693-0731 to purchase.

Gift certificates purchased after Friday, December 17th, 2021 at 5:00pm will be mailed on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 when Flat Rock Playhouse reopens from the Holiday’s.

Give the Gift of Theatre!
Dec 30 all-day
online
Flat Rock Playhouse Gift
                Certificate sits on a decorated Christmas tree

If you are looking for a great stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift, why not give the gift of live theatre? The 2022 season will be announced soon and an experience is an unforgettable gift. Contact the Box Office at 828.693.0731 to purchase.

Also, consider making a donation designated to underwrite the cost of tickets which will be offered to first responders in the area. For the person who doesn’t need anything, but loves the arts, this could be a very special gift you give in their honor. Contact the Development Office for more information. 828.693.0403 x220.

The Asheville Art Museum Fall Annual Fund
Dec 30 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum
The Asheville Art Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by your generous contributions. As our Fall Annual Fund wraps up at the end of the year, we ask you to join us in our vision: to transform lives through art.

If you have been positively impacted by the Museum’s exhibitions and/or programming, show your appreciation through a gift to the Annual Fund. A gift of any amount is immensely appreciated and allows us to continue to provide meaningful art, education, and experiences to the people of Western North Carolina and the many visitors to our region. Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax deductible.

We can only do what we do through your support. Make your gift today and help us continue to make a difference in our community.

The Omni Grove Park Inn 29th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition Display
Dec 30 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

The National Gingerbread House Competition™

The 29th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ – the largest in the world – will be held at the resort on Monday, November 22, 2021. This year, the Competition will be a combination of aspects from The 2020 National Gingerbread House Competition™, while bringing back the in-person events that make this experience so special to the competitors, Gingerbread enthusiasts, and the hotel. It is our mission to ensure that the Competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues for future generations.

Like last year, the Competition will conduct the first round of judging virtually. This will enable documentation of the creation process, enhance the first round of the judging experience, and ensure the competition will continue safely, even if unforeseen circumstances were to arise. The first round is meant to give the judges a visual idea of the creation by showcasing a framework and different portions of the piece that highlight the story behind it- even if your final product is not yet completed. More details on this below.

The second round of judging will be done in-person at the hotel in the Grand Ballroom as in years past. The Omni Grove Park Inn is thrilled to once again display all Gingerbread entries at the Resort for public viewing to celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into these edible works of art. All Gingerbread entries will be reviewed in-person during the second round to ensure the integrity of the Gingerbread creation physically meets the criteria.

For those who may not travel this season, the hotel will continue, “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” by releasing one of the Top 12 finalists, per day, on the hotel’s Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark) channels from December 1 – 12, 2021 to spark Ginger-love for all during the happiest season of the year! This provides an in-person and virtual way for all to enjoy.

The winning creations will be on display Sunday, November 28, 2021 – Sunday, January 2, 2022. The Omni Grove Park Inn invites guests not staying at the Resort to view the display after 3:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 and January 1. Public viewing on December 26 and January 2 will reopen after 3:00 p.m. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed.

Asheville Parks + Recreation Holiday Camp for local youth
Dec 30 @ 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area two locations--see below

Asheville parks holiday camp children

 

 

Spend your holidays with us!  Asheville Parks & Recreation will hold its annual Holiday Camp for youth and teens in grades kindergarten through middle school. Camps are located at the Tempie Avery Montford Center (youth and middle school), 34 Pearson Drive, and Stephens-Lee Community Center (middle school), 30 George Washington Carver Avenue.

 

Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 20-23 and 27-31.  Campers will enjoy games, crafts, organized play and all kinds of holiday fun.

 

Cost is FREE! 

 

Register at www.ashevillenc.gov/parksregistration. Click on Youth Programs, then enter “holiday camp” in the keyword search bar. Or call 828-259-5800.

 

 

HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP AT CITIZEN VINYL
Dec 30 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Citizen Vinyl

May be an image of text that says 'S U P P o SIZEN Holiday POP-ÚP SHOP መመ0N S c A L DECEMBER 8TH THROUGH NEW YEARS EVE 9aM- 7PM EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AT CITIZEN VINYL 14 O'HENRY AVENUE'

Join Citizen Vinyl for a Holiday Pop Up shop with local vendors including:

@loomimports (home goods/decor)
@hummingbirdcandles (candles)
@twindenimco (apparel)
@jennypickens616 (art)
@codaavl (vinyl records + art)
+ more!

Food and beverages from @sessionavl

Deck The Trees
Dec 30 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Monte Vista Hotel

Deck The Trees presents: A Black Mountain Christmas, December 2, 2021 – January 3, 2022 Come experience the charm of Black Mountain and get in the Christmas spirit. You will discover 35 (and possibly more) beautifully decorated Christmas trees situated at the Monte Vista Hotel and in stores and businesses throughout Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley area.

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.

Winter Wonderland
Dec 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
North Carolina Glass Center

Come celebrate the season at our first Winter Wonderland! Our D Space Gallery, will be adorned with glass ornaments, snowflakes, snowmen, candy canes, and whatever else Asheville area glassblowers dream up. Shop for holiday gifts or festive decor for your home while watching live glassblowing in our studio. Winter Wonderland will be open during our normal gallery hours. The opening of this show coincides with River Arts District Studio Stroll, so there will be plenty to do and see in the area. NCGC is a non-profit glassblowing studio and gallery. Your purchases help to support local artists and our mission of education, exploration, and collaboration in all forms of glass.

Winter Wonderland at Grove Arcade
Dec 30 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Grove Arcade

You can find our beautiful holiday decorations all over the Grove Arcade; from swinging lights to hanging snowflakes, your eyes will never have a dull moment! Nostalgic holiday music will be resonating through our halls, bouncing off the walls of our merchant’s stores and all of their holiday specials. The holiday season is here at the Grove Arcade! Come by to enjoy the timeless feelings of the holidays, family and home.

Join us any day this season for the most beautiful holiday decorations in Asheville. Featuring weekly events, indoor snow, seasonal promotions, and a percentage of all sales donated to local non-profits.

 

“Sounds of the Holidays” at the Airport with Phil Okrend
Dec 30 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Asheville Regional Airport
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is pleased to welcome local musicians to the airport during the holidays. These instrumentalists will play original and traditional festive music for the enjoyment of passengers, visitors and employees. From classical pianists and a jazz duo to a harp/cello duo, there will be a variety of styles and genres to enjoy.
“Every year, we look forward to inviting the community to participate in our Sounds of the Holidays program,” said Alexandra Ingle, brand and experience designer. “There is so much talent to showcase in our region, and these stellar musicians will do an amazing job of bringing holiday cheer to the airport.”
Sounds of the Holidays performance schedule:
Sundays throughout December — Jenna Jaffe 11:30am-1:30pm
Tuesdays throughout December — Mr. Jimmy 10:30am-12:30pm
Mondays, December 6, 13, 20 — Mike Andersen 10:30am-12:30pm
Thursdays, December 2, 9, 16 and 30 — Phil Okrend 11:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, December 11 — The Walton-Welch Duo 11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday, December 16 — The Walton-Welch Duo 6:00pm-8:00pm
Friday, December 24 — Mr. Jimmy 10:30am-12:30pm
Bringing Black back to the Block: Noir Collective AVL
Dec 30 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Noir Collective AVL LLC
NC Logo FINAL.jpg

Noir Collective AVL located in the historic Black business district, referred to as The Block, is a Black-owned boutique shop and art gallery featuring Black entrepreneurs. Noir Collective AVL is a community network of wellness warriors, creative activists, and social justice visionaries, cultural keepers and peace makers. We believe that in order to achieve collective liberation, our community needs to focus on opening greater opportunities for access, especially economically, that has been historically denied to African Americans and other people of color. Noir Collective AVL supports Black Liberation through Arts, Culture, and Kinship by featuring the wares of local and regional artists, designers and craftspeople. Our mission is simple, Bringing Black back to the Block.

Entrepreneurs will have products and information on hand:

Jewelry. Original Art. Tea. Shea Butter. Prints. Black Soap. Cards. Books.

& Featured services:

Realty. Exercise & Fitness. Landscaping. Catering. Heritage Tours and more.

We have open spots for Makers and Creatives!

Welcome the New Year Celebration
Dec 30 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Our final hoorah of the year! We finally made it we will have a little toast & create some fun New year crafts together and share appreciation for one another

Holiday Arts Extravaganza 2021
Dec 30 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Let art turn your child’s holiday into an adventure to remember! Students in grades 1–4 are invited to join our educators for one or both afternoons of art-filled fun. Students spend their time in the Museum’s Education Center creating art of all kinds.

Please note:

  • Space is limited to small groups; pre-registration is required.
Holiday Youth Camp at Hendersonville Racquet Club
Dec 30 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Racquet Club
Get Ready to Welcome 2022!!
Dec 30 @ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Dobra Tea West
Get Ready to Welcome 2022!!

Bring a pen and paper and get ready to honor and let go of what no longer serves you in order to welcome all of the abundance that 2022 has to offer! This meetup will be a time for reflection, sharing, and growth. Get clear on simple strategies that you can implement to soar in your business and personal life while embracing the beautiful energy of the New Year! Space is limited to seven people to encourage enough time for individual support and sharing.

This event will be indoors at Dobra Tea (West Asheville location).

Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum
Dec 30 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Winter Lights returns to the gardens November 19-January 1

Tickets are now sold PER VEHICLE, not per person.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Winter Lights holiday event will welcome members and guests back into the gardens as it returns to the traditional outdoor walk-through open-air show format. The famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden will be back, outfitted with new designs in lights, while throughout the gardens, popular arrangements will mingle with ones never seen before.

You can find everything you need to know about Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition at the tabs above, and be sure to secure your tickets now.

We hope you will join us this holiday season!

 

Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser, and supports many parts of its mission driven programming.

The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley Tour
Dec 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Departs From: Olde World Christmas Shoppe

  • FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED ONBOARD AT ALL TIMES.

    Highlights

    • Hop on board the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley for a fun and festive celebration of the season featuring the sights and sounds of 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.
    • This has all the makings of a jolly good family tradition!

    Good to Know

    • Haven’t been caroling in a while?  Not to worry! Songbooks will be provided for use during the tour.
    • Please note, you will see Christmas lights on this tour, however, it is not a “lights tour.” Caroling and storytelling take center stage on the Holly Jolly Trolley.
    • Trolleys are heated and enclosed with clear vinyl roll-down curtains.

    Exclusions

     

    • Gratuities
Friday, December 31, 2021
Asheville Art Museum Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Dec 31 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

The holiday shopping season has begun and we’re here to help with gift ideas! From kids and students, to teachers, art lovers, bookworms, and that person who has everything, you’re sure to find something unique at the Museum for those on your list. Scroll down for a selection of our favorite ideas!

 

Bullington Gardens Virtual Holiday Sale
Dec 31 all-day
online

Join us for our virtual holiday sale. Trees, wreaths, holiday decor, ornaments and so much more! Easy ordering and contactless pick up.

Give the gift of live theatre with Flat Rock Playhouse gift certificates
Dec 31 all-day
online with Flat Rock Playhouse
Give the gift of live theatre at
              Flat Rock Playhouse!

Gift Certificates Available!

Looking for a great stocking stuffer or holiday gift?

Why not give the gift of live theatre?

The 2022 season will be announced on January 10th, and an experience is an unforgettable gift.

Contact the Box Office at (828)693-0731 to purchase.

Gift certificates purchased after Friday, December 17th, 2021 at 5:00pm will be mailed on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 when Flat Rock Playhouse reopens from the Holiday’s.

Give the Gift of Theatre!
Dec 31 all-day
online
Flat Rock Playhouse Gift
                Certificate sits on a decorated Christmas tree

If you are looking for a great stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift, why not give the gift of live theatre? The 2022 season will be announced soon and an experience is an unforgettable gift. Contact the Box Office at 828.693.0731 to purchase.

Also, consider making a donation designated to underwrite the cost of tickets which will be offered to first responders in the area. For the person who doesn’t need anything, but loves the arts, this could be a very special gift you give in their honor. Contact the Development Office for more information. 828.693.0403 x220.

The Asheville Art Museum Fall Annual Fund
Dec 31 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum
The Asheville Art Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by your generous contributions. As our Fall Annual Fund wraps up at the end of the year, we ask you to join us in our vision: to transform lives through art.

If you have been positively impacted by the Museum’s exhibitions and/or programming, show your appreciation through a gift to the Annual Fund. A gift of any amount is immensely appreciated and allows us to continue to provide meaningful art, education, and experiences to the people of Western North Carolina and the many visitors to our region. Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax deductible.

We can only do what we do through your support. Make your gift today and help us continue to make a difference in our community.

Asheville Parks + Recreation Holiday Camp for local youth
Dec 31 @ 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area two locations--see below

Asheville parks holiday camp children

 

 

Spend your holidays with us!  Asheville Parks & Recreation will hold its annual Holiday Camp for youth and teens in grades kindergarten through middle school. Camps are located at the Tempie Avery Montford Center (youth and middle school), 34 Pearson Drive, and Stephens-Lee Community Center (middle school), 30 George Washington Carver Avenue.

 

Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 20-23 and 27-31.  Campers will enjoy games, crafts, organized play and all kinds of holiday fun.

 

Cost is FREE! 

 

Register at www.ashevillenc.gov/parksregistration. Click on Youth Programs, then enter “holiday camp” in the keyword search bar. Or call 828-259-5800.

 

 

HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP AT CITIZEN VINYL
Dec 31 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Citizen Vinyl

May be an image of text that says 'S U P P o SIZEN Holiday POP-ÚP SHOP መመ0N S c A L DECEMBER 8TH THROUGH NEW YEARS EVE 9aM- 7PM EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AT CITIZEN VINYL 14 O'HENRY AVENUE'

Join Citizen Vinyl for a Holiday Pop Up shop with local vendors including:

@loomimports (home goods/decor)
@hummingbirdcandles (candles)
@twindenimco (apparel)
@jennypickens616 (art)
@codaavl (vinyl records + art)
+ more!

Food and beverages from @sessionavl